MONDAY, DEC. 5, 2011 >>>

1. Spaceworks Tacoma has filled the city's vacant spaces will a new round of art. Nine new installations have added color to downtown Tacoma. Take a stroll up and down 11^th street, jutting over to Broadway, Commerce and Pacific Avenue to check out art by Diane Hansen, Brian Hutcheson, Maria Meneses, Kelly June Mitchell, Mary Rothlisberger and Lauren McCleary, Jessica Spring, RSVR visual research (Ian Campbell and Benjamin Gray), Janette Ryan, the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and Metro Parks Tacoma, as well as Metro Parks Tacoma's dragon at Ninth and Pacific Avenue.

2. On this date in history, 1933, Prohibition was repealed. There's was much rejoicing. Olympia bartenders and the folks at the Olympia Film Society will be celebrating in grand style with an evening of burlesque, music, films and craft cocktails. For party specific, read Molly Gilmore's full story here. Also, Doyle's Public House traditional honors this day too. Stop by the Stadium District watering hole and see what's up.

3. Jeff Ross hosts the Mandolin Cafe Trivia Night beginning at 6 p.m. All the sweet details can be found here.

4. Harlequin Productions hosts a first read-through of this comedic tale of redemption The Seafarer at 7 p.m. in the Wine Cellar Room at Waterstreet Cafe and Bar. The Olympia theater company suggests you arrive by 6 p.m., since seating is limited to about 70, and it can fill up quickly. Its cast of five actors will get together for the first time to read the play out loud. You get to be there. Neat.

5. Le Voyeur Café and Lounge in downtown Olympia hosts Tear In Yr Beer Night featuring Dana Jewel & The Hungry Hearts and DJ Oki Brown beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: 2011 South Sound Holiday Happenings

LINK: This week's freebies

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Better Remove Your "WSDOT Sucks" Bumpersticker: The Washington State Department of Transportation announced it will begin photo tolling on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Saturday. (News Tribune)

Happy Friday News: Nearly a third of all Tacoma-area homeowners with a mortgage owe more than their property is worth. (News Tribune)

Unemployment Rate: It fell to 8.6 percent after employers added 120,000 jobs in November, the Labor Department reports. The jobless rate in October had been 9 percent. (CNN)

Lacey City Council: Not huge with pot smokers. (News Tribune)

For Those Who Don't Drink Beer: Forza now the official coffee of the Tacoma Rainiers. (News Tribune)

Not So Christmasy: Don't wear a Frosty mask. (WCTI12)

Freaky: Daniel Day Lewis IS Abraham Lincoln. (The Superficial)

Just In Time For Christmas: There's an Angry Bids cookbook. (walyou)

Cookie Cottages Have Come A Long Way: Lights, camera, gingerbread (Flavorwire)

NOW WITH MORE TACOS >>>

Play bingo with those not just killing time before the Grim Reaper calls their number.

Every Wednesday at The New Frontier, players are treated to a rather boisterous evening of number-calling by the lovely Brooke.

The music rocks, the prizes are craptastic and there's something very satisfying about yelling "It's not a tumor!" when B-9 is pulled from the hopper (Schwarzenegger anyone?).

Sessions are free with $2 margaritas and $4 Cuervo Gold shots during bingo.

Every Wednesday night is also Taco Night with $1 beef, $1 black bean and $2 chicken in soft or crunchy shells.

[The New Frontier Lounge, Wednesdays, 10 p.m., free, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]

LINK: Rock & Roll Bingo photos!

PERSON, PLACE OR THING WITH STEPH DEROSA >>>

Location: Puyallup

River Road: And Meridian

Dubbed: Five Guys Calories and Fries

By: Mr. DeRosa

I've done a damn fine job staying away from my beloved bacon cheeseburger the last three months.  It's been a challenge, but very worth it. 

I was doing just fine passing by Quick Pick on a daily basis. And I've substituted ground turkey breast on those rare occasions when hamburger-type cravings have struck. 

I was doing ... just ... fine.

Until Five Guys Burgers and Fries moved to town.

Those bastards. All five of them. Bastards!

With my will power was shrinking with every passing moment, I knew it was only a matter of time until my cravings got the best of me and I succumbed to the awesome macerated beef goodness. To rationalize, I convinced myself that there was a small, barely possible chance that the "Five Guys" part of the newly opened FGBF in Puyallup referred to the five members of N'Sync, thus creating a need to visit.

To read Steph DeRosa's full column, click here.

TUESDAYS ARE A GOOD BOOZE DAY >>>

Do the early-workweek doldrums have you down? Just need to escape? The Weekly Volcano has a few suggestions. Who really cares if you have poli sci at 8 a.m.?

The Red Hot

The best bars are named after ex-wives. Or defunct rock bands. Or candy. Yep, candy. That's why we knew The Red Hot in Tacoma was destined to be a classic. How could a place known for its beer and hot dog selection not bring the noise? Especially on Tuesday's, when The Red Hot features various happy hour specials including $3 pints. Yes, sir, The Red Hot is up there for sweetest joint in the area. That is until the Skittles moves into town.

[The Red Hot, Tuesday happy hour 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229]

1022 South

Not much can be said about 1022 South that hasn't already been said. Everyone has sung the bar's praises. I mean, even a writer from New York called 1022, "home to some of the most fascinating apothecary cocktail work on the West Coast." And I agree.

As a drinker's destination, 1022 is certainly a treat. Its dark, stylized interior and gorgeous bar are nothing short of stunning. Beautiful bartenders and an in-vogue music selection add to the appeal. Of course, the real draw of 1022 is the cocktails. From perfectly prepared Old Fashions to the perfectly named Under the Volcano's, 1022 is unbeatable when it comes to drinks. Trusting the waitress, I order a whiskey-based apothecary cup (bartender's choice). It's served in a fancy glass and tastes like a Jamba Juice infused with booze.

Please don't let this poor-man's description turn you off. New York Times drink critic I am not. The cocktails are really, really good.

[1022 South, happy hour 4-8 p.m., 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588]

Puget Sound Pizza

Featuring karaoke three nights a week, starting at 9 p.m. and going until last call, the real appeal of Puget Sound Pizza's karaoke is its inimitable host, the Reverend Colin. A tall, bearded man who always sports an utilikilt, Rev. Colin possesses a wealth of oddball musical knowledge and a disarming ease for calling everyone "baby." Having hosted karaoke for a little more than 12 years, Rev. Colin conducts karaoke with a sure hand and a sense of fairness with who gets to sing and how often; he once told me that he prides himself on not accepting bribes from people to be moved to the top of the singing rotation.

Pro tip: if you're looking through the list of songs at Puget Sound Pizza and you don't see the one you want, ask Rev. Colin if he has it in his "secret stash." He always has a little bit set aside for the people who really want it.

[Puget Sound Pizza, karaoke Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 p.m. to close, 317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma, 253.383.4777]

Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub

Tuesdays seem to be the hottest night for the overeducated South Sound masses to prove their intellectual worth. And where do such brainiacs head? Glad you asked.

The Geeks head to Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub.

The Tacoma watering hole is the site of John Dicker's Geeks Who Drink pub quiz night. Dicker, a genius from Colorado, has taken the Irish Pub quiz tradition to a new level with Geeks Who Drink games across the nation, including every Tuesday night at the downtown pub, hosted by graphic artist and Weekly Volcano production assistant Holland Hume.

The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the quizmaster; teams write their answers on provided sheets and turn them in at the end of each round. The team with the most points after eight rounds is the winner.

To read Pappi Swarner's full story about the night, click here.

[Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub, 8 p.m. Tuesdays, no cover or entry fee, 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6963]

LINK: Happy hours!

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Fallen Officers Food Drive: A Pierce County storage company will be participating in a food drive to honor four Lakewood police officers who were killed two years ago today. (King 5)

And So It Begins: Olympia's budget-cutting special section is on. (Seattle Times)

Combing For Ethics Violation: Retired Tacoma Dome director Mike Combs isn't suppose to be helping with the publicly funded study to bring a pro sports team to Tacoma. (News Tribune)

Occupy Olympia: Protest leads to arrests yesterday. (SLOG)

Iranian Students Pissed Off: Iranian students stormed the British Embassy in Tehran today, breaking down the door and replacing the British flag with an Iranian one. (CNN)

Oh Schrute: Dunder Mifflin paper is coming to stores. (TVGuide)

Listen: Scarlett Johansson teams with a dead Dean Martin for "I'll Be home for Christmas." (Indiewire)

Ho Ho Ho: 105 geek gift ideas (DVICE)

Macabrenet!: Elvira is launching her own line of wines. (Shock Till You Drop)

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TACOMA HISTORY ... AND LOVE FOOD? >>

Foodcaching is a new smart phone app alerting customers of awesome food deals at 16 restaurants in the greater Tacoma area. You may download the app for free on your iPhone and Android here.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with Foodcaching for the True Tacoman game. Every Tuesday and Friday right here on Spew, we post a Tacoma history trivia provided by the Washington State History Museum. If you know the answer, run to one of the 16 participating restaurants, come clean with answer and you'll receive points on your Foodcaching app, which you downloaded free here. We'll be running the True Tacoman trivia game through the end of the year.

The person will the most points on Dec. 31 will be crowned the True Tacoman and be flooded with various food prizes.

Friday's True Tacoman trivia answer

Friday, we posted the question: True or false: Picnic Island was an early name for Eagle Island - which sat between Anderson and McNeil islands - because Tacomans loved to picnic on it? You spent the last four days telling the restaurants listed below that the answer is "TRUE" and, thereby, scoring points on the Foodcaching app. It was an easy task, except those who live on Anderson Island. 

Today is Tuesday, which means we post another trivia question as part of the True Tacoman contest.

Today's True Tacoman trivia question

John G. Proctor, the man for whom Proctor Street is named after was a:

• A) banker
• B) architect
• C) farmer?

Answer the question correctly at one of the 16 participating restaurants below and score points - besides scoring awesome food deals from the restaurants. The correct answer will be revealed Friday, Dec. 2 on Spew. Also keep an eye on this blog for bonus game points and a special invite to the True Tacoman Game Party in early 2012.

Oh, you can download the free app here.

Participating restaurants

• 1022 South, 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588, Facebook
• Capers Cafe & Take Home, 2602 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.4444, Facebook
• Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588, Facebook
• Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacfic Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156, Facebook
• Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739, Facebook
• Harmon Tap Room, 204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.2725, Facebook
• The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606, Facebook
• Jake's Bar & Bistro, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253.581.3300, Website
• Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.503.1902, Facebook
• Marrow Kitchen & Bar, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.267.5299, Facebook
• Over The Moon Cafe, 709 Court C/Opera Alley, Tacoma, 253.284.3722, Facebook
• Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, Facebook
• The Social Bar & Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, Facebook
• STINK Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347, Facebook
• Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe, 3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, Facebook
• TWOKOI Japanese Restaurant, 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, Facebook

WE SAY SWALLOW >>>

It's time for your big holiday feast, and you've decided to go as local as possible. You have your ham from Cheryl The Pig Lady, cheeses from Black Sheep Creamery, desserts from Mama's Bakery and your wine from - France? To make your meal truly local, try looking a little closer to home for your beverages.

May we suggest you do a little local beverage research Thursday.

Tacoma's 21 Cellars and Wingman Brewery present a joint tasting under the title Drink Local, Drink Tacoma at The Swiss. Benefiting HIV/AIDS Reach Ministries - it's World AIDS Day Dec. 1 - the night offers wine and beer tastings, T-shirts, raffle and live music from Miles Ralston and Tacoma's own Rusty Cleavers.

21 Cellars will be pouring its 2008 Promesse 21 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - which will be release Dec. 12 - as well as its other wines.

Wingman will pour its Belgian Strong Ale and ACE IPA. Interestingly, the Belgian Strong Ale was aged in 2006 Vintage Pont 21 barrels. A side-by-side tasting with Pont 21 will be available at The Swiss.

Tastings provide prime opportunities to learn about grapes and hops, mingle with other eager learners, and use a spittoon (or, conversely, swallow 'til you're ripped). The Weekly Volcano will be swallowing ... a lot ... Thursday at The Swiss.

[The Swiss, Thursday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m., all ages until 8 p.m., $3 suggested donation, 1904 S. Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

LINK: Other local wine and beer tastings

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TACOMA HISTORY ... AND LOVE FOOD? >>

Foodcaching is a new smart phone app alerting customers of awesome food deals at 16 restaurants in the greater Tacoma area. You may download the app for free on your iPhone and Android here.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with Foodcaching for the True Tacoman game. Every Tuesday and Friday right here on Spew, we post a Tacoma history trivia provided by the Washington State History Museum. If you know the answer, run to one of the 16 participating restaurants, come clean with answer and you'll receive points on your Foodcaching app, which you downloaded free here. We'll be running the True Tacoman trivia game through the end of the year.

The person will the most points on Dec. 31 will be crowned the True Tacoman and be flooded with various food prizes.

Tuesday's True Tacoman trivia answer

Tuesday, we posted the question: Beginning in the 1840s and moving foward in time, the citizens of the United States who arrived in the Pacific Northwest were known to the Native Americans as what? You spent the last three days telling the restaurants listed below that is was "Bostons" and, thereby, scoring points on the Foodcaching app. It was an easy task, even for Bostons. 

Today is Friday, which means we post another trivia question as part of the True Tacoman contest.

Today's True Tacoman trivia question

True or false: Picnic Island was an early name for Eagle Island - which sat between Anderson and McNeil islands - because Tacomans loved to picnic on it?

Answer the question correctly at one of the 16 participating restaurants below and score points - besides scoring awesome food deals from the restaurants. The correct answer will be revealed Tuesday, Nov. 29 on Spew. Also keep an eye on this blog for bonus game points and a special invite to the True Tacoman Game Party in early 2012.

Oh, you can download the free app here.

Participating restaurants

• 1022 South, 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588, Facebook
• Capers Cafe & Take Home, 2602 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.4444, Facebook
• Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588, Facebook
• Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacfic Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156, Facebook
• Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739, Facebook
• Harmon Tap Room, 204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.2725, Facebook
• The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606, Facebook
• Jake's Bar & Bistro, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253.581.3300, Website
• Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.503.1902, Facebook
• Marrow Kitchen & Bar, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.267.5299, Facebook
• Over The Moon Cafe, 709 Court C/Opera Alley, Tacoma, 253.284.3722, Facebook
• Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, Facebook
• The Social Bar & Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, Facebook
• STINK Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347, Facebook
• Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe, 3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, Facebook
• TWOKOI Japanese Restaurant, 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, Facebook

The Weekly Volcano and Spew would like to wish you a Happy Turkey Day! We hope you and a few others huddle around what little warmth there is in a increasingly cold and uncaring universe, sipping, supping, and supporting one another - because there is nothing else worth doing.

Love each other.

Then go find some karaoke.