If you're one of those daisies who can't quite commit to even being a Tacoman despite having lived here for more than a year, or if you're new and need to understand the ethos and pathos of Tacoma in a manner that will help you appreciate this city, Conversations RE:Tacoma, an ad hoc group, has taken it upon themselves to educate your sorry ass on Tacoma's built environment - past, present and future.

Conversations RE:Tacoma will do this through a three-part lecture series specifically designed to enhance your love of T-town. Tacoma is not all deserted spaces and Pabst specials, although it's also not entirely without those gems either.

The first lecture - "From Here to There," Thursday, Sept. 19 - will focus on transportation-oriented development and its integration into the livable city, to quote the press release. Prof. Ali Modarres, director of the University of Washington Tacoma's Urban Studies; Tina Lee, principal planner at Pierce Transit; and Rick Williams, transportation management expert and parking consultant in Portland, Ore. will knock around ideas while moderator Peter Callaghan, The News Tribune columnist, keeps the conversation flowing. Appropriately, the conversation will be held at the LeMay America's Car Museum.

Future Conversations include a chat on housing issues Oct. 10 and social roles Nov. 21.

After each lecture, the speakers and moderator - Callaghan for all three - encourage the audience to carry the Conservations to a nearby pub. The New Frontier Lounge will host the first after lecture chat.

Individual pre-paid tickets are $7.50 a pop, or $20 for all three, and available at ReTacoma.com. If you're keeping Conversations to a minimum, you may purchase a $10 at the door.

CONVERSATIONS RE:TACOMA - "FROM HERE TO THERE," 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, LeMay America's Car Museum, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma, $7.50-$10, ReTacoma.com