DANIEL BLUE: MEET LIZ SPARKS >>>

Liz Sparks is a woman of class and pedigree. She moved to downtown Tacoma in 2003 and fell in love with the people. Currently she works at Veritas Mortgage, and lives in Sky Terrace.

Her father owned a flower shop in Auburn as she was growing up, and she still helps out with deliveries on holidays. Liz is an extremely compassionate person.

She loves wine and wants you to sit, sip and tell her all your troubles and triumphs. 

I have told Liz secrets that very few living people know about me - I trust her without hesitation.

A giver of gifts, Liz has a near obsessive quality that turns her house into a factory around Christmas and wedding times. No one is forgotten, and she has multitudes of friends. I think she wants people to feel included and welcome in her life and in our city, she understands how important those kinds of gestures can be. Aside from being an excellent neighbor and community coalescent, she dreams of being a mother and continuing her goal of making the city a better place to live for everyone.

DANIEL BLUE: MEET KATE MONTHY >>>

Kate Monthy is a dancer. She looks like a dancer. She walks like a dancer. She speaks as if conversation were a carefully choreographed partnership in articulation.

"MLKBallet is an organization that produces and teaches dance," she says curtly, and then with a little bow of her head into a memorized eloquence, "a tuition free school for dance, offering affordable entertainment and exposing people to dance in Tacoma."

I cared little for dance before Kate conceived her way into giving back in the form of instructing young movement.

A product of Tacoma City Ballet, she has basically been training for this job since she was a very little girl.

"Dance is just MLKBallet's medium to bring kids and adults together to create and watch good art. I choose it because that's what I know how to teach and produce."

Kate's MOVE series is a way of showcasing the budding young talent while simultaneously inspiring and educating a growing audience with professional performances from the dance community.

"This is about new models," says Kate when I asked her about the goals the nonprofit ballet school, "new ways to run a dance school, run an organization, new ways to teach children, and new ways of creating an appetite and vocabulary for this kind of art."

Kate is beautiful.

STEPH DEROSA: LET'S GET SOMETHING STARTED >>>

Perched upon the porcelain pedestal in Marlene's Market and Deli's restroom, thoughts of peace and serenity begin to fill my mind. No, it's not because I'm taking a huge poo, as some of you readers seem to believe this is the premise to all Toilet Tales. With a busy life and many obligations, a chance to be alone and reflect in silence is a moment that is few and far between. And really, if you must know, I very rarely poo in public loos. (Although Home Depot seems to always stir something up in the bowels of my husband whenever we go shopping for home fixtures.)

The feeling of peace and serenity I mentioned comes from the overall feeling of doing the best thing for my family by buying and feeding them whole and organic foods. Yes, my grocery bill tends to be higher than the typical Safeway run, but I justify this by thinking there is no price you can put on living a healthy life. Simply put, there are certain foods we do prefer to buy there. For example, you can't find a closer or better selection of sprouting seeds than at Marlene's.

Sometimes doing the best thing to me also involves supporting the community. Not only am I talking about supporting the local businesses, but I'm also talking about the Big VÃ: VOLUNTEERING. While reviewing my thoughts about this subject as I rest in Marlene's public potty, I remember the struggles I've been through in my own career of volunteerism.

I joined the Junior League of Tacoma way back in the day with hopes of making new friends, having a social outlet, and volunteering in the community. While my experience with this organization gave me a plethora of knowledge that I will always be grateful for, it was also the lifelong friendships I developed that bring a tear to my eye as I reminisce. The two things I loved most about the Junior League, hands-on volunteer work and having a social outlet, are two of the biggest things besides my friends and family that can bring me a sense of peace and serenity in life.

After leaving the Junior League, I took on the endeavor of starting the Tacoma Beer Society for a friend who was a Pittsburgh Beer Society transplant. I was going to get it started and give it one year before I handed it off. I worked damn hard, and developed that thing from the ground up. We established hundreds of members and held monthly tastings. My time was eventually done, and I handed it off to my co-founder in April 2008. Nothing has been touched since. It crushes me to see e-mails gone unanswered, and to see a Web site I worked so hard for and put so much time into simply crumble and die. No one has made an ounce of effort since my departure, and I try daily not to blame myself, as I did do everything I could within that year.

Well, guess what? I'm yearning again for another social outlet. I don't want to be a part of another board-heavy, overanalyzed, over-managed nonprofit. I also don't want to be a part of an organization I am setting up for someone else. This time it's going to be for ME.

With support from the Weekly Volcano, I'm going to start a volunteer and social organization that will hopefully also fit the needs of some of you out there. It's in the beginning stages, but here are the specifics:

No money needed. No dues, no membership no nonprofit status, no board of directors.

One night (or day) a month is social time. We talk, meet new people and chill out. It's during this time we also pick that month's project.

Another separate day of the month is the day we go out and complete our chosen project. It's a hands-on, one day, come as you are for as long as you like and even bring the whole family day of volunteerism. (This could be anything from donating time to a food bank, to cleaning up a park, to painting someone's house.)

Come all the time or don't come but once a season. Like I said, there is no roster and this is very low-commitment. I want this to be simple and run by the needs of the community. That community includes YOU.

First, social will be in early August. Time and place TBD¬" your input is needed!

Further discussion can be done so in the Volcano Forums. Or e-mail me.

LINK: Toilet Tales archive

DANIEL BLUE: MEET JUST JOHNNY, JUST MARRIED >>>

Johnny wants to be known as "Just Johnny, Just Married." OK, so you shall be known.

I run into my fellow scientist every now and again, our symbol of love for each other has become the turning of invisible knobs and dials. It is the symbol of science. We planned to be in a band and wear lab coats, but Johnny is a busy, busy boy.

"I have $300 worth of expensive colognes in my medicine cabinet, I don't wear any of them," he says when I asked him about his current projects. "I'm in a five, four, six, uh - a lot of bands."

What are they called, Johnny?

"The Siph, Homoriphic, Johnny Cheezeburger and the Cum Bunnies, The Brown Boys and Locals Only."

So you practice like five nights a week.

"No, Johnny Cheezeburger is my main squeeze, the Siph and Homorific are second, and The Brown Boys and Locals Only are like whenever."

Cool. JJJM was born in Solina, Kan., July 12, 1984.

"My cat has two thumbs on each paw!" he explains, followed by, "My wife is a Lesbian but she is straight for me."

Congratulations Umeko, you are the envy of every girl in town.

They tattooed red and blue DNA strands on their ring fingers for each other. Awesome.

MATT DRISCOLL: SAY NO TO 141 MILLION DOLLAR CONDOS ON THE ISTHMUS >>>

As I mentioned in the current issue of the Weekly Volcano, the Olympia Planning Commission is currently considering a proposal to raise building-height limits between Budd Inlet and Capitol Lake downtown. If they end up recommending the idea, and the Olympia City Council ends up voting in favor of it, the road will be paved for 141 condos â€" which will reportedly sell for a million dollars apiece â€" that developer Tri Vo and his company Triway Enterprises hope to build on the isthmus. Vo currently owns 2.3 acres of the land in question.

Today, from what I understand, is the last day to tell the Olympia Planning Commission how you feel about the idea. You can send your thoughts and letters here.

STEPH DEROSA: HOT TIME IN THE CITY >>>

It was one hot MFing day yesterday.  All weekend, actually â€" but on Sunday the sun was relentless on our pasty Tacoma bodies as hundreds of eclectic individuals (including myself) set out to attend one of the best festivals this city has to offer: Urban Art Festival.

It’s a given that I will inevitably run into familiar faces anytime I set out to a community event, and Urban Art Festival was no exception.  As the sweat rings increased under my breast folds, it became more apparent that no matter how damn hot it got, I was there for the long run.  I simply could not leave!

Amazing local artists lined the streets of downtown’s back alleys and Fireman’s Park.  A surplus of melodic talent also graced many of the four music stages this festival had to offer.

Tacoma Mama had her usual kiddy set-up, giving local youngsters and outlet, and urban parents a well needed break.  (Can I request the beer garden be located next to Tacoma Mama next year?)

Stephanie Johnson belted out her usual heavy vocals as she flawlessly stroked her guitar for admiring onlookers.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing enticed all who were present, especially the kids.

Can-U featuring DJ Reign was definitely one of the highlights for me that afternoon.  His lyrics speak volumes, and my body listened with admiration.

The Swiss brought cold kegs of alcohol relief as my posse and I sought the shade of the beer garden and took in the sounds of Don’t Tell Sophie.

Of course my favorite part, and the place where I hunted most refuge was the Weekly Volcano lounge next to Mad Hat Tea Company. 

The craziest stage on sight was definitely the House Stage.  There were sprinklers, a wading pool, hula-hoops, and lawn chairs galore.  Throw in a BBQing, beer drinking Mr. DeRosa and you have an exact replica of my backyard.  If only I could get the artists and bands to show up, I’d never leave the house.

LINK: More Urban Art Festival photos at the Weekly Volcano's Photo Hot Spot.

LINK: Urban Art Festival cover story

DANIEL BLUE: MEET JULIE BENNETT >>>

Julie Bennett is the owner of urbanXchange and a major force behind much of the mercantile activity that happens in her corner of Pacific Avenue.

When I met Julie downtown four years ago, she was working as the attendance lady at the Life Christian Center private school. Even then she was working hard to expose people to culture and arts. She asked me and some friends from downtown to come and speak at the school early one morning. I'm not sure what the hell I even talked about, I was just trying to make sure I didn't say any swear words, but I remember seeing Julie in the isle crying her little heart out.

She got the idea for her store from heaven, it seems. When I discovered she was acting on her dream, I walked in and told her she was going to hire me. I worked at urbanXchange for two years. She was like everyone's mom. Annoying sometimes, telling you to drink water and brush your teeth, but we knew we were loved.

The urban X is still rocking downtown with more culture than you can find on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

LINK: The Globes, Tree Roots In The Basement, and others play an all-ages show tonight at 7 p.m. at urbanXchange.

DANIEL BLUE: MEET DREW SAPIRO >>>

Drew Sapiro moved to downtown Tacoma in July of 2007.  He is currently a staff sergeant in the Air Force stationed at McChord Air Force Base right here on the outskirts of our lovely city. He parks his silver sporty Volvo in the garage of the Court 17 condominiums near the Tacoma Convention Center Downtown and seems to disappear for "work" for several weeks at a time. 

Drew and I have a mutual understanding about the military, we talk about it in respectful tones, each curious as to the others opinions and careful about how we are coming across.  The Fact is, Drew places his life on the line. He is willingly entering into danger.  While neither of us seem sure about the reasons our government has for putting him into that danger, Drew seems sure that he is doing it for people he meets in America. 

I found on a sunny day in the park with a Frisbee that Drew is an empathetic and generally peaceful person.

Some may argue that our way of life isn't worth protecting, but Drew is a real person who is protecting it with his own.  I'm glad I live in a country where our differing opinions don't put us on different sides of the law.  I hope he comes home safe.

MATT DRISCOLL: BLOGGING THE TASTE OF TACOMA LIVE >>>

If something is worth doing, it’s worth live blogging. At least that’s what I always say. I guess Walter Neary and I think a lot alike on that level.

Today marks the kickoff of the annual Taste of Tacoma fiasco. Food vendors from all around Grit City and beyond will pack the park, serving delightful delicacies to the masses from thrown together tents of all shapes and sizes. It promises to be both delicious, and downright entertaining. And with the weather outside looking good â€" there’s really no better way to spend a Friday morning.

At least that’s what Steph DeRosa and I told the boss. We’ll be live blogging the Taste of Tacoma kickoff staring this morning at 11 a.m. She’ll be stirring shit up with Bandito Betty, and I’ll be acting more domestic than my age with the wife and kids. There’ll be something for everyone here on Spew, and most likely, something for no one, too.

So, join us at 11 a.m. This live blogging will melt in your mouth and your hands.

10:27  a.m.: PAPPI SWARNER: Let's just hope these two get rolling faster than the last live blogging â€" the opening day of the Tacoma Farmers Market. I'm still in vacation mode. Dead space scares me this time.

10:42: STEPH DEROSA: I just scored a killer parking spot. Beat that Matt Driscoll!

10:52: MATT DRISCOLL: I didn't score an awesome parking spot. And the kid crapped her pants as we walked out the door. So predictable.

10:58 DEROSA: Just spotted Word on the Street dude Scott Fontaine in a long-sleeve shirt and jeans. Doesn't he read his own paper's weather report?

11:02 DRISCOLL: That's so Fontaine. I'm not wearing underwear. You can post that.

11:09 DEROSA: The longest line so far is the 770 KTTH booth. They are broadcasting Rush Limbaugh and giving away free Fritos. By the way, is Matt really here? I don't see him.

11:12 DRISCOLL: I'm just walking in. It's official. I have ball sweat already.

11:15 DEROSA: Yuck!  OK, $17 for 20 tickets. Sounds like a good deal, huh? One taste costs seven tickets though. WTF?

11:16 DRISCOLL: Just saw my first bus marked "Taste of Tacoma" packed with guys in Polo shirts and women in extra-large sunglasses.

11:18 DEROSA: Grease is the word! It's dripping from my alligator kabob. Mmmm, just like home.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Free Shipping on Dining & Bar at Overstock.com! Offer valid 6.27 to 6.29

11:27 DRISCOLL: I've been here 15 minutes so far and haven't tasted anything yet. I have, however, seriously considered buying an Obama T-shirt from this lady.

11:30 DEROSA: I just saw Matt's parole officer. No wonder he's nowhere in sight.

11:31 DEROSA: Time to break in the fresh porta potties.

11:32 DRISCOLL: Shit! He's here!?!

11:37 PAPPI: So far this is the Bad Taste of Tacoma.

11:43 DRISCOLL: Here's me and Randy Moss at the Taste.

11:44 DEROSA: Inta Juice fruit smoothies have Red Bull in them and my name all over them. Damn good.

11:48 DRISCOLL: First taste: Hawaiian barbecue from Ali and Summo's. Mmmm, I feel fat already.

11:49 DEROSA: Oh my god! Friggen long ass line for a $500 gas card from Geico. That's half a tank in my 1997 Suburban.

11:50 DEROSA: I just won free garden gloves as a result of a computer survey I just filled out. How lame. I don't take care of my garden. I drink beer in my garden.

11:53 DEROSA: Just ran into Fontaine. He told me some dirty secrets but said he'd kill me if they showed up on Spew. He scares me.

11:55 DRISCOLL: I'm not trying to be a hater, but there are a lot of booths here from outside Tacoma. Case in point: Chutney's Grille from Seattle.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Hey kids! Do you like the rock and roll? Do you like half-naked chicks with your rock and roll? Head to Hell’s Kitchen tonight at relish in both when Smooch Knob take the stage beginning at 9 p.m.

12:01 DEROSA: They call it the Taste, but I'm receiving plate loads. Heh.

12:14 DRISCOLL: Vinyl windows â€" not so tasty.

12:18 DEROSA: I'm about to dig into some Southern Kitchen Restaurant grub.

12:19: DEROSA: Gumbo! I need a beer to make this complete.

12:20: DRISCOLL: Even my 1-year-old daughter seems to realize this cover of "Brown Eyed Girl" is sub par. It is enthusiastic, though. That's got to count for something.

12:21 DEROSA: This Coors light is the best I have ever tasted. I should go steal Matt's wife and make her drink with me.

12:23 DRISCOLL: People are lining up to win bags of S&W rice. If that's not exciting, I don't know what is.

12:28 DRISCOLL: Scott Fontaine's starter beard looks hot today. I think I saw barbecue sauce on it. Nice.

12:29 DEROSA: This gumbo is killer. Whole shrimp, okra, chicken, and sausage in perfect roux over a bed of rice. I love you Southern Kitchen. Oh, and the guys are cute server it. Bonus!

12:31 DRISCOLL: Here's a peek behind the scenes. It's a rough job dealing with all that tastiness.

12:34 DEROSA: Cinderella's stepsisters are bitching out the doorman to the beer garden. Their license is over a year expired. Stop spending your money on cheap hair!

12:36 DRISCOLL: This picture speaks for itself.

12:38 DRISCOLL: Here is some tasty trash. Felt blog post anxiety I guess.

12:39 DRISCOLL: I think someone may have called the medics for my arteries. It might have something to do with an elephant ear.

12:40 DEROSA: Masa is serving entra parilla â€" a marinated steak skewer, Tijuana dog, which is wrapped in bacon, chorizo asado â€" chorizo peppers and sauce â€" and it all looks yum. The skewer is th emost popular according to the Masa staff.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

If you have been a shy version of Julia Child â€" or Emeril â€" then this may be the time to let your cooking talents shine. The food contests at the 2008 Puyallup Fair are the perfect place to let your culinary creations be recognized. Who knows, this could be your starting point to the Food Network! Interested participants with questions after reading the rules and regulations should call (253) 841-5017 weekdays, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

12:49 DRISCOLL: Here's where the former Tacoma mayors are set to rally for Metro Parks later tonight. My money is on Baarsma blacking out after much "tasting."

12:52 DEROSA: Matt, I got the scoop on Fontaine's beard. His beautiful soon-to-be wife bet him that he could not go for 10 days without shaving. The bet amount? $10.

12:55 DRISCOLL: Apparently I'm too big for this ride. Or so says Funtastic.

1:02 DEROSA: There's a guy working the Katie Downs booth who feels the need to scream and applaud at the people in the beer garden.

1:14 PAPPI: Hmmm, seems a little quiet â€" almost too quiet. I bet those two clowns are in the beer garden.

1:16 PAPPI: I knew it.

Taste of Tacoma 2008
June 27-29, Point Defiance Park

LINK: Taste of Tacoma information

LINK: Taste of Tacoma restaurants

LINK: Taste of Tacoma entertainment

DANIEL BLUE: MEET SHANNON EAKINS >>>

Shannon Eakins is an artist of many forms.  Pictured here at Fulcrum Gallery on Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Hilltop, Shannon's work is vast and often vaguely satirical. From glass to embroidery, her work is often animal themed and most often extremely approachable.   

I first met her and her husband wondering around the streets of Tacoma. They had purchased a condo downtown and were curious why they didn't see very many people on the streets.  I told them that we hid in the sewers until full moons.  I'm pretty sure that's why they decided to stay. 

Shannon says, "I'm more of a behind the scenes person," but she seems to shine brightly at most every event we encounter each other.  I always find myself in conversations with her about the psychology of animals; and how they may or may not be an allegory about mankind. She thinks on levels outside of anything you will find on television, unless you are up late and watching the public access channel.   

She works very hard to keep things even and natural, and works very hard at most everything she sets her hands to.   

Stop by M-Space and grab some lessons from her. Her patient demeanor will make you feel like Chahoolie himself.