WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23 2013 >>>

1. Apparently the James Carpenter in the Museum of Glass's Hot Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. isn't the 6-foot-5, 321 pounds offensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, but rather the glass artist born in Washington and raised in New England, who collaborated with Dale Chihuly from 1969 to 1974 on a series of sculptures. Today, he's known as a designer/artist for buildings, such as the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and 7 World Trade Center.

2. A reception for Dorothy McCuistion, whose art is currently on display at the Gig Harbor campus of Tacoma Community College, will be held at the Gig Harbor campus from 4-6:30 p.m. The exhibit, "Old Friends in a New Place," will be on display through Dec. 10. McCuistion works in art forms including monotype printmaking and painting in watercolor, acrylic and encaustic.

3. Are you transit curious? Are you a drinker? Want to take the bus and drink but not sure where to start? Tired of watching trains whiz by while you sit in traffic on the way to the bar? Maybe you just want to save money on gas for drinking? October is Try Transit Month offering the resources, motivation, and incentives to get you on the bus - such as drinks. The Downtown On The Go folks want you to take the bus more, so they've organized a bus crawl tonight. At 5 p.m., meet at 11th and Pacific Avenue. The first 40 people on the bus will enjoy a comfortable ride to The Eleven Eleven, The Red Hot and Dirty Oscar's.

4. Speeding Kills Bears will rock Jazzbones at 7 p.m. If you encounter Speeding With Bears, do not run. Avoid direct eye contact. Walk away slowly, if Speeding Kills Bears is not approaching. If the band charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Don't scream or yell. Speak in a soft monotone voice and wave your arms to let the band know you are human. If you have pepper spray, prepare to use it. If the band charges to within 25 feet of where you're standing, use the spray. If the band makes contact, curl up into a ball on your side, or lie flat on your stomach. Try not to panic; remain as quiet as possible until the attack ends. While in Jazzbones, be aware that you may encounter Speeding Kills Bears at any time. Be sure the band has left the area before getting up to seek help.

5. In 2011, readers of this fine rag voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to its well drink Wednesdays. Two dollar well drinks after 7 p.m. Are you kidding? That's, like, riding the train to funkytown for only eight bucks. Yes, please. The kitchen stays open to midnight. Choo, choooo!

LINK: Wednesday, Oct. 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area