I'm Maddie Scheutzow, an 18-year-old musical theatre lover whose social life is nonexistent. I am a senior at Tacoma School of the Arts and will be studying theatre next year in college. I'm about to start rehearsals for the 5^th Avenue Theatre's youth production of Oklahoma!, which is just about the most exciting thing ever.  In my spare time (which is rare) I enjoy knitting, watching Sex and the City, making spaghetti and shopping. I'm also a closeted writer. I absolutely love it, but I rarely get the opportunity to write about anything other a book I didn't read for English class. (Don't judge me.) I am very happy to have the opportunity to be here at the Volcano for the next few weeks.

If you would enjoy reading 140 witty characters typically revolving around the exhilarating life I lead, you can follow me on Twitter @MaddieScheutz.

My first day (Jan. 9) was short but enjoyable. I came in at 1 p.m. and Matt (who is my advisor) showed me an area where I could set up my laptop. I got right to work on entering information for the Concert Alert. It was a bit confusing at first, but I think I got the hang of it after a while. Later on, I read over and edited an article Matt sent me, and left a little after 3 p.m. In the words of Little Orphan Annie, "I think I'm gonna like it here!" (How dorky am I?)

Tuesday was quite lovely; I came in at 10 and was immediately sent out to take pictures of Kokonut, a new bar opening in Downtown Tacoma, and the Moonrise Café in Lakewood, which had a car crash into it that morning. Thank goodness my iPhone has GPS, otherwise I would probably still be out there driving around. Ron, who sent me out, also gave me precise instruction to take a picture of anything weird that I saw. Unfortunately, Downtown Tacoma was oddly calm this morning (probably because those strange SOTA kids are all in J-Term classes), and I didn't find anything particularly interesting to capture.  Even though I'm not much of a photographer, I had fun taking pictures of the two buildings. And one of my photos is already up online!

Tuesday afternoon I worked on entering more information for the Concert Alert as well as writing this splendid blog (which for some reason didn't post until today). I also got to proof some of the articles that ended up in this week's issue, and while I didn's see much wrong with them, it's still nice to get a chance to read them before they're printed. I had a fantastic second day.

DAYS THREE & FOUR >>>

On Wednesday I began working on an article I've been assigned by sending out a couple of emails and doing some research, although here we are 28 hours later and I've yet to hear back ... yikes. Good thing I have options.

Wednesday is a busy day in the office, because the paper goes to the press at 5 p.m. Halfway through the day articles started showing up on the walls in the hallway for proofing. Everyone in the office reads the final drafts and signs off on each one throughout the afternoon. I finished up the day by entering a few items to the Concert Alert before I left.

Thursday is much more relaxed, there were only a few of us in the office and I hS very little to do (mostly because I can't work on my article until I get a response...).

Yesterday Matt gave me two bags of Halfpops, half-popped popcorn, to try out. My thoughts? Odd, but good. Kind of like a classier version of Corn Nuts. There were two different flavors, "Natural Butter & Pure Ocean Sea Salt" and "Natural Aged White Cheddar." The latter was more intense as far as flavor (and bad breath) goes. While they're not very filling, I would recommend trying a bag ... just don't talk to anyone until you've brushed your teeth. You can find Halfpops at Met Market, apparently. 

In 2011 Tacoma was rated the "Most Romantic City" in the country, over places like Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, Calif., New Haven, Conn., and El Paso, Texas. Let's just let that sink in for a moment. Tacoma, the most romantic city in America... Seriously?

According to an equation based off of the number of Internet searches on all things "romantic" divided by number of searchers, Tacoma is Number One. While most of us have a hard time believing that, you can find some delightful Valentine's Day gifts and date ideas while roaming about the dreamy city of Tacoma.

If you're looking for something fun to do, London Couture is sponsoring an event called Sweet & Spicy: A Valentine's Day Burlesque at Theatre on the Square and Studio II. The event includes a dessert buffet, wine, shopping and performances by Kim Archer, as well as two of the greatest burlesque troupes you'll see in the Northwest, Gritty City Sirens and Tush! Burlesque. Sweet & Spicy will benefit two causes, the YWCA of Pierce County and the Broadway Center. Tickets are $40 and it's ages 21+. Find more info at BroadwayCenter.org.

Speaking of London Couture, if you want to find something classy yet sassy for your Valentine, definitely take a step inside this boutique on Broadway. I could spend hours in there trying everything on; it's all so unique! Plus, London Couture carries Tokyomilk, a line of lovely smelling soaps, lotions, candles, bubble baths and perfumes. London Couture is on 746 Broadway in downtown Tacoma.

Want to be a little more traditional? Farley's Flowers to Go on Sixth Avenue does a rose bouquet, teddy bear and chocolate bundle all for $100. Or, if you'd rather go for just the roses, it'll cost you $75. Farley's has been around for over 70 years. It's classic Tacoma romance.

Willow Spa on 21^st Avenue has a few specials going, including an hour-long facial and a brow wax for $60 or a foot and hand massage with a brow wax for $30. Nothing says romance like the gift of an eyebrow wax.

In years past, Dwell Home Decor (also on 21^st Avenue) has done a special Valentine's Day shopping event. And while Dwell isn't holding one this year, there are still lots of cute gifts inside. Some Valentiney, some not; it doesn't matter, it's all great. There is not one thing in there that wouldn't make a fabulous gift.

To keep with our Tacoma-love theme, stop by Brown & Haley on 26^th and Pacific for some almond, cashew, mocha or macadamia Roca. Locally made, delicious and packaged in one of those adorable heart-shaped boxes - you can't go wrong!

Still no idea what to get for your dreamboat? Just walk into Sanford & Son at 743 Broadway and be prepared to explore - three floors, 20 shops and zillions of things. Seriously. It's impossible not to find something in there. Sanford and Son has everything from 1950s magazines and books, to antique furniture pieces, to vintage dresses and shoes. Unique, fun, and very Tacoma.

A classy place for dinner is Pacific Grill. The restaurant starts its love fest a day early with a Valentine's special on both February 13 and 14.

Whether you want to believe it or not, you're spending Valentine's Day in Yelp.com's "Most Romantic City" of 2011, Tacoma. Congratulations. Mazel tov. Snaps. Start planning and shopping. And spread the love around this "romantic" town. 

READ ALL ABOUT IT >>>

Book clubs are one of the last vestiges we have of formally engaging conversations for groups of strangers. You can discover a lot about a person by learning their opinions on any piece of art, but books prove to be especially revealing.

Take, for instance, King's Books' Banned Book Club in Tacoma - a monthly get-together in which people discuss, appropriately, books that have been previously banned in some capacity. Books covered in the past by the Banned Book Club include a wide variety of genres, ranging from young adult fiction (The Hunger Games), to humorous essays (Naked), to nostalgic relics of childhood (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) to classically controversial titles (Of Mice and Men, The Color Purple, etc.).

Exploring why some of these books have been banned - and what the reader thinks about the validity of the controversies surrounding these books - can be an eye-opening experience, and a quick way to get to know someone.

The Banned Book Club meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Tempest Lounge. This month's book will be Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

If you're into more non-traditional storytelling, King's Books also hosts a Graphic Novel Book Club, which meets the second Monday of every month at 1022 South on Hilltop Tacoma.

Unfortunately for minors, both meet-up spots are 21+.

If you're in Olympia, and in need of a good book club, a great place to start is Orca Books. While Orca hosts a number of makeshift book clubs, the store also has its own flagship reading group, Orcapod, which meets the second Sunday of every month.

Past titles discussed by Orcapod include The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and The Way We Never Were (by Evergreen College professor Stephanie Coontz, by the way).

Orcapod is quick to advertise the possibility that Orca housecat (every book store needs one), Henry, just might spend some time on your lap while you talk about that month's selection. Sounds like a cozy way to spend a Sunday to me.

If you're a voracious reader, you could hit all three book club meet-ups in Tacoma and Olympia - food for thought.

[King's Books, 218 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801]

[Orca Books, 509 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia, 360.352.0123]

LINK: Upcoming South Sound literary events

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Hitchkick CD Release Party, with Midstokke. 9 pm. $5.

Amocat Cafe Tacoma - Triangle District. Amocat Live! featuring the Amocat House Band. All Ages. 7 pm.

C.I. Shenanigans Tacoma - Northend. Live Jazz. 7-10. NC.

Cork! A Wine Bar Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Louis Degal. 8 pm.

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

Eastside Club Tavern Olympia - Downtown. Mosquito Hawk, Iron Goat, Resident Kings, Dirty Birds. 9 pm.

Forza Wine Bar Gig Harbor. Kelsie Bahr. 7 pm.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Argonaut, Umber Sleeping, Ten Suns. 9 pm. $5.

Le Voyeur Olympia - Downtown. Feeding Frenzy, Brandon Reid. 10 pm.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Jonny Smokes, Jason Kertson, Amanda Hardy. All Ages. 8 pm.

Maxwell's Restaurant & Lounge Tacoma - Downtown. Lance Buller Trio. 7 pm.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Vile Red Falcons Album Release Party, with The Fuzz, Surreal Sutra. 9 pm.

The Red Room Tacoma - Downtown. Cowardice, Four Minute Mile, Rookie Town, Vincible, Undefined. All Ages. 6:30 pm. $5 with formal wear / $8 without.

The Royal Lounge Olympia - Downtown. Aaron Daniel's One Man Banned. 8 pm.

South Sound Manor Tumwater. Olympia Community Bluegrass Music Show, with The Blackberry Bushes Stringband, Mission Mountain, Black River Bluegrass. Proceeds benefit SafePlace, Bread & Roses. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Tempest Lounge Tacoma - Upper Tacoma. Nick Deongi. 7:30 pm. NC.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Cody Rentas Band. 8 pm.

The Warehouse House Party Tacoma - Downtown. Drew Grow, St. Paul De Vence, Sporty Lee. All Ages. 9 pm. Secret Password.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LINK: Friday the 13th events

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's Comment of the Day comes from Tacoma author Megan Bostic in response to the positive support she received after Weekly Volcano scribe Kristin Kendle wrote the feature story Close to home on the young author.

Megan writes,

I'm so thankful for living in such a supportive community. I hope I've done our fair city justice.

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT >>>

You know it's the most important meal of the day, but you just can't decide where to go. Let us help. The following breakfast meals were picked as the "best" by the Weekly Volcano staff and readers in our 2011 Best of Olympia almost a year ago. Enjoy.

Oh, and please vote in our 2012 Best of Olympia readers' poll. Thanks!

>>> BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTISAN BREAD

The Bread Peddler

Bon matin. Voulez-vous un baguette avec votre croissant? The answer to this question (would you like a baguette with your croissant?) is always yes. At least it should be when you're shopping at the Bread Peddler. Opened in 2006, The Bread Peddler is le spot numero un for gourmet breads and pastries in Olympia. Whether you're jonesing for an extra-crunchy Baguette au Levain or a scrumptious Apple Slipper, the Bread Peddler offers a multitude of choices to satisfy your urge for delicacy. French press coffee and a delicious weekend brunch menu round out this boulangerie's menu. Oh, wait, they have wine, too. C'est magnifique!   **Other great bakeries/dessert shops in the area: San Francisco Street Bakery and Tasha Nichole. - Brett Cihon

[222 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.1175]

>>> BEST PLACE TO GET AN APPLE FRITTER

Lattin's Cider Mill

Lattin's Cider Mill offers one hell of an apple fritter, but plan accordingly - They're only available on Saturday and Sunday. The fritters are hot, sweet and full of apple goodness, and you should come early to ensure they don't sell out. Lattin's also offers fresh local products, fresh produce, cider and pie. My favorite pie is the huckleberry - and it is worth the price. Lattin's is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in the spring with all the baby animals. - Brooke McKenzie

[9402 Rich Road SE, Olympia, lattinscider.com]

>>> MOST APPROACHABLE COFFEE EXPERT

Oliver Stormshak

Oliver Stormshak, the Green Coffee buyer and roaster at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., is a great local resource for all things java. Stormshak is down-to-earth, approachable and willing to explain almost anything about coffee. His 10 a.m. cupping sessions on Wednesdays at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. are something everyone should experience  - a great way to get in the know about coffee. At the cupping you slurp a selection of more than 10 coffees - straight up - while Stormshak leads you through the taste, scent, history and experience of each variety. - BM

[Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., 108 Cherry St. NE, Olympia,360.753.0066]

Readers' Picks

Best Donuts: Twisters Cafe & Espresso
Best Coffee: Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
Best Barista: Caffe Vita’s Angie Dalton
Best Pastry: The Bread Peddler
Best Breakfast: Darby’s Cafe

LINK: 2011 Best of Olympia issue

SATURDAY, JAN. 14, 2012 >>>

1. The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam continues at the Tacoma Dome today and all weekend - your best bet for seeing old beaten down cars rolled over by Grave Digger. Actually, it's the only place you're going to see old beaten down cars rolled over by Grave Digger.

2. Need further proof Tacoma is a bustling metropolitan with entertainment choices that run the gamut? Consider, for a moment, that the same weekend that promises monster truck action at the T-Dome also offers up the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and the company's romping take on some of musical theater's classics. Billed as, "... where The Mikado meets The Music Man; where the HMS Pinafore sets sail for Brigadoon; and where The Pirates of Penzance take shore leave On the Town," I've Got a Little Twist also brings to town some of Broadway's most heralded vocal talent. If you're down with musical theater, I've Got a Little Twist should be just your ticket.

3. In Olympia, the King's birthday has become synonymous with one man: Robert Washington - one of the world's top Elvis impersonators ... and a guy who happens to be black. To some this is controversial. To Washington, it's simply his calling. "I don't really think about it. I'm not going to let my color prevent me from being the best," Washington told the Weekly Volcano in 2004. Tonight in Olympia, Washington will be back in Oly at the Capitol Theater for the 12th annual "Elvis Birthday Bash." A screening of the film Almost Elvis, in which Washington is featured, will kick off at 7:30 p.m., with Washington taking the stage following the movie. 

4. Comedian Gabriel Iglesias isn't fat ... he's fluffy. Or so goes the joke. In truth, Iglesias is probably a little bit of both. Tonight, the well-known laugh-maker will bring his comic styling to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, offering fans of high-energy ranting a chance to catch Iglesias' magic in person - not just on late night Comedy Central reruns. According to promotion for the show, Iglesias' "high-octane show is a hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring all his personal issues to life." Plus, there'll be fat jokes.

5. The Children's Museum of Tacoma will celebrate its grand re-opening today at the museum's new location, 1501 Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma. Hype for the evening's swanky Grand Opening Gala promises, "an evening of art, entertainment, and playful surprises." But even before that, during the day today, experience the fun and entertainment provided by the museum's new digs during public play and exploration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in such things will surely enjoy the opening ceremony and remarks scheduled for 10:45 a.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

BURN BAN IS OFF! >>>

The fire marshall has turned off the burn ban for Pierce, King, Kitsap and Snohomish counties because winds are dispersing the air pollution that built up across the Puget Sound over the past week. You may fire up now.

For those who like charts, click here. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE IN TACOMA >>>

Photographer and Clearance Cuisine blogger Benjamin Toombs periodically sends me shots he has snapped around Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. My jaw not only hits the floor, it runs around the room in circles after viewing his magnificent work, such as the fisheye/panoramic he took above.

Restaurant design and supply company Bargreen Ellingson had a major hand in C.I. Shenanigans's bar remodel, which went down after New Year's Eve. Bargreen hired Toombs to shoot a time-lapse of the remodel. Check out the final product below.

LINK: Toombs photography company Miso Studios