STEPH DEROSA: TOP TEN THINGS I�VE LEARNED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2008 >>>

The drinks were flowing, the food was warm and tasty, and we were having fun inside the comforting confines of Crown Bar. I headed to the bathroom to take a break and found myself recollecting on things I've come across here in Tacoma. I've met some great people and had the opportunity to attend some ber-sensational events. I've also learned a lot as a high-priced Weekly Volcano columnist. Some things I probably shouldn't share with you, but there are a few things I will.

Around the end of 2007 I compiled a list on the Spew of Top 10 things I've Learned in the Year 2007. I think it's about time I did: Top 10 Things I've Learned in the First Half of 2008. Even though I've learned approximately 54 things in the first part of 2008, I will spare you the gory details and give you only 10. Plus I am trying not to piss off too many more people as my new Second Half of 2008 resolution. We'll see if I manage to stick to that.

1. Apparently the people who attend the Chalk Challenge at Frost Park every Friday at noon are not the target audience that understands what stay at home moms are. Yet they are the target audience for understanding toilet bowls, horses, Pinocchio, or anything created by RR Anderson.

2. Beer snobs really are snobs.

3. It is still possible at the age of 36 to get hormonal facial blemishes known as zits.

4. It is possible to get pulled over in Ellensburg not for speeding, but for just being so damn good looking.

5. After much debate and research, the right of passage for manhood is the time when a man gets his balls snipped.

6. There are still thousands of people in Tacoma with no sense of humor. Whether it's genetics or just plain pretentiousness with these unfortunate beings, I find it my calling to remedy this growing epidemic.

7. Pole dancing, whether for pure fitness or for stripping, is no laughing matter. It's serious business and how dare anyone acquire any information regarding this profession. Don't ask me how I know this.

8. Poles used in said pole dancing do indeed have a weight limit.

9. Hot-headed guys from Michigan have problems with reading comprehension.

10. After seeing them live twice, Death Cab for Cutie still sucks huge raging elephant testacles.

I guess I have a number 11: Crown Bar freakin rules.

MATT DRISCOLL: ERIC ANDERSON IS AT IT AGAIN >>>

Eric Anderson is a man who knows how to brief. If he’s not briefing the press every Friday, he’s briefing the Tacoma City Council on Mondays. Eric Anderson briefs with the best of them. Here’s a look at what our City Manager told the council yesterday:

- Anderson met last week with stakeholders involved with Tollefson Plaza to review and discuss the recommendations made by public space fanatic Lars Gemzoe when he was in Tacoma last month from Copenhagen â€" where he works for the Center for Public Space Research at the School of Architecture.  According to Anderson’s briefing, which was distributed to press types by the lovable Rob McNair-Huff, the plan is to proceed with conceptual drawings that take Gemzoe’s suggestions into consideration. One idea being discussed, though Anderson noted it would require a “considerable public outreach element, is closing 17th Street between Pacific Avenue and Broadway to make for a much bigger contiguous space for the plaza. Mmmm. Contiguous.

- Also, Anderson met with representatives from the LeMay Museum last week to chew the fat about a plan to market Tacoma owned land in the Dome District in conjunction with the construction and opening of LeMay’s new digs in the area. Apparently no firm plan was settled on, and talks between Anderson and LeMay are scheduled to continue.

JAKE DE PAUL: OUTED AT THE SEA GRILL >>>

Anyone know a good scientist?  I have a question. Why does food and drink consumed outside under the summer sun just tastes better?

Maybe it has something to do with sunshine-producing vitamin A and serotonin, or summer’s ability to thwart Seasonal Affective Disorder. Maybe some lab coat can explain why.

I will ponder this phenomenon and sip on mojitos when the Sea Grill officially opens its patio Friday beginning at 4 p.m.  For four hours the downtown restaurant will introduce new and exotically flavors mojitos for $8.

Sea Grill is going for an Island look so go as Don Ho!

Ruston Way, Tacoma, Washington, the waterfront, originally uploaded by fastway.

PAPPI SWARNER: TACOMA FILM FESTIVAL FILM OP >>>

Movies always settle me. I have to sit still and listen, which seems to get harder and harder the older I get and the younger I act.

Maybe I'll make a film. Maybe I'll make a film for the Tacoma Film Festival. Maybe I'll start here. Maybe I'll call my film Maybe.

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]

ROCK
Mothers Anger
If you attend this show, bring your earplugs as Mothers Anger might cause hearing loss for a few days after their gig if you don’t. The Michael Davis (MC5 bass player)-endorsed Israel duo are pretty hardcore as they mix punk, garage and classic rock for a bombastic timbre that can only be described as shit kickin’ rock and roll. But don’t compare them to the White Stripes or you’re liable to get kicked in the gonads. Relying on volume, screaming guitars, crashing drums and vile vocals, Mothers Anger is not a polished band. Rather, they play loose and wild with a fury that harkens back to the Stooges in 1968. But they aren’t a band without an opinion or philosophy. That’s right, no songs about hot rods and getting laid. â€" Tony Engelhart
[Maggie O’Toole’s, 9 p.m., 6006 100th St. S.W., Lakewood, 253.588.3278]

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]

LINK: Flowers From The Man Who Shot Your Cousin and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Click here for movie starting times.
LINK: Let’s eat Greek today.

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

THE DAILY WORD

Lachrymose \LAK-ruh-mohs\, adjective:
1. Generating or shedding tears; given to shedding tears; suffused with tears; tearful.
2. Causing or tending to cause tears.

USAGE EXAMPLE: As Obama claimed victory, Bobble Tiki couldn’t help but be swept up by lachrymose emotions. Not because Bobble Tiki favored Clinton, mind you; just that after 17 months Bobble Tiki wasn’t sure what to do without Hillary VS Barack.   

MORNING NEWS

TACOMA: Phoning in

OLYMPIA: Super low tide

SEATTLE: Big time lie

UNITED STATES: Keys to victory

JUST BIZARRE: Wrong house to rip off

MORE STRANGE NEWS: McMahon fighting for his home

THINGS TO DO TODAY
FILM LISTINGS: Look here
MUSIC LISTINGS: Here’s what’s happening
SHOOT THE SHIT: Weekly Volcano forums

MATT DRISCOLL: THE HOTTEST EVENT IN T-DOME HISTORY? >>>

What does it take to be a KISW “Rock Girl?”

My guess is tits, ass, and tattoos â€" but who knows?

Tonight at the Tacoma Dome, a facial hair heavy crowd with a penchant for hard rock, loud chops and visible cleavage will find out for sure. The 2008 KISW Rock Girl Gala is scheduled to go down at the T Dome this evening, and besides the 40 rock girl finalists planning to be on hand (and probably knees, too), Candlebox, Chevelle and Another Black Day will provide tunes to accompany the booty. The "show" starts at 7 p.m.

If you’re wondering what the deal is with the KISW Rock Girl Gala, and your boss isn’t looking over your shoulder at the moment, check this out. It should clear up any confusion and start a party in your khakis.

It’s a win-win.   

Tickets for the tonight’s Rock Girl Gala should be available at the door, unless there are even more horn-dogs in Tacoma than I think.

MATT DRISCOLL: AT LONG LAST >>>

ABC and the NY Times is reporting Hillary Clinton will finally drop out and endorse Barack Obama on Friday.

Let the real fun begin.