WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 2014 >>>

1. Lake Island's sound is reminiscent of Radiohead, but their warmth is radiant. Even as they drift away from rock into ambience, there's always a tactile gentility to their music, which goes a long way toward shunning the cool distance that tends to marry with these ambient textures. Catch the band at 10 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

2. Margaret Bullock, the curator of "INK THIS! Contemporary Print Arts in the Northwest," will lecture on the exhibit at 11 a.m. during the Lunch & Lecture series, four days before the exhibit opens at the Tacoma Art Museum.

3. Dr. Lorraine McConaghy will discuss the scoundrels of the American Civil War who resided in the Pacific Northwest at noon inside the Washington State History Museum. Her presentation is part of the exhibit "Civil War Pathways in the Pacific Northwest," which Dr. McConaghy curates. She'll discuss how the issues and characters of that war actually effected the development of Washington Territory, despite being far-removed from the action.

4. Treos in Old Town Tacoma kicks off its Summer Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. with soul, pop and classic rock awesomeness Kim Archer. Kick back on a blanket in Old Town Park and enjoy the outdoor concert.

5. Tacoma karaoke host Bria Macoy brings her Rock-bot Karaoke to The Rock And Roll Lodge at 8 p.m. "Come sing with us on a big ass stage with big ass speakers," she says.

LINK: Wednesday, June 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Ah, memories. I remember kicking back on the lawn in front of the Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre every late Friday afternoon for the free Pain in the Grass concert series. I think it was 1994 when Mudhoney rocked it hard. Good times, especially post-show gathering inside the Mecca Cafe.

Anyhoo, Pain in the Grass is now one giant show at White River Amphitheatre, and Godsmack, Rob Zombie and others will be rocking it Sept. 12. Let's read a press release. ...

Seattle, WA - 99.9 KISW -"The Rock of Seattle" - KISW once again will bring Seattle's biggest annual rock event, Pain in the Grass, to White River Amphitheatre. The summer concert festival tradition will be Friday, September 12th.  Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 6th at 10am exclusively through Live Nation.

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GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 6.5.14 >>>

A Navy jet crashed into the sea as it prepared to make a late-night landing on an aircraft carrier, but the pilot ejected and was listed in stable condition.

A Marine jet crashed into a residential area and destroyed two homes in a Southern California desert community Wednesday, but no one was injured.

Criticism over troop withdrawal emerges from beyond G.O.P.

The top Afghanistan war commander, Gen. Joseph Dunford, said he is confident that NATO members will contribute at least 4,000 additional conventional military forces to the post-war mission in Afghanistan.

The U.S. military said about 1,800 of the nearly 10,000 U.S. troops the U.S. plans to leave in Afghanistan at the end of the year would be conducting counterterror operations.

The top man reportedly being considered to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs was recently quoted criticizing the administration's signature healthcare law.

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has introduced a bill that would allow veterans to sue Department of Veterans Affairs employees who have falsified medical records.

The top U.S. military official in South Korea said a hacking incident might have compromised the personal information of thousands of South Koreans employed by the American command.

The bizarre club of war zone deserters.

A rare look inside the Air Force's drone training classroom.

The End of An era: 376^th Air Expeditionary Wing inactivation ceremony.

The small Idaho hometown of released captive Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has canceled plans for a celebration later this month.

Sgt. Bergdahl could be entitled to about $300,000 in back pay and special compensation following his release as a prisoner.

The last of the 29 Navajos who developed an unbreakable code that helped win World War II has died.

Hidden tricks and features that are going to make iOS 8 a powerhouse.

The most amazing infinity pool ever seen.

Watch Jack White's new music video.

Vanity Fair has a piece about the making of Ghostbusters.

The Hollywood Reporter has an interesting roundtable with Chuck Lorre, Mike Judge, Jenni Konner, Mike Schur, Armando Ianucci and Marc Maron about what it's like to run a TV comedy.

Finally: Tom Cruise hair quiz.

Are you better than Don Draper from Mad Men?

LINK: Original photo by Sgt. Giancario Casem

THURSDAY, JUNE 5 2014 >>>

1. Portland band Ages and Ages, without getting all touchy-feely, has eschewed apathy in favor of forthright optimism. Like the Arcade Fire did a decade ago, Ages and Ages recruit their entire band to sing at once, less for the sensation of catharsis, and more for the feeling of togetherness. Isn't it still sort of remarkable that all of these people have gathered together for a united experience of musical revelry? This magic seems to have gotten left behind, long ago, and now we all sit in cynical judgment of an art form that chiefly means to enrich. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's features on Ages and Ages in the Music & Culture section, then catch them with Stephen Steinbrink and French Quarter and Oh Rose! at 8 p.m. in Northern.

2. Tacoma Green Drinks provides a social and networking opportunity for Tacoma-Pierce County residents interested in sustainability, conservation, environmental issues and booze! Join them at 6 p.m. when they hang at Chamber Bay Grill to learn about the awesome happenings of the Tacoma Audubon ... over drinks.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the starting and finishing line will be the Narrows Brewing Co.

4. Amazon employee Tom Nissley ended an eight-episode Jeopardy winning streak in December 2010 when he answered a question about American landmarks incorrectly. Alex Trebek asked: "Finding the spot for this memorial caused its creator to say, ‘America will march along that skyline.'" All three contestants wagered the correct answer was the Lincoln Memorial. "Oh, I'm sorry. The correct answer is Mount Rushmore." (Audience moans.) Don't feel too bad for Nissley. He won more than $250,000, making him the game show's third biggest winner. This personable, bookworm specimen from the next phase of human evolution will be at University Place Pierce County Library at 7 p.m., signing his book, A Reader's Book of Days, and generally reminding you what a moron you are by comparison.

5. Want to watch bands exchange CDs then listen to a band that melds reggae, hip-hop metal and funk? Good news!  Ted Brown Music presents the North & South CD Swap Meet Networking Party from 7-9 p.m. at Louie G's Pizza, followed by a live performance by The Approach.

LINK: Thursday, June 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

The Lakes High School students sat and listened carefully to Staff Sgt. Ty Carter.

A Medal of Honor recipient, Carter talked about his life experiences in pointing out to his young audience the attributes of true character.

"I am no different than you," he began. 

Bringing Carter, who currently serves at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, to Lakes was the idea of Republican State Senator Steve O'Ban.

The majority of students attending acknowledged that they had a family member serving at JBLM.

O'Ban sponsored Senate Resolution 8713 to honor Carter's valor in Afghanistan was instrumental in bringing him to Lakes High School to give the students the opportunity "to meet a genuine hero and to learn from his life experience."

He also pointed out that Carter is the first Medal of Honor recipient to be honored by the legislature.

When Carter spoke, he did not disappoint.

At ease with the students as he paced back and forth across the stage, Carter briefly told them of his service in the Marine Corps and the Army.

Then he turned to his point - the value of character.

"You must understand what you do with your future," Carter stressed.  "You control what you do in your future."

>>> Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, recipient of the Medal of Honor, shakes hands with a Lakes High School student. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

At times he alluded to the Oct. 3, 2009 battle at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in Afghanistan's Nuristan Province. 

More than 300 insurgents had surrounded the COP and the 53 soldiers stationed there.  Eight soldiers were killed; 25 were wounded, including Carter.

During the fight, Carter engaged enemy troops, resupplied ammunition to his fellow soldiers, rendered first aid and risked his life to save an injured soldier who had been pinned down by barrage of enemy fire.

"You work for and with each other," he explained at one point.  "Everyone has to work together," he added when asked about the fight.

Students soon engaged Carter with questions.  One question addressed an issue of concern to Carter.

Post Traumatic Stress.

"My goal is to remove the D from PTSD," Carter said.  "It's not a disorder. It's a normal human reaction to trauma."

Another question centered the wearing of the Medal of Honor.

Carter's answer is character revealed.

"It is a representation," he began.

"Behind it is every man who fought, behind it are the eight men who died and the Gold Star families.  And every time I make a mistake while wearing the medal I have insulted the memory of those who fought and died."

Put on your thinking caps, and tell the Weekly Volcano what you think makes Pierce County tick. Your answers will be disclosed in our upcoming Best of Tacoma 2014 special section, a guide that offers a savvy glimpse into the real lives of the real folks who live in the ever-changing Pierce County.

Think you know the best band, restaurant, politician, blog or thrift store? Want to help spread the word about the best bike shop, make-out spot or bar in our area? Cast your vote. Remember, our annual survey isn't just the city of Tacoma. If you say the best restaurant is in Gig Harbor, so be it. If the best villain is in Lakewood, then vote it so. Voting in the Weekly Volcano's Best of Tacoma Readers' Poll is a lot like participating in a national election: No bitching about the results unless you play the game. The results of our ultra-scientific survey will be published in the Weekly Volcano Best of Tacoma issue July 24.

THE PRIZE!

All ballots must be received by Sunday, June 29 at 11:45 p.m. Those that arrive before the deadline will be eligible to win dinner for two at the Lobster Shop and overnight stay in a Premium Suite at the Silver Cloud Inn on Tacoma's waterfront. The winning ballot will be chose at random.

Let's do this thing. VOTE NOW!

Olympia has gone and done it again. It has outshone itself by coming out in droves to support the creativity and compassion that go hand-in-hand in the little college town.

Oly CLAW, the local chapter of the Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers, made its debut before a packed Le Voyeur crowd Friday night, as a benefit for SafePlace. The group raised more than $1,600.

"We raised $1,628 in one night, at the fucking Voyeur in Olympia, WA. If that is not the definition of community support and love, then I am going to misappropriate that money, buy a book burning mobile, and head to the library to destroy all the dictionaries on the shelves," said John Manini, aka Mickey the Mouth, who played emcee for the event.

>>> Tammy Turnbuckle and crew party at Le Voyeur, May 30. Photo credit: Heather Michelle Burns

>>> Cold As Isis dance party before arm wrestling action at Le Voyeur. Photo credit: Heather Michelle Burns

>>> Elly Slay Clamp-It and Vegan Villain in the house. Photo credit: Lock and Key Photography

The back room of Le Voyeur was transformed into an underground fight club, with elbow-to-elbow bench seats, fans flying signs for their favorites and wresters throwing veggies and beer cans into the energetic crowd.

"The audience was the best," said Manini. "They were a perfectly mixed cocktail of supportive and surprised. They knew going in they wanted to like it even if they weren't sure what they were getting, and then we went and knocked them on their asses. It was so incredibly satisfying to hear consistent raucous applause, chanting, cheering and all sorts of engagement from start to finish."

>>> Jugalette fuels for her match. Photo credit: Lock and Key Photography

>>> Ivana KrushU psychs opponents out. Photo credit: Lock and Key Photography

Entourages escorted the costumed wrestlers to the front of the room, where the ladies flexed and failed until one competitor remained: Ivana KrushU. Ivana was crowned winner with Marie Armtoinette pulling second and the Vegan Villain taking in fan favorite.

Oly CLAW plans on having events every few months. Stay tuned for upcoming dates. To find out more about Olympia's awesome non-profit SafePlace, click here.

>>> Elly Clamp-It and Marie Armtoinette square off at the Oly CLAW match at Le Voyeur, May 30. Photo credit: Heather Michelle Burns

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 6.6.14 >>>

Hero student tackle gunman, saves Seattle Pacific University students.

Department of Defense observes the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Veterans from the 29th Infantry Division returned to the shores of Omaha Beach at dawn today after 70 years - this time the storms replaced by a bright sun and their mission of war giving way to a desire to remember their fallen comrades.

Congress appears poised to adopt new legislation making it easier for veterans to get private medical care and harder for underperforming administrators to keep their jobs.

North Korea said it had detained an American tourist for violating its laws after entering the secretive state in April, bringing the number of U.S. citizens held by Pyongyang to three.

A small team of American military advisers will soon head to Ukraine to assess that embattled nation's "mid- and long-term needs for defense reform."

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers wants French President François Hollande to halt the sale of two warships to Moscow, warning the vessels could be used to invade other European nations.

The Pentagon released its annual assessment of Chinese military power, and the 96-page report paints a picture of China's broad-based efforts to modernize and expand its military forces.

War's elite tough guys, hesitant to seek healing.

Why turbulence happens, and why it's not so scary after all.

Yes, it's a chocolate drone.

Top Gun is actually dumb.

Coca-Cola has created 16 caps that turn its bottles into useful objects.

Watch the Afghan Whigs perform on Letterman after an 18-year gap.

Courtney Love wants her own breed of roses.

Watch the trailer for You Are Here, which stars Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler and Owen Wilson.

More live than you'll ever be ...

LINK: Original photo by Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon

FRIDAY, JUNE 6 2014 >>>

1. No matter how advanced video games get, there's still something special about smacking a metal ball around a ringing, blinking maze of machinery. Celebrate the bliss of pinball with collectors, enthusiasts and exhibitors alike at this weekend's Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show at the Tacoma Convention Center.

2. University Place based Dance Theatre Northwest, a 501-c-3 non-profit arts and community outreach organization, stages a free performance featuring excerpts from the classics Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Paquita and contemporary ballet, Broadway, jazz and musical theatre pieces at 1:15 p.m. in Lakeview Hope Academy in Lakewood.

3. Morso wine bar in Gig Harbor hosts Talbott vineyards from 5-7 p.m. for tastes of 2011 Sara Case Chardonnay, 2012 Diamond T Pinot Noir, 2012 Kali Hart Pinot Noir, 2012 Logan Chardonnay and 2012 Logan Pinot Noir.

4. Peter Story - who has appeared in primetime shows on three major networks - will take the Theatre on the Square stage during the one-man stage show Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, and bring the two sexes together over a night of entertainment - especially since males and females operate in such different ways. The 7:30 p.m. show is based on the best-selling book by John Gray. The relationship guide, released more than 20 years ago, was translated into more than 40 languages and has sold more than 60 million copies.

5. Just as turntablism - the art of playing records - has made an instrument out of a medium, the movement's DJs have made the transition from enablers to performers. Tonight's "Smart People" event, organized by Tacoma's Mr. Melanin, seeks to put a little stress on that assumption by presenting DJs in an improvised setting, touching on R&B and electronica, bringing in indie rock, boogie-woogie and disco. Dancing is awesome, but you'll catch yourself gazing at the turntable skills. It's OK. It really begins at 9:55 p.m. at The New Frontier Lounge.

LINK: Friday, June 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

"Flowers on the Wall," the opening track on Tomorrows Tulips excellent Experimental Jelly album, possesses everything you could ever want on a sun-drenched day. Minimal, bordering on the same kind of naiveté that made Beat Happening so arresting, Tomorrows Tulips are the quintessential Southern California band. At its core, the duo of Alex Knost and Ford Arcbold - who may be better known in a pop-cultural sense as top tier professional surfers - are channeling a calming sense of cool that would put even the most righteous of Spicoli's to shame - slightly happy, slightly bummed and slightly out of tune.

Despite the lack of continuous sunshine, or surfable beaches, Olympia and Tomorrows Tulips are a perfect match. DIY to the core, the band records many of its songs on portable four tracks in their Costa Mesa, Calif. home, even utilizing their backyard for video shoots. They make the kind of handmade records that dominated a very fertile period of the 1990s without coming off as a retro act.

Tomorrows Tulips are equally arresting live. Having had the pleasure of seeing the band perform up the west coast as tour mates, I can say that they bring a level of unpredictability and controlled experimentation that makes each show a must-experience event; the type of band on almost any night can steel the show from nearly anyone else on the bill. It is rare when such a bare-bones band has such an instant magnetism live: Beat Happening had it, from what I can gather the Velvet Underground had it, and without question Tomorrows Tulips possess that particularly intangible element that make the band a not-to-be-missed act.

TOMORROWS TULIPS, w/ Skull & the Dullards, Snuff Redux, 8 p.m., Sunday, June 8, 21+, Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710