WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Election Results: Super Best of Tacoma Doorbeller Anders Ibsen and Karen Smitherman emerged victorious, and other winners (News Tribune)

Too Expensive: State officials still chugging along toward improving passenger train service through Pierce County. (News Tribune)

You Might Be Dead: Administration incorrectly declares about 14,000 Americans dead. (CNN)

His Story: Roger Ebert has posted the opening pages of his memoir on his website. (Chicago Sun-Times)

The Light Is On: Booklamp helps you find new books by comparing the content of the books themselves. (booklamp.org)

Record Set: Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne sets record on iTunes. (New York Times)

Nice: Jeff Buckley movies on the way. (gothamist)

LINK: We added 15 new South Sound happy hours

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17, 2011 >>>

1. Jazzbones welcomes Phasers on Kill tonight, straight off a show last Friday night at Hell's Kitchen, and almost surely packing as much pop-punk punch as ever. It probably wasn't hard for Jazzbones' GM Dan Rankin to seal the deal on this show ... as he plays bass in the band. It can also be assumed that anyone who went to high school in the early-to-mid '90s and still holds an affinity for the cavity causing punk rock of the period will find something to enjoy in Phasers on Kill. Tonight's gig at Jazzbones is free.

2. Judging purely by name only, tonight's Shotgun Red and The Moonshiners show at Buffino's Golden West Restaurant and Lounge in South Tacoma has to kick ass, right?

3. Today would be a sweet day to see a movie. Perhaps Tabloid, or The Help, or Another Earth, or even Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Probably not 30 Seconds or Less though...

4. Can you hang with members of the Tacoma Wheelman Bicycle Club? Find out this morning during the weekly "Fairly Fast 40," described as, "A fast paced (over 16 mph), hilly, 40 mile training ride, led by members of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club." The ride takes off from the Proctor Starbucks at 9:30 a.m. Get in on the action.

5. The Steilacoom Summer Concert Series welcomes Caribbean Vision Steel Drum Band to Pioneer Park tonight at 6:30 p.m. Like any good public park music series, it's free and all ages.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight!

NEW >>>

When Caffe Dei hit the scene last year, foodies raved about the bakery's vegan approach and tasty coffee. Foodies still rave.

A week ago, the spot made a change. They changed bakers. The maybe too-big-for-their-britches baked goods supplier out of Seattle made too many tardy drops. They're out. Caffe Dei now serves tasty goods from Blazing Bagels, also out of Seattle. This morning I munched on the new blueberry scone - a thumbs up treat that's sweet, salty, doughy and moist. 

Also, Dei's coffee bean supplier periodically drops off mystery blends. Today's mysterious blend produced a smooth Sasquatch, which is Dei's cappuccino and Americano love child. Try it.

Oh, and Bremerton artist Dave Ryan, also known as Manicore, has another show hanging in the Sixth Avenue coffee house. Love his wacky pop culture art.

OK, that's it.

Caffe Dei

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
2607 Sixth Ave., Tacoma
253.572.2550

THIS WEEK >>>

Thing: Lemon bars

Made by: Melanie Manista-Rushforth

I just call her: Melanie Rushforth

I will not: Respect her hyphenated name

Mainly because: I'm lazy

If it were up to me: I'd just call her Mel

Which, actually: I will start calling her Mel

No, wait: I don't like the name Mel

But I do like: Her lemon bars

To read what the hell this is about, click here.

TACOMA REPRESENT >>>

The University of Washington is No. 1 nationwide on Sierra magazine's 2011 list of "Coolest Schools" - college and universities recognized for their efforts to stop global warming and to operate sustainably. The "Coolest Schools" are featured as the cover story of Sierra's September/October issue.

The University of Washington has appeared on the annual list ever since it was launched by Sierra in 2007. The rating is for the UW's three campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma. Yes, the Tacoma campus played a role in achieving the green designation.

"Placing first in sustainability for our campus is an honor," said Lia Wetzstein, instructional supervisor andco-chairwoman of the UW Tacoma Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability in a press release. "I feel like it's a responsibility to be a leader in sustainability in higher education."

Let's read the press release:  

At UW Tacoma, the Cherry Parkes and Mattress Factory buildings achieved LEED Silver certification, Philip Hall achieved Gold, and the Joy building is awaiting confirmation of the top rating of Platinum. In an example of the university's use of recycled materials, the Joy building also incorporated guardrails and screens made of salvaged beams and columns.

Meanwhile, the university's planned Hood Corridor project is being designed to meet goals in alternative transportation, energy reduction and water quality. The project, which will transform a historic rail corridor to park space, will include bike and pedestrian pathways that connect to the Prairie Line Trail through Tacoma and feature energy-efficient LED lighting. UW Tacoma is collaborating with the City of Tacoma on a system along the corridor to improve the quality of stormwater that currently flows untreated into the Foss Waterway.

On the academic front, the sustainability committee is working to create an interdisciplinary minor in sustainability. 

In other efforts, UW Tacoma:

• Students maintain a composting station and "Giving Garden" to provide produce to the community.
• Plans to install recharging stations for electric vehicles in the parking garage of the Court 17 apartment complex.
• Plans to develop a central energy plant incorporating a low temperature loop and geothermal heat exchange to achieve campus carbon neutrality by 2030.
• Begins a project Monday to replace aging heat pumps and air conditioning chiller units in several buildings with energy-efficient models that use an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Schools were ranked on 10 factors: efficiency, energy, food, academics, purchasing, transportation, waste management, administration, financial investments and other initiatives. The complete list of "cool schools" is available at http://www.sierraclub.org/coolschools. 

Other local schools on the list

The Evergreen State College ranked Ninth

Pacific Lutheran University ranked 24th

Comment On This Post

SEE YOUR FUTURE, BE YOUR FUTURE >>>

The City of Tacoma is encouraging residents, business owners and city employees to offer their input on the selection of a new city manager via a new survey.

"Tacoma is a diverse community and we want the process to be open and inclusive," said Mayor Marilyn Strickland in a statement released by the city. "We look forward to hearing what skills and attributes the community would like to see in the next City Manager."

Citizens can weigh in with their opinions by taking the survey here. The survey results will be available on the City's website at www.cityoftacoma.org, shared with the search firm and City Council members.

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Jackie Stephen-Rogers in response to  yesterday's PLU intern blog on National Rum Day.

Stephen-Rogers writes,

The Stonegate, without a doubt, is....in my opinion the best club in town. They have outstanding food, the kitchen is spotless and the entertainment, awesome! As well as, being the largest local Rum Bar! Jeff and servers have always been gracious (even if I was only having soda. not rum)! And I hope you did all see the pictures of Captain Morgans "Morganettes" there at The Stonegate, for the Captains Birthday Bash. They even gave away a cruise!!

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Gas War: There's a high-stakes court between oil giant BP and a longtime Tacoma franchise owner going down and it could affect you. (News Tribune)

One Step Closer: Tacoma's Planning Commission is sending its recommendation for an overhaul of Tacoma shoreline rules to the Tacoma City Council. (News Tribune)

Stock Plunge: Turmoil returned to the U.S. stock market today. (CNN)

Tale Of Two Economies: In a national economy that is barely growing, Seattle may help the U.S. avoid another round of recession. Even here, though, the areas of opportunity are pretty limited. (Crosscut)

All Is Not Jolly In England: Two 20-somethings were sentenced to four years in prison for trying to organize riots through two Facebook events. (Guardian)

"The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie": Red Hot Chili Peppers go all "Where The Streets Have No Name" on their new video. (NME)

"I Love Furry Hot Water Bottles": Stevie Nicks lists "25 Things You Don't Know About Me." (US Magazine)

Yes, I'd Like A Skinny Bethuccino: How about a cup o' joe from a KISS-themed coffeehouse? (huffingtonpost)

LINK: Stuff At Night

THURSDAY, AUG. 18, 2011 >>>

1. The "artistic revival" of Hilltop is in full effect. If you haven't taken notice you're missing the boat. Today offers a chance to gather at Fulcrum Gallery for a reception -- going by the name Hilltopatomic -- featuring music, poetry and spoken word. 6 Deep the Messenger will go hard with the spoken word, Miz Floes will delve into the poetry, Makeup Monsters and Tallest Tree will dole out the indie rock, and Jalen, DJ Broam, E.S. and Chonie Diego will break out the electronic goodness. Earlier in the evening a year of Spaceworks Tacoma will be celebrated at surrounding venues.

2. We've recommended the Third Thursday Artwalk plenty of times. And we've recommended the Art Bus to help you navigate the Artwalk almost as much. Separately, we've been a big proponent of Tacoma City Councilman David Boe, he of the shaved head and much-needed progressive urban design ideas. This month it all converges, as the Third Thursday Artwalk Art Bus welcomes celebrity tour guide David Boe. Have your Boe and eat it too. Or something.

3. Pine Hill Haints perform tonight at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.

4. Wayne's Inn in Puyallup continues its "Beer Garden Summer Nights," tonight welcoming Kickstart & Kashmir.

5. Spend the afternoon at the Tacoma Broadway Farmers Market. There's goodness everywhere you look.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight!

ARTS COVERAGE TO END ALL ARTS COVERAGE >>>

At this point it goes without saying. If you're looking for coverage of local arts in Tacoma, Olympia, and all points in between, the Weekly Volcano is THE place to find it. Our goal is to consistently provide the best local arts coverage possible to our fantastic readers -- always be on the lookout for ways to shine a light on all the awesome creativity we see around us.

Here's a look at the Volcano arts coverage waiting for you this week in print and online.

VISUAL EDGE: Vladimir Shakov & Chris Wooten at Sandpiper Gallery

(Silver gelatin print from the Drawing Room series by Vladimir Shakov Photo courtesy Sandpiper Gallery)

You get the feeling husband and wife artists Vladimir Shakov and Chris Wooten inspire and influence each other - even though their artworks have nothing in common. In their joint exhibition at Sandpiper Gallery, Shakov shows shimmering photos of nudes wrapped in semi-transparent fabrics complemented by Wooten's wire tree sculptures. - Alec Clayton

LOCAL MOVIE BIZ BUZZ: PACIFICA

The rendering of Pacifica's dismal world feels complete in only nine minutes, yet writer and first-time director Charles Chadwick doesn't rush the pacing. Facts and information reveal themselves quietly through ambience, music and dialogue. - Christopher Wood

FEATURE: 25 NEW FACES OF INDEPENDENT FILM

(ALMA HAR’EL: The LA-based filmmaker is one of this year’s 25 Faces)

When the Grand Cinema threw the first annual 25 New Faces of Independent Film Festival last year, it was a kind of palm-to-forehead moment - an idea that seemed so inspired and so obvious at the same time. The concept had been staring us in the face, and it finally materialized in Tacoma. - Rev. Adam McKinney

THE LION FEATURE: COFFEE AND ART

(Israel Hickey pictured at Metronome Coffee. Photo courtesy of Adam Monohon)

Recently I sat down with Israel Hickey, currently of Metronome Coffee and employed in the coffee scene for the last 10 years, and Adam Monohon, a local fine art photographer, to talk about where the world of art stands with the world of coffee.

As a town, Tacoma is an enigma - not quite big, but definitely not small. For artists it can be difficult to find strong venues. "I feel like in this town people are more likely to practice whatever art they have in a coffee shop setting," Hickey offers, saying Tacoma needs coffee shops to be a safe place to go for artists to display. He doesn't feel like Tacoma has reached that point yet. -- Alexander A. Youngblood

PLUS: More local theater coverage than you can shake a stick at

PLUS: Comprehensive Arts and Events Calendar

PLUS: Ferrets doing cute things