MICHAEL SWAN: FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 >>>

1. The McCleary Bear and Second Growth festival began in 1958 as a fun way of regulating the pesky bear population.  Today, the tradition remains as alive as it is strange, serving bear stew and electing a royal court, to around 12,000 people.

2. Metro Parks’ Play Tacoma Family Carnival brings its carnival games, inflatables, pony rides, hands-on activities and an interactive show featuring Let’s Pretend Circus to Wright Park from 5-8 p.m.

3. Jazz guitarist Ed Taylor will perform inside C.I. Shenanigan’s from 7-9 p.m.

4. Distinguished writers, poets, playwrights, short story writers, and people who scribble on cocktail napkins will step up to the mic from 7-9 p.m. as part of the Distinguished Writer Series and Open Mic at King’s Books.

5. Open Choir Fire performs a CD Release Show with Bayonet and Elder Mason at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge.

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

LINK: Local movie starting times

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

MARK THOMAS DEMING: SANDMAN THE RAPPIN’ COWBOY IS THE REAL DEAL >>>

His name is Chris Sand. He grew up in Ronan, Montana on the Flathead Reservation.  He now lives in a house in Dunn Center that he bought for $1,000.  He’s a truck driver when he has work, which he currently does not.  He has a bulging disc in his back from a lifetime on the farm.  He’s also one of the most original and inventive musicians anywhere.  He’s a cowboy who raps. Read the full interview here.

Move on down to Bob’s Java Jive tonight night and catch his show.

[Bob’s Java Jive, with Glass Elevator, Jesus Chords, Friday, July 10, 8 p.m., 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]

Photo: Emily Nash

JAKE DE PAUL: FRIDAY FOOD LINKS >>>

Summer Lunch Series: Tacoma Chamber lures folks into Tollefson Plaza with grub from Pacific Grill, Upper Crust Pizza and Mad Hat Tea Company.

Outdoor Barbecue: Chef Charlie McManus will be grilling in front of his Crown Bar tonight.

West Coast Represent: Best ice cream shops according to Food & Wine.

Today’s South Sound Special

Every Friday from noon to 1 p.m., Museum of Glass visitors can chow down on a pre-ordered boxed lunch from Gallucci's Catering while watching a featured artist in action in the Hot Shop.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

SUZY STUMP: PUGET SOUND BEAD FESTIVAL >>>

There is no way in hell you’re going to the Bellevue Bead Festival in November because you are boycotting those bluegrass-stealing bastards.

So now you’re going to go to the Puget Sound Bead Festival at Hotel Murano today through Sunday, just like you’re going to do all that other stuff you can do now that American Idol and Michael Jackson are over. You’re going to the Bead Festival, and you’re going to have the choice of buying gems or beads or silver or minerals or crystals or just saying, the hell with it, and buying some fine jewelry, which you know you’ve wanted to do all along anyway. Haven’t you?

[Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion, July 10-12, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma]

NEWS TEAM: GOOD MORNING SOUTH SOUND >>>

Warrior Forge: ROTC cadet dies at Fort Lewis.

Remember Swine Flu?: U.S. plans to vaccinate millions of children this fall.

Transformers 3: G.M. emerges from bankruptcy to become the government-backed “new” G.M.

Democrats: They want health care reform, but they don’t know how to pay for it.

Sort Of Good News: Trade deficit in U.S. narrowed in May as exports rose.

Holy Shit!: Ireland has outlawed blasphemy, with fines.

It's Not Slang!: Nevada court permits “HOE” license.