MATT DRISCOLL: NOT AS POPULAR AS IT SHOULD BE? >>>

David Brooks is one of the few conservatives I can stomach. In fact, thanks in no small part to his cameos on the Jim Lehrer News Hour, I've actually come to really like the guy. I could imagine kicking back beers with the dude, and maybe he could explain what folks saw in Sarah Palin.

Anyway, Brooksy (that's what those in his unofficial fan club call him) has a fairly interesting piece in today's New York Times regarding that long held hope among many progressive dreamers that economic realizations, environmental concerns and perhaps even the evolution of the American culture will soon lead to the death of sprawl and the suburbs.

Brooksy doesn't shit on that hope, he just points out it's not necessarily in line with what most Americans want.

It's worth a read.

WEEKLY VOLCANO NEWS TEAM: MORE HAIR THAN BRAINS >>>

In between downing Monster Energy Drinks and refreshing our spray tans, the Weekly Volcano News Team has been following some exciting headlines from around the country. Here's a look at what we've been pointlessly yammering about around the Weekly Volcano water cooler:

Cat food: some say it's worth stabbing your father over

It's wilder in Alaska: more proof

Whistling: think twice in England

Low prices: with a bite

Plus, of course, we've been searching the internet for videos like this. We just love it when animals water ski.

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter has more sense than her mom. Bristol for president!

Obama administration war policies are looking scarily familiar. He orders 17,000 troops to Afghanistan, including 4,000 Fort Lewis Stryker brigade soldiers.

Yesterday was tough on Wall Street.

Cheeta is rolling in its(?) grave. This is why.

And, once again, Roland Burris!

Move over Robert "The Traveller" Hill. Man accuses Stephen King of murdering John Lennon at City Commission meeting

JENNIFER JOHNSON: TONIGHT AT THE SWISS >>>

Ben Fuller and his brother, Ted, have revived what was once a good time had by all, their former band China Davis. Created in 1995, the acoustic-based rock band played a slew of well-attended shows before taking a break in 2002. The Fullers have decided to focus on the fun side of music after time spent as Fear Train Caravan. FTC was a divergence from the light-hearted sound of China Davis with songs that delved into serious social issues reminiscent of American protest songs, a la Bob Dylan. “I don’t really feel like I’m out in the field anymore,” Ben says of getting back to China Davis and what made it great both for him and the audience. “China Davis is about good energy, songs written with ease, and sing-alongs. It’s about having fun.” Stellar drummer Darin Watkins and bassist Jeff Leonard (of the Vicci Martinez Band) add to the excitement and ensure there will be some jammin’ happenin’. Joe Rosati and The Lonely Guys open the show tonight at the Swiss. 

[The Swiss, 9 p.m., $5, 1940 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

STEPH DEROSA: MUST. STAY. COMPOSED. >>>

Someone at the Weekly Volcano World Headquarters hates me. I’m almost positive it’s everyone in that office, but still slightly unsure exactly how much they hate me. Just last week I got called into the Weekly Volcano principal’s office for turning everything their stupid ape-looking weather guy said into a sexual innuendo, and now they’ve gone and delivered me into more immature temptation. That’s right; they went and slid this little tid-bit across my desk, asking me to write something up about it for this week’s issue:

No, not bad at all. I love Dick’s Brewing, 99 Bottles, and what a great deal that is! That actually sounds like its right up my alley. I mean literally, I live down the street so it’s pretty much up my alley. Here’s the kicker though â€" the event is titled (get this): “Taste Dick’s Beer.”

How in the HELL am I supposed to stay straight-laced with that one and not turn it into a sexual innuendo? Oh, I’m so there.

[99 Bottles, 35002 Pacific Hwy. S., Federal Way, 253.838.2558]

BTW, The Red Hot has dollar Rainiers tonight.

MATT DRISCOLL: TONIGHT IN OLYMPIA >>>

"The Afro-Cuban All Stars is not a band, it’s a project,” says Juan de Marcos, a key member of the famed Buena Vista Social Club, the son of singer Marcos González Mauriz, the creator of the Afro-Cuban All Stars and a Cuban music icon. “(I wanted to) bring talented Cuban musicians across the world. It’s a kind of Cuba international band, based on some of the most important Cuban musicians of all time.” 

Tonight, de Marcos' Afro Cuban All Stars will play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. 

To check out the Weekly Volcano's full story on the show, click here.

JAKE DE PAUL: A PLACE TO SHARE >>>

Darby’s Cafe in Olympia represents the city of Olympia to the T (Tazo that is).  Funky, liberal, friendly, and laid-back, it’s all about serving quality food in the Man’s front yard. While our elected leaders haggle on the hill (of sorts), we can enjoy the democratic principles of fairness, whole foods, and open-toed sandals down the road. 

Darby’s serves a sensational breakfast with real blueberries in the cakes and service with a smile.  The south-of-the-border frittata rocked my world and inspired me to give a few bucks to the street children on the corner. 

Viva Olympia!

[Darby’s Café, 211 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.357.6229]

MATT DRISCOLL: TACOMA AND HER MORAL PEOPLE(S) REJOICE >>> 

After receiving 40 applications â€" all of them requesting money â€" the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program has made its decisions â€" at least when it comes to the 2009-2010 funding cycle. A program established by the City of Tacoma in 1999 to “assist artists in generating new work and in sharing their work with the public,” according to the award letters sent out earlier this week, the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program will hand out $45,000 to 17 applicants who were able to sell the powers that be on their artistic vision. 

“For years the power-users of Tacoma have been trying to buy my loyalty. Well one tremendous recession later they've got it. I am completely loyal now. What is more, I believe this will save my marriage,” says Anderson. “Before this news I was bitter. I would cling to things like fake-guns and freedom-from-religion in a bitter fashion. Absolute cynicism. I couldn't even open the notice letter. I handed the envelope to my wife, saying ‘Oh look, Porkchop, they sent my rejection letter.’ My wife snatched it from my meaty fingers and read aloud to my surprise the language of victory.”