FAMILIAR NAMES OPEN NEW VENTURE >>>

Subdivision Studios is quite possibly the best thing ever to hit Olympia for up-and-coming hip-hop artists - at least when it comes to finding a legitimate place to record music or finding top-of-the-line production. On April 1, Smoke of Oldominion (Matt Smokovich), Booz E Collinz (Rolando Guajardo) and Chonie Diego (Aaron Lopez) combined ideas, efforts and powers to open the brand-new studio just north of Olympia, with the intention of helping improve the overall quality of music coming out of the South Sound. With creators who are all veterans of the music scene in Olympia and outside it, Subdivision seems destined for success.

To read Nic Leonard's full article click here.

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Mike Jackson in response to Christian Carvajal's recent cover story on Lacey's Ken Balsley, one interesting character.

Jackson writes,

This is classic Ken, always bringing up the uncomfortable truth and sticking his nose in where the politicians feel nobody should be allowed. He is often the only reporter at public hearings in Thurston County. Ken is not a gadfly trying to undo the system. He is, above all, a reporter. However in my experience he does not swear that much...

SEEKING SALVATION >>>

In no way do I mean this as a slight, but it doesn't take long before Everyman starts to feel just a bit silly. That's a good thing. I find silliness extremely underrated in modern art critique.

Indisputably the most famous English morality play of the late 15th century, Everyman relates the allegorical quest of its title character for salvation. Death has come for Everyman, and now, at the last minute - arguably, past it - Everyman is desperate for a path into Yahweh's good graces. One by one, Everyman's most cherished companions and idols desert him on the Road to Perdition. (Imagine a version of The Wizard of Oz in which the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman and Cowardly Lion abandon Dorothy to the Witch.) Forsaken by friends, family, filthy lucre and even his own faculties, Everyman finally falls back on confession and faith in his First Father. And if you thought that alliteration was thudding, friend, just wait till you hear some of the rhymes in this show.

To read Christian Carvajal's full review of Everyman at St. Martin's University, click here.

[Saint Martin's University, Everyman, $5, through April 30, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, beginning outside O'Grady Library on the SMU campus, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, 360.790.8308]

THE POLLS ARE NOW OPEN >>>

Spring is in the air.

This means lust is in the air - and in the pages of the Weekly Volcano.

Once again, the Volcano is unleashing The Sexy Issue, giving one and all the chance to gaze at the sexiest people in the South Sound - as voted on by all of you, our dear readers.

Our annual celebration of the flesh, The Sex Issue is the Weekly Volcano's way of showcasing the South Sound's sexiest denizens - and by denizens we don't mean celebrities; we're talking about regular dudes and dudettes who just happen to look sexy as hell. Not just cliché sex appeal, of no relation to AXE Deodorant Body Spray campaigns, and certainly much more than mere looks, the Volcano Sexy Issue attempts to answer simple question: What defines sexiness in the South Sound?

This year, we are asking you to nominate the person who makes you all hot and bothered in the following categories: Bartender, Barista, Delivery Person, Real Estate Agent, Athlete, Servicemember, Drummer, Tattoo Artist and Mom.

On Thursday, June 2, the Weekly Volcano will publish The Sexy Issue, immortalizing the sexy, chosen few forever.

Help us find them.

Voting ends May 12 - so help the Weekly Volcano find the South Sound's hottest citizens. Vote today!

Vote for the South Sound's sexiest people (please include where they work):

BUT HE THINKS YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT >>>

I'd never heard of Ken Balsley when I was assigned this interview, but that was my fault, not his. He's been doing everything he can to get his name out there. If you grew up in this area, you know him from his commentaries on KGY AM 1240. Or you might read his blog, Ken's Corner, at kenbalsley.com. Or perhaps you live in Lacey, where he's all but ubiquitous. Ken Balsley is a very big fish in a growing pond. And yes, if you voted in our Best of Olympia poll, he thinks you, Gentle Reader, are full of shit.

Oh, we'll get to that, I promise.

To read Christian Carvajal's full story on Lacey's Ken Balsley, click here.

ACCESS SOUTH SOUND DRINK SPECIALS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND >>>

The Weekly Volcano Happy Hour App has up-to-date listings of happy-hour offerings from bars, clubs, taverns and restaurants from Tumwater to Federal Way, from Gig Harbor to Bonney Lake. As of now, some 160 happy hours are listed - with more being added on a constant basis.

Your smart phone tells the app where you are, you specify any special happy-hour needs you might have, and - voilà - you've got a detailed list of every happy hour around, including specials and when that happy hour ends. The list is sorted by distance from your current location, and you can turn your phone sideways for a Google map of the nearest picks. Can't decide which one to try? Give the phone a good shake and the app will randomly select a happy hour for you.

The Weekly Volcano Happy Hour app is available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. And no matter what platform you use, it's free - so you can save your money for that last half-price margarita or two-for-one beer special of the night.

The Happy Hour section at weeklyvolcano.com has been redesigned to carry the same information as the phone app.

More good news: Because the Weekly Volcano has partnered with GoTime.com, our happy hour app doesn't only work in the South Sound; it also works in 160 other cities around the country.

LINK: Download the app to your phone

LINK: Our new nifty happy hour section

LINK: Scenes from the App Launch Party

Here's something to watch

MONDAY, MARCH 28: ROUND TWO ENDS TODAY >>>

Laid-back is the essence of Sunday. That means a lazy mid-afternoon pizza, no work, phone off the hook, flip-flops ... you know the routine. The mere thought of lifting a finger to wash the mountain of dishes in the sink should make you shudder. Yesterday, a good chunk of the South Sound changed its Sunday routine. Voting in the Tournament of Pizza was added to the mix. Yesterday's vote total nearly doubled the previous record high for most votes in the day.

But, it's Monday. You're still in chill mode. Your boss' view of what is priority is far from the top of your priority list. And there's six South Sound pizza games to vote on today. Before you vote, take a gander at yesterday's results. Woah.

Yesterday's Results

Terry's Office Tavern  vs. Fondi Pizzeria

They are worlds apart. Beloved Northend Tacoma neighborhood tavern Terry's flirts with being dubbed a dive with a very approachable feel, especially the U-shaped bar that creates for multiple conversations with friends and strangers. Fondi's a lofty, lively space filled with families and shoppers with fast, friendly service - almost autonomous. But Fondi's brick oven and warm earth tones bring warmth to the space, and their awesome gooey, bubbling pizza has the edge according to voters sending the Gig Harbor restaurant into the Stuffed 16 with 67 percent of the votes.

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Blue Cannon Pizza stainless steel-ish interior, huge blue cannon and their "Meaty" pizza load (LOADED!) with meat was no match for The Fan Club's campaign to take this game. The Oakbrook neighborhood bar in Lakewood has the fan base, and pizza, to nab 82 percent of the votes, sending them into the Stuffed 16.

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta

The location of Oldschool Pizzeria in its downtown Olympia spot can't be beat. Its corner spot sees an almost constant stream of fascinating people alternately stumbling, mumbling, and strutting by the windows at the front of the restaurant. Inside Oldschool, the atmosphere matches the outside as every slice of life, in every state of mind, eats the New York Style pizza below Burt Reynolds and classic NBA posters. Apollo's atmosphere is less eccentric and bit more polished. We don't have any idea if atmosphere played into Apollo's massacre of Oldschool, but its deeper dish pizza grabbed 81 percent of the votes yesterday, eliminating the number one seed Oldschool.

Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Ah, history. The factor we all owe so much but for the most part choose to ignore. Dirty Dave's is still going strong after nearly 40 years in the biz and its delicious pizza is the reason for its success. But the modern electric hum lies with Infernos - the fairly new kid on the block - and its long list of gourmet pizzas. Infernos grabbed 60 percent of the votes yesterday over Dirty Dave's, and moves into the Stuffed 16.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Fondi Pizzeria
  
• The Fan Club Sports Bar
• Apollo's Pizza and Pasta
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW, AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE TUESDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante vs. Delbrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies

Joeseppi's serves six thin and sturdy pizzas with crisp, pastry-like crusts, most topped with their homemade tomato sauce, and served in their front deli and back in the dining room. Delbrocco's is a eat-in or take-out East Coast joint serving hand-tossed Philly style pizza pies from a storefront on the corner of Sixth and Proctor. Can the famous Joe Stortini fronted Italian restaurant beat the Rocky Balboa of Tacoma pizza joints? Which pizza deserves to move up to the Baked Eight?

• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)
• Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Fondi Pizzeria vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Both of these places have rabid fans and die-hard supporters, as well as popular pizzas, therefore this pizza battle may be the most hotly contested of the day. Upscale-ish Fondi proved it can eliminate a beloved Tacoma neighborhood joint when it took out Terry's Office Tavern over the weekend. Can it do the same with an equally beloved neighborhood joint in Lakewood? Mobilize your base, Fondi and Fan Club, and get out the vote!

• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)
• The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Apollo Pizza & Pasta vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

You can't overlook the fact Apollo creamed Oldschool Pizzeria in the Second Round - a pizza readers gave top honors in our Best of Olympia issue. You also can't overlook Apollo's monstrous beer mugs. Infernos claims it has the "coldest beer in town," which could come into play today (imagine if the coldest beer was in a monstrous mug. Maybe these two Thurston County pizza joints could join forces and open Apollo Infernos House of Beer). But, we digress. This is the Tournament of Pizza, and this battle could get ugly.

• Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Ricardo's Restaurant vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

Ricardo's, the Italian restaurant in Lacey that is now open seven days a week, quietly dropped Smitty's Chicago Style and Farrelli's in DuPont. ... Let that sink in for a minute. Could their write-up in Home & Garden have anything to do with beating two strong opponents? Casa Mia couldn't care less. Five newspapers have dubbed it the best restaurant and/or pizza. Pizza Today Magazine wants to marry Casa Mia. Both have earned honors from the Capital Food & Wine Festival. Vote now, or forever hold your peace.

• Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)
• Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: STUFFED 16 BEGINS!

Game 1: Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma) vs. Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Game 4: Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey) vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

THURSDAY, MARCH 24: GREAT MATCHUPS TODAY >>>

Low and behold, today marks the closing of the Tournament of Pizza's first round. After today's battles the bracket will officially be down to only 32 area pizza joints, and the competitions are getting fiercer by the minute. Honestly, if it gets any more exciting we'll start to understand why Dick Vitale is always yelling. Plus we'll have serious heartburn.

Without wasting anyone's time with pepperoni related basketball innuendo, on to today's Weekly Volcano Tournament of Pizza action, which comes from the Downtown Tacoma Region.

Yesterday's Results

Aversano's vs. Big Nick's Pizza & Pasta

Unexpectedly, this was an epic battle ... the kind of thing Tournament of Pizza "instant classics" are made of. A surprisingly low scoring affair, with much of the action on defense, the third seeded Aversano's and the 14th seeded Big Nick's were in a dead heat - literally tied - going into the final hours of the competition. Back at Weekly Volcano World Headquarters, Tournament of Pizza officials frantically discussed what to do in the case of a tie? Overtime? Coin flip? See which establishment could deliver a pizza to our Lakewood office the fastest? Luckily, after a late social media push on our part (we were checking our Facebook anyway ...) Aversano's edged out the win, securing exactly 52.2 percent of the vote. This one will go down in the history books.

Big Wheel Steakhouse vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery

Honestly, if you haven't had a little bit too much to drink during a construction business related lunch meeting at Puyallup's Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery, well, my friend, you've never lived. The landscaping can wait. Mixing dank-ass beer (that's a good thing, older readers) with pizzas with kick like "the Overload" is just so right in so many ways. The Powerhouse emerges victorious, having secured roughly 61 percent of the vote in a first round battle with Big Wheel Steakhouse.

Flying Tomato Italian Grill vs. Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Honestly, we're not sure why Vince's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria was the only Federal Way restaurant nominated by readers in this year's Tournament of Pizza (other than the obvious reason that our readership is largely based in Tacoma, Olympia and the closely surrounding areas), but what we do understand is Vince's has a following - so strong of a following, in fact, that the longtime pizza player was able to easily defeat Flying Tomato Italian Grill in Graham in yesterday's action in what amounted to a blowout. Vince's, after scoring 71 percent of the vote yesterday in a resounding victory, moves on to the second round ... still the only Federal Way establishment in the competition (here's lookin' at you, Federal Way comment section guy from yesterday).

Rollies Tavern vs. Right Spot

Rollies Tavern quickly comes to the lips of many when discussing the best South Sound pizzas. So, perhaps it's no surprise that the bar frequented by military types and pie-lovers alike did serious damage in yesterday's action, kicking Fife's Right Spot to the curb while garnering a staggering 74 percent of the vote. The final score included a late surge by the Right Spot in what basically amounted to Tournament of Pizza garbage time - with Rollies rolling with almost 85 percent of the vote for most of the day. Rollies moves on as a pizza to reckon with in later rounds of Tournament of Pizza action.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Aversano's
• Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery
  
• Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
  
• Rollies Tavern
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. CHECK FRIDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR THE RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW AND THE NEXT PIZZA BATTLES.

Katie Downs vs. Alfred's Café & Bubble Room

Katie Downs bills its pizza as "award winning," and it's no lie. The Ruston Way destination for stiff drinks and good hangs boasts one of the more well known pizzas in town. With unique creations like the Mariner and the Rainier, it's easy to understand why word has spread. And word has spread plenty since Katie Downs opened in the early '80s. Facing this storied past will be underdog Alfred's Café & Bubble Room, not necessarily known for its pizza, but a Tacoma institution nonetheless. Which Tacoma landmark will advance?

• Katie Downs (3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma)
• Alfred's Cafe & Bubble Room (402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma)

Engine House No. 9 vs. Abella Pizzeria

Whoever wins this contest, you can't deny both have business savy. Engine House No. 9 has staked a claim in this city by providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere for college kids from nearby UPS to come drink beer and eat quintessential bar food - the pizza high on that list. On the other end, Abella Pizzeria knew enough to open its storefront smack-dab in the center of all the University of Tacoma Washington action - knowing damn well college kids love their pizza. Understandably, both intuitions have amassed strong followings. The Tournament of Pizza is the only logical way to handle this. ...

• Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma)
• Abella Pizzeria (1946 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza vs. The Harmon Hub

Earlier in the Volcano's Tournament of Pizza, the DuPont Farrelli's location showed its dominance - advancing to second round action. Now it's time for the Farrelli's Tacoma location to see if it can duplicate that success. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere as its well-stocked bar area built well enough and stocked with enough fire water to contain the revelers, Farrelli's on Sixth Avenue is very rarely empty. But will it be up to the massive test of facing Pat Nagle's The Harmon Hub? Part of the Harmon collective of T-Town restaurants (see: The Harmon and The Harmon Tap Room), readers chose pizza from the Hub as the best of any Harmon enterprise has to offer. This one should be close.

• Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (3518 S. Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
• The Harmon Hub (203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

Puget Sound Pizza vs. Sidebar Bistro

Whenever we pick up a pie from Puget Sound Pizza we always feel the need to tip heavily; we fear we'll come off as "uncool" otherwise. But the truth of that statement lies in the fact we keep coming back despite this - the pie is that good. Throw in some drunken karaoke and you've got yourself the perfect Grit City night on the town. Will the lawyer type hangout and relative newbie that calls the former Red Kelly's spot home, the Sidebar Bistro, be up to the challenge of taking on Tacoma's "coolest" pizza joint? Again, only the votes will decide. ...

• Puget Sound Pizza (317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma)
• Sidebar Bistro (1101 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: SECOND ROUND BABY!

Game 1: Cloverleaf Pizza (6430 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)

Game 2: Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Pizza Casa (12924 Pacific Hwy. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (1590 Wilmington Dr., DuPont) vs. Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. S, Lacey)

Game 4: Casa Mia (716 Plum St., Olympia) vs. Vic's Pizzeria (233 Division St. NW, Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2011 >>>

1. Hey, kids! The Pokemon State Championships are going down RIGHT NOW at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.

2. Think all pianists - especially pianists schooled in the likes of Beethoven, Bach and Chopin - are lame and stuffy? Think again. Or, better yet, check out Awadagin Pratt today at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. Billed as a "rare phenomenon," and a "wonderfully gifted artist and conductor whose dreadlocks and style complement (his) incredible talent, charisma and showmanship," Pratt seems certain to leaves mouths agape and ears begging for more.

3. Motamouth Jones has been making noise in the streets since the early ‘90s, winning battles, corner ciphers and talent shows all around town. Tonight, check Motamouth's uniquely Tacoma swagger at the Sampan in Lacey. Or if that's not your musical cup of tea, try the Volcano's comprehensive live local music listings.

4. If you hurry you can still get down to the Grand for the free showing of Kung Fu Panda, part of the Click! Family Flick series.

5. Vote in the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza - it's awesome.

LET'S HOPE THEY KEEP THEIR TOPS ON >>>

When I lived in Biloxi, Miss. (which, by the way, is pronounced "bih-LUCK-see), Mardi Gras was a very big deal.

There were parades (without the toplessness of New Orleans). There were beaded necklaces and clothes in purple, green and gold. There were tooth-achingly sweet king cakes with plastic babies baked inside. (Getting the baby in your slice was considered good fortune - and it meant you were obligated to buy the next day's cake.)

Heck, the newspaper I worked for even gave us the day off from work ... instead of Martin Luther King Day.

It is a festival of debauchery - whether that means a wild party or simply eating lots of sugar and flour before giving them up for Lent.

Here in South Sound, this festival of excess passes with little recognition. However, you can celebrate by dining out.

Senior Services for South Sound's annual "Fat Tuesday Feast for Seniors" happens all day Tuesday, March 8.

Participating restaurants donate (a percentage of profits or a flat donation) to Senior Services to go to help at-risk, low-income and disabled seniors.

For a list of participating restaurants, go to here.