SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Hop head. Sounds like a euphemism for a speed addict, no? Or a professional pogo stick stunt artist. Maybe a bunny-loving furry. Well, it's none of those things. Hops go in beer, and hop heads like 'em bitter. Meet some Saturday, March 22 when the Harmon Brewery releases its Hops of March. Ridding the wave of enthusiasm for our Tournament of Burgers, or more likely the March Madness college hoops tourney, Harmon brewmasters Jeff Carlson and Jesse Holder will, once again, release its Hops of March IPA. Every March, Harmon releases this hoppy IPA, but rotates the hops. This year, the hops varieties of Magnum, Amarillo, Rainier, Columbus and Horizon - M.A.R.C.H. - were brewed with five malted barleys to give this medium- to full-bodied IPA (8.2 percent ABV, 101 IBUs) a brown color similar to a basketball. Nothing but the bottom of the pint, baby! Drink it up at one of its four houses of beer.

7 Seas Brewing will unleash its new fancy glass growler made in Germany at 11 a.m. Saturday. Fresh Northwest Design in Gig Harbor decorated them, which are priced at $60 and come with a coupon for $2 off your next growler fill.

As opposed to most kegged beer, cask-conditioned ale is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and naturally carbonated by secondary fermentation inside the cask. It's a very traditional British method employed not widely used by American brewers. Those who make cask-conditioned beers in this state will gather Saturday at the Seattle Center for the Washington Cask Beer Festival, a fundraiser for the Washington Brewers Guild, a non-profit organization that helped squash the state's proposal to drastically raise beer excise tax last year. It's a huge affair, broken into two sessions: noon to 4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. The $40 admission fee includes a commemorative tasting glass and up to 25 beer samples. Designated driver admission is $5 and available at the doors only.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Judging Saturday's beer calendar, you might want to bring it down a notch Sunday. Pint Defiance continues its popular Sunday Sampler series, this week offering tastings of low-ABV brews with flavor. From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., flights of four 4-ounce pours will be served for the cost of a normal pint.

<<< VOTING FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 21 GAMES IS NOW CLOSED >>>

For the past several months, I ate a bunch of burgers. It's my job, at least in terms of this crazy tournament. At each South Sound burger joint, I tried the most standard cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and shakes (for a while, at least). I also tried specialty burgers, if available, and paid special attention to secret sauces. I took notes on napkins, backs of menus, five note apps (why can't I decide?) and even receipts. This isn't something I recommend you try. My weight and blood pressure increased. Hopefully, you're basing your game decisions on years of burger eating in the South Sound. If you're a newbie, I suggest you pick a game a week. Use the attached Tournament of Burgers bracket to plot your course.

Without further ado, let's take a gander at yesterday's results, then preview today's matches.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Eastside Big Tom vs. Ricky J's Restaurant

There's something green at Olympia burger shack Big Tom - and it's not on the menu, which is bare of all vegetables save the humble potato and a few lonely burger toppings. Instead, it's just about everywhere else. Owner Michael Fritsch has taken the classic drive-in and made it green, with features ranging from solar hot water to food waste recycling to a parking spot where customers can charge their electric cars. Yes, people who drive Priuses really do eat burgers slathered in Goop, the secret special sauce. And apparently a fleet of them voted yesterday as Eastside Big Tom edged out Ricky J's with 62 percent of the votes.

Game 2: Steele Creek American Whiskey Co. vs. Oakhouse Restaurant and Bar

Deep in the northwest corner of the city of Lakewood, between the winding streets named after rocks, underneath hundreds of giant oak trees and along the back edge of the Oakbrook neighborhood sits the Oakhouse Restaurant and Bar. It's not the easiest place to find. Coach John Tartaglia took advantage of Oakhouse's hidden location, pushing his eighth seeded Steel Creek to victory with 61 percent of the votes, behind solid play from his Black and Bleu Burger. Steel Creek faces off with Eastside Big Tom in Second Round action March 28.

Game 3: Bootlegger's Bar & Grill vs. Eagon's Westside Drive-Inn

Bootlegger's opened its first Tournament of Burgers with a romp against Olympia burger shack Eagon's in yesterday's First Round action. Grabbing 63 percent of the votes, the Buckley burger king dominated the griddle for much of the game, only letting up a little when a herd of elk outside distracted the cook.

Game 4: Best Burgers vs. Nisqually Bar & Grill

Best Burgers in Lakewood grabbed Nisqually Bar & Grill by the trucker hat and gave them an ass-whooping, grabbing 80 percent of the votes. Best Burgers moves on to the Second Round, facing Bootlegger's March 28.

Let's weed through the condiments. The following are advancing to the Second Round:

• Eastside Big Tom
• Steele Creek American Whiskey Co.
• Bootlegger's Bar & Grill
• Best Burgers

The daily burger battles on Walkie Talkie are sponsored by Ricky J's Restaurant and Lounge in Puyallup.

OK, let's dive into today's First Round burger battles. Vote for one burger joint per game. Voting for today's burger battles ends at 11:45 p.m. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 2014 >>>

1. Jack and Diane sucked on chili dogs outside the Tastee-Freeze. Danny and Sandy, they went strollin' and drank lemonade. And you? Was it over something in a cone or on a stick, deep-fried or double-dipped? Were you roadside or seaside, at a stand or a shack, a hut, a cart, a parlor, a fountain or an emporium? How many of you became foodies not while nibbling foie gras at some haute downtown hot spot, but as a teenager hanging out at the annual Puyallup Rotary Crab and Oyster Stew Feed? Ready to revisit it? The Rotarians offer all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab, clam chowder, oyster stew, potato soup, coleslaw, potato salad and, of course, hot dogs. Expect a DJ, raffle prizes and impromptu Four Way Tests at 6 p.m. at the Washington State Fairgrounds.

2. The Grand Cinema has long been a ground zero of cinematic art in Tacoma, and that title has only grown with the addition of its fourth screen. With that new screen, The Grand Cinema is able to showcase films every Tuesday that would otherwise not be able to sustain a full week run. Here is where the Documentary Week comes in.

3. Raised in Scandinavia, independent quirky folk meets alternative rock on a day off getting lost Annie Woodward will perform at 8 p.m. in Metronome Coffee in Tacoma.

4. Armed with washboards, spoons, buckets and banjos, slide and stomp, Portland's junkbox blues duo Hillstomp bring an assault of high-energy backwoods punk. How the hell does a person yell harmonious twang without sounding like a drunken hillbilly? Maybe the duo do sound like drunken hillbillies. For this talented twosome, it's charming. Local draw Oly Mountain Boys adds their bluegrass flair to the 9 p.m. show at the new Rhythm and Rye club in downtown Olympia.

5. With big beats and playful narratives, San Francisco's Double Duchess transcends genres and genders through their live experience and high-energy delivery. Catch the duo's 9 p.m. show at Le Voyeur.

LINK: Friday, March 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 3.21.14 >>>

Military under fire after sex assault rulings.

Russia's military maneuvers in Crimea have left U.S. analysts questioning what sort of threat the former Cold War military giant's forces, platforms and weaponry currently present.

U.S. President Barack Obama threatened sanctions against Moscow's defense sector.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is quietly seeking a foothold in Latin America.

Crazy Talk: Iran is building a nonworking mock-up of an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that U.S. officials say may be intended to be blown up for propaganda value.

U.S. Navy needs more ships.

Another legislative proposal has been introduced to ward off cuts in commissary funding - at least until the commission that is studying all military compensation completes its work.

Lt. Gen. Joseph E. Martz, a top architect for the Army budget, says training takes top priority in budget decisions.

VA-DoD common records system may still be possible.

The Army Reserve is taking a step toward embedding master fitness trainers into its units.

The vexing question of how to honor drone pilots and cyberwarriors is prompting a Pentagon-level review of the entire military awards system.

Roomscan automatically generates floorplans by simply tapping your phone on every wall.

14 radical skyscrapers that are more than just buildings.

Spoiler Alert: Clues about the storyline for Star Trek 3.

Here's a peek at Jaime's golden hand on Game of Thrones.

Indiewire talks to Jello Biafra in light of his appearance on Portlandia.

List: Best Muppet movie cameos.

Finally: 30 Iconic Music Artists Recreated in Lego.

Let's watch a badass in slow motion.

The four military police officers snaked down a darkened hallway before stopping in front of room 203.

"JBLM Military Police! Come out with your hands up!"

Silence.

The four then quickly opened the door and decisively entered the room.

A man with a gun appeared.

Shots were exchanged; the shooter went down.

While one MP kept his weapon trained on the downed man, another MP cautiously approached the downed man, kicked his gun away and began putting handcuffs on him.

The two other MPs checked several other rooms.

"We're good," one MP called out as he and his partner finished checking a closet.  "We'll call for medics for the guy down."

The four MPs had been told that shots had been fired.  Their task was to locate and stop the threat.

They accomplished the mission.

>>> Lt. Rayvaun Smith, directorate of Emergency Services, briefed soldiers, who played the role of "bad guys and gals," before a training scenario. Photo credit: J.M. Simspon

This active shooter scenario conducted at the closed Heartwood Elementary School at McChord Field was designed to add a sense of realism and raise the level of difficulty for the 42nd Military Police Brigade soldiers taking part in the training.

The two-day training conducted at the school is a part of the larger Protector Professional Police Course, a month-long series of learning events coordinated by the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

>>> Moving through dark rooms looking for "shooters" during a training exercise confronted soldiers in the 42^nd Military Police Brigade. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

"Soldiers learn what to do and what not to do," commented Lt. Rayvaun Smith, an officer attached to Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Directorate of Emergency Services.

"These soldiers are great to work with; they are willing to learn and remember."

One of the key points that Smith continually stressed to the young soldiers was the need to talk to each other as they worked.

"Communication is key," he said repeatedly when he stopped training to make a point. "Talk to one another, and make sure that you always work as a team."

In a quiet, professional and clear manner, Smith took the time to talk through the challenges each training scenario presented.

"Can you tell where I am?" he asked as he walked down a dark hallway and turned off his flashlight.

"No," came back the answer.

"By turning your flashlight on and off like this, you don't give the bad guys an idea as to where you are," Smith pointed out.

Heads nodded; the lesson had been learned.

"This has been outstanding training, the instructor is very good," 2nd Lt. Erin Hilt said. 

"Understanding urban ops and how to move systematically is great for us to know in keeping this community safe."

>>> Soldiers from the 42nd Military Police Brigade subdue a "shooter" during a Protector Professional Police Course, a month-long training exercise. Photo credit: J.M. Simspon

The Eagles are coming to Tacoma Monday, Aug. 25. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, March 29. Let's read the press release...

The Eagles have added late summer and fall concerts to their 2014 "History of the Eagles" tour, which kicked off July 6, 2013 and features classics spanning the band's career, including some that have never been performed live prior to this tour, as well as songs featured in History of the Eagles, the band's acclaimed, top-selling documentary. 

New shows include Monday, August 25 at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington; Wednesday, August 27 at the MODA Center in Portland, Oregon; Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30 at Lake Tahoe's Harvey's Outdoor Arena in Stateline, Nevada; Tuesday, September 2 at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah; Friday, September 5 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska; Saturday, September 6 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa; Monday, September 8 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Wednesday, September 10 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; Saturday, September 13 for the fourth History of the Eagles concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York; Monday, September 15 at the TD Garden Arena in Boston, Massachusetts; Wednesday, October 1 at the Jobing.com Arena in Phoenix (Glendale), Arizona; Friday, October 3 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California; and Saturday, October 4 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

Tickets go on sale to the general public for the Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR; Omaha, NE; Phoenix, AZ; and Anaheim, CA concerts beginning Saturday, March 29 at 10 AM local time (live Nation and Ticketmaster).  Advanced tickets will go on sale to American Express® Cardmembers beginning Friday, March 21 at 10 AM through Friday, March 28 at 10 PM.

Check eaglesband.com for tour and ticketing updates.

<<< THURSDAY, MARCH 20 2014 - THE GAMES ARE NOW CLOSED >>>

Four years ago, the Weekly Volcano challenged 64 taco slingers to enter tournament-style culinary combat, shell versus shell, with Moctezuma's crowned best taco. The next year, pizza took center-stage in our quest for gustatory greatness, with Katie Downs' pie reigning supreme. In 2012, it was breakfast time, baby, with Moon Rise Cafe grabbing all the bacon, eggs and hot cakes. Last year, it was all about South Sound sandwiches, with Oliver's Sandwiches in Milton named the best between two slices of bread.

This year, the tradition continues.
 
We speak, of course, of the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Burgers. Sixty-four area burger joints were selected and seeded by readers throughout February, and now the time has come to see who's best.
 
Only one can be crowned king - so vote on this blog daily. Use the bracket in the March 13 print edition of the Volcano to guide you through the daily matchups (see attached pdf).
 
Then, on April 7, join us at Meconi's Tacoma Pub & Eatery in downtown Tacoma for the Official Tournament of Burgers Party - our winner will be announced during halftime of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game.

The daily burger battles on Walkie Talkie are sponsored by Ricky J's Restaurant and Lounge in Puyallup.

OK, let's do a quick cholesterol check, then dive into today's First Round burger battles. Vote for one burger joint per game. Voting for today's burger battles ends at 11:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 2014 >>>

1. Duchess of Downtown Tours, the folks behind the Tacoma Art Bus, has been driving art enthusiasts around Tacoma for four years! Yes, tonight is the fourth anniversary of the Art Bus. The rumor is this tour will be extra special with games prizes, a celebrity tour guide, VIP swag bags, Puget Sound Pizza, anniversary wine and more as the bus visits 253 Collective, Mandelin's Consignment, Brick House Gallery, Spaceworks Tacoma, Throwing Mud Gallery, PJ Hummel Warehouse and Rampart. The bus leaves at 6 p.m. in front of the Tacoma Art Museum. Click tacomaartbus.com for details.

Normally, you might not consider spending the Third Thursday Art Walk in South Tacoma, but the Asia Pacific Cultural Center has cooked up a special "somtum somtum" for you: A Meet the Artist reception for Kathy Thurston followed by a screening of Somtum (a.k.a. Muay Thai Giant). The former promises a chance to get up close and personal with Thurston, a Gig Harbor artist who is a student of Gongbi, Chinese detail painting. The antithesis to this is Somtum, a martial arts-comedy from Thailand. APCC will also be serving an unnamed Thai specialty to patrons. The reception begins at 4 p.m. with the film at 7.

3. The information age has a sound. Revolutionary technology meets a revolutionary message in Papadosio. Melding progressive rock with psychedelia, folk with electronica, and dance music with jam, the quintet has amassed a dedicated following of thousands of likeminded individuals sowing the seeds of unity and spreading the sounds of exaltation. exciting, huh? Catch the band at 8 p.m. in The Olympia Ballroom.

4. Maurice The Fish Records Music Mash-Up Series continues at all-ages venue Louie G's Pizza with Strangely Alright, Mr. Von and Devil On A Leash at 8 p.m. 

5. Every third Thursday El Protrero packs them in for live hip-hop, rap and DJs. At 9 p.m., everybody and their momma will hit the stage, including Shawn Thunderchief Lloyd, Peeriodic Table, Sic Ill, Golden Brown Entertainment (Neno Brown and Sal Rivera), Cole Z and Tom Hutcha with DJ Eddie Monster on the turntables.

LINK: Thursday, March 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 3.20.14 >>>

Taliban fighters killed at least 11 people and wounded 22 in a suicide bomb attack and gunbattle at a police station in Afghanistan's eastern Jalalabad city today.

Al Qaeda calls for car bombs across America.

Watchdog: U.S. may be paying salaries of "ghost" Afghan policemen.

Pentagon's wish list is all about buildings, training and aircraft.

A judge on Wednesday allowed former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura's defamation lawsuit against the widow of slain "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle to go to trial.

Commentary: Rethinking the QDR

What Pakistan knew about Bin Laden.

Lawmakers to Hagel: Stop buying Russian-made helicopters.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is interested in using war savings to pay for an overhaul of Medicare's flawed physician payment system.

From Congress to ivory tower: new Army War College commandant.

"Live synthetic": Army's next generation of simulation.

Some of the latest work at Benét Labs transcends all fielded mortar systems in the U.S. inventory, from 60-mm to 81-mm to 120-mm mortars.

From '1984' to 2025: Army, industry focus on next-generation network.

By Dec. 31, every Airman will be required to provide their servicing finance office with documentation for all dependents as part of Air Force audit readiness efforts.

More than 50 years after the fact, the Indian government's official account of what happened in 1962 that led to a humiliating defeat against China over disputed border territories remains classified.

Here's the simplest explanation about the Big Bang discovery in the news.

If you're interested in seeing your very own browser history all piled up, head right on over to Iconic History.

Tequila is the answer to many of life's problems-and now, a sweetener made from the stuff might just be the answer to our diabetes and obesity pandemics, too.

Matthew Weiner talks to The Atlantic about the inspirations behind and end of Mad Men

NBC has renewed Grimm as well as The Blacklist, Parks and Rec and other shows.

What, now there could be Game of Thrones movies, too?

Christopher Walken Dance Now

Another week, another airfield seizure drill. You could use a free appetizer.

FITZ In the Morning from 100.7 The Wolf will be at Steel Creek American Whiskey Co. tonight, dishing out concert tickets, an autographed guitar and other giveaways during the downtown Tacoma restaurant's happy hour. If you're a member of the military or family member, show your military ID and receive a free appetizer during FITZ's visit. Steel Creek thanks you for your service.