Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: June, 2011 (198) Currently Viewing: 41 - 50 of 198

June 7, 2011 at 3:10pm

RAINIERS MINUTE: Bats gone wild!

TACOMA'S BOYS OF SUMMER BATTING AROUND >>>

Last night, the Rainiers (26-33) won by a score of 24-3. We repeat: last night the Tacoma Rainiers won a nine-inning baseball game against the Tucson Padres by a score of 24-3.

Rather than rattle off a string of enthusiastic expletives to convey what we here at the Volcano feel about such an ass kicking, we thought some quotes from a Tuscon Padres' press release would better express the implications of such a beating. ...

"The Tacoma Rainiers batted around in four different innings Monday, beating the Tucson Padres 24-3. The loss established new marks for the Tucson Padres in runs allowed, hits allowed (22) and margin victory by an opponent...The Padres used a position player on the mound for the second consecutive night, with catcher Guillermo Quiroz pitching the ninth... Padres reliever Scott Munter was ejected in the seventh inning for arguing balls and strikes from the mound...."

And this is only a snippet. It neglects to mention that Michael Saunders went to bat an astounding seven times. It neglects to mention that every Tacoma batter except Luis Jimenez had at least one hit. It neglects to mention that the Rainiers have scored 40 runs in the past two days.

Oh, wait. The press release does mention that. But in our humble opinion, it should be mentioned at least twice. Because 40 runs in two games is crazy. Crazy.

-Perhaps the most telling incidence of the Rainiers' dominance over the past two games (the Rainiers lost the first game of the series 8-12) is the Padres calling on position players to pitch. In Sunday's 16-8 thumping at the hands of the Rainiers, the Padres used outfielder Bobby Kielty. Yesterday catcher Guillermo Quiroz took the ball. A catcher on the mound? The Padres were desperate. Imagine the Rainiers sending Josh Bard to the hill.

-Actually, Bard probably has a mean split-finger. What do you say, Mr. Manager Darren Brown? Send Bard in as a late inning set up man? It couldn't hurt. According to Curto, the Rainiers could use a little consistency in their pen.

-In other great news, outfielder Mike Carp was once again named the PCL Player of the Week. This is due in no small part to his twenty-one game hit streak, his multiple homeruns and his all around awesomeness. Our editor Matt ‘I think Carp should run for mayor' Driscoll suggested we devote another blog to Carp, but we decided otherwise. Barely decided otherwise.

-In future Rainier baseball news, the MLB draft started yesterday. The Seattle Mariners surprised many area bloggers by drafting 21-year-old left-hander Danny Hultzen. Right after the pick, the message boards lit up with hate and confusion; otherwise known as message boards as usual.

The Rainiers finish up their series against Tucson tonight at 7 p.m.. If the team continues its upward trend, the Rainiers will score roughly 36 runs in the ballgame. And since tonight is KRAFT singles Tuesday Night at the ballpark in Tucson, we wouldn't be surprised if the Rainiers hit a lot of singles. It would only be fitting.

LINK: The "Rainiers Minute" collection

Filed under: Sports, Tacoma, Rainiers Minute,

June 7, 2011 at 5:26pm

Tonight: NBC's "The Voice" opens things up to the viewers

Vicci Martinez will need your vote next week. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger

RIDING VICCI MARTINEZ'S COATTAILS ALL THE WAY TO STARDOM >>>

Have you been watching NBC's The Voice for the past few weeks? Because it's nuts. The perversity of having competitors sing a duet together to determine who will be advancing to the next round makes for some incredibly awkward and surprisingly compelling television (even if, as it turns out, the judges have their preferences from which they rarely stray [I'm looking at you, Aguilera]).

As I said before, I will be here to keep you up to date on our very own Vicci Martinez's progress as she moves through the competition. Four weeks ago, Martinez blew away her competition and advanced to the next stage in the competition, which will open the voting up to viewers.

Well, that stage begins tonight, although it is my understanding (from what was said at a pre-show meet-and-greet at her recent Jazzbones performance) that she will not be on tonight's episode, but rather next week's. On the off-chance I was given some misinformation (and it seems as if Martinez herself has been kept in the dark about the schedule), why not watch the show tonight? I swear, it's weird.

Look, alls I knows is that we'd better come out in fucking droves when it comes time to vote Martinez through. I will not accept defeat! And trust me, the competition is not that steep. We can do this, people. Just stop acting like you don't care long enough to dial a stinking number and we'll be fine.

Filed under: Music, Tacoma, Screens,

June 7, 2011 at 5:40pm

COMMENT OF THE DAY: Going way back

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Phillip-F in response to a Steph DeRosa "3 Drink Minimum" column from 2010 on the Bonney Lake Tavern.

Phillip-F writes,

I have been going into the BLT for about 6 months. what keeps me going back is the warm and friendly staff. I have never seen a group work as hard as they do, smiling all the while. it's like watching ballet. The food is great American greasy spoon fare. If you want to eat healthy, why are you eating in a bar? (O_0)

June 8, 2011 at 10:01am

5 Things to Do Today: Air Stream Safari, Classic book Club, Free Bingo Night, College Night at Masa ...

Air Stream Safari

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 >>>

1. If you need something to shake the mid-week doldrums, check into Wednesday Sessions at Jazzbones, tonight with Air Stream Safari. Or, if that's not your musical cup of tea, find the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

2. Tacoma's Classic Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month - which just so happens to be today. The action starts at 7 p.m. at King's Books, and this month's classic is Bound For Glory by Woody Guthrie.  Or, if you're looking for something else, browse the Volcano's comprehensive arts and entertainment calendar here.

3. It's Free Bingo Night at Applini's Clean and Sober Club in Puyallup. Who doesn't love free bingo?

4. Wednesday  night at Masa in Tacoma means College Night. According to the hype, "Your Girlfriend's Favorite DJ spins," and there's no cover for the ladies before 10 p.m.

5. Vote for Tacoma's best baristas, politicians, bloggers, bartenders and local businesses in the only 253 "Best Of" issue that matters. The Volcano's annual Best of Tacoma issue publishes July 28, and this year's readers' poll launched last week. Let your vote be heard now! Find all the details here.

June 8, 2011 at 10:39am

Advice on how to deal with the call up of Mike Carp

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE EASY >>>

So far the Tacoma Rainiers have played exactly 60 games this season.

It's been easy to fall in love with Mike Carp.

As those who follow the team know, Carp caught FIRE for the Rainiers in early May and never cooled off - carrying a 20+ game hit streak and a homer every-other-day average through almost two months. It was Minor League Baseball domination at its finest.

In a move that came as a surprise to absolutely no one, Carp was finally called up to the Majors yesterday, and may make his 2011 Mariners debut today for the so far woefully inept offense. Hopefully he'll help.

That said, how can Tacoma fans not be sad to see Carp go? He's been the man so far this year. He's been unstoppable. How will we cope with the loss? Can we really expect Mike Wilson, who makes his return to the Rainiers after being called up in May, to fill the void?

And what the heck am I going to Tweet about if not my sick-ass #MikeCarpTattoo?

These are all questions that need answers. Here are a couple suggestions, and a video that's not actually as sentimental as the music fist suggests. (Note: It's also from 2009 - and Carp is even more awesome looking these days).

WAYS TO DEAL WITH MIKE CARP'S CALL-UP:

1. Sleeping - It's easy, it takes the pain away, and it's not hard to dose off when the Rainiers pitching staff is giving up double-digit run totals.

2. Drinking - It's easy, it takes the pain away, and it's not hard to tie one when the Rainiers pitching staff is giving up double -digit run totals.

3. Look at the bright side - Hey, maybe Carp will help the Mariners at the plate, become a star in Seattle, get a polar bear jacket, and then forget about little ol- T-Town when embarking on record release tours. It's happened before.

4. Keep perspective - Remember that last time Carp was in the Bigs he struggled, failing to bat .200 in 14 plate appearances and looking nothing like the dominant machine he's been so far in AAA Tacoma. Who knows? Carp may be back in T-Town before we know it.

5. Move on - Schedule an appointment with a laser clinic to get your sick-ass #MikeCarpTattoo removed.

Filed under: Tacoma, Music, Rainiers Minute,

June 8, 2011 at 12:16pm

PERSON, PLACE or THING with Steph DeRosa: Old Milwaukee Cafe

Pass the syrup! Photography by Steph DeRosa

 

GET BACONIZED >>>

This week...

Place: Old Milwaukee Café in Tacoma

1992: Originally called WG Sandwiches

1993-95: Also opened Old Milwaukee Baking Co.

1992-95: Inside Freighthouse Square

Somewhere during that time: Sandwich shop is sold

1995: Moved to South Tacoma Way

1995: Became Old Milwaukee Cafe

Serving: Breakfast & lunch

1997: Moved to Sixth Avenue location

I think: I got the dates right

Because: I am thoroughly confused

Oh, you are too?: Good. 

To read this week's full column click here.

[Old Milwaukee Café, 3102 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.761.2602]

June 8, 2011 at 4:51pm

WHAT’S THE WORD with Josh Rizeberg: The DJ

DJ Quiet Storm

SOME OF THE SOUTH SOUND'S BEST >>>

It all started with the DJ.

This ain't a Hip-Hop 101, class, so I'm not going to break down the history, but when hip-hop started in the South Bronx, the DJ was the most important element. Fast-forward 30-some years and it's not quite the same. A lot of shows nowadays don't even have a DJ. There's just a guy playing the MC's music via a flash drive or a CD player.

Thankfully there are a few DJs left around making sure we don't forget.

To read this week's full column click here.

Filed under: Tacoma, Music,

June 8, 2011 at 5:27pm

What a picture is worth

FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS FROM OLY >>>

One of the most unsentimental people I know, my dad has for decades hung onto precisely one of the gifts that I've given him: a glass paperweight that holds a school picture of me as a grinning second-grader.

It's the photo he likes - although I also made it myself (if cutting the photo into a circle and inserting it in the bottom of the paperweight counts as a craft project).

For those a little more crafty than I, Olympia's (re)fabulous has an updated idea along these lines: The sewing studio and cafe offers a class on making Dad a padded cover for his laptop, iPad or electronic book, and decorating it with a favorite photo.

The class will be offered three times: Saturday, June 11; Sunday, June 12; and Saturday, June 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at (re)fabulous, 1025 Black Lake Blvd. The cost is $35.

Sewers will need a yard of medium- or heavy-weight cotton fabric and a jpeg of their image - and the measurements of the gadget to be covered.

Call 360.489.1852 to reserve a spot in one of the classes. For more information, go to www.refabulousyou.com.

Filed under: All ages, Arts, Holidays, Olympia,

June 8, 2011 at 5:48pm

COMMENT OF THE DAY: Short and sweet

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Aly J in response to editor Matt Driscoll's questionable online pasting of the most recent Robert "The Traveller" Hill press release, a post that included descriptions of Hill's scent.

Aly J writes,

Two words. Rotten Cinnamon.

June 9, 2011 at 9:36am

5 Things to Do Today: Mahnhammer, "Journey from Zanskar," Nate Jackson's Super Funny Comedy Show ...

Rock with Mahnhammer tonight at the New Frontier Lounge.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 >>>

1. Catch Mahnhammer, Hands of Toil and the Heroine tonight at the New Frontier Lounge in Tacoma. Or, if that's not your ticket, browse the Volcano's extensive South Sound live local music listings here.

2. Drop into the Grand Cinema today when Oscar-nominated writer-director Frederick Marx visits Tacoma with his 2010 documentary Journey from Zanskar, which is about Tibetan monk Geshe Lobsang Yonten, who seeks to help his small, impoverished community of Zanskar survive.

3. Mosey through either the Downtown Tacoma  Broadway Farmers Market, or down south the famous Olympia Farmers Market. Or, if neither option sounds quite right, mosey through the Volcano's comprehensive arts and entertainment calendar here.

4. On Thursdays Nate Jackson busts out his "Super Funny Comedy Show" at Varsity Grill. From what we understand, it's "super funny."

5. Vote for Tacoma's best baristas, politicians, bloggers, bartenders and local businesses in the only 253 "Best Of" issue that matters. The Volcano's annual Best of Tacoma issue publishes July 28, and this year's readers' poll launched last week. Let your vote be heard now! Find all the details here.

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News and entertainment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s most awesome weekly newspapers - The Ranger, Northwest Airlifter and Weekly Volcano.

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