RON SWARNER: GOING OUT WITH A PARTY >>>

The folks behind Rebecca V Gallery have announced they’re closing the Sixth Avenue art gallery at the end of December to pursue other life-long interests.

A piece of Rebecca V Gallery will always hang on my wall.

[Rebecca V Gallery, 3010 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.9111]

MATT DRISCOLL: KUPS CD REVIEW BETTER LATE THAN NEVER >>>

Typically, every Friday we post a CD review written by an esteemed member of the KUPS 90.1 FM The Sound staff on our website. That's the way we try to do it, anyway. Sometimes things just work out differently. This week - seeing as it's Monday now - I guess we're running a little behind. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

But don't despair. I just posted Caitlin Boersma's review of Megapuss's Surfing. Not only does it have an alarming cover, but the music might be just as disturbing. You can read all about it here.

BOBBLE TIKI: ZOOLIGHTS IS YOUR BETTER OPTION >>>

Although the holidays are a time for joy and light, Bobble Tiki will spend hours trying, unsuccessfully, to string lights around the hut in some presentable fashion. Bobble Tiki’s fingers will grow raw and numbed as family members shout orders through a bullhorn.  This is Dante’s second circle of Hell for Bobble Tiki.  And you’ll drive by Bobble Tiki’s hut, point and laugh at his Hawaiian manger. Don’t risk driving by after his third eggnog â€" head to ZooLights.

Billed as the Northwest’s premier light display, ZooLights opens Friday with animated light sculptures as well as ice skating puffins, snacking pandas and roaring lions and more. While enjoying your stroll, sipping hot chocolate, be thankful you’re not in charge of this holiday light display.

Is this the first year Zoolights is open on Christmas? Bobble Tiki can't remember.

[Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 5-9 p.m., closed Dec. 24, $5.50 at Bartell Drugs, $7 at gate, 5400 N. Pearl St., north Tacoma, 253.591.5337]

LINK: Mahalo to Exit133

BRAD ALLEN: HO! HO! HO! >>>

This just in from South Hill Mall:

How fast can I run through and around the building?

SUZY STUMP: BIG BOWL OF BLEAK >>>

Sometimes Go! likes to wallow in our own misery. We refer to it as going out and getting a big bowl of bleak. We stick our face right in the bowl and lap it up ravenously. It makes us feel really bad, and then, sometimes, it makes us feel really good because once we're done, we know it's over, and things can only get better, right? Here's today's Bowl o' Bleak thanks to The News Tribune:

Tacoma ranks the highest in crime of any city in the Pacific Northwest, according to new statistics from CQ Press.

Tacoma ranks No. 39 for cities with the highest crime rating, with the city's score at 143.92. If you want to look at it the opposite way, Tacoma is the No. 347 safest city in the nation.

The closest Northwest city is Everett, which comes in at No. 55.

LINK: The rest of the Trib's post â€" if you need a second helping

JENNIFER JOHNSON: FASHION AND DRINKS ON SATURDAY >>>

The swanky 1950s-inspired interior of Tempest Lounge will be transformed from a sassy, cocktail sipping hot spot into a one-day shopping arena come Saturday, Nov. 29. Tempest’s third annual Holiday Trunk Show falls the day after Black Friday. Make sure to save plenty of dough and drop by 2-6 p.m. to peruse merchandise being presented exclusively by local designers and artists.

Owners Michelle Douglas and Denise Tempest have class, and it shows in what they have chosen to showcase. More designers are being confirmed daily, but here’s what’s up for grabs so far: jewelry by Laura Towse (To The Life Boats), Kristi V (Coco's Creations) and KimberlyKay Designs (check out the halter tops made from scarves, too), and totes and other bags from Pat Kerth (Studio 2 Design). Julie Fillo will have prints of the dreamy whimsical paintings she creates for sale. Also available are one-of-a-kind fabric creations. Douglas and Tempest have long been supporters of local artists and designers â€" often meeting them as customers at their lounge.

“What we like about it is all of our great customers sell their products, and they get to keep all of the money they make, and our buyers have a blast,” says Denise Tempest.

As an added bonus at the Trunk Show, these savvy owners will once again launch the shopping party with their annual holiday champagne flight. The Tempest Bubble Flight will be in full effect with tasty eclectic bubbly and sparkling wines from France, Spain and Tasmania via Unique Wine Distributors. Taste the trio of champagne for $11.

“We will have the Shooting Star Black Bubbles, too. If you haven't tried this you, have to. It’s Pinot Noir Champagne,” adds Tempest.

Oh la la.

[Tempest Lounge, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2-6 p.m., 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904]

Psst … The Shoe Show and Posh Home are getting in the game and offering 20 percent off everything in stock Friday, Nov. 28. Dame Lola is celebrating its fourth anniversary with 40-50 percent off all fall items in November.

LINK: Weekly Volcano's lifestyle section