Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: February, 2014 (155) Currently Viewing: 91 - 100 of 155

February 17, 2014 at 7:37am

Monday Morning Joe: Navy wins, threats of climate change, "True Detective" answers ...

Walk around Olympia's Capitol Lake then sip espresso at neighboring Traditions Cafe.

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 2.17.14 >>>

The U.S. Navy would get the largest chunk of the additional $36 billion the White House is considering giving to the Pentagon for fiscal 2016.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of stonewalling in peace talks and called on Russia to push its ally to negotiate with opposition leaders.

Amid concerns that the current policy in Syria is failing, U.S. officials are developing new options to bring about an end to the three-year civil war,

Secretary of State John Kerry drove home a hard line on the threats of climate change Sunday, saying they rank as high as terrorism threats.

The Pentagon and the U.S. Congress have begun the tedious effort of reviewing decades of antiquated, cumbersome defense acquisition policies to speed up the defense procurement process and get more bang for the buck.

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un should face international justice for ordering systematic torture and mass killings.

Group shines a light on victim backlash in military sex assaults.

The Obama administration is making contingency plans to use air bases in Central Asia to conduct drone missile attacks in northwest Pakistan.

There's an invasion of drone flights far beyond the policing ability of the Federal Aviation Administration.

What do you do with a bomb shelter when you're no longer getting Blitzed by the Nazis?

45 things you might not know about the presidents.

What is human nature?

True Detective: The answer is there. Have you figured it out?

It's impossible for anyone to see the new season of Game of Thrones ... unless you're the president.

Preview the new season of Orange is the New Black, which returns June 6.

Michael Keaton says he has talked to Tim Burton about a possible Beetlejuice sequel. If Winona's in, I'm in.

Finally: Back to the Future, Firefly and Goonies action figures

And then there's this ...

February 17, 2014 at 8:05am

5 Things To Do Today: "Works In Progress," Civil War exhibit, St. Practice Day grand prize and more ...

Catch "Works In progress" tonight at the urban Grace Church in downtown Tacoma.

MONDAY, FEB. 17 2014 >>>

1. Now this is an idea whose time has come. Barefoot Collective and MLKBallet perform in-process works for a small audience in a relaxed atmosphere, where the dancers show the audience how the dance was created. For audience members, this is an opportunity to experience live theater and get a rare glimpse into the creative process of artists in all types of performing arts. After the performance, the audience can ask questions and offer feedback. Check out Works In Progress at 7:30 p.m. in the Urban Grace Studio.

2. It might be 2014 to the rest of the world, but to the Washington State History Museum it's 1849. The downtown Tacoma museum will open "Civil War Pathways in the Pacific Northwest" at 10 a.m., an exhibit focusing on the Civil War's impact on the Pacific Northwest. 

3. University of Puget Sound business professor and an alum entrepreneur will talk about their adventure in launching a video game business at 8 p.m. in Schneebeck Concert Hall.

4. Doyle's Public House's final St. Practice Day goes down at 8 p.m. when the 10 finalists' names are drawn for two plane tickets to Dublin, Ireland. The grand prize will be awarded at 9 p.m. Seatown Rhythm and Blues Player band will fill in the pas with greasy early '90s cuts.

5. The New Frontier Lounge isn't The Five Spot on Cooper Square. Then again, it doesn't sit in the East Village of the 1950s either. But, grab the corner bar stool on a Monday night at The New Frontier, nurse a double bourbon, close your eyes and let pianist Nate Dybevik, bassist Arneson Cameron and drummer Peter Tietjen take you to the famous New York City jazz club over the din of the drinking Tacoma crowd. It as it should be: hearing cool jazz in a comfortable, no-pressure environment.

LINK: Monday, Feb. 17 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


February 17, 2014 at 9:54am

myPers allows airmen to chat about personnel issues in real time - with real people

The Air Force Personnel Center also manages the myPers website designed to help individuals easily find information about personnel program. Photo credit: Joel Martinez

Typically, when an airman has a question about a personnel issue - a problem with pay, for instance, or a question about PCS orders or retirement - he or she stops by the personnel office to work it out. But this isn't always possible - especially when the service member is deployed.

In 2012, the Air Force launched myPers, a retooled version of the Air Force's personnel website. It brought together a plethora of information that Airmen could access from around the world at the touch of a few buttons.  

"We're always looking for better ways to serve those who serve," said Col. Pat Blassie, commander, Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center (AFPC) in a press release shortly after the myPers site was launched in 2012. "Each technological advancement we can offer our customers from the Total Force Service Center is part of a longer-term strategy to deliver human resource services as quickly, as seamlessly, and as efficiently as possible anytime and anywhere an airman might be; myPers is another outstanding refinement to that end."

Last year, myPers added a feature that allows airmen to chat about personnel issues from anywhere in the world in real time - with real people.

Read more...

Filed under: Air Force, Military, Community,

February 17, 2014 at 10:43am

Christian musicians Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant headed to Washington State Fair

Amy Grant will perform at the Washington State Fair Sept. 17.

This just in from the Washington State Fair Folks:

Two of Christian music's premier entertainers, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, will be taking the grandstand stage at the Washington State Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Smith is known for hit songs "Place in This World," and "I Will Be Here for You," While Amy Grant is recognized for hit songs "That's What Love is For," and "Every Heartbeat." Tickets go on sale on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.

Read more...

February 17, 2014 at 11:16am

Eat This Now: Sirloin Bleu Flatbread Pizza

Pour At Four wine bar in Tacoma serves a delicious Sirloin Bleu Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Jackie Fender

Nestled in the Tacoma's Proctor District you'll find a lovely little wine bar aptly named Pour at Four. This gem features an impressive and delightful wine list paired with gourmet culinary treats. The menu consists of a fair amount of shareable like flatbreads, cheese platters and the like, perfect when sipping on all types of varietals as well as some entrees, all using quality, fresh ingredients and highlighting complex flavor combinations.

During my visit I nibbled up their Sirloin Bleu Flatbread Pizza ($8). Upon a round crisp flatbread lay tender marinated tips of sirloin beef with tasty caramelized onions, earthy notes from a Stilton bleu cheese and a chimichurri sauce laying the foundation and bringing it all together. Each component of the dish lent its own personality making the dish complex without being intimidating. Paired with my glass of red it was wonderful and seemed an appropriate pairing for Valentine's weekend indulgence.

The service staff is always knowledgeable when it comes to their varietals and can recommend ideal pairings with each dish.

Pour at Four also hosts weekly tasting events featuring rotating varietals both locally and internationally sourced as well as regular daily specials using the freshest ingredients for those who feel like straying from the staples.

POUR AT FOUR, 2-10 p.m. Monday, 2-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 3814 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.761.8015

Filed under: Food & Drink, Tacoma,

February 17, 2014 at 11:36am

Update: Gen. Daniel Allyn to speak at 17th Fires Brigade's Saint Barbara's Day Ball

Gen. Daniel Allyn, the 20th commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, will be the special guest speaker and award presenter at the Saint Barbara's Day Ball. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army

UPDATE: According to its mission statement, "17th Fires Brigade trains and prepares for combat; on order deploys to any area of operations to plan, synchronize, and execute combined, and joint fires and effects; integrate attached ground and air maneuver forces and be prepared to function as a maneuver headquarters in support of full spectrum operations."

Change to the Thunderbolts means nothing.

So news of a change to its Friday night ball will probably be taken in stride.

Originally, Gen. Daniel Allyn, the 20th commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, was the guest speaker for the event. But the general canceled today and will not be able to attend.

Maj. Gen. Terry Ferrell, the 7th Infantry Division commander at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, will be the guest speaker and award presenter at the ceremony, which will still be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. 

Below is our original post on the 17th Fires Saint Barbara's Day Ball.

Read more...

February 17, 2014 at 1:54pm

Update (photo): State Senate to recognize Medal of Honor winner U.S. Army Capt. William Swenson Feb. 18

Capt. William Swenson at a meeting with senior Zone (Brigade) leadership to discuss the security in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, March 2009. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army

UPDATE: The Washington state Senate honored U.S. Army Capt. William Swenson today.

"Captain Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry - at the risk of his life - above and beyond the call of duty. The danger Captain Swenson faced that day was not some general risk of injury...it was the immediate threat of imminent death," O'Ban said, according to a news release. "No one ordered him to repeatedly place himself at the threshold of death to save his brethren. No one would have judged him disloyal for not going in a second, third or fourth time into mortal peril."

A photo from the ceremony is posted below, as well as information on the ceremony, which we posted yesterday.

Read more...

February 17, 2014 at 4:34pm

Senate honors Washington’s Civil Air Patrol members

Sen. Jim Honeyford, second from left, (R-Sunnyside) pauses for a photo with members of the Washington Wing of the Civil Air Patrol Feb. 17.

Just when we were going to kick back with a scotch and cigar and read William DeGregorio's Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Sen. Jim Honeyford's office sent us a news release on something pretty cool.

In what has become an annual Senate tradition, Sunnyside Sen. Jim Honeyford joined his colleagues in honoring members of the Washington Wing of the Civil Air Patrol with a Senate Resolution Monday. Honeyford, a lieutenant colonel with both the Washington Wing Legislative Squadron and the Yakima Composite Squadron, lauded the Civil Air Patrol's storied history and importance in both wartime and peacetime efforts.

Read more...

Filed under: Legislature, News To Us,

February 18, 2014 at 7:28am

Tuesday Morning Joe: Prisoners exchange, Army veteran medals, freakin' lasers, Fallon's first "Tonight Show"...

Cutters Point Coffee on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue serves tasty espresso with 12th Man spirit.

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 2.18.14 >>>

Five members of the Afghan Taliban held at Guantanamo Bay for years would be exchanged for the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan in 2009.

Syrian government troops have regained full control of a village in the central province of Hama after ousting rebels accused of killing dozens of people there.

Army veteran medals in two-man bobsled.

Navy ready to deploy laser for the first time.

Six world powers and Iran began talks in pursuit of a final settlement on Tehran's contested nuclear program.

Has intervention helped or hurt Bosnia?

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper admits the U.S. government should have been transparent about its domestic surveillance program.

The fanfare of its arrival has passed, and the USS Donald Cook is preparing to make its first patrol in support of Europe's ballistic missile defense patrol.

The Pentagon is decreasing the number of F-35 fighter jets it intends to buy in 2015.

The Marine Corps' top general has ended his silence on accusations he abused his authority to ensure Marines were punished for an inappropriate war-zone video.

The NBA has a 10-year history of helping active duty service members, veterans and their families through the Hoops for Troops program.

U.S. troops saved art as the "Monuments Men" of Iraq.

What happened on Jimmy Fallon's first Tonight Show? Here's a review, and here's his "evolution of hip-hop dancing" clip with Will Smith.

Photographer Henry Hargreaves recreates and records the last meals of Death Row inmates.

The new Beck album is streaming at NPR.

Nine of the most beautiful buildings we ever tore down.

Back to the Future's "power laces" are coming next year.

Your eyes can paint colors onto blank objects. We swear.

Finally: Fries shaped like hashtags.

February 18, 2014 at 7:55am

5 Things To Do Today: "The Square" film, Afro-Cuban Percussion Workshop, house music, and more ...

The streets of Cairo as seen in "The Square." Photo courtesy of Noujaim Films

TUESDAY, FEB. 18 2014 >>>

1. The Square is the latest from Egyptian director Jehane Noujaim. This in-your-face documentary chronicles the Egyptian Revolution that began in 2011 - and continues to this day - through the eyes of the people who know it best: the revolutionaries themselves. Read Jared Lovrak's review of The Square, then check the film out at 2 and 6:45 p.m. at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma.

2. All good things come from a well-crafted jam, do they not?  Trees: a natural earth-sun jam. Chocolate milk: a spoon-and-glass Hershey-jam. Babies: a pre-parental romance-jam. Music @ 11: an Afro-Cuban jam born from a percussion workshop lead by Olympia drummer extraordinaire Scott Saunders. Participants are encouraged to bring hand drums and percussion instruments if they have them to the 11 a.m. Afro-Cuban Percussion Workshop in Kreielsheimer Hall on the Saint Martin's University campus. Some instruments will be provided. It is not necessary to have an instrument in order to attend and beginners are welcome. Unlike trees and milk, however, impromptu dancing during this workshop won't land you in Western State Hospital.

3. The "Global Perspectives" show at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College is outstanding. It provides a look into the art and cultures - and most particularly the lives of working class people throughout the world as seen through the eyes of local artists. Included are paintings, drawings, sculpture and photography by regional artists who are also world travelers, and in some instances art from other cultures collected by these regional artists.

4. Hosted by Ralph Porter every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., Ha Ha Tuesdays at Jazzbones offers a string of comedians and drink specials.

5. The 1230 Room probably has you at "$4 lemon drops," but you also may be interested in the downtown Olympia club's Tuesday deep, tech and progressive house night "Deep Tuesdays." It launches at 9 p.m. with drink specials, no cover and resident DJs Alex Bosi and Evan Mould.

LINK: Tuesday, Feb. 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


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News and entertainment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s most awesome weekly newspapers - The Ranger, Northwest Airlifter and Weekly Volcano.

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