SUNDAY, DEC. 18, 2011 >>>

1. You're either old or you play Pokémon. Deal with it. Or drive the point home today at The Game Matrix on South Tacoma Way when Lakewood's installment of the 2011 Pokémon City Championships goes down - starting at 11 a.m. According to promotional hype, this officially sanctioned event is free to play and intended for Pokémon players of all ages and skill levels (Note: Anyone born after 1996 *gulp* qualifies for the "Masters Division). "Players will compete in exciting one-on-one battles as they vie for the prestigious title of Pokémon City Champions," according to the release. "Players at this weekend's Play! Pokémon City Championships will also be playing for Championship Points, which are awarded to top finishers at al Pokémon Championship Series events. Championship Points are a new addition t the Play! Pokémon season, giving Pokémon TCG players more chances to reach their ultimate goal - earning an invitation to the Pokémon World Championship in Hawaii next August." Did you even realize there was a Pokémon World Championship, Oldie McOlderson? Of course not. Now you do.

2. What's better than celebrating the birthday of a good friend? What about celebrating the birthday of a good friend that consistently provides you with drinks and a place to play shuffleboard? OK, OK ... what if we throw in some aerialists from Tallhouse Arts Consortium, free pizza and "lots of love," according to an esteemed member of the BroHo's staff (who may or may not be Nikki Talotta)? If you astutely observed that absolutely nothing is better than the aforementioned scenario you're a lot smarter than your parents give you credit for. Help The Brotherhood celebrate its anniversary in style tonight.

3. You have the tree picked out, every box of yard decorations categorized, and the yuletide music at full blast. Now all you need are some choice movies to fully embrace the reason for the season. At this time of year, more than any other (with Halloween as a possible exception), we use films as a way of connecting to that elusive holiday spirit. And The Grand Cinema in Tacoma continues this tradition this week with multiples screenings of the 1947 holiday classic, Miracle on 34^th Street, including today at 2:05 p.m. If this film doesn't get you in the holiday spirit we don't know what will.

4. Jazz guitarist Michael Powers headines the Christmas Jazz show tonight at Marine View Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. The show is all ages and starts at 5 p.m.

5. Join the Sunday Blues Jam Night at Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill in Spanaway tonight, hosted by Shelly Ely. The good times run from 7 - 10 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight