THURSDAY, JAN. 31, 2013 >>>

1. While many people would associate water or Gatorade with exercise, those people would be wrong, and the Tacoma Runners know it. Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., for the last three years, waves of runners head out from a Tacoma pub, following a 5K route announced at the start, before returning to the starting line for multiple hugs and carbohydrate-rich beers. Mike Hahn, Derek Young, Rob McNair-Huff and several others launched the social group in 2010, with Young, Sarah Cutting and McNair-Huff running it today, hosting a website and setting the routes for 2,041 Facebook members. Tonight the Tacoma Runners will celebrate three years - with a 5K and awards - at the Parkway Tavern. Read Kristin Kendle's feature story on the Tacoma Runners in the Weekly Volcano's Mudroom section.

2. Sometimes you want a sweaty, grinding, and crazy time out of a show. You're not listening for the words but feeling the beat. Others, you want to sit and really contemplate what is being said while being swept away by how it is being said. KUPS and Northwest Sounds host an evening with songwriters ideally suited for the latter. From 7-9 p.m. Missouri's Barna Howard, winner of a Boston Phoenix Best Music Award Vikesh Kapoor and Hip Hatchet from Portlandia will fill Oppenheimer Cafe with melodies and carefully orchestrated folk songs. To reach the café, enter through the southwest entrance of Thompson Hall down on the University of Puget Sound's campus.

3. First Prize Winner of the 2011 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, violist Veit Hertenstein is one of the most exciting musicians on his instrument to emerge in years. He has already garnered recognition for his exciting stage presence and virtuoso artistry. Catch him at 7:30 p.m. inside the Washington Center in Olympia.

4. Phasers on Kill has been fighting the pop punk fight for nearly four years since members of the defunct West of Waco formed this quartet, grabbing the name from a Screeching Weasel song. Phasers on Kill's latest, Write Home, is a five-track EP — a jump-up-and-down-and-smash-something sort of album that at once rocks like the bejezus yet is melodic. Chris Adkins (guitar, vocals), Mikey Waco (guitar, vocals), Ryan "Timebomb" Smith (drums) and Dan Rankin (bass) will showcase Phasers' new work tonight at Louie G's Pizzeria with The spittin' Cobras.

5. Engine House No. 9 is housed in a firehouse built in 1907 and still retains some of original firefighting artifacts. Purchased by the X Group, the force behind Asado and Masa, there's new excitement with better food, a whiskey bar, more craft beer from head brewer Shane Johns and a shuffleboard in the sideroom. Rev. Colin hosts karaoke two nights a week, starting at 9 p.m. He possesses a wealth of oddball musical knowledge and a disarming ease for calling everyone "baby."

LINK: Thursday, Jan. 31 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 2013 >>>

1. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a winter night than on a hot date with ourselves listening to loud rock and roll and watching tough-as-nails roller derby chicks knocking each other on their ass.Beginning at 6 p.m.  will be spent cheering on Dockyard Derby Dames characters such as Brat Capone, Booty Trapp, Ethel Vermin, Stranger Danger, Jail Bait Kait, Ida Spyze-Her and Harm A Knee inside the Pierce College Health education Center. Tonight's expo bout features members of all four DYDD teams competing against the Rainy City Roller Dolls and the Rat City Rollergirls' Sockit Wenches in a double-header smackdown.

2. Today marks the opening of the action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motorcycling the Northwest" at the Washington State History Museum. Displayed through June 2013, the exhibit - a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Spencer Abersold, a.k.a. The Walrus, sat before the KGHP radio station console for 200 hours - nine days - attempting to beat the Guinness Book of World Record's previous continuous broadcasting record of 187 hours. What Abersold also did was raise $16,000 for the radio station, which is inside Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor. KGHB's funds were on the chopping block after being supported by the school district for 23 years. KGHP 89.3/93.7FM invites the public to tour the studio, check out equipment, and maybe even get your voice on the air Saturday afternoon. 

4. The Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Tacoma preserves the artifacts and history of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry - all-African-American cavalry units that served in America's wars from 1866 through the end of WWII. They participated in cross-country cattle drives, escorted wagon trains and stagecoaches through often volatile territories of the Wild West and fought in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. The museum was founded by Buffalo Soldier William Jones of Tacoma. From noon to 4 p.m. the Buffalo Soldiers Museum will host its first open house, welcoming everyone in to learn and explore. Local poet Elijah Muied will be on tap with a reading of a work inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Muied's poems have been published in "Threads" and he has showcased his work at his own open mic events as well as multi-poet happenings such as Hope in Hard Times at WSHM. There will also be refreshments and tours of the museum. The open house is free.

5. Hip-Hop 4 the Homeless is a weekend long extravaganza of music, poetry and social work. Olympia's homeless population is invited to come get clothes, toiletries, haircuts, food and other social services. While at the event, they are given one of the best hip-hop shows in Washington state.  This year you can catch Afrok and The Movement, Xperience, Motamouth Jones, Free Ya Mind, 206-Zulu, Heretic and others, plus the 25360 Awards at the Olympia Ballroom. It begins at 6 p.m.

PLUS: Tacoma Home & Garden show and the Westside Tavern Bash in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, Jan. 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympi area

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

The film The Mountain Runners first appeared at The Grand Cinema during its 2012 Tacoma Film Festival. The masses were pleased. The show sold out. Rave reviews amassed! Now, The Grand is bringing it back for two screenings on Tuesday, Jan. 15, as part of its Tuesday Film Series.

The film tells the story of what is thought to be the first adventure races in the United States - a contest of certain insanity, held from 1911 to 1913, pitting modified Model A cars against a train and runners up the slippery slopes of Mount Baker. Like I said, certain insanity.

"We think the film has a wide appeal because it tells the story of an amazing, true adventure here in Washington state that until now really had not been told," says Zach Powers, marketing director at The Grand. "It is a suspenseful story that pits local heroes against the elements and terrain."

The Mountain Runners is a locally produced film. Co-directors Todd Warger and Brian Young will be at both screenings at The Grand for post-show talks and question sessions.

THE GRAND CINEMA, TUESDAY, JAN. 15 2 AND 6:30 P.M., $4.50-$7, THE GRAND CINEMA, 606 S. FAWCETT, TACOMA, 253.593.4474

LET'S DO SOME SCROLLING >>>

Sunday morning, we'll be yelling at the top of our lunges, stuffing ourselves into a purple-hazed food coma and throwing adult temper tantrums during commercials, all in the name of cheering the Seahawks to a win Sunday against Atlanta, then on to the NFC Championship game.

Where to watch the game?

Good question. Ideally, the Weekly Volcano wants a combination of multiple televisions, good grub and drink specials. Good grub could be sacrificed.

We searched Facebook looking for Seahawk breakfast specials in the South Sound so you don't have to.

Burs in Lakewood

Cheers West in University Place

Farrelli's Pizza Tacoma

Johnny's At Fife

Masa on Sixth Avenue

Pints & Quarts Pub in Lacey

O'Blarney's Irish Pub in Olympia

The Office in downtown Tacoma

The Ram on Tacoma's Ruston Way and South Hill Puyallup

The Red Hot on Sixth Avenue

Spring Lake Cafe

The Swiss in downtown Tacoma

Topside Bar and Grill in Steilacoom

Varsity Grill in downtown Tacoma

Where else?

CHATTING WITH PRESIDENTS >>>

The University of Puget Sound will blow out 125 candles on its birthday cake March 17, 2013. One hundred and 25 years!The university was founded around the time the Convention of Constantinople was signed, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace. The English Football League was also established in March 1888. The Weekly Volcano also believes that was the year people started complaining about the Tacoma streetcars, wishing they had cars to move around more freely.

Anyway, 125 years is a big deal, and the university intends on partying hard this year. You may check out the university's plans at its 125 Anniversary Hub.

Weekly Volcano scribe Nikki McCoy caught up with President Ron Thomas — the university's 13th predident - to discover his favorite memories from his past 10 years as president. Read those memories in Thursday's issue of the Weekly Volcano.

McCoy also asked Thomas what upcoming UPS anniversary happenings thrill him the most.

"It's hard to choose, because there are so many things exciting about the year ahead," Thomas says. "I am pretty excited about the new residence hall now under construction that will be completed this year - a beautiful new building from one of the world's top architects - AIA Gold Medalist Peter Bohlin. It will house upper class students in ‘houses' dedicated to international affairs, environmental policy, the humanities, entrepreneurship, and spirituality and social justice - with great views of Mount Rainier, too."

Thomas also says he's thrilled Nobel Prize-winning writer and activist Wole Soyinka will visit Feb. 7, among a stellar group of artists and intellectuals scheduled to visit the campus in 2013.

"As we celebrate our first 125 years, we look forward to continuing to innovate at Puget Sound, as we always have, to become a leader among the best liberal arts colleges of the future - real, relevant, and always true to ourselves," Thomas says. "I am excited by our $125 million campaign to make sure that happens.

"And what always excites me most is the amazing (and unpredictable) achievements of our students, who surprise me every year in the distinctions they earn. I am looking forward to that," he says.

By the way, he's excited to cheer on the Logger teams and tracking their progress as they make their Drive for 125 wins this year.

"I'm never happier than when I can cheer on our student athletes as they light up the scoreboard," he adds.

SATURDAY, JAN. 5 2013 >>>

1. Winters here are cold and wet, and it's better to admit that fact and find a way to enjoy the season than to stay home depressed. Ice skating, with its low requirements in start-up costs and athletic prowess, may be the perfect way to beat the winter doldrums. It's charming and, in Tacoma, it comes with live music. Tonight is the last edition of the Weekly Volcano Electric Salchow Stage at the Franciscan Polar Plaza ice rink. Back from recording in Nashville, SweetKiss Momma has the honor of being the last live band to rock it for the season. The band will fire up its Southern soul rock sound at 7 p.m. and perform for skaters until 9 p.m.

2. The Tumwater Pioneers arena soccer team makes its South Sound debut at Tumwater Indoor Sports at 7 p.m. against the Marysville Ruckus. The Pioneers are a semi-pro indoor soccer team competing in its first season in the Premier Arena Soccer League and feature athletes from the Olympia area including a number of current players and alumni from The Evergreen State College, Saint Martin's and South Puget Sound soccer teams.

3. Chris Thomas is best known as "The Mayor of Rap City." He worked on Run-D.M.C's and Public Enemy's national tours in the late '80s. His hip-hop know-how led him to BET's music video television program Rap City, which helped launch many music careers. He hosted the show, which began in 1989, until 1993. Rap City ended in 2008. Thomas, who is now in his 50s, still hosts programming for the Washing Wizards and his own "TV Icons of Comedy" tour. Thomas will join Shai, Jay Lamont, Damon Williams and Willie Brown for a comedy show at 8 p.m. inside Tacoma Temple Theatre.

4. True Holland and China Davis will rock the Westgate Bar & Grill at 8 p.m. in celebration of Marnie's birthday.

5. Musician Jesse Turcotte celebrated his birthday this week. If you have followed his birthday schedule in the past you know he typically celebrates it with a live music extravaganza at Doyle's Public House, the Stadium District pub where he pours spirits. Sue enough, this year isn't any different. Turcotte's band All Night Yard Sale - a Gyspy, Latin jazz funk thang - goes live at 9:30 p.m. with Turcotte on bass, Josh Hegg on guitar, Colby Sander on guitar and Jeff Berghammer on drums. If you follow live music in the area, you know these musicians are kind of a big deal.

LINK: Saturday, Jan. 5 arst and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

South Sound Sidekick series offers advice from experts living in the, well, South Sound. It posts every Friday. Today, Jason Heilpern - owner of Geek and Gamer Fitness in Tumwater - has advice on how to begin a fitness program.

Jason Heilpern writes,

It was April 1, 2009 when I woke up.  For the last several years I had spent my life living a life that had consumed me.  I was smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, drinking my way into alcoholism and my diet consisted of fast food and soda.  I weighed close to 300lbs, and couldn't make it up a full flight of steps without great effort.  I was in bad shape, and needed to change.

Sound familiar?  The truth is many people find themselves in similar situations every day, and like me have no idea what to do. They know they need to eat right, and lose weight, but they don't know how. This is why so many people give up and fail.  I was lucky to make it through that first year.  How did I do it you ask?  Simple, I approached fitness the same way I played Dungeons and Dragons.

Level One Character

When you play D&D everyone starts out as a level one character. This means they have no equipment, experience, or skills.  Characters gain levels as they gain experience, and so it is with you in fitness.  You have to accept that you are a level one character, and understand that it's OK to be so.  Experience, skill and strength will come in time.

Choose Your Character

In D&D players must create a character to play.  Will they play a fighter, rouge or wizard?  Each kind of character has different abilities.  So it is with you and fitness.  You need to decide what kind of a Fit Freak you are going to be.  Will you be a runner, a Crossfit athlete or yoga?  There are so many ways to get into shape - the sky is the limit.  The key is finding the type that works for you. If you try yoga and decide you don't like it, don't give up on fitness - try something else. Experiment with different classes, instructors and gyms until you find one that works for you.

Level Up

Any D&D player will tell you their favorite part of playing is leveling up their character. This is where they get new skills and abilities.  A mistake many Fit Freaks make is doing the same things over and over again.  Don't do that.  Constantly be pushing yourself to try new things in fitness.  This is how we become better. Spending 30 minutes on the treadmill everyday will never get you into the body you want.  Find a coach, trainer or classes that will always push you to become better then you are.

You are starting out on a wonderful journey of fitness.  If you stick with it, never give up, and continue to learn fitness will change your life. It took me from being overweight to a slim competitive athlete.  Even more surprising, fitness gave me a new career. In 2012 I opened my own fitness center to help others find their fitness path called Geek and Gamer Fitness.

LINK: Roommate advice

LINK: Marijuana smoking advice

LINK: Speeding ticket advice

LINK: How to harvest geoducks

LINK: Music business advice

LINK: First tattoo advice

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THURSDAY, JAN. 3 2013 >>>

1. Victoria B.C.'s Compassion Gorilla floats through its own little universe, a cultural synthesis held forcefully aloft by full-bodied vocals and a unique concoction of world beat, Latin folk, dub and psychedelic music rhythms. The band wraps audiences in a spell of dance, magic and melody with racy horn lines, brazen guitar harmonies, driving hand-percussion rhythms, and thick bass lines. However, it's always been about those incredible voices caught in the interplay of music and rhythm. Catch Compassion Gorilla with the Artesian Rumble Arkestra at 9 p.m. inside The Royal Lounge in Olympia.

2. Bundle up, pinch your cheeks until they glow and strap on a pair of silver skates, Hans Brinker, for a glide across the frozen expanse at Tollefson Plaza. The Franciscan Polar Plaza, located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 17th Street, from 4-9 p.m.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. For two years the Tacoma Runners - a group of T-town pavement pounders - have gathered at Tacoma watering holes at 6:30 p.m. to jog a 3-mile loop, followed by multiple drinks at the launch point. It's been a smashing success. This week's run starts and ends at Meconi's Pub in downtown Tacoma.

4. If it's laughs you're looking for find comedian Duane Goad at the Tacoma Comedy Club at 8 p.m. He's sarcastic.

5. If you're like most people, there's part of you that really enjoys shaking your ass without regret. Luckily, Masa hosts T-Town Thursday with Deejay Sessions. Sure there are $2 wells and $5 Jagers until midnight. And the ladies get in free. But, you don't care. You want to shake you ass to some Top 40 and hip-hop. It's cool.

LINK: Thursday, Jan. 3 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

TUESDAY, JAN. 1 2013 >>>

1. Here at the Weekly Volcano we take our showers warm. We're kind of wimps. But there are plenty of tough, adventurous, rosy-cheeked folks out there who live on the edge, no doubt partaking in activities like today's Polar Bear plunges at Long Lake in Lacey (noon) and Point Defiance boat launch in Tacoma (11:30 a.m.). According to hype, the New Year's Day cold-water fiasco presents a chance to get 2013 off on the right foot.

2. If you have yet to check out the ice skating adventures in currently being offered in Tollefson Plaza, today might just be your chance to do so. With its stay recently extended through Jan. 6, The Franciscan Polar Plaza, located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 17th Street, is a covered outdoor rink is about half the size of a hockey rink. It will have real ice and hold about 150 skaters at a time. And it's pretty awesome.

3. Nursing a hangover? Find your way to The Grand Cinema in Tacoma for a great movie in a dark room. Anna Karenina, Hitchcock, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook and The Big Picture are currently playing. In Olympia, the place to hit is the Capitol Theater, where Side By Side and The Perks of Being A Wallflower are playing.  

4. There's a ton of football on today. New Year's Day is synomous the pigskin. Browse the Weekly Volcano's bar listings and find the perfect place to watch whatever game interests you.

5. So far, it's a pretty nice day. And since one of your New Year's resolutions undoubtedly involves being healthier (read: less fat), try an enjoyable walk through one of Tacoma's parks or along the Ruston Way waterfront. In Oly, a jaunt around Capitol Lake is always a good time. Or, if you're looking for more than just a walk, in Tacoma get in on at the Metro Parks New Year's Day Dance inside the new STAR Center.

LINK: Tuesday, Jan. 1 arts and entertainment events in the South Sound