MATT DRISCOLL: THOUGHTS ON THE TACOMA SCHOOL BOND >>>

Is public education a top priority for Tacoma voters? We're about to find out â€" in the form of the Tacoma Schools' capital improvement bond. With ballots already having been distributed by mail, where Tacoma stands on the issue should become clear on March 10 â€" the official date of the special election.

While my fingers are crossed in hopes Tacoma will do the right thing, I'm also skeptical.

Click here to read this week's editorial on the subject.

PAUL SCHRAG: NATIVITY HOUSE DEPENDS ON ITS AUCTION >>>

Nick Leider is betting on the generosity of his neighbors this weekend. As executive director of  Tacoma-based social service organization Nativity House, Leider is responsible for ensuring that hundreds of Tacoma’s homeless residents receive food, clothing and other basics. This Saturday, Leider’s organization hopes to net about $80,000 at the Nativity House Annual Gala Auction. That money will go to help pay for services that are growing in demand in Tacoma. 

Leider is scared. Read why here.

TONY ENGELHART: TONIGHT AT THE RIALTO >>>

You’re probably asking yourself “what the f#$% is neo-klezmer?!” Definition: World music with a Jewish slant. The Klezmatics have enjoyed global success and Grammy nods for a unique take on the genre of World for more than 20 years. The New York-based quintet is extremely spiritual and deeply imbedded in Judaism, but also tackles causes like human rights and anti-fundamentalism in their music. The band has been compared lyrically to Woody Guthrie. Pete Seeger said of the group, “The Klezmatics are wonderful. (The song) ‘Gonna get Through This World’ is a piece of genius.” But it’s not all about politics and causes; they can have fun and even act a bit silly. The Klezmatics utilize Arab, African, Cuban, Latin and Balkan rhythms, but also throw a bit of jazz and punk into the mix. The group’s vocal harmonies are nothing short of spectacular. 

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

Snow.

Tacoma City Council didn't know folks from White Center can now handle their classified operations.

Meanwhile, the winners and losers of the Obama budget.

What's wack? The fact that G.M. may need more money. GM loses $9.6 billion … which is more than half of its current cash reserves.

When it comes to their guns, Mexican drug cartels buy American.

Not what you eat, it’s how much. Who knew?

Seriously? Stephan was a douche, but at least Bobble Tiki remembers a few things he cooked. In all seriousness y’all, WTF? Bobble Tiki gives all credit to the sous!

Here’s one way to stimulate the economy: coffee and nudity.

Karma Sutra anyone?

The Arrested Development movie is a go.

Finally, Louis CK puts our economic crisis in perspective.

RON SWARNER: SEE A GREAT FILM, BRING SOME FOOD >>>

In times of need we must turn to the oracle of knowledge, otherwise known as teenage sensation Cher Horowitz in Clueless. During a moment of enlightenment, Cher tells us, "It's like that book I read in ninth grade, that said 'tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people.'" Well, Cher may be a little off on the quotation, but her motivations were in the right place. That's why the Weekly Volcano is sponsoring a screening of the film, Wendy and Lucy, at The Grand Cinema.

But it's not just about the film.  In a partnership with the Grand, we're sponsoring a non-perishable food drive benefiting My Sister’s Pantry that will coincide with the film's run. The film and food drive begin March 6.

If you've seen the poster, you've seen the premise of Wendy and Lucy. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, it's about a lost young woman named Wendy (Michelle Williams), owner of one pair of cutoffs, a thrift-store shirt and a worn hoodie, who is accompanied by her beloved mutt, Lucy. Wendy doesn't so much do: she needs. For unclear reasons, she's on the run from a "cash-strapped" family in Indiana and needs to get her '88 Honda clunker and Lucy to Alaska where she thinks she'll finally find a job - or just escape.

Roger Ebert digs this film.

Teaming a food drive for My Sister's Pantry and this film makes sense. The Tacoma food bank seeks to provide those in need with a hot meal, groceries and sustenance. People such as the Wendy character need My Sister’s Pantry’s safe, friendly and compassionate help.

Let’s do this thing.

Bring box loads of non-perishable food items to The Grand Cinema beginning March 6, even if you’re not into this wonderful film.

Don't have any cans in your cupboard? I did a little experiment last night to see just how much a bag of food might cost. After going to Metropolitan Market and picking through the shelves, I walked out with a good selection of canned goods and boxed meals for just about $20. And if that's what I got away with at Met Market, just imagine what you could get at say, Safeway or something. Just sayin'.

At any rate, we look forward to seeing your shiny faces and armloads full of food for the opening of Wendy and Lucy March 6 at The Grand Cinema. Let's start now! Drop off canned goods at our Lakewood Headquarters â€" 8312 Custer Road â€"  beginning today. By the time we get to the opening of Wendy and Lucy, I want to be forced to rent a van to get all of the food to the movie theater. Go ahead! Make me rent a van! I dare you!

I almost forgot your perk. The Grand will give you a small soda if you show up for the film with non-perishable food.

LINK: Grand Cinema's Web site

LINK: My Sister’s Pantry's Web site

LINK: Read Roger Ebert’s review of Wendy and Lucy here.

JAKE DE PAUL: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CRAB BUT MIGHT BE TOO HUNGRY TO ASK >>>

The Sea Grill at 15th and Pacific in Tacoma celebrates the Royal Order of the Flying Crustaceans during the month of March. 

Yup, crab.

Sea Grill Chef Matt Brandsey and crew are serving up the following next month:

• Blue Crab (from Maryland and Chesapeake Bay)
• King Crab (from Hokkaido Bay in Japan, the Barents Sea and Alaska’s Bering Sea)
• Stone Crab (from South Florida)
• Snow Crab (from the icy Barents Sea above the Scandinavian Peninsula)
• Maryland Soft Shell Crab (harvested, express shipped, and received daily)
• Jonah Crab Claws (from Florida)
• Dungeness Crab (the Pacific Coast favorite)
• Maine Peekytoe Crab (rock crab from Maine)

Here’s what Chef Brandsey has in mind:

Starters
Spicy Crab Bisque â€" Thai chili, coconut cream, ($7)
Dungeness Crab Cakes â€" mango, scallion-yogurt sauce, ($13)
Dungeness Crab Salad â€" mixed greens, creamy scallion dressing hearts of palm, sliced oranges, ($15)
Dungeness Crab Cocktail â€" Dungeness crab, West Indian cocktail, iceberg lettuce, ($14)

Entrées
Almond Crusted Soft Shell Crabs â€" truffle aioli, fresh lemon, grilled asparagus, ($25)
Dungeness Crab and Spinach Raviolis â€" bacon, roasted fennel, brown butter, fennel broth, crispy leeks, ($28)
Barents Sea Red King Crab Legs â€" red miso beurre blanc, grilled asparagus, ($65)
Crab Spaghetti â€" fresh tomatoes, basil, lemon, Parmigiano-Reggiano, toasted pine nuts, ($24)
Dungeness Crab Risotto â€" asparagus, black truffles, mascarpone cheese, crispy leeks, ($29)
Whole Steamed Dungeness Crab â€" red miso beurre blanc, grilled asparagus, ($34)

Get your bib on â€" The Cult of the Crab begins Sunday.

[Sea Grill, 1498 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.5656]

VOLCANO STAFF: OPENING AT A THEATER NEAR YOU >>>

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

A POWERFUL NOISE: LIVE: One night only event featuring the acclaimed documentary followed by a town hall discussion with leading humanitarian experts Christy Turlington Burns and Nicholas Kristof in the effort to empower women and young girls to fight global poverty. (PG-13) â€" Bill White

BALLAST: The film centers on two households side by side on an open flatland. A man named Lawrence (Micheal J. Smith) lives in the house next to his sister-in-law, Marlee (Tarra Riggs), and her 12-year-old son, James (JimMyron Ross). After the death of Lawrence’s brother, they are not on speaking terms. They ran a roadside convenience store and gas station together, but now it stands closed, its gate padlocked, and Lawrence sits at home alone, a cigarette burning itself down in his fingers. James comes to visit him one day. Not Rated. Four stars. â€" Roger Ebert

ECHELON CONSPIRACY: A tech-filled thriller starring Shane West, Ed Burns, Martin Sheen and Ving Rhames (where are the woman?) about a man who receives a really cool phone from an anonymous source.  But the phone only brings trouble. (PG-13) â€" BW

JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE: The title says everything you need to know except that the film includes an extra bonus: documentary footage on what it’s like to be three brothers growing up in the world of pop. (G) â€" BW

LAST CHANCE HARVEY: A tremendously appealing love story in a movie that doesn't do it justice. Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are pitch-perfect as two depressed strangers in London who may have found refuge in one another. A touching scene at a wedding. But their story is diluted by a gratuitous subplot about her mother, and too many montages substituting for dialogue. (PG13) Three stars. â€" RE

STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI: Based on the popular video game and its female hero. (PG-13) â€" BW

LINK: Discover when these film start here

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

Tacoma firefighters rule.

After five years in prison, Ali al-Marri will finally get a trial.

President Robin Hood Obama rides in with new tax cuts and increases.

Lesson learned by Facebook: Don’t piss off social network users.

Jewel pulls an A-Rod on Dancing With The Stars.