Today, citizens of Tacoma and Puyallup will vote on $500 and $279.6 million school bonds, respectively, which seeks to renovate crumbling schools. Taxpayers would pay for the improvements with property taxes - about $58 a year for the 31-year payback in Tacoma and roughly $14.42 a month for every $200,000 of assessed value in Puyallup. If passed, the Tacoma School District will renovate 14 worn-out schools. In Puyallup, the money will be used to move kids out of portables, give them access to technology and expand or repair 11 schools.

The litany of problems facing our children and teachers every day is unbelievable: Leaky roofs, malfunctioning air conditioning, crumbling walls, wires hanging from the ceiling, poor lighting, classrooms that are too small, rats running through the ceiling and horrendous restrooms.

How do kids learn? How do teachers teach? It's been proven in study after study that poor conditions like these lead to kids underperforming academically, high absenteeism and a higher dropout rate.

It seems like a no-brainer. The repairs and improvements would create jobs and bolster the local economy and it's so obviously the responsible thing to do. Better schools will only raise property values, which will benefit even those homeowners who chose not to deal with dirty diapers. There are so many reasons why the two city capital improvement bond issues are a good idea. It's one of those rare opportunities where everyone can win - most importantly the children who so desperately need to make education a priority.

Voters have until 8 p.m. today to return their ballots to county drop boxes, or mailed ballots must have today's postmark.

Say yes to the future of our children and our cities.

LINK: Tacoma School District Prop 1 FAQ

LINK: Puyallup School District Bond Information

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Sunny, hi 47, lo 35

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with chance of rain, hi 47, lo 35

Sunday: Partly cloudy, hi 50, lo 39

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 8-SUNDAY-FEB. 10: ARTS OLYMPIA SHOW AND SALE

Now in its 22nd year, the annual Arts Olympia Show and Sale this weekend at the Capital Museum Coach House promises, according to hype for the event, to be the best ever. And we're inclined to believe said hype. The three-day show comes under the header The Creative Edge and will include the work of nearly 40 local artists. This one's a no-brainer - which is probably why, year after year, the Arts Olympia Show and Sale keeps coming back for more. - Weekly Volcano

• Capital Museum Coach House, Friday, Feb. 8 5-8 p.m. opening reception, Saturday, Feb. 9 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10 noon to 4 p.m. 211 W. 21^st Ave., Olympia, artsolympia.org

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 8-SATURDAY, FEB. 9: PIZZA MAN

The flier for Pizza Man looks like a classic '70s porn cover - a funky chartreuse background and violet colored lines swoop around a circular shot of what appears to be a pizza boy being accosted by two "hungry" women. What becomes of two girls - one who lost her job, one who lost her boyfriend - when they invite the pizza man in for a beer? What starts as an eating frenzy to fill the void of their recent losses, the girls begin a frenzy of another type, and the pizza man is in for a terrifying treat. Naughty, dark humor makes the play unsuitable for children, and perfectly suitable for good-humored adults. An admiral Prodigal Sun Productions cast and original music score add to the story, making this another Midnight Sun must-see. - Nikki McCoy

• Midnight Sun, Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m., $12-$18 sliding scale, no one turned away, 113 N. Columbia St., Olympia, 360.250.2721

>>> FRIDAY. FEB. 8-SUNDAY, FEB. 10: THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL!

Everyone likes a good joke and being in on the joke is certainly better than BEING the joke. Well, usually. Certainly, people that take themselves too seriously are a drag and theater people who take themselves too seriously are often insufferable. Thankfully, Tacoma Musical Playhouse not only likes a good joke, with their latest production - The Musical of Musicals, the Musical! by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart - they ARE the joke. TMP's cast embraces the self-deprecating lyrics and dialogue and camps it up for the audience. It's a great show! Read Joann Varnell's full review of The Musical of Musicals, the Musical! in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

• Tacoma Musical Playhouse, through Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $20-$29, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867
  

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 9: OLYMPIA ROCK SHOW

Dubbed on fliers and Facebook simply as the "Olympia Rock Show," the line-up of Mom's Rocket, Hellbelly and Novadose speaks for itself Saturday at McCoy's Tavern. Expect heshers, rockers and tall boys to be sloshing around near the stage, using the pool table as the occasional seat to stabilize, then heading back into the crowd for more sweaty Oly rock. Mom's Rocket song, Fist Full of Love, with its Chris Cornell influence, is not only a bitchin' tune, but the title itself seems to encompass the Oly metal/rock scene, where gruff voices shouting "I'd kill for you man," and over-hearty slaps on the back of leather jackets, mean "I love you." - NM

• McCoy's Tavern, 9 p.m., $3, 420 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.352.0696

>>> FEB. 9: FUN IN THE SNOW

Are you a little ticked off snow hasn't graced the lowlands? Metro Parks Tacoma has you covered with a snow-related happenins going down this weekend. Saturday is Metro Parks' "Family Snow Days," which invite family groups of two or more to head up to Mt. Rainier for a day of sledding and fun in the snow. Of course, families must provide their own sleds and equipment, but the transportation and abundant chances for memory making are provided. - WV

• Family Snow Day, Saturday, Feb. 9, Pre-registration required by calling 253.594.7847, $20 for family of four, $4 per additional person, trip departs at 9 a.m. from the Portland Avenue Park & Center and return at 5 p.m., find more info at metroparkstacoma.org/outdoor

>>> SATURDAY, Jan. 5: RETRO SKATE NIGHT

Go old school in Puyallup Saturday at another Retro Skate Night at Tiffany's Skate Inn. Retro is all the rage these days, from Atari to tube socks, and Retro Skate Nights at Tiffany's - featuring tunes from the '70s, '80s and '90s - are probably better than both of those things. Get funky from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. — WV

• Tiffany's Skate Inn, 7-10 p.m., $7, 113 N Meridian, Puyallup, 253.848.1153

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 9-SUNDAY, FEB. 10: ARTIST CRAFT FAIR

For two days, Tacoma is for Lovers and King's Books present an Artist Craft Fair with a Valentine's theme. How sweet is that? A multitude of artists will have tables featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, caramels, letterpress prints, and more, all under the roof of King's Books. So not only can you find the coolest Tacoma artisan crafts, you can find a copy of Wonder and participate in Tacoma Reads Together, too. The event is a super power trio - support local arts, increase brain power, enjoy candy and gifts. Boom. - NM

• King's Books, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
After yet another round of dental surgery (yay), I'm seeing Pizza Man at the Midnight Sun. Sunday, my wife and I are seeing living legend Bill Cosby perform at UPS. Jell-O Pudding!

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Recuperating.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Let me tap into my bag ol' fun and see what I'm doing this weekend. Looks like I'm hustling the usual gin and tonic or whiskey coke pouring gig on Friday. A dinner date with the hubs at The Olympic Club Saturday, followed by a rock show at The Hub. Sunday, I feel like spending money - so we'll see where that takes me. Perhaps a new coffee pot, or some gardening tools, or a bag of weed. ...

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Saturday, I have some work to do for D.A.S.H. Center for the Arts. Later that day I'll be checking out "Upper Echelon", the next battle Alliance Battle League is putting on at Backstage Bar & Grill. These events are all-ages. Then that night, Beanz & Rize will be rocking the Juice Radio 7th Anniversary Show at the Harmom Taproom Underground. Door is $5 and the show starts at 9 p.m.

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Same ol' jazz - slanging drinks all weekend. I'lll also be working on a big art/craft fair for Peace Out's big fundraiser.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
This weekend is full of win. Friday, as part of my day job, I'll be attending the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts Graduate Series class complete with a catered dinner, usable lesson plans, and a ticket to the Ed Asner as FDR show. Saturday, the husband, toddler and I have a dinner date with one of our favorite families. Finally on Sunday, my husband is taking me to see Bill Cosby for an early birthday present!

STEVE DUNKELBERGER: Photographer
I'm bar-hopping tonight, snapping photos for the Weekly Volcano. The rest of the weekend I'm uking out on the four stringer, doing taxes, keeping it real and writing a book.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend I will be putting the albums Strike Gently by The Virgins as well as Comedown Machine by The Strokes on pre-order. Though not Tacoma-made, these are two highly-anticipated albums that are worth keeping an eye on.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

MONDAY, FEB. 4 2013 >>>

1. For years, the Greta Jane Quartet played every Monday at the Royal Lounge. The quartet is back at The Royal tonight at 8 p.m. "Quartet of what?" you ask, as yet unhip to Ms. Greta Jane Pederson's jazz combo featuring Cary Black, Vince Brown, and Andrew Dorsett. In your world, jazz is the Pandora station your boss makes you listen to at work. Well, prepare to get schooled! In the Quartet's nimble hands, jazz was powerfully sexy, just the thing to settle a body down after another manic Monday. Imagine a snifter of Maker's Mark and pretty ladies in cocktail gloves. That's right, cocktail gloves! It'sour  fantasy, damnit! Anywho, happy days are here again - at least for tonight.

2. The latest show at the University of Puget Sound's Kittredge Gallery is a fascinating installation that may prove difficult to describe. It is called "Kukai," and it is a collaborative project between digital media artist Robert Campbell and ceramic sculptor Yuki Nakamura, who previously worked together for an installation called "Floating Plaster/City Motion," a multimedia installation comprising video, audio, and cast sculptures for the New Works Laboratory, a program between 911 Media Arts Center and the Henry Art Gallery at University of Washington in Seattle. The current installation is all about light and sound - mostly light. Check it out between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Read Alec Clayton's full review of "Kukai" in the Weekly Volcano Arts section.

3. If you've noticed we're pushing local breweries lately, you've caught us. We can't stay away from local beer. Plus, there's something about a local brewery that screams perfect date night. A couple pints of lager, a couple side salads, a doggy bag for the happy couple. ... Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery in Puyallup offers a pasta and pint combination every Monday that's easy on the wallet. Buy pasta off the menu and get any one of Powerhouse's seven beers free of charge.

4. Wouldn't you love to know if your spouse was cheating? Or find out what Fido has been doing in Heaven all these years? Thank Goddess for psychics, and thank your lucky stars for the Psychic Buffet, 5-9 p.m. every first Monday at the Urban Onion Restaurant in downtown Olympia. See your future a little more clearly thanks to area clairvoyants and mediums, Tarot card readers and energy healers.

5. Jho Blenis and Shelly Ely will fill The Swiss with blues beginning at 8 p.m.

LINK: Monday, Feb. 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SOTA INTERN BLOG >>>

Today I was invited to try out Me-Ality, a machine that scans your body frame then suggests your perfect fit of clothes! The first and only one in Washington arrived last March at the South Hill Mall near Target. It's a free service and only takes 20 seconds to get scanned.

Like most scanners you can't wear metal. Me-Ality has a bucket to put your stuff in. I still suggest you don't wear too much metal jewelry or accessories as it's a pain to take off.  After you are scanned, the Me-Ality staff sends you an email with a link to its website housing a detailed list of clothes that would fit you best. They have a long list of brands such as Guess, Buckle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and Levi's. Since Me-Ality is located at a mall it is only natural it will show you the clothes that would fit you there! So you can get scanned and go right to shopping.

Thanks to Me-Ality I have a nice long list of jeans that would look good on me. Jeans are not the only items they know will look good on you. They also have lists of tops, skirts, dresses, pants, intimates and sweaters - for both men and woman.

Thousands of Americans are logged into Me-Ality's shopping guides. If you have trouble finding things that fit you or are just curious about what they think you should try, Me-Ality is your stop.

SOUTH HILL MALL, 10 A.M. TO 9 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY, 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUNDAY, 3500 S. MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, 253.445.5163

SOTA INTERN REPORT >>>

Tomorrow, Jan. 30 marks the end of my internship at the Weekly Volcano World Headquarters. I had such a great time keeping up this blog. Thank you, readers, for sticking with me in my short time here on Spew. I am grateful for all the positive feedback I have received. Your feedback has helped me improve as a writer and as a journalist.

I would like to thank the businesses that welcomed me such as My Cheese Shoppe, Anthem, Enchanted Harp and Trappers Sushi. Special thanks to my dear mother who had to drive me around everywhere since her lazy teen-age daughter refuses to get her driver's license. Also, I'd like to thank my dad who got more excited about my blog than I did.

Don't cry, dear readers, I still have one more blog coming. Tomorrow, I will visit the South Hill Mall to check out the clothes kiosk Me-ality. Apparently, I pop into a machine, it scans me and then tells me what kind of clothes I should buy, or what would be my perfect fit. I hope the machine can tell me where to find a comfy pair of jeans!

I almost forgot - a HUGE thank you to the Weekly Volcano staff. You have made my first work experience a great one! Maybe I will return one day to write for you again? I hope so. But, for now, here is your special goodbye: 

SOTA INTERN REPORT >>>

Now, I assume most of you know about Anthem Coffee and Tea. It is a new coffee company that opened Nov. 1, 2011 in downtown Puyallup. When I first noticed it consumed my beloved Froza, I was a little skeptical. But, the moment I walked in, I knew I would love it.

Upon walking in you will immediately feel the positive atmosphere radiating in the room. It is an atmosphere like no other and defiantly doesn't feel like your average coffee shop. Reason No. 1: Anthem plays loud, catchy music. You will not find nap-inducing, elevator music. Instead, Anthem plays music that I swear came right off one of my playlists. Florence + The Machine, Foster the People, Mumford and Sons - Anthem aims to keep me awake, just like a coffee shop should.

Reason No. 2 Anthem is different from other coffee shops: amazing service. Every time I visit I am greeted with a enthusiastic hello, no matter how many people are in the house. I have been there during the Puyallup Fair when it was wall-to-wall people. In fact, the line was outside the shop and down a block. Still, the staff kept its composure, smiled and made attempts to have quick chats with their customers.

Reason No. 3: It is very comforting and homey. For many people, it is like a home away from home. I see a lot of the same faces. The staff always makes new wanderers feel right at home.

The coffee? Well, Anthem has your standard blends - nothing too out of the ordinary, but they do serve a good brew. I am a picky coffee person. I find most coffee too watery with not enough flavor. Anthem passed my test on both its coffee and tea. Anthem's Espresso Macchiato and Marbled Cold Brew are crowd favorites. I also heard someone suggest the Pour Over.

If you are more of a tea person, then I would suggest the jasmine tea or the chai latte. "If you want something with a kick to it I think you should try the spice chai," claimed one of the staff. Kick, indeed. The sweet flavor of the chai turned into a "kick" down my throat. It was the perfect mix.

As morning time passes most high schoolers leave - minus the ones playing hookie - and are replaced by young adults holding business meetings or a small get-togethers with office friends.

That is also about the time the place gets less crowded and more comfortable, but still very lively. while still lively, it's one of the more quiet times of the day.

Then lunch time hits. That's when the good stuff happens. Anthem pulls out the pizzas. Besdies delicious pizzas, anthem also serves sweet potato fries and chicken wings.

You may also order wine and ale. They have happy hour weeknights starting at 7 .pm. and serve $4 house wine and $3.50 pints.

Below is a video of the first Anthem in Puyallup. 

SOTA INTERN REPORT >>>

During my trips to Paris I have discovered the joys of lounging on a nice summer evening with a hunk of cheese and a glass of red wine. You could say I have grown accustom to it. Naturally, I'm thrilled there's a cheese shop in Puyallup. My Cheese Shoppe - it's actually not mine but rather a shop opened by Laurie Sanders-Pole - has been the been the talk of the town since it opened June 15, 2011.

From the friendly service to the cute decorations, I could spend hours tasting the vast variety of cheeses. In fact, most customers do! "Try before you buy" is the shop's motto. Sometimes the staff spends 20-30 minutes with its customers for the right cheese. My Cheese Shoppe takes its cheese seriously. From cheddars to goat, strong to light tasting, the staff will match the perfect piece to a meal or party.

There's nothing better than cheese and crackers with a nice glass of wine. Thankfully, Corkscrew Cellars is just down the street. The two businesses have paired up for many events. Wednesday, Jan. 30, a cheese and wine tasting event will be held between the two shops.

Also, every Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Corkscrew hosts a wine tasting.  

If you are a first time cheeser, Laurie suggests the New Moon cheese made at Mt. Townsend Creamery. If you are a cheddar person, I would suggest the Wookey Hole signature Cave Aged cheese. Laurie and her daughter, Ashlynn, who also works at My Cheese Shoppe, helped me find the perfect cheese for my younger brother who had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. To my luck the cheese they picked was low in carbs. My brother was able to eat it without any shots! And on top of that, he loved it, which is rare for him since he is the pickiest of picky eaters.

I highly suggest you visit My Cheese Shoppe. It has been such a pleasure getting to know them. With such a wide selection, I grantee you will find the perfect cheese for you and your family.

MY CHEESE SHOPPE, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY-FRIDAY, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. SATURDAY, 202 S. MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, 253.841.2011

WEDENSDAY, JAN. 23 2013 >>>

1. Judging by the looks of John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love blog fame, this annual prompt for spring cleaning - the Tacoma Home & Garden Show - is aiming for the young market. The Petersiks are one of those likable young couples that drives you nuts. Not only are they hopelessly photogenic (and charmingly self-deprecating) but they've managed to turn their love of fixing up their old house into a bankable career. If you're mad about keeping up with the Young Joneses, then this congregation of 750 trendy exhibitors will inflame those covetous inclinations from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome. The popular Vintage Market returns this year as repurposed and shabby-chic items for the garden and home are spotlighted by more than 20 local vendors.

2. It's a busy day for O'Laughlin Trade Shows - the juggernaut behind today's Tacoma Home & Garden Show at the Tacoma Dome, AND the 26th annual Washington Sportsmen's Show and Sport Fishing Boat Show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. Wednesday through Sunday, the Washington Sportsmen's Show will offer the best in dudes wearing flannel and exaggerated fishing stories. But, best of all, check out what's billed as the "one-of-a-kind" indoor "Steelhead River." It's hard to go wrong with an indoor river.Check it from noon to 8 p.m.

3. Vaughn Sherman's career as a fisheries biologist in the Pacific Northwest was cut short when he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency. Such is life. At 7 p.m. inside the Wheelock Library, Sherman will read and sign his book Sea Travels - Memoirs of 20th Century Master Mariner, the autobiography of Sherman's uncle, J. Holger Christensen.

4. There's a public program tonight at the newly opened Science Dome at Pierce College. At 7:15 p.m. an interactive tour of our current night sky will be explored followed by the 25 minute fulldome movie, Two Small Pieces of Glass, a story about telescopes, Galilean Moons, Saturn's rings and spiral structure of galaxies set to music by the London Symphony Orchestra.

5. The Northern Pacific Coffee Company is the quintessential college hangout. Located on Parkland's Garfield Street - one block away from Pacific Lutheran University - this coffee shop hosts an open mic every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Though much more casual than the other open mics I've mentioned, I have seen incredible talent the last six years. The NPCC also has resident musicians throughout the week that perform traditional jazz music for the regulars. And much like the Antique Sandwich Company, the NPCC features a great selection of food and beverage options.

LINK: Wednesday, Jan. 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SOTA INTERN REPORT >>>

On the corner of North Meridian Street and West Stewart Avenue sits the quaint Enchanted Harp. It is one of a few harp shops in the Northwest.

Right off the bat you will notice its eloquent atmosphere and, if you are lucky, one of the workers will be playing the harp.

The harp, as you know, is a multi-stringed instrument much like a piano, but is played perpendicular. It is a beautiful instrument most often found at classical or Celtic music concerts, but sounds cool in jazz and pop rock songs. In fact, I have seen an electric harp played in a heavy music performance.

The Enchanted Harp carries a variety of harps - pedal harps to electric harps and everything in between. They also have a wide selection of used harps that, from what I saw, are in fantastic shape.

Why do I care about harps?

True, I don't know how to play the harp. But, I'm thinking of taking lessons. To my delight, Enchanted Harp offers lessons. It is only $25 for a single, half-hour lesson. If you are interested in monthly lessons (four weeks a month) the prices ranges from $80-$160. I think those are reasonable prices to learn how to play such a unique instrument.

Colin Nelson, a friend who resides in Paris, told me all about her experience with the harp. "Harp is more easy than people think," she says. "Actually, it's like the piano - one string for one (do re mi ...). There is different type of color to recognize which one is which. The red string equals do and fa is blue, the rest are white. Playing the sharps is more difficult to do because you have to press something with the foot. Everybody can play it. I started at 6. I chose this instrument when I was 6 years old because I wanted to do like the princess."

Enchanting.

ENCHANTED HARP, 210 N. MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, 253.770.0550  

SOTA INTERN REPORT >>>

Downtown Puyallup is mostly known for its pretty parks and small town feel — and, of course, the Puyallup Fair. But, what is not known about Puyallup is some of its unique history, such as The Spite wall and the ghost that still haunts the area.

On a recent outing to Central Perk Espresso and Deli I dropped in on nearby Ace Pawn and Loan, which is owned by an acquaintance of mine, Eli Reed. Striking up a conversation with a customer at Ace Pawn — which the customer calls "The Pawn Stars of Puyallup — I inquired about the building's history. Apparently, the building was originally the site of "The Spite Wall." Ezra Meeker, a remarkable pioneer that is best known for his 25 year old struggle to interest Congress in marketing the Old Oregon Trail, built The Spite Wall to keep people away from his Meeker Mansion.

Today, the wall is the home to several businesses and office spaces, including The Pawn Stars of Puyallup. Ace Pawn is chock-full of electronics, tools, firearms, musical instruments, jewelry and ski gear.

My history lesson continued. ... I was told about the apparition people claimed to have seen on the stairs in the scary alley behind the building. People claim to have seen the figure of a person standing on the back staircase that would suddenly disappear. If that wasn't scary enough, the ghost can move things, such as shutting doors and windows, and in one case, actually poked someone.

The poking ghost hasn't hurt the businesses. People find the ghost more interesting than scary. 

Intrigued by the stories, I checked out the back alley. I didn't see any ghosts. Even if I did, I didn't have the proper ghost hunting equipment, such as a Ghostbuster trap.

I highly suggest you drop by Ace Pawn and Loan, and hear the stories first hand. Tell them "Mckenna sent me" and you could receive a Valentine's Day discount on their jewelry.

Happy pawning! 

ACE PAWN AND LOAN, 212 S. MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, 253.848.4118

LINK: Hi, I'm Mckenna. I'm a student at the Tacoma School of the Arts. Thanks for following my Daily Trip