LOTS OF IMPORTANT STUFF HAPPENED THIS WEEK >>>

This is the first edition of what will be a weekly blog series on Spew highlighting some the local political and community happenings of the past week, and looking forward to notable events in the upcoming week. Bear in mind this is not all encompassing, nor will it include every relevant thing that occurred. It's just... well, to be frank... my personal attempt at staying in the know locally shared with you. 

This particular week the hearts and minds of many Tacomans have been far from the City of Destiny, with the people of Japan struggling to come to grips with their devastating losses. The City of Tacoma is encouraging citizens to gather and reflect on the March 11 earthquake and tsunami this Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. until noon at Thea's Park (405 Dock St). Elected officials and representatives from Tacoma's Japanese community will be on hand and members of the public will be encouraged to speak and sign a book that will be sent to Japan.

Perhaps the most important local political happening of the week was Pierce County Council's appointment of a four-member committee to oversee the county's redistricting process.  The council appointed two Republicans, Mike Abernathy and Deryl McCarty, and two Democrats, Ken Blair and Sam Ross. The four appointees will choose a fifth member to lead them as chair. The county districts are redrawn after very census, a process that is far more political than the general public would like. We'll be on the lookout for shenanigans as this process continues. 

Former Tacoma Mayor Karen Vialle announced her intention to run for Position 5 on the Tacoma School Board this week. A substitute teacher in the Tacoma School District, Vialle will be challenging incumbent Kim Golding. The two women may have many of the same ideals and stances on educational issues, which should make for an interesting race.

Speaking of the Tacoma School Board, current board member Jim Dugan will not seek re-election and the favorite to fill his seat looks to be Scott Heinze, Board Chairman for Communities in Schools of Tacoma. Formally a staffer for U.S. Rep Adam Smith, a Homeland Security advisor to Christine Gregoire, and currently a policy advisor and small business partner, I might have rather seen Hienze make a run for Tacoma City Council, but if he's elected to the school board he should be a progressive force.

I know, I know ... It's early for talk about local elections (we'll be voting on School Board and City Council members this August and November), but word is some of these candidates are out doorbelling already.

So be forewarned: election season may already be upon us.

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment of the day comes from "Volcano Boycotting RR Anderson" (who, we presume, is the artist formally known as simply RR Anderson - he of "Tacomic" fame) in regard to Zach Powers's first "Tacoma: Week In Review," post, scheduled to hit weekly, on Friday, at the Volcano's blog, Spew.

"Volcano Boycotting RR Anderson," writes,

And furthermore, please remember to email the planning commission and tell them NO digital billboards, and NO illegal billboards for Tacoma. Please enforce the 1997 law and give Clear Channel Outdoor the billboard shaft. Also Boycott the billboard fornicating Volcano!

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011 >>>

1. There are two types of people in this world: Those who love dogs and those who hate them. Today is the day to learn who your friends are. If your best friend has four legs and big, brown, sad, puppy eyes then you will be at the Most Magnificent Mutt Show from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frontier Park in Graham. If your best friend likes to kick at things with four legs and big, brown, sad puppy eyes, you'll stay at home, listening to talk radio and doing other mean-people stuff.

2. The Tacoma community will gather from 10 a.m. to noon at Thea's Park to hug, pray and reflect on the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. Elected officials and representatives from the Japanese community in Tacoma will speak. 

3. Roses have intrigued dreamers and poets since the dawn of time. And even as their varieties have evolved - there are more than 28,000 kinds now - their appeal has remained undeniable. A garden sale to benefit the Metro Parks' Rose Gardens will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on at the Pagoda at Point Defiance Park. Sponsored by the Tacoma Rose Society, the sale will feature roses grown by Metro Parks' staff and Tacoma Rose Society members, as well as roses donated by several local nurseries. Other plants and an eclectic mix of garden treasures will also be for sale. Donations from the American Red Cross relief work in Japan will be accepted at the event.

4. While "pipes, drums and dancing!" could also describe Volcano editor Matt Driscoll's five years at The Evergreen State College, more accurately (and relevant to this attempt at blurb-sized information spreading) it's the description given to the Clan Gordon Pipe Band's 48th Annual Tartan Ball, scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. While the title of the event may make it sound like some bizarre-o cult initiation ceremony only open to albinos and in-breeders, in reality it's only KIND OF like some bizarre-o cult initiation ceremony only open to albinos and in-breeders. It's actually much closer to a celebration of bagpipes and Scottish music. Semiformal attire is required (so ditch the jeans, crusty).

5. After the Tartan Ball (see above), drive up Meridian to the Roadhouse Tavern. It's interior bears some resemblance to the country bar Patrick Swayze watches over in Road House. There's a pool table, pull tabs and patterned carpeting. There are also good drinks and friendly customers. Unlike Swayze's Road House, this tavern is a great spot for a mellow night away from the crowds ... and men in kilts.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Concerts go on sale today

LINK: Wine tastings!

SATURDAY, MARCH 26: ROUND TWO ACTION CONTINUES >>>

Pizza construction isn't rocket science. Take some dough, spread some sauce, throw on a few toppings, serve and enjoy. But hidden within those folds is a complexity that defies the short ingredients list. Making a pizza is child's play; making a great pizza is another thing entirely. Opening a discussion on which South Sound pizza joints offer a great pizza serves as our mission for the Tournament of Pizza - that and trying to score free pizza slices from the competitors.

Before we examine today's pizza battles - only two games due to pre-tournament scheduling conflicts - let's take a look at yesterday's dough-slinging results.

Wow. WOW! Yesterday's voting action saw nearly double the numbers as the previous top voting day, which was March 17.

Yesterday's Results

Cloverleaf Pizza vs. Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante

Back in the '70s, after their Wednesday couples tennis night at the club, parents would head to the Cloverleaf Tavern to discuss their forehands and the craziness that was Tricky Dick. The next morning, their kids would open the refrigerator and steal bites off the Cloverleaf's crispy pizza crust goodness. Today, those kids take their kids to Joeseppi's for their ham and pineapple pizza and a giant slice of that towering chocolate cake. Yup, Joeseppi's smoked the Cloverleaf with 65 percent of the votes, and moves into the Stuffed 16.

Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza vs. Pizza Casa

We suspect Delbrocco's pushed hard their "Drexel Hill" Jano pie during this matchup. We're talking seven toppings - sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, roasted peppers, black olives and extra cheese - and with free delivery. Pizza Casa, a longtime Italian restaurant so beloved by Lakewood residents that a Christmas morning reservation contemplation wouldn't be considered ridiculous by most of their friends, serves a delicious, square-shaped pizza and has pictures of cocktails on their paper placemats. Delbrocco's plan worked as they grabbed 54 percent of the votes and move on to the Stuffed 16 to battle Joeseppi's March 29.

Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza vs. Ricardo's Ristorante

If you're one of the estimated 3 million Americans who suffer from wheat-gluten allergies, your eating habits might resemble those of Atkins dieters. Farrelli's knows this fact, and offers a "Still Riding Gluten-Free Dough," using separate un-floured pizza peels and keep all gluten-free ingredients gluten-free. The DuPont pizza joint also has honey whole-wheat dough in its arsenal. What Ricardo's has in its arsenal is a cozy setting, local fresh ingredients, the Toni Tony Tone Pizza: Dungeness crab and prawns, bisque, cheese and sautéed spinach ... and a whole bunch of fans. Farrelli's marketing machine was no match for Ricardo's pizzas. The Lacey Italian restaurant secured 64 percent of the votes for the victory.

Casa Mia vs. Vic's Pizzeria

Casa Mia has an atrium. They haven't been really pushing that attribute but we suspect they had to pull it out yesterday to compete with the powerhouse that is Vic's Pizzeria. Enjoy Mia's award-winning vegetarian Pizza Sole, their "pizza of the sun," actually underneath the sun is a smile-producing assembly line. Vic's, which by the way serves a damn tasty hand-tossed New York style pizza, opens at 8 a.m. Monday-Saturday serving baked goods, espresso and boasts free WiFi. These two Olympia pizza joints battled hard all day, trading leads almost every hour. When the polls closed at 11:45 p.m. Casa Mia and its award-winning pies edged out Vic's with 50.4 percent of the votes.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the Stuffed 16:

• Joeseppi's Italain Ristorante
  
• Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza
• Ricardo's Ristorante
  
• Casa Mia
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES BELOW AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE SUNDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Spud's Pizza Parlor vs. Louie G's Pizza

Both of these places have rabid fans and die-hard supporters, as well as great pizza, so this pizza-a-pizza matchup may be the most hotly contested of the competition so far. Spud's piles the cheese on high and you can't find a stool at the bar in the back. Louie's G's throws the dough in the air and hosts riff-heavy RAWK Atomic Outlaws for an all-ages show tonight at 8 p.m. Mobilize your base, Spud's and Louie G's, and get out the vote!

• Spud's Pizza Parlor (7025 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)
• Louie G's Pizza (4802 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

Milton Tavern vs. Trackside Pizza

The Milton Tavern might pull out the Kid Card in this round. The TAVERN welcomes kids until 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, and until 4 p.m. Friday (TGIF!). It should also be known the Milton Tavern offers eight pizza sauces including garlic butter, black and blue and a "secret red sauce." Trackside Pizza laughs at those stats as it hosts kids at all hours and offers all-you-can-eat pizza slice bar during lunchtime. Can the kid-friendly sauce factory beat the $6.99 slice fest? Which pizza deserves to move up to the Stuffed 16?

• Milton Tavern (7320 Pacific Hwy. E., Milton)
• Trackside Pizza (201 N. Meridian, Puyallup)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Battle in the East

Game 1: Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor, Tacoma) vs. Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)

Game 2: Blue Cannon Pizza (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St. NE, Olympia) vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

Game 4: Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. From The Sea, In These Hands. 9 pm.

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. The Biz-Keys, The Local Strangers. 9 pm.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Spanktones. 9 pm. NC.

The Fuse Ruston. The Trevalyan Triangle. 9 pm.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Tacoma Metal Choice Awards, with Unhailoed, Devils Of Loudon, Faces Pale, Curse Of The North. 8 pm.

• Typically, awards shows are the worst. Bobble Tiki would rather endure a root canal without anesthetic than tune in for the Grammys, Golden Globes or even Oscars. It's like watching paint dry ... only more boring and predictable. Saturday, however, an awards frenzy to end all awards frenzies will enrapture Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma, as the 2011 Tacoma Metal Choice Awards will be handed out - honoring Tacoma's top metal band as voted on by devil-horn waving fans of our area (via the Internet) throughout February. Billed as a "red carpet event," the Metal Choice Awards this Saturday at Hell's Kitchen will feature scene stalwarts like UnHailoed, Devils of Loudon, Faces Pale, After the Fallout and Plague Ships - all of whom will no doubt be in fine form when it comes time for an acceptance speech. Also, expect surprise metal guests. It's going to be very Tacoma, and very awesome. - Bobble Tiki
  

The Hub Tacoma - Stadium District. Nick Sandy & Kim Archer Duet. 9 pm. NC.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Whiskey Creek (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute). 8 pm. $10-$12.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. String Theory, Jumping Sharks, Nolan McSheridon. 9 pm.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Atomic Outlaws. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Russ Salton & Friends. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Matrix Coffee House Lewis County. Just Plain Bill, Jake Archer. All Ages. 8 pm. $8.

McCoy's Tavern Olympia. The Rickets, HPP, Happy Noose. 9:30 pm. $3.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. A Leaf. 9 pm.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Takhoma, Honeybear, The Solvents, Memory Boys. All Ages. 8 pm.

R & R Live Graham. Jonathan Harris. 9 pm.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. The Trasholes, Red Hex, Si Si Si. All Ages. 6pm-9pm. $5.

The Swiss Tacoma - Downtown. Kry. 9 pm. $8.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. The Kora Band, featuring Kane Mathis. All Ages. 8 pm. $8-$12.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Sour Owl. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011 >>>

1. Don't fuck with Deborah Henson-Constant. We're not messing around. It takes a special kind of person to make the harp hardcore, and Henson-Constant just may have done it. At the very least, it appears she wears dreadlocks, and when she joins the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra at 2:30 p.m. inside the Pantages the pre-show hype promises "a powerful experience." That hype, available on the Broadway Center website, goes on to say that "Henson-Constant has revolutionized her instrument with vibrant passion and individuality." Did we mention she has dreadlocks? True story.

2. When Perry Farrell christened his groundbreaking alternative rock tour Lollapalooza in 1991, did he have any idea the word would someday be appropriated for everything from a parenting book written by John Lithgow to the Temple Beth Hatfiloh's Blintzapalooza celebration of the humble blintz?  Blintzapalooza - basically a bake sale with bagels and blinztzes - will also feature a challah baking contest and book sale. Join the fun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Temple. Can we get a Brisketpalooza 2011, anyone?

3. The juggling dangerous objects shtick is old hat for the (moderately legendary) Flying Karamazov Brothers, at the Minnaert Center for a 2 and 7 p.m. show. And juggling is just one of the tricks up their sleeve. With a history dating back to the '70s, and more death-defying stunts under their collective belt than you and I will collect in a lifetime, not to mention multiple TV appearances and stints on Broadway, the Karamazov Bros and their "cheap theatrics" will leave the masses in awe.

4. Do you think it's time your child's version of Journey's beloved "Don't Stop Believing" to be heard in public for all to enjoy? Bring the child to the dueling piano bar Chopstix on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue for its all-ages Sunday show from 7-9 p.m.

5. Strange Boys, Natural Child and The Hive Dwellers rock the all-ages Northern space beginning at 8 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

SUNDAY, MARCH 27: ROUND TWO ACTION CONTINUES >>>

Beginning March 29, we’ll cut the field of 64 South Sound pizza joints to the Stuffed 16. March 31, it’ll drop to the Baked Eight. On April 4, we’ll announce the winner of Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos – picked by you, of course – at the Schooner Pub in Lakewood during halftime of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. On that Monday, we'll cut the online voting at 5 p.m. and take the vote live at the Schooner, handing out ballots while you pound beers.

That's all fine and dandy, but it's Sunday and you don't have time for idle chitchat. You need to start whittling away at our 5 Things To Do today. OK, OK, here are yesterday's results and today's pizza matchups. Thanks for voting!

Yesterday's Results

Spud's Pizza Parlor vs. Louie G's Pizza

In NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament history, when a ninth seed team has battled a number one seed, the ninth has emerged victorious less than 10 percent of the time. But this is the Tournament of Pizza, and number nine seed Louie G's in Fife handed number one seed Spud's a defeat the famous Tacoma pizza joint will long remember. The pizza dough tossing, all-ages rocking Louie G's stomped on Spud's with 71 percent of the votes.

Milton Tavern vs. Trackside Pizza

Trackside Pizza has something called a The Dessert Caboose. It's a fancy name for mini-cinnamon rolls, fresh baked chocolate cookies, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and several different ice cream bars. ICE CREAM BARS! Sure, this is not the tournament of Ice Cream Bars, but you can't overlook the power of ice cream on a stick. And Trackside didn't, grabbing 58 percent of the votes over the tavern, thus moving on to the Stuffed 16 and facing Louie G's March 30.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Louie G's Pizza
  
• Trackside Pizza
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles.

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW, AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE MONDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Terry's Office Tavern  vs. Fondi Pizzeria

You have to hand it to the patrons of Terry's Office Tavern. Week night as they head inside to their beloved Northend watering hole, they are subjected to the hardcore exercise action across the street at Elev8 Fitness. All they want to do is pound some beer while nibbling on Terry's world-famous pizza, possible eat a gizzard or two, and sink into comfort. Instead, they witness folks dressed for summer lunging down the sidewalk (without extending the knee over their toes), busting out some jumping jacks, and pretending their bicycling while lying on their backs. The scene at Fondi Pizzeria is less intimidating. The Italian joint sits in an Gig Harbor upscale shopping center surrounded by money and properly pruned shrubbery. Some would call this the battle for the Narrows Bridge. Others would not.

• Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor, Tacoma)
• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

The Fan Club's fans fight for their tiny slice of heaven. The watering hole on the edge of the Oakbrook community in Lakewood sports a loyal following - fanatic, if you will. Check out this comment on this website left by a Fan Club cheerleader Kolby James:

Looooooove the Taco Pizza at the Fan Club. I had a dream that I ordered the taco pizza with eggs. The next day I went in and ordered the taco pizza with eggs for breakfast. HOLY COW!!!!! AWESOME!!! I have ordered it about every other week since. A way to get your vegetables at breakfast!! LOVE IT!!! If you ever get a chance, order the taco pizza at the Fan Club in Lakewood, WA.

If we were the Blue Cannon Pizza in Gig Harbor, we'd be scared to death.

• Blue Cannon Pizza (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor)
• The Fan Club Sports Bar (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta

Apollo Pizza & Pasta took down the mighty Brewery City Pizza in First Round action. This can't be overlooked people. Brewery City Pizza spans Thurston County with its bitchin' delivery system. Now Apollo looks Oldschool Pizzeria square in its competitor's New York style pizza face. Apollo's thick and cheesy pies have the goods to win. And it sports a neon sign that reads "Heaven" at its place of business in Olympia. However, Oldschool is so cool it doesn't have a Facebook page, and calls its Hawaiian pie "Do Ho."

• Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St. NE, Olympia)
• Apollo's Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Number 13 seed Infernos sent popular, fancy fourth seed Mercato packing in First Round action. The Weekly Volcano Steno Pool turned oddsmakers are still puzzled over that one (it might have something to do with their regular shopping excursions to neighboring Olympia Farmers Market). Anyway, Infernos has the backing, and the pizza, to take on Dirty Dave's and its nearly 40 years of awesomeness. It might be time for Dave's to push their 3-D pizza hard. Oh yes, a pan pizza that takes 25 minutes to bake. Someone's going to get hurt.

• Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Round Two action

Game 1: Aversano's (6015 Parker Road E., Sumner) vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery (454 E. Main, Puyallup)

Game 2: Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (32411 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way) vs. Rollies Tavern (2404 112th St. S., Tacoma)

Game 3: Katie Downs Waterfront Restaurant (3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma)

Game 4: Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Puget Sound Pizza (317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma)

Game 5: Rock Brick Oven Pizza (1920 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma) vs. Harmon Tap Room (204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Game 6: Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery (2714 N. 21st St., Tacoma) vs. Primo Grill (601 S. Pine St., Tacoma)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

MONDAY, MARCH 28: ROUND TWO ENDS TODAY >>>

Laid-back is the essence of Sunday. That means a lazy mid-afternoon pizza, no work, phone off the hook, flip-flops ... you know the routine. The mere thought of lifting a finger to wash the mountain of dishes in the sink should make you shudder. Yesterday, a good chunk of the South Sound changed its Sunday routine. Voting in the Tournament of Pizza was added to the mix. Yesterday's vote total nearly doubled the previous record high for most votes in the day.

But, it's Monday. You're still in chill mode. Your boss' view of what is priority is far from the top of your priority list. And there's six South Sound pizza games to vote on today. Before you vote, take a gander at yesterday's results. Woah.

Yesterday's Results

Terry's Office Tavern  vs. Fondi Pizzeria

They are worlds apart. Beloved Northend Tacoma neighborhood tavern Terry's flirts with being dubbed a dive with a very approachable feel, especially the U-shaped bar that creates for multiple conversations with friends and strangers. Fondi's a lofty, lively space filled with families and shoppers with fast, friendly service - almost autonomous. But Fondi's brick oven and warm earth tones bring warmth to the space, and their awesome gooey, bubbling pizza has the edge according to voters sending the Gig Harbor restaurant into the Stuffed 16 with 67 percent of the votes.

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Blue Cannon Pizza stainless steel-ish interior, huge blue cannon and their "Meaty" pizza load (LOADED!) with meat was no match for The Fan Club's campaign to take this game. The Oakbrook neighborhood bar in Lakewood has the fan base, and pizza, to nab 82 percent of the votes, sending them into the Stuffed 16.

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta

The location of Oldschool Pizzeria in its downtown Olympia spot can't be beat. Its corner spot sees an almost constant stream of fascinating people alternately stumbling, mumbling, and strutting by the windows at the front of the restaurant. Inside Oldschool, the atmosphere matches the outside as every slice of life, in every state of mind, eats the New York Style pizza below Burt Reynolds and classic NBA posters. Apollo's atmosphere is less eccentric and bit more polished. We don't have any idea if atmosphere played into Apollo's massacre of Oldschool, but its deeper dish pizza grabbed 81 percent of the votes yesterday, eliminating the number one seed Oldschool.

Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Ah, history. The factor we all owe so much but for the most part choose to ignore. Dirty Dave's is still going strong after nearly 40 years in the biz and its delicious pizza is the reason for its success. But the modern electric hum lies with Infernos - the fairly new kid on the block - and its long list of gourmet pizzas. Infernos grabbed 60 percent of the votes yesterday over Dirty Dave's, and moves into the Stuffed 16.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Fondi Pizzeria
  
• The Fan Club Sports Bar
• Apollo's Pizza and Pasta
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW, AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE TUESDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante vs. Delbrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies

Joeseppi's serves six thin and sturdy pizzas with crisp, pastry-like crusts, most topped with their homemade tomato sauce, and served in their front deli and back in the dining room. Delbrocco's is a eat-in or take-out East Coast joint serving hand-tossed Philly style pizza pies from a storefront on the corner of Sixth and Proctor. Can the famous Joe Stortini fronted Italian restaurant beat the Rocky Balboa of Tacoma pizza joints? Which pizza deserves to move up to the Baked Eight?

• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)
• Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Fondi Pizzeria vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Both of these places have rabid fans and die-hard supporters, as well as popular pizzas, therefore this pizza battle may be the most hotly contested of the day. Upscale-ish Fondi proved it can eliminate a beloved Tacoma neighborhood joint when it took out Terry's Office Tavern over the weekend. Can it do the same with an equally beloved neighborhood joint in Lakewood? Mobilize your base, Fondi and Fan Club, and get out the vote!

• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)
• The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Apollo Pizza & Pasta vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

You can't overlook the fact Apollo creamed Oldschool Pizzeria in the Second Round - a pizza readers gave top honors in our Best of Olympia issue. You also can't overlook Apollo's monstrous beer mugs. Infernos claims it has the "coldest beer in town," which could come into play today (imagine if the coldest beer was in a monstrous mug. Maybe these two Thurston County pizza joints could join forces and open Apollo Infernos House of Beer). But, we digress. This is the Tournament of Pizza, and this battle could get ugly.

• Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Ricardo's Restaurant vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

Ricardo's, the Italian restaurant in Lacey that is now open seven days a week, quietly dropped Smitty's Chicago Style and Farrelli's in DuPont. ... Let that sink in for a minute. Could their write-up in Home & Garden have anything to do with beating two strong opponents? Casa Mia couldn't care less. Five newspapers have dubbed it the best restaurant and/or pizza. Pizza Today Magazine wants to marry Casa Mia. Both have earned honors from the Capital Food & Wine Festival. Vote now, or forever hold your peace.

• Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)
• Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: STUFFED 16 BEGINS!

Game 1: Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma) vs. Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Game 4: Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey) vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

MONDAY, MARCH 28 >>>

1. It's Movie Night at Le Voyeur in Olympia. Grab some Chicken Fried Tofu, a beer, and chill out. Or if that doesn't tickle your fancy, gander at the Weekly Volcano's complete events calendar here.

2. Hey! Did you realize keyboardist Dana Nicole Haley performs every Monday at The New Frontier Lounge in Tacoma? It's true. Also exciting - the Volcano's comprehensive live local music listings, which can be found here.

3. You can get your dance on at Surreal Ultra Lounge - as it's "Euro Night." Just lose the baggy clothes and baseball hats.

4. O'Malley's recently kicked off its Monday open mic series, known as "Open Stage," hosted by Sevens Revenge. Seeing as it's Monday, they'll be back at it tonight. See pictures from the debut here, just to whet your whistle.

5. Catch Happy Hour at the Tacoma Children's Museum. No, seriously.

ON THE NATURE OF THEATER CRITICS >>>

I'm about to shoot myself in the foot, Gentle Reader. Wait for it...

Dear directors,

Theater critics are not your audience. You know this. You know you get standing ovations sometimes for shows we turn around and pan, but just as often, we praise productions that fail to recoup your investment. So what gives? Why are our tastes so often different from those of your patrons?

We're a varied lot, we critics, but invariably have two things in common. First, we love theater. We don't just like it, we love it. We're theater people, which means adult content never bothers us. We've heard cuss words and seen body parts live and in person so many times they don't even faze us anymore. Your audience may not be as tolerant. We're either gay or gay-friendly. Your audience may be downright gay-hostile.  The other thing we critics have in common is we're writers, which strongly implies we're also readers. We value wordplay and cleverness over physical shtick. If your audience = Leno, we = Letterman (or, in the case of younger critics, Conan). We're harder to please, but more forthcoming with praise. When we aren't writing about or engaging in theater, we talk about it, endlessly; dear God, our significant others often appear to be thinking, please make him or her stop. But we don't. And whatever abuse we may heap on a show in our reviews--well, I hate to tell you this, but it pales when compared to the salvos we fire against it in conversation. Theater matters to us. We expect you to do a great job. It's IMPORTANT. Your audience? Those folks just want a good time.

We've also seen it all before, meaning the same old theater war horses, so we value novelty more than your audience does. Neil Simon? Been there, done that. Rodgers and Hammerstein? Ho-hum. Martin McDonagh? Bring it on! Meanwhile, your patron base swarms out the door.

We critics don't pay your bills, theater managers. To be excessively frank, I doubt our work has much effect on the size of your houses. You're probably the only folks who read our work consistently, yet you let us in for free and, more often than not, lavish some of your best seats on our pale, flabby backsides. We do you little good at all.

BANG!

...See? I told ya.

So why do you let us in the door? Simple. Because down deep, even when our opinion completely disregards that of your audience, you know we're probably right. And what's more, you know we want you to succeed. We will always prefer to love your show than hate it; I know I speak for every critic in town when I say that. And we hope, Gentle Reader, we all hope--you hope, I hope--our mutual zeal for live performance will someday wash off on a mostly uncaring world. Your patrons are all wonderful people, but they don't seem to reproduce fast enough, do they?

Much love, respect, and compassion,

Your pal and fellow theater addict,

Christian Carvajal