STEPH DEROSA: I�M BURNED OUT >>>

Once in a while I get a chance to stop into Puget Sound Pizza and actually relax. Most of the time I'm hurriedly ordering something to go, only to run into someone I know, making me wish I WASN'T in a hurry and could actually stop to visit more. Owner Jim Higgins and his PSP crew are always so accommodating. Whether I'm planning an event, taking the family out to breakfast, or being schlepped along on some unobtainable quest to reclaim Pappi Swarner's youth¬" PSP is #1 in my little black worn-out book. As I take a potty break from either the beer Martin keeps in front of me or the chocolate cake shots Jim heckles me into swigging down, I relax from the hasty life I lead. Oh my, I can certainly create a hectic life for myself.

I think sometimes I put too much on myself to make other people happy, thus inevitably resulting in a rushed life and ultimate burnout. Well, that's where I am now. Burnout.

Find out why on the Weekly Volcano's Web site.

Heh.

RON SWARNER: GET YOUR SWERVE ON >>>

As in many things, our dear state is divided on the subject of snow sports. Those who don’t ski or board resent those who do for getting excited about the cold and showing up for work after a “sick day” with goggle tan lines. Those who do ski or board look down upon the nons for their constant complaining about the ridiculous cost of winter sports, the damn cold, the stupid snow, something.

This gap must be bridged. Let’s all watch snow sports together. Warren Miller’s 59th snow sports flick, Children of Winter, will screen at the Washington Center in Olympia Nov. 13-14, and at Tacoma’s Pantages Theater Nov. 15-16.  Both performing arts centers are charging $20 through Ticketmaster â€" and they are on sale today at 10 a.m.

Convert or be de-converted.

LINK: See a flick today

MATT DRISCOLL: NEW TO THE UWT SCENE >>>

Next week, when UWT students report for their first week of autumn quarter classes, there will be a shiny new building for them to kick it in. While the building probably wont be appropriate for keg stands or toga parties â€" two things UWT could definitely use more of â€" it will make for a drastic improvement to campus life at the University of Washington’s Tacoma hub.

The new William W. Philip Hall will officially open on Tuesday, Sept 23. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. that morning. According to a press release sent out by the UWT this afternoon, “The new William W. Philip Hall, which accommodates 300 to 500, provides a venue for lectures, concerts, banquets and student activities, and will also be available for community events.”

In case you were wondering, that’s 300 to 500 people. Previously the largest building on the UWT campus was Carwein Auditorium, which has a capacity of 162.

The building’s namesake, Bill Philip, was a major player in getting the UWT campus up and running. According to the press release, “Philip played a seminal role in getting the UW Tacoma campus established, sited and supported by the South Sound community. When UW officials were seeking a location for the campus, Philip encouraged them to consider downtown Tacoma and helped arrange real estate option to keep land and building acquisition costs down. He has chaired or been the key volunteer for each of UW Tacoma’s fundraising campaigns, and currently serves on the university’s Development Committee.”

Ray Tennison, chair of the UW Tacoma Advisory Board had this to say about Philip in the press release:

“Philip Hall is an important new building for the entire region and a highly visual, permanent tribute to an individual whose generosity of time, finance and leadership transformed the quality of life in this city.”

BRAD ALLEN: HERE'S A SNEAK PEAK >>>

While you'll have to wait until tomorrow to get your hands on the latest issue of the Weekly Volcano - and, thus, you'll also have to wait to find out what my latest Drink of the Week is - here's a hint: It's tall. It's cold. It's delicious. It's cheap. And it looks a lot like this.

SUZY STUMP: OUR FALL ARTS GUIDE HITS THE STREETS TODAY >>>

An emancipated leaf twirls to the earth with the glorious abandon of a modern dancer. Or perhaps to you it flutters, valiantly fighting its descent before plummeting to the ground like of a fallen opera hero. Simply watching the collision of nature with gravity can be as viscerally beautiful to behold as an introspective tour of a museum.

It's all in the perspective.

Fall is the time of year when temperatures drop like so many leaves, and the focus of audiences shifts from the more physical recreational pursuits of summer to the more somber and serious exercises of the mind. It's no coincidence that cultural seasons tend to coincide with the beginning of each academic year.

From the recently opened exhibits at the museums to the holiday season, the Weekly Volcano’s cadre of cultural writers fall in line with the season with a focus on collaborations between the young and the ageless, as well as recommendations on everything from art to classical music, dance to theater. 

The Fall Arts Guide is inside today’s Weekly Volcano.  You can also find our kickass Fall Arts calendar on our Web site.

MICHAEL SWAN: NEWS TO US >>>

For the fourth goddamn time in, oh, about 18 minutes, the dumb-ass intern No. 1 at the Weekly Volcano failed to print a simple memo on company letterhead Wednesday. It became increasingly clear that intern Rusty Simultan prospects of lasting out the last days of summer were about as slim as near 70 degree temperatures on Sept. 18.

"Fifth time's a charm, huh?" Simultan said, laughing nervously as he inserted another page of the Volcano’s letterhead, which isn't exactly cheap, into the printer. "OK, I think I've got the thing oriented the right way this time. The last one came out right-side up, just on the wrong side of paper. So if I stick it in like this, that should do the trick."

The simpering, overeager college sophomore then made the brilliant move of putting the sheet into the main paper tray instead of â€" hello shithead! â€" the bypass tray, resulting in it being printed upside down on the fifth â€" the freakin' fifth â€" piece of letterhead. The office manager, apparently whose job it is nowadays to babysit the interns, later took over the daunting project.

In other news:

PIERCE COUNTY JAIL: The system needs a tune-up

THEATRE TUSSLE: Private management for Federal Way’s Knutzen Family Theatre angers some city officials

PIERCE COUNTY METER: Last week was rockin’

JAKE DE PAUL: A TASTE OF MUNICH >>>

Doyle’s Public House celebrates the traditional tapping of the Firkin and the official start of Oktoberfest Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. Bier will be served up in a commemorative one-liter stein for $15 with refills for $9 until Oktoberfest bier is gone â€" should be at least a week.

Outdoor seating available on their authentic Oktoberfest table and benches from last year's big tent event in Munich.

Brauts will be served fresh off the grill. At 9 p.m.

The Toughtimes, Cannon Canyon and Mottopony will perform live with the Selectress spinning between sets.

No cover, but you must be at least 21 to Firkin this party.

Doyle’s is at 208 St. Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

LINK: Interview with The Red Hot owner
LINK: Carrs Restaurant in Lakewood review
LINK: Discover the secret behind Indian spices
LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide