Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: February, 2014 (155) Currently Viewing: 31 - 40 of 155

February 6, 2014 at 3:58pm

Judging by the Trailer: "The LEGO Movie"

"The LEGO Movie" salutes every kid's hero with a thousand (snap-on) faces. Photo by Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture - © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

Before we get started, I think it is my duty to urge you to fall into the deliriously insane rabbit hole that is the movie Foodfight!. Set in a Toy Story-aping world of sentient corporate food mascots, Foodfight! is a fascinatingly inept failure of a movie. Almost certainly conceived as some sort of long con, the animated film cost $65 million dollars to make (though it looks cobbled together from an old Windows Movie Maker demo reel), stars a cavalcade of voice talent, and was released in 2012 after sitting on a shelf for the better part of a decade. It may have a legitimate claim to being the worst film ever made.

Foodfight! never left my mind while I watched the trailer for The LEGO Movie. Because LEGO has no mythology of its own, The LEGO Movie assembles a roster of pop culture icons in LEGO form - Batman, Wonder Woman, God and Abraham Lincoln all make appearances - to surround a plucky no-name as the lead.

It's a head-scratcher trying to figure out just who this movie is for. Of course, there are legions of LEGO fans out there, and the recent LEGO video games are apparently quite charming, but one could easily make the case that The LEGO Movie is some sort of meta-commentary on the state of franchise adaptations in an age of withering creativity. In which case, I totally see what you did, there. But, the sad truth is that this is likely a result of that withering creativity, not a commentary thereof.

So, what we are left with is an oddity. Though this film's pedigree handily outranks that of Foodfight! - as almost everything must - it doesn't take much to see a kindred spirit shared by these two films. The biggest difference seems to be that Foodfight!, shameful disaster though it may be, will always be remembered for its awfulness by fans of shitty cinema. The LEGO Movie's legacy is less clear.

My guess is that Foodfight! will be the "burn out" to The LEGO Movie's "fade away."

LINK: A Nerd Alert has been issued for the South Sound

February 6, 2014 at 5:18pm

Sunday is a day of noise at Camp Murray

Last Sunday Camp Murray erupted in cheer as the Seattle Seahawks played a scrimmage team from Denver, Colo.

This Sunday, Feb. 9, Camp Murray will erupt with cannons. No, forces from Silcox Island won't be returning volleys, but rather the Washington Army National Guard will fire a cannon salute at approximately 1 p.m. at the north end of Camp Murray on the parade field. The cannon salute, according to a news release, is part of a change of command ceremony. The duration of the ceremonial cannon firing is estimated to be less than 20 seconds, but will be audible in Tillicum, on Camp Murray and on parts of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Filed under: Camp Murray, News To Us,

February 6, 2014 at 6:34pm

Tomorrow: Zion I worth the trip

Zion I

If REAL hip-hop DOES continue to survive by the skin of its teeth then Zion I represents the last of the enamel. Always pushing the game in a forward/advanced/innovative direction, Zion I are truly one of hip-hop's saviors. With a sound all their own, yet paying homage to the greats of hip-hop lore from Too $hort to Afrika Bambaataa, Zion I are the epitome of hip-hop - intelligent and DOPE. Lucky for you, they'll be pushing their uncut brand of dope Friday at The Crocodile in Seattle. Quit being lazy and get a dose.

ZION I, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, all ages, The Crocodile, 2200 2nd Ave., Seattle, $15,206.441.4618

Filed under: Music,

February 6, 2014 at 11:08pm

Washington National Guard played big role in Seahawks' Super Bowl Championship parade

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and his wife, Glena, ride along the Super Bowl champions parade on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in NFL football's Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday.

Television reports and social media have been consumed with the Seattle Seahawks' smiling faces, fist pumps and trophy kisses captured during the team's Super Bowl Championship parade. In a majority of the images, at least on the parade route down Fourth Avenue, another presence ingrained in the public's mind - the Washington National Guard. Guardsman and their vehicles - 5-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) Troop Carriers, Standard Humvees and Light Armored Humvees - escorted the players, Coach Pete Carroll and his staff, General Manager Paul Schneider and team owner Paul Allen past more than 700,000 screaming fans - who lined the same road the Seattle Supersonics celebrated decades ago. Braving sub-freezing temperatures, the fans cheered the parade as it made its way through the city's downtown toward a celebration at CenturyLink Field. State politicians, including Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Maria Cantwell, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and other VIPs rode ahead of the Guard in iconic Ride The Ducks of Seattle amphibious tour vehicles

Seattle's first Super Bowl victory parade didn't involve the Washington National Guard because the vehicles looked cool. It happened because of an ongoing statewide relationship and community outreach effort between the Guard and the Seahawks.

"The Seahawks and the Sounders FC, are proud partners and supporters of the Guard with activities like this taking place throughout the year," said Mike flood, Seahawks vice president of community relations.  "We salute Washington National Guard service members and families for the dedication to our country and the great state of Washington!"

Community Outreach is one of the major priorities of Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty, adjutant general and director of Washington's military department. The Guard stood proud next to the Seahawks during many statewide community outreach efforts.

"We are so honored that the Seahawks and the Seafair organization asked us to help out with this celebration," said Daugherty. "Our men and women wear many hats. They're protectors of our state, defenders of our nation and some of the most committed 12th Man fans you'll ever meet. We are pleased to play such an important role in (the) parade.

Besides transporting the team, the Guard supported local law authorities in an effort to keep the huge crowd safe. Even though the crowd quickly grew past the estimated 400,000 mark to a size greater than the historic Woodstock concert, not a single major injury or arrest was reported in this organized chaos.

The Recruiting and Retention Battalion of the Washington National Guard has been a part of the Seahawks organization for years. The Guard has placed static military vehicles before games at CenturyLink, conducted re-enlistment ceremonies on the field and coordinated with NFL players to join High Speed Player Development (HSPD) events with high schools throughout the state. The NFL HSPD program works to incorporate the leadership and responsibility framework of the Guard/military among high school athletes, as well as champion the military through recruitment presentations.

"As the battalion commander for this city and a season ticket holder since day one, this was a one-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget," said Lt. Col. Adam Iwaszuk, 181 Brigade Support commander). "Getting to experience the unimaginable dream of walking down Seattle, holding the Vince Lombardi Championship trophy is something I will forever cherish."

February 7, 2014 at 7:41am

Friday Morning Joe: Politics and the military, website scam, bitchin' about Sochi and more...

Considered to be the coolest coffee house in Tacoma, Bluebeard Coffee on Sixth Avenue serves freakin' delicious coffee.

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 2.7.14 >>>

The Pentagon comptroller compared getting the department audit-ready to "pushing a heavy block across sandpaper," but said the department was making major progress on getting there by 2017. 

The military sexual assault debate is back in the Senate after a brief two-month hiatus.

A bipartisan group of senators demanding an end to US military involvement in Afghanistan urged President Barack Obama on Thursday to seek congressional approval if he wants to keep troops there beyond 2014.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said: "We need a strategic response in Congress other than just ‘no, don't cut that.'"

North Korea appears to be almost done building a launch tower tall enough to handle firing rockets even larger than one successfully launched in 2012.

India and Israel will jointly build an integrated anti-missile system to be deployed against Chinese nuclear and conventional missiles.

Hong Kong police have successfully defused a 2,000 pound (900kg) bomb from World War Two, described as the biggest wartime bomb to be found in the city.

Wishing to avert a fight during an election year, the White House told defense officials they would provide extra money to allow the Navy to extend the life of the USS George Washington

The federal court that oversees the country's spy programs has approved President Obama's plans to limit searches of people's phone records.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command warns The My Army Benefits website that is currently using the www.usmilitarybenifit.org web address, is not an official website.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Starr, a UH-60M Black Hawk instructor pilot with C Company, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, was awarded the Broken Wing Award.

The GOP is making faux candidate sites for Dems that look pretty darn real - to get donations to beat them.

The Air Force will convene an Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board on June 16 to consider early retirement for eligible officers.

Why exactly was Jack White selling candy on the street?

Have you watched all of those new Amazon pilots yet?

Tara Lipinski paid tribute to The Big Lebowski with this skating routine.

We're thankful we're not in Sochi right now. ...

In The Nation, 2006 Winter Games luge competitor Samantha Retrosi compares the Olympics to "The Hunger Games" while discussing her own experience of being made into a voicebox for Vorizon.

8 viral Sochi Olympics photos that are total lies.

The Simpsons predicted a Seahawks-Broncos Super Bowl. But that wasn't the first time the show told the future.

Keeping cool while pulling off sweet jiujitsu moves wearing three-piece suits.

February 7, 2014 at 8:09am

5 Things To Do Today: "Barber of Seville," Black History Month, the Silver Dollars, Animal Magnet and more ...

FRIDAY, FEB. 7, 2014 >>>

1. Barney Rubble belted it in the bath. Spongebob stole Squidward's thunder by singing it underwater. And most famously, Bugs gnawed his way through several rounds of "Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!" in the toon classic, "Rabbit of Seville." Between its easily followed romcom plot and a score made universally familiar by the aforementioned pop culture references, Rossini's The Barber of Seville is an ideal introduction to opera. Tacoma Opera's presentation will follow the exploits of Seville's self-celebrating barber, Figaro - a character who literally sings his own praises - at 7:30 p.m. in the Rialto Theater. Everybody shares secrets with their barbers, and this barber is only too happy put what he learns to work.

2. As part of its salute to Black History Month, the University of Puget Sound will screen Pariah at 7 p.m. in the Tahoma Room at Commencement Hall on its campus. Directed by Dee Rees, Pariah, follows the journey of Alike, a young African-American woman struggling to embrace her identity as a lesbian.

3. Two of our Tacoma sons return for a 7 p.m. show at B Sharp Coffee House. Dylan Treleven and Colin Scott Reynolds are touring with their new project, The Silver Dollars. Born out of Treleven's desire to write his own material while out on lengthy tours in other bands, the Silver Dollars feels like a natural extension of what began back at SOTA. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on the Silver Dollars in the Music & Culture section.

4. Casey Anderson grew up in Montana surrounded by wild animals and spaces, and was nicknamed the "animal magnet" as a kid. After college, he became a trainer at wildlife parks from the United States to Africa. Then a grizzly bear named Brutus was born in an overpopulated wildlife park and Casey rescued him from being euthanized. He went on to build a sanctuary for Brutus that became Montana Grizzly Encounter, a rescue and education facility he co-owns and directs, and the base from which Casey and Brutus teach park visitors about grizzly anatomy and conservation. An enthusiastic and passionate advocate for wildlife as well as an entertaining and thoughtful presenter, Casey Anderson will share the lessons he's learned living and working with wild animals at 7:30 p.m. in the Washington Center.

5. Mozart, Schumann, Infanté, Strauss, and a selection of modern and classical composers will provide the music for the next Jacobsen Series concert at 7:30 p.m. in Schneebeck Concert Hall, which falls a week before Roman mythology's blindfolded Cupid sets to work.

LINK: Friday, Feb. 7 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


February 7, 2014 at 9:42am

Valentine's Day in a Tacoma pub or your car

Ah, Valentine's Day. Love is in the air. But if you're a little like me and think love smells like the Tacoma Aroma and have zero desire to sit among the lovey-dovey newlyweds who stare longingly into each other's eyes while dining out on Valentine's Day, it can be a hassle - and an awkward, uncomfortable hassle for the less romantic types. Let's face it, just because you're less ooey-gooey about your show of affection doesn't mean you want to hole yourself up for the day. We enjoy a good meal out with the missus or mister, too. In light of that, here's a list for the low-maintenance types to grab a nibble on V-Day.

Pub Grub

There are some exquisite local hot spots that don't require a jacket and tie or heels and black dress combo to dine: pubs, bar and grills, you know the type. No fuss, no frills - just good eatin'. Below are a few of my picks.

Dirty Oscars Annex falls into the "neighborhood bar: category: it's comfy, casual and a bit of a mad house when it comes to the late night crowd. However, the gastropub-style cuisine is gourmet quality. It's fun, inventive and worthy of its spotlight on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Plus, you can pair the fancy eatin' with a tallboy, moonshine flight or glass of wine.

Nothing about The Red Hot speaks the language of love, but gourmet dogs and craft brews make this a great go-to on Valentine's Day. Please note, I did not include Red Hot for the sexual innuendo potential, you know, because there's wieners involved, but if your date has a sense of humor, this could go the distance.

208 Garfield is in the Pacific Lutheran University bookstore, which may scream smoldering to a select group of bookworms. But really, it's more casual than anything, with great shareable plates and gastropub fare in a café-type environment. 208 serves up lots of local vino varietals as well, which is always a bonus on Valentine's Day - even for the less romantic.

Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe is another neighborhood joint the locals love. Its menu features loads of locally sourced ingredients and options for vegans and vegetarians. It's no fuss fun and fabulously delicious.

Located in Hilltop, Peterson Brothers 1111 has a quirky dive-bar charm and amazingly tasty sandwiches. The service is aces and unpretentious. Throw on your chucks and jeans and have a bite paired with a bourbon or brew in an intimate but casual dining space.

Take Out

Don't feel like braving the crowds and want to eat at the homestead without the mess of cooking? Or maybe you want to grab a bite, and then warm yourself with a stroll at Wright Park or the like. Well, then take out is the solution.

If you enjoy a solid, deli-style sandwich, MSM Deli is the natural go to. Pop into this convenience store-styled deli, grab a couple of sammies, some chips and drinks to go along with it, and head to wherever your heart desires to nosh.

Tatanka Take Out serves up bison-based cuisine good to go mobile with burritos, burgers and even bison on a stick. Plus, it's a hop away from Point Defiance Park and the Ruston Way waterfront for those who want to add just a whisper of romance with a view.

Frisko Freeze in Tacoma and Pick Quick Drive In in Fife both serve up burgers, fries and shakes to go. It's classic, greasy fingered dining for those not afraid to get a little messy in front of their date.

Shake, Shake, Shake is another burger, fry and shake joint that will surely please those looking for delectable nibbles on Valentine's Day. Take it to go, or dine in the über nifty retro restaurant (unlike the two listed above).

And there you have it - a few of my favorite go tos for phenomenal nibbles for the less romantic. Wallet friendly, playful and no reservations required.

Filed under: Food & Drink, Holidays, Fife, Tacoma,

February 7, 2014 at 10:18am

Joint Base Lewis-McChord crews perform HI-RAIN live fire

A M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’s crew from the 17th Fires Brigade stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., fire rockets from a HIMARS during a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise Feb. 1, 2014 at Schoonover, Calif. Photo credit: Airman 1s

Airmen and soldier put the "joint" in Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord last week when six McChord C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported 12 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and more than 100 personnel from the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment to Schoonover, Calif., for a weeklong exercise to sharpen hands-on training in a simulated deployed environment to maintain readiness.

Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez of the 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs was on the story:

"These exercises expand our capabilities and prepare us to deploy in real world scenarios," said Army Staff Sgt. Gilbert Wood, Alpha Battery, 5-3 FA Bn., 17th Fires Brigade section chief.

Planning, which began months prior to the exercise, consisted of joint concept briefings to coordinate and plan the timeline for the exercise.

"The prep work, static load training and dry runs that take place before each mission are essential to the success of the exercise," Said Army Capt. Earl Dean, 62nd Operations Group ground liaison officer.

Read Jimenez's full report here.

LINK: Good news! 17th Fires has 185 photos from the HI-RAIN exercise on its Flickr page

February 7, 2014 at 10:39am

Share your homecoming stories, get a figurine

This kiss would have for sure scored a Lenox Thomas Blackshear sculpted figurine.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service wants to know the vivid details of the homecoming celebration with your servicemember honey.

"We are excited to hear and share stories of support and homecoming," said the Exchange's Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels in a news release. "We are grateful for military families' service and sacrifices. We've been with service members on the frontlines and with their families on the homefront. No one is happier than us to celebrate as loved ones are welcomed home."

Oh, wait. It's a contest. The Exchange is hosting a contest to find the best homecoming stories and photos. 

Authorized shoppers can share their special moments from Feb. 7 to 28 by submitting a story in 150 words or less for a chance to win one of two LenoxThomas Blackshear sculpted figurines valued at $195. The two collectibles, a female version called "Home at Last" and a male keepsake titled "Coming Home," are available in black or ivory.

Five winners of the Exchange's Thomas Blackshear figurine giveaway will be notified on or about March 14. No purchase is necessary and entrants must include their name, email and home address, name of the nearest Exchange, daytime phone number, rank or occupation of sponsor. There is a limit of one entry per family.

OK, that's more cool than creepy. For complete details visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily.  

Filed under: Army, Air Force, Contest, Military,

February 7, 2014 at 10:50am

Let's watch soldiers get haircuts

You want to know who knows all the gossip on Joint Base Lewis McChord? The barbers at the JBLM North Fort Barber Shop chat with soldiers all day long. Sgt. James Bunn of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment dropped in on the barbershop to chat with the barbers and snap photos. He created a video from the experience. Check it out below.

About this blog

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

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