Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: January, 2008 (126) Currently Viewing: 61 - 70 of 126

January 15, 2008 at 12:57pm

More on the Broadway Graffiti Garages

The City of Tacoma ordered Wm Riley & Co. to paint over the graffiti on the Broadway garages in downtown Tacoma between Sanford & Son Antiques and the Spanish Steps. 

That’s wack.

A great discussion on the subject is going down at Exit 133.

I think a history lesson on graffiti is in order.

The term Graffiti was coined in Rome, where poets and prostitutes would scrawl messages on city walls. Graffiti has been found on the walls of Pompeii, in the catacombs of Rome, on the Mayan temple walls of Tikal, and on early medieval Scandinavian church walls. Ancient graffiti was carved by pilgrims at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in old Jerusalem. Two thousand years ago, nomadic Bedouin tribes scrawled messages and symbols on rocks in what are now Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

Today, graffiti is one of the last noble art forms â€" serving an alchemical purpose as it transforms meaningless stretches of concrete into something relatively beautiful. Graffiti is the antithesis of modern urban architecture, which reverses the alchemical process, turning wild, diverse landscapes into banal, homogenized wasteland â€" gold into crap, instead of crap into gold.

In the East, poets and artists were sometimes jailed â€" a sort of compliment, according to one scholar â€" insofar as it suggested the artists had done something at least as real as theft or revolution. Here, censors seem to be the only ones who think art is worthy of engagement beyond passive gawking, contemplation and commerce. Jesse Helms seems to be the only one who believes art can affect the world. The fact that any intellectual masochist can produce the vilest and most shocking imagery imaginable with little to no response is a testament to how impotent art has become. Marilyn Manson became a cliché the moment he went multi-platinum. Eminem can at least fantasize for a moment that he is a revolutionary as he thumbs his nose at Senate subcommittees.

Beyond that, most art evokes about as much excitement as a dog in a sweater.

Graffiti re-injects a little risk and love into the act of creation â€" risk of personal freedom, reputation, and even physical harm if artists are imprisoned.

We put graffiti artists in jail, paint over their creations, and build automated machines that buff their art from trains.

When punishment failed to stop them, we put their work in museums under ghastly halogen lights so middle-age hipsters and art tourists could mill about staring at it, never comprehending, pretending they're urbane. Now, we give graffiti artists so-called free walls, where they can exchange risk and passion for safety and acceptance by a bunch of people who will never understand what they do or why. Some succumb, claiming all they ever really wanted to do was paint.

Real graffiti artists â€" the ones on the streets â€" assault an increasingly homogeneous landscape that is covered with advertisements and symbols that rob us of our dignity.

Graffiti reminds us that there is something else â€" bright, uncomfortable, asymmetrical cultural signals that initiate a sort of aesthetic shock. Even as a criminal act, graffiti seems to be increasingly culled or absorbed by ambient ignorance, commoditization, petty judgment and the relentless expansion of boring architecture. We are soothed, however, when we remember the Discordian Law of Eristic Escalation â€" “Imposition of order equals escalation of chaos.” And we find hope in the fact that despite all attempts to erase them, graffiti artists have returned to the streets for more than 1000 years.

And they will return to the streets of Tacoma, too. â€" Paul Schrag Michael Swan

Ed. Note: Paul Schrag's name was accidently tagged at the end of this story.  It's actually Michael Swan's opinion. Classic.

Link to In-Tacoma for city's response.

Filed under: Culture, Tacoma,

January 15, 2008 at 6:52pm

365 beer days inside its walls ...

It doesn’t seem like a year ago, but apparently it has been 365 days that 99 Bottles opened its doors in Federal Way. The pioneer general store of malted goodness offers bottles, mixed sixes and racks of some of the best beers the world offers. This is not a Safeway aisle of beer. This is for beer adventurers. At last count, the store has more than 800 types of beers from 50 countries in stock to quench the thirst of even the most particular beer drinker.

New shipments arrive weekly. This week’s delivery will be special since the store will be marking its one-year anniversary from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. Beer party goers will meet special guests from Rogue: Matt Thompson and David “Hutch” Hutchinson, head brewer of the Issaquah Brewhouse. On tap will also be a special sampling of Hutch’s brews, Menage a Frog and Bullfrog Ale, as well as some Rogue Ales. â€" Steve Dunkelberger

January 16, 2008 at 7:00am

It's on today!

Volcanoblastart FILM
"Atonement"
An event on the lawn of an English country house is misinterpreted by a 13-year-old girl, and leads her to a wicked lie that destroys all possibility of happiness her herself, hr older sister (Keira Knightley) and her sister's lover (James McAvoy). Begins in sheer happiness, ventures through the horror of the war in France and London, ends in darkest irony. One of the year's best films, a certain best picture nominee. Rated R. Four Stars. â€" Roger Ebert

[Century Olympia: 1:05, 4, 7, 9:50; The Grand Cinema: 6, 8:40; Longston Place 14: 12:20, 3;10, 7:20, 10:15; Regal Martin Village 16: 11:55 a.m., 4, 7:05, 9:55]

MORE FILM: On local screens today.

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]

DJ
Mixed Tape
What Bobble Tiki saw last Wednesday, the same thing you’ll see every Wednesday at Jazzbones from now on, was people dancing and DJs spinning. What Bobble Tiki saw was a young, moderately hip and decently sexy crowd having a good time and getting drunk â€" enjoying mash-ups from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s mixed with spinnin’, scratchin’ and original dance beats that made Bobble Tiki long for a dehydrated and sleep deprived warehouse from his past. Mix Tape is what they’re calling it, Ocean Grooves DJs are spinning it, and it’s now a Wednesday staple. â€" Bobble Tiki

[Jazzbones, 9 p.m., all ages until 11 p.m., no cover, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

January 16, 2008 at 10:00am

Derby Diaries: Hellbound Homewreckers

Derbydiairiesblondeamazo The Hellbound Homewreckers of the Dockyard Derby Dames have found their answer to what can be the mundane ways of housewivedom. They’ve found it in skating. Hardcore, roller derby, knock ‘em down skating, that is. As disgruntled housewives, these “ladies” (and I use the term “ladies” very loosely) don the 1950s domestic womanly apparel. With small kitchen appliances as their weapons, all I’m gonna say is you better run when you see one of these mamas coming at you.

Last year they lost one of the best roller derby coaches to the call of marriage and entrepreneurship. He was Big ’n’ Tasty, aka Chris Trashcan. This year they’re rolling in with an equally awesome coach, Barry Maneltoe. Maneltoe has been keeping the Homewreckers hard at work for this upcoming 2008 season, which begins Feb 24 at the Skate ’n’ Station.

Derbydiairiesmarcel116 I spoke with Marcel duStomp, the HW co-captain, and she has given me the heads-up on whom everyone needs to watch out for this season:

Deutsch Bomb â€" The Iron Curtain of blockers.

Pink Tattilac â€" Although she’s one of the newer recruits, she’s proven her dedication and strength. Only two weeks in of her derby career she broke her collarbone, but now she’s back in full angry force. Keep your eyes on this new meat.

Derbydiairiescookies116 Cookies and MILF â€" Whoa baby, this one is hot. And I mean that in every way. Hold on to your husbands and don’t blink. This girl is a trained speed skater and quite possibly the best jammer in the region.

The Homewrecker message to the other three Dockyard teams: They’ve re-vamped the greatness they’ve always had, so watch out. They’re back and better than ever. â€" Steph DeRosa

Filed under: Sports, Steph DeRosa, Tacoma,

January 16, 2008 at 10:59am

Pierce County goes hip-hop Friday

There are plenty of unsung hip-hop heroes in Pierce County. It took the urging of Seattle-based Musica Entertainment to get people out to sing, though. If you love hip-hop, you are invited to lend your voice to the chorus this Friday, Jan. 18, at the Washington State History Museum, when Musica presents the Pierce County Awards for Excellence in Hip-Hop.

Organizer Ka’sheen Farr says the awards aim to spotlight the positive role hip-hop plays in communities and banish stereotypes perpetuated by pop-culture thugs who give the genre a bad name. The event will feature a panel discussion about hip-hop as a social and civil rights movement, a hip-hop showcase, a hip-hop debate led by students from the Northwest Urban Debate Foundation, and live performances.

And the nominees are: Stella Haioulani/Free Ya Mind Inc.; Club Friday/Brick City Project; Rick Ross/Level 1 Media; Ms. Jessy/Felony Entertainment, Xola Malik; Candi Hall/Dash center for the Arts; Shyan Selah; Jerome Davis/Way Out records/Way Out; Flossi-Dolla Entertainment; and Darlin Johnson.

“There are people that use hip-hop to build,” says Farr. “And we want to honor them.” â€" Paul Schrag

[Washington State History Museum, Friday, Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m., $5-$10, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.9747]

Filed under: Music, Tacoma,

January 16, 2008 at 11:43am

Bob Oke Bridge?

There’s a growing list of people and politicians clamoring for the new Narrows Bridge to be named after recently deceased state Senator Bob Oke, who championed the cause and over the course of seventeen long years helped push the toll bridge through the legislature.

Of course, some of those not so wild about the idea of naming the bridge after Oke are his former constituents, who get stuck paying the toll on a regular basis.

We here at the Weekly Volcano want to know who you’d like to see the new Narrows Bridge named after? If not Oke, then who?

Let the suggestions flow. ... â€" Matt Driscoll

Link to Bridgebob
Link to Trib story

Link to The Stranger's take

Filed under: Matt Driscoll, Politics, Tacoma,

January 16, 2008 at 3:47pm

Thursday night jazz in Proctor

Babblinthursdaysed Unless you've been living in a box this past week or so, you're probably already hip to the fact that Babblin’ Babs Bistro hosts live jazz every Thursday night.  The gourmet bistro that fuses Northwest cuisine with spices and cooking styles from around the world tucks jazz guitarist Ed Taylor and a fellow musician or two in the corner for a couple hours beginning at 6 p.m.

Babblinthursdayslamon Last Thursday, as Ed Taylor reworked ‘70s pop hits into jazzy compositions, I spent quality time with Chef William’s wild bourbon pecan glazed sockeye salmon, pork chops with black mission figs and bleu cheese, sorbet, thick brownie with real whip cream, and a nice, big Cabernet.  The salmon was amazing â€" very moist. 

Between the music and Chef William’s tales, I ended up closing the joint.  Wonderful night. â€" Ron Swarner

Babblinthursdaysdessert

Filed under: Food & Drink, Music, Tacoma,

January 17, 2008 at 7:16am

Advice Goddess

Lifeadvicegodessart117 Amy Alkon drags people, kicking, screaming, and laughing, out of their misery with her column, which has been running in the Weekly Volcano for several years. Renowned psychologist Albert Ellis calls her "saner than most of the therapists I know." Paleopsychologist Howard Bloom refers to her as "intellectually promiscuous." Amy simply calls herself a "godless harlot."

The Advice Goddess will now post every Thursday on the Weekly Volcano Web site, too.


Klan do attitude
I’m in a relationship with a man I love and want to spend my life with, but I can’t stand his 6-year-old daughter. She’s obnoxious, has a smart mouth, and is being taught some wicked racism by her mother and her mother’s family. I’ve never tolerated bigotry, and I don’t intend to start. This kid is also being brought up to believe she’s the center of the universe. I become a second-class citizen when she’s around (she can do no wrong, and I’m “picking on her”). I’ve tried explaining that going along with how she’s being raised goes against my values, and is very troubling to me. Her father just gets angry, accusing me of being jealous (partially true) and “not trying.” He says since he only sees her every so often, he will not spend their time together correcting her bad behavior. More and more, I despise and resent this child for screwing up what could have been a wonderful relationship. Is this doomed? â€" The Devil Wears Disney

Read Amy’s answer here.


To be or nut to be
I hit it off with a woman at a party, and we had an amazing date. Shortly afterward, she started saying stuff like “I think you like me more than I like you.” I admit, I fell hard. I was willing to dial back, but she called, texted, and e-mailed daily. Eventually, she dumped me, but called yesterday to say, “I guess I still have a crush on you.” Is this a head game? Am I an idiot to try again? â€" Mixed Messages

Read Amy’s answer here.

January 17, 2008 at 7:32am

It's on today!

Volcanoblastart STAGE
“Under a Mantle of Stars”
Harlequin Productions presents this comedy by the author of “The Kiss of the Spider Woman” that deals with a middle-class family that is taken off guard when two masked strangers come to the door. Everyone thinks they know who the strangers are, but they don’t since the visitors are really just thieves trying to hide from the police by holding up the house. â€" Steve Dunkelberger

[State Theater, 8 p.m., $24-$33, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786.0151, www.harlequinproductions.org]

MORE THEATER: On local stages tonight.


SWING
Vince Brown
Vince Brown is no stranger to string swing fans in the Northwest. As a part of the Tune Stranglers, Hot Club Sandwich and the duo Red and Ruby with LaVon Hardison, Brown’s nimble fingers have delighted audiences for more than 30 years.

The guitarist/banjoist/ukulele-ist hosts Swing Set every Thursday at the Dockside Bistro in Olympia. Each week, Brown will be joined by a different guest musician to jam in the spirit of Django Rienhardt. Tonight he is pleased to welcome Pearl Django’s Michael Gray. â€" Tony Engelhart

[The Dockside Bistro, 7-9 p.m., all ages, no cover, 501 Columbia St., Olympia, 360.956.1928]


CELTIC
Ockham’s Razor
A crossbreed of the traditionalism of the Chieftains and the hard stomp of the Pogues, Seattle's own Ockham's Razor take the Gaelic-Celtic genre into the 21st century with a keen sense of the past coupled with a progressive attitude that is entirely fresh.

They will help Doyle’s Public House celebrate St. Practice Day tonight. â€" Tony Engelhart

[Doyle's Public House, 8 p.m., no cover, 208 St. Helen's Ave., Tacoma, 253.238.5359]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

January 17, 2008 at 8:32am

Breakfast with Bobble Tiki

THE DAILY WORD
Learn it, use it, spell it

Bon ton \bahn-TAHN\, noun:
1. Fashionable or elegant manner or style.
2. The proper or fashionable thing to do.
3. Fashionable society; a fashionable social set.

USAGE EXAMPLE: With his Reebok Pump tennis shoes, Costco blue jeans, and Seahawks hoody, Bobble Tiki isn’t exactly part of the bon ton.



Breakfastpsp THE MORNING NEWS

MCCHORD AFB: Jets at McChord? Neat.

TACOMA: School district brings in the big dogs.

TACOMA: Fireman stops doggy suicide.

VIENNA: Chimp files for bankruptcy.


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: It’s Thursday, meaning the best possible thing you can do for yourself is grab the newest issue of the Weekly Volcano, which hits the street today. After that, all you have to do is read it. Instantly you’ll know things like Calvin Johnson is playing the ABC House in Olympia today, Extinction Village is playing Le Voyeur, Big Fat Alice is at Oh! Gallagher’s, and it’s Taco Thursday at the Silver Dollar Pub in Spanaway. All that knowledge in one little paper. It’s enough to make you wonder how you ever found happiness before the Weekly Volcano. Here’s a hint: you didn’t.   

MORE MUSIC: What's on tonight.

BAR EXAM: Steph DeRosa visits the Flying Boots. 


THREATS AND PROMISES COLUMN
Robert Washington is, by far, the best Elvis impersonator Bobble Tiki has ever laid eyes on. His moves bring to mind Presley at his best, and his voice, rich and smooth like Maxwell House Coffee, leaves nothing to be desired. If Bobble Tiki had to choose between watching Washington perform a set of the King’s classics or Elvis himself do it in 1976, he’d choose Elvis (of course), because Bobble Tiki has a taste for the grotesque and unsightly. Musically, though, Washington would be the far superior performer. Washington performs several times this weekend.

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

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