MATT DRISCOLL: IS SICK OF THE BARACK BANDWAGON>>>

So, one of my favorite bands (well, almost) recently came out in favor of Barack Obama. Pearl Jam, minus one Eddie Vedder, has recorded a a version of the rock and roll classic "Rock Around the Clock," but cleverly changed to words to "Rock Around Barack." Is that witty or what? Check out some info on the song here. Listen to it here.

My guess is Eddie realizes the country needs more than inspiration right now. Pearl Jam, minus Eddie, just proved you don't have to be young to be hopelessly idealistic.

FILM
International Film & Food Festival
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 tonight, 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. â€" Suzy Sump

[Blue Mouse Theatre, 5:45 p.m., $18, North 26th and North Proctor, Tacoma, 253.752.9500, food.org">www.tacomafilm food.org]

MORE FILM: On local screens today.

JAZZ-ISH
The Swing Set
Prepare to seriously crush on Eric Stern of Vagabond Opera tonight at the Dockside Bistro in Olympia. There’s something about his decadent, chocolaty voice and his rebellious use of unusual music that makes him at least a fascinating, enigmatic character and at most a goddess, demon, virgin whore. (After you’ve seen the show that last line will make a lot more sense to you.) Anyway, back to Stern, not only does he have tremendous talent and academic degrees to back up his skill, he also has this sexually ambiguous Tim Curry charisma thing going on â€" which is no small accomplishment while playing the accordion.

Stern joins guitarist/banjoist/ukulele-ist Vince Brown for another episode of Swing Set. â€" Angela Jossy

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

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

BOBBLE TIKI: TRANSMOGRIFY, TRANSFORMERS, HENRY BUTLER >>>

THE DAILY WORD
Learn it, use it, spell it

Transmogrify \trans-MOG-ruh-fy\, transitive verb:

To change into a different shape or to transform, often with bizarre or humorous effect.

USAGE EXAMPLE: A long time believer in transmogrify, Bobble Tiki often sites the recent documentary “Transformers,” as proof of his views. But Bobble Tiki’s beliefs go farther than that. If all goes as planned, some day soon Bobble Tiki will transmogrify into an ’89 Chevy Lumina with the ability to fight crime and drive through brick walls.

THE MORNING NEWS

NEW YORK: New York fashion week

TACOMA: How to Caucus

CAMPAIGN ’08: Front lines

SPORTS: Shaq back in West

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: Thursday is the new Friday. That’s what Bobble Tiki has heard at least, and he likes the sentiment. Bobble Tiki uses it as an excuse to extend his weekends. Tonight at Masa, Handful of Luvin’ will be back for “House Blend Thursdays,” and Oh! Gallagher’s in Lakewood will bring you another one of their “Nothing but Rock” shows featuring Red XIII and the Pete Moss Band. They’re very different shows, that should both be very good. Whether you go for swanky groovin’ tonight at Masa, or straight up rock at Oh! Gallagher’s- it’s a win.

MORE MUSIC: What’s on tonight

DERAILED: Sound Transit’s dark side

THREATS AND PROMISES COLUMN
New Orleans born Henry Butler knows a thing or two about change. After building his legendary name tickling piano keys for years in his hometown, crafting a quintessentially New Orleans sound influenced by McCoy Tyner and Professor Longhair, Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Like so many, Butler’s world was forever altered, and change was forced upon him.

Breakfast with Bobble Tiki runs six days a week now. Deal with it.

AMY ALKON: MORE LOST SOULS >>>

A wrinkle in timing
I'm 25, and work in film and TV. Last year was my first year of consistent employment. I'm producing my first documentary, but I still have a long, brutal climb ahead. My girlfriend of a year is extremely pretty, kind, and smart, and has supported me in every aspect of my career. She's outgoing, great with my friends, and even likes football. In short, she's awesome. I never thought I'd fear commitment, but I keep finding myself on the verge of breaking up with her (for no good reason, mind you). I know I couldn't do any better than her. If I were lucky, I'd do just as well. I love her, and I don't use that word lightly, so why can't I think rationally about this? â€" About To Dump A Keeper

Amy’s response here.

Having your jerk cut out for you
"Devastated," the woman whose ex said it was just sex that kept them together, has my sympathy. After a year of talking marriage, my ex dumped me. Then, while I was crying my eyes out, he said I was bad in bed, and he never enjoyed sex with me. How mean is that? I never did anything to deserve it. I will never trust another human being. â€" Bitter

Amy’s response here.

LINK: Amy Alkon on Weekly Volcano site.

MATT DRISCOLL: GOODBYES ARE ALWAYS TOUGH, EXCEPT THIS ONE >>>
Mitt Romney will announce he's dropping out of the race for the Republican nomination today. Those who were hoping for a president named after a piece of sporting equipment are S.O.L.

SUZY STUMP: TACOMA SQUEAKS OUT SOME FUN >>>

Word on the street is that the Beautiful Angle folks have thrown Year of the Rat posters around Tacoma.

Also, Kevin Freitas rode around with the Monkeyshines folks this morning as they hide Rat Balls.

LINK: Beautiful Angel

LINK: Kevin's beautiful photos.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER: THEATER PICKS >>>

Harlequin Productions is set to end its run of “Under a Mantle of Stars,” a play about a journey between reality and insanity found in the living room in a distant mansion. It is the “Twilight Zone” meets “Dragnet,” but don’t expect to get it when you leave the theater. This show doesn’t work that way.
[State Theater, through Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $24-$33, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360-786-0151]

Ending its run at Olympia Little Theatre is “Moonlight and Magnolias,” the fictionalized version of the writing of “Gone with the Wind.”
[Olympia Little Theatre, through Feb. 10, 7:55 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1:55 p.m. Sunday, $10-$12, 1925 Miller Ave. N.E., Olympia, 360.786.9484]

Rounding out the shows in Olympia this week is “Six Women with Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want to Know,” a look at the world through the scattered minds of a gaggle of women singing a musical revue.
[Capital Playhouse, through Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $21-$33, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744]

MATT DRISCOLL: THE POLITICIANS ARE COMING >>>

The News Tribune is finally reporting what has been speculated about in the blogosphere since yesterday. It now appears all  the major players still campaigning for their party's Presidential nomination will be coming to Washington - including a stop by Hillary Clinton at the University of Puget Sound tomorrow morning. Check out the story here. Note: The Trib is reporting Clinton will be at U.P.S. at 9 a.m., but her website is saying 10:15 a.m, and calling it a "health care town hall."

STEPH DEROSA: SKATE WITH THE DOCKYARD DERBY DAMES >>>

Does the thought of skating with some derby chicks make you wanna shit your pants?  Then buck up, strap on the Depends diapers, and join me for Dockyard Derby Dames roller derby bootcamp. It will be Feb. 25 and Feb. 28, 8-10 p.m., at the Skate N Station.

Unless you're hardcore, you only need to attend one session. Bring $5 and a valid ID.  If you have skates and gear, feel free to bring that as well, but don't feel as though you are less of a skater if you don't have it all.

If after that you still think it'd be damn cool to skate with the Dames, you can try out on March 2 at the Skate N' Station.

Oh, and one more thing: say you like roller derby, but have that old kegstand injury you're still nursing from college.  Well, you can still help me out.  I need volunteers for the bout on Feb. 24.  C'mon people, show me some love.  Say you will come help me do things such as setting up, eating food, and walking around in an important looking T-shirt.  Come clean with the help here.