THE WEEK OF JAN. 17-23, 2013 >>>

In this week's issue of the Weekly Volcano ...

Talking to Tacomans Chiara Wood and Prof. Kate Stirling, you get the idea they know something you don't. It has something to do with the Happiness Initiative Project, which they are still kind of working out. The Happiness Initiative Project is about economics, and measuring the success of economic models based on one fundamental criterion - the happiness of the people who live within them. Read Paul Schrag's interview with Wood and Prof. Stirling here.

Forty-five years ago John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised black-gloved fist in the air and the whole world took note. That image remains indelible even today. The event was the Olympics in Mexico City. Smith had won the gold medal in the 200 meter race and Carlos had won bronze. They mounted the victory stand and raised their fists in a black power salute as a statement about how far the United States still had to go in its struggle for full civil rights. It was one of the most overtly political statements ever made in the Olympics. Carlos and Smith were called heroes by some, traitors by others. Carlos will lecture Tuesday at the University of Puget Sound. Alec Clayton revisted the black power salute with Carlos.

Ricos Taco truck has re-parked at the Tacoma gas station after several issues. Having built a hearty clientele of authentic Mexican food lovers since opening in April 2012, the owners of Ricos experienced a couple of setbacks during the summer, including a car accident totaling their truck. Ricos dream of expansion was smashed with the smash; Ricos Taco Truck II was garaged until the original truck could be rebuilt. Jackie Fender drops by Ricos Tacos for a taste.

There is an old expression in show business that goes something like this: "All comedians want to be rock stars, and all rock stars want to be funny." This Friday, the Backstage Bar and Grill and Puddin' Pie Productions melds the two genres with their Rockin' Comedy Extravaganza featuring two bands and five comedians grabbing the stage respectively. Nikki McCoy has the story behind the event.

As with any talky drama, Lakewood Playhouse's production of The Children's Hour depends on compelling, charismatic performances. What it gets, Christian Carvajal is obliged to say, is a mixed bag. Read his review of the show here.

LINK: Music picks of the week

LINK: Hip-Hop 4 Homeless show