In the magical back room at Le Voyeur Café and Lounge, where all kinds of artistic dreams come into fruition, a dozen ladies and a few men gather to discuss proper arm-wrestling technique.

Smack talking and muscle flexing is encouraged, and costumed characters and their entourage parade about the floor, practicing for the first big match for the Olympia chapter of the Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers, or Oly CLAW, set for Friday, May 30. Characters such as Ivana KrushU, Cold As Isis, Vegan Villain and more will go head-to-head, or should I say arm-to-arm, in a full-out fight to raise money and awareness for Safeplace, an advocacy agency and confidential shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Thurston County.

>>> Elly Slay Clamp-It, Bambi SpiceBush and Crystal Light cock their guns. Photo credit: Nikki McCoy

For many of the women involved in CLAW, this is their first time in the performance arena.

Katie Meyer, aka Elly Slay Clamp-It, says there is no room for nervousness, and being in a room full of like-minded ladies helps.

"Once you get in the flow, it's all adrenalin," she confesses. "I'm not intimidated."

And while the women all have guns and puns - Stone Cold Stevie Nicks threatens, "This landslide is gonna bring you down," and Vegan Villain claims to have "broccoli biceps" - each arm wrestler brings something unique to the group.

"It's cool to spend time with women in this town who I have never met before and who come from all walks of life," says Meyer.

Competition and compassion run equally strong for the group, which plans to do more events for charity.  

"Am I tough? I'm the toughest of them all," says Meyer. "But, really, the most important thing is that this is all for a good cause."

One hundred percent of proceeds benefit Safeplace.

Betting on arm wrestlers encouraged.

OLY CLAW WOMEN'S ARM WRESTLING, 7 p.m., Friday, May 30, Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave., Olympia, $10 at brownpapertickets.com or at the door, 360.943.5710

OlyClaw Teaser from john manini on Vimeo.

Ready to rock and roll?

You can help support JBLM's roller derby teams - Bettie Brigade and its junior varsity squad JBLM Bratz - by attending this Saturday's double-header, then staying to celebrate with live and local rock bands.

The team, who have recently moved their headquarters off base to the "Bettie Bunker" in Lacey, need to raise money to support their new home - meaning they need to add bathrooms and emergency exits. Currently, port-a-potties are set up outside the front door.

"Being a non-profit organization,we depend on our fundraising events, skater dues, as well as donations to make improvements to our practice space," said Melissa Garibay, aka Miley Virus, skater with Bettie Brigade.

So what better way to throw a fundraiser then with live music? Mach Society, Buffalo Skies and Mosquito Hawk will rock for the rollers in an after-bout party that includes a meet and greet with the skaters, food and drinks.

Costumes are encouraged to support your favorite era: '80s neon or l'90s grunge.

Tickets are $10 from your favorite Bettie or through Brown Paper Tickets, or $12 at the door. Kids 8 and younger are free.

The concert is $5, or free with attendance to the bout.

JBLM BETTIE BRIGADE MAY-HEM INTERLEAGUE BOUT, doors open at 5 p.m., wheels roll at 6 p.m., music starts at 9 p.m., Saturdfay, may 24, Bettie Bunker, 5700 Lacey Blvd, Lacey, $5-$12, website

LINK: Words and photos from a previous Bettie Brigade bout

Get ready Seahawks fans. Not only did Seattle make some smart draft selections and re-sign a lot of fan favorites to the roster, but devoted 12th Man followers are about to get a taste of something even cooler - 12 Spirits, a line of alcohol branded with passionate fans and the Super Bowl champs in mind.

As the tagline implies, "Loud and Proud, created for 12's by 12's," the brand was indeed created by football fans donned in blue and green. The 12 Spirits line, which will include vodka, gin and whiskey.

"We are big football fans and we thought what if we did something specific to our region it would be cool," explained Brian Fulker of White River Distillers in Enumclaw, which is creating the 12 Spirits offerings.

Fulker founded White River Distillers with his college buddy, Tyler Teeple, with whom he shared a love of whiskey, and their third partner, Jon Thomas (JT), who was also becoming enthralled with the distilling process.

"Our line of 12 Spirits, our sports line, will be launched first and then we plan to move onto our flavored moonshines - based on a family recipe from Fulker's relatives in Tennessee - and some other high-end, top shelf whiskey, vodka and gin, which will be branded under ‘Rockin' 25'," Fulker said.  

The logo, which was created by Puyallup-based SignDog Media, features a large, embossed "12" with Richter scale-like lines coming from it to sketch out Space Needles.

"We are delivering the full package, from a great theme to a quality product," said Donnie Juntunen of SignDog. "We want to be the first ones out there with this sort of product."

Bottles are expected to be in hand sometime between June 9 and 15, but if you stay tuned to facebook.com/volume12spirits, twitter.com/twelvespirits and instagram.com/12spirits you'll know exactly when and where to get your first bottle of 12, in more than enough time for pre-season.

Training for and competing in a triathlon can become habitual.

And a lot of fun.

Just listen to what one person had to say about Brig. Gen. Kurt Ryan, commander of the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), understanding of such events.

"He likes to push people to be their best," commented Maj. Virginia Supanick as she prepared.

"It's a habit with him; he wants the best for the individual soldier and for the team."

The 593rd provides deployable mission command to support joint forces, coalition forces and civil authorities; supports sustainment, theater opening, and opportunities to enable freedom of action in the Pacific Command's area of operations in support of land operations.

The unit's motto is "Rest Assured."

Combat readiness based on mentally and physically prepared soldiers - to say nothing of a sense of teamwork and high morale - is key to the success of the 593rd.

To that end, the unit hosted it first annual "Rest Assured Challenge" triathlon at Soldiers Field House yesterday. More than 120 individuals and 44 teams participated.

>>> Sgt. 1st Class Francis Famlarcano, 47th Combat Support Hospital, gets ready for a 500-meter swim, 90-kilometer bike ride and 3 mile run. Photo credit: J.M. Simspon

>>> Two participants in the "Rest Assured Challenge" 593rd Triathlon compete in the 500-meter swim. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

"This is a great message about physical fitness and teamwork," said Maj. Gen. Ken Dahl, I Corps' deputy commander, moments before beginning the challenge.

"For some of us it got us out of bed," he added with a hearty laugh.

"I've done bicycle rides and runs before, but the swim is new to me," he added.

"I plan to finish by Tuesday," commented 1st Sgt. Scott Taub, 42nd Military Police Brigade, to more laughter.

"Seriously though, we're out here to set an example, to show what we can do."

>>> Maj. Margarita Dunlap, 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, laces on her bike riding shoes.  "I will meet the challenge to do all three events," she commented. Photo credit: J.M. Simspon

>>> One of the over 300 participants in the "Rest Assured Challenge" 593rd Triathlon heads out for a 90 kilometer bike ride.  He had already swum 500 meters and would run 3 miles to complete the event. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

A 500-meter swim, a 90-kilometer bicycle ride and a 3-mile run comprised the challenge. The order and distance of the three events were deliberately chosen to mirror the numbers "593."

For many of the soldiers participating, the event represented their first attempt at competing in a triathlon.

"I have an interest in this challenge," said Capt. Chad Peabody, 42^nd Military Police Brigade as he pinned his number to his shirt.

"This is my first one, and I am anxious to see how I do."

For one soldier, the challenge represented a good warm-up for other triathlons he hopes to compete in.

"I've been doing triathlons for the past six or seven years," Master Sgt. Kris Rick, Task Force Raider, said.

"I'll use the swim as a warm-up, the bike ride as a work out, and the run as a cool down," he said with a smile.

Here is the list of the individual and team winners:
Top Male and Fastest Male Officer - Maj. Eric Reid
Top Female and Fastest Female Officer - Cpt. Allison Anderson
Fastest Male NCO - 1st. Sgt. Kristopher Rick
Fastest Female NCO - Sgt. Brittany Dufour
Fastest Male Soldier - Spc. Ryan Mitchell
Fastest Officer Team - Lt. Katie Whitmore, Maj. Jason Critzer, Cpt. Floyd White
Fastest Enlisted Team - Sgt. 1st Class Robert Edwards, Spc. Corey Sigmund

THURSDAY, MAY 8 2014 >>>

1. Steve Dunkelberger and Walter Neary are city of Lakewood legends. They were on the scene when Pong debuted inside the Liberty House store. They were there for all-you-can-eat pizza Wednesdays at Pizza Haven. They held court at Big Scoop, Shakey's Pizza and Bob's Big Boy. They threw toast at midnight in the Lakewood Theater. They rode the tiny train inside the shoe store at Villa Plaza. They stood outside and watched Love's Restaurant burn to the ground. They pestered Ivan the gorilla. They held on tight when Earthquake went all Sensurround in the General Cinemas. They ran across Steilacoom Lake the year it froze solid. I'm certain they tried to sneak into the Lakewood Terrace's back lounge and The Tiki Restaurant. At 7 p.m. in King's Books, they will hold court, once again, this time to sign copies of their new book, Legendary Locals of Lakewood. Ask them about riding in the plastic bins on the roller track at Gov-Mart. They were there.

2. Treos in Old Town Tacoma hosts a Leukemia/Lymphoma Team in Training fundraisers from 5-9 p.m. featuring Celtic music with Mooncoyne's Martin Nyberg followed by Scott Desart acoustical set. Proceeds of beer and wine sales go to cure cancer.

3. Katie Downs on Tacoma's Ruston Way is crazy popular, especially after it won the Tournament of Pizza in 2011. Today, the joint will overflow as the Tacoma Runners launch its 3-mile run from it then return to celebrate the feat with pizza, burgers and booze. You in?

4. Humble and energetic standup comedian Don Friesen brings his physical, self-deprecating style of humor to the Tacoma Comedy Club at 8 p.m.

5. San Francisco rock band Hungry Skinny will join Phobos & Deimos for a 9 p.m. show at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia.

LINK: Thursday, May 8 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Have you heard drinking chocolate milk after exercising is better for your body than sports drinks? The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism claims it's true.

Hmmm ...

I'm thinking someone should do a study on the effects of eating cupcakes after running. Don't you agree it would be awesome?

Bombshells and Bombers thinks so.

Sponsored by Bonjour Cupcakes, the running group meets every Wednesday to tackle two routes through Olympia, and then meet back up at the downtown Olympia cupcake shop to relax and enjoy some tasty treats.

"Number one - everyone is welcome. All levels, all ages, even our furry friends," explains Jeannie Hogg, group coordinator. "I post two separate routes onto the Bombshells and Bombers Facebook page, a longer and shorter run. We all encourage each other and stick together on our runs. Afterward, we often hang out at the cupcake shop and catch up and make new friends. That is my favorite part - how great everyone is and each week making new friends. All runners get a free mini cupcake, including pupcakes for the dogs."

Someone call the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

BOMBSHELLS AND BOMBERS, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Bonjour Cupcakes, 609 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.515.0564

Fun Fact: Terra Perkins, one of the Bombshells and Bombers babes, just got back from the Boston Marathon, and sometimes leads the group runs.

So, you've gained weight and you want to get in better shape.

Well, Mike Dolce and Rich Franklin, two famous names in the Ultimate Fighting Championship world, will tell you the remedy for getting in shape, for cutting weight and gaining muscle, isn't found in just going to the gym and working out. It's also about eating right.

Dolce, a MMA coach for over a decade with the UFC, and Franklin, a former three-time UFC world champ, talked Saturday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, sharing insights to becoming a better you.

"It's not just about what you do in the gym," Franklin said. "But it's also about the food you put into your body."

Read more...

The Seattle Mariners professional baseball team hosted its 13th annual Salute to Armed Forces event April 26 during a game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field.

The festivities kicked off an hour prior to the game, with a special pre-game program that honored U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and military service supporting organizations.

"We feel strongly that it is appropriate and important to pay tribute to the men and women who serve our country in the military," said Seattle Mariners Director of Public Information Rebecca Hale.  "The biggest change over the years is how inclusive it has become to all the branches of the military, as well as veterans and disabled veterans groups now being represented. Our goal is to be as inclusive as we can be and to pay tribute to as many individuals and organizations as we can."

A member from each branch of the military - Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Greenway; Marine Corps Sgt. Ariel Hargave; Navy Master at Arms 1st Class Joseph Reyes; Air Force Reserve Maj. Marc Miller; Coast Guard Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jason Gale; and Washington National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason Fox - lined up along the baseline prior to the game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"It feels pretty good right now, knowing that I will be throwing out a first pitch," said Fox, who works with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment.  "It will be a little interesting, trying to throw a pitch in my service uniform, but I think I can get it accomplished."

>>> Col. William Krueger receives a commemorative plaque on behalf of the U.S. Air Force from the Seattle Mariners during the Salute to Armed Forces Night at Safeco on April 26. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Col. Jeremy Horn, Washington National Guard, receives a plaque from the Seattle Mariners. Photo credit: Gary Lott

This was just the beginning of a night dedicated to America's men and women in uniform.

The Mariners also presented officers from each of the U.S. military branches with a  commemorative plaque. Those receiving plaques were: Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, U.S. Army; Maj. Gen. David Berger, U.S. Marine Corps; Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, U.S. Navy; Col. William Krueger, U.S. Air Force; Capt. Matthew Miller, U.S. Coast Guard; and Col. Jeremy Horn, Washington National Guard, on behalf of Brig. Gen. John Tuohy.

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord I Corps Army Band performed the National Anthem, and the colors were presented by the U.S. Joint Service Honor Guard. "Taps" was performed by Army Spc. Raymond Deleon, and during the 7th Inning Stretch, Tech. Sgt. Alfredo "Freddie" Garza of the U.S. Air Force Reserve performed "God Bless America."  

Along with the many military representatives on the field, organizations including the Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Washington State Guard and Reserve and the USO were introduced during the pregame ceremony.

Organization representatives handled the honorary duties of delivering the lineup cards and game balls.

Fans had the opportunity to support the USO by bidding on silent auction items such as autographed baseballs, game-used items and other memorabilia.

>>> Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Army I Corps Band performs the National Anthem before the Seattle Mariners played the Texas Rangers April 26. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Washington National Guardsmen Staff Sgt. Jason Fox, Bravo Company, 1-161, throws out one of the six ceremonial first pitches at the 13th Annual Mariners Salute to Armed Forces. Photo credit: Gary Lott

"Because we are located in a community that is close to so many military installations, we recognize that there are a lot of fans who are associated with the military," Hale said. Discounted tickets for the game - as low as $11 - were available to members of the military.

 "This year, we have made the discount a blanket 10 percent for all remaining games. So if you're coming from Whidbey, or Bremerton or JBLM, it might be a little easier to come on a Friday night or a weekend than a week night," Hale continued.  "Offering a discount is one small way we can show our appreciation to the men and women, and their families, who have served our nation."

Military personnel receive 10 percent off select main, terrace and view-level seats for all home game tickets on the Mariners 2014 home schedule. Tickets are available at mariners.com/tickets.

"I'm honored and blessed that I'm actually able to come out and do something like this to support my unit," Fox said. "A lot of us have been out on deployments overseas and seen some bad things. It's nice to see that [the Mariners] recognize what we have done, as well as what the service members in the past have done." 

SEE ALSO McChord security forces reservist sings during Mariners' Salture to Services game

Homage.

It is a Middle English word that sums up yesterday's run honoring Pat Tillman.

A noun, homage means a special honor or respect shown publically.

The signature fundraising event of the Pat Tillman Foundation, the run - Pat's Run - is traditionally held in April at Arizona State University's Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

A standout scholar and football player at Arizona State University, Tillman played professionally for the Phoenix Cardinals.

After the attacks of 9/11, Tillman remarked to a reporter, "At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in, and the freedoms we are allowed.  A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars, and I really haven't done a damn thing."

Placing his NFL career on hold, Tillman enlisted in the Army.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

On April 22, 2004 Tillman died in Afghanistan due to fratricide.

>>> A participant in Pat's Run, named in honor of Pat Tillman, crosses the finish line at Thea Park.

His friends and family started the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward Tillman's legacy of serving to the fullest by providing military veterans and spouses who embody the principle of service the educational tools and means to reach their potential.

"There was nothing negative about him," commented Tyler Renner, an Air Force reservist. "He was living for others, not for himself, and that is what we honor."

Through a partnership with the ASU Alumni Association, a number of "shadow runs" are held in cities across the country.

This year marked the run's 10th anniversary, and more than 30,000 runners participated nationwide.

The runs are casual, fun runs held in parks.

>>> The Tacoma version of Pat's Run began in Thea's Park at 9 a.m. April 26. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Approximately 80 runners and walkers showed up at Tacoma's Thea's Park early Saturday morning to raise money for the foundation which funds the Tillman Military Scholars program.

"It's great to be here, to give back," said 1st Lt. Jason Wagner, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, before the start of the 4.2-mile run. "I am one of the scholars who received money from the program to help pay for law school."

According to a statement issued by race promoters, more than 230 Tillman Military Scholars from 34 states have received $3.2 million.

"It is a privilege to publically pay homage to him," said Renner before beginning the run. "His is a cause worth preserving."

>>> Spc. Brandon Judd, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, picks up a flower honoring the Boston Marathon after finishing Pat's Run in Thea Park.Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> TRVLSQD members pack up their gear before shouldering rucksacks and a 150-pound log in memory of a friend's father and in support of the Tillman Military Scholars program.Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 2014 >>>

1. Much has been made of Hobosexual's appropriation and interpretation of-not the '80s-but the idea of the '80s. As evidenced on their most recent LP (titled Hobosexual II, in a spot-on sendup of the oblivious self-aggrandizement that plagued mainstream rock of the '70s and '80s), this is the kind of band that may not have existed in real life, but possibly in the minds of teenagers leading desperately aimless suburban lives. Though they're just a duo of guitar and drums, Hobosexual possesses the expansive sounds of the most ludicrous arena butt-rock. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Hobosexual in the Music & Culture section, then catch the band with Ancient Warlocks, Mos Generator and Infinite Flux at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge.

2. The ninth annual Dragon Boat Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Port Plaza in Olympia. This year 40 local and regional teams - representing all sorts of schools, government agencies and community organizations - will compete. Last year saw such exciting team names as the Snapfire Dragons of Economic Development and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Maybe the Department of Intertransitional Functioning will represent this year? Additionally, multi-cultural performances will take place, boats will be blessed, and a lion dance will be performed. And maybe a local politician will volunteer to throw themselves in the river.

3. A 4.2 mile run/walk honoring Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who proactively left football fame behind to join the Army when his country was in need, will take place April 26 in Tacoma's Thea's Park at 9 a.m. Tillman, 27, was killed during a 2004 deployment in Afghanistan. An after party will be held at The Swiss Restaurant & Pub.

4. Rock guitarist Nolan Garrett will be debuting new songs from his up and coming EP as well as his new music video as produced by Chris Robinson at 8 p.m. in Louie G's Pizza. Caspian Coberly will open.

5. Bellingham's Polecat will add kick-drum fanfare to its string-steeped mix, rhythmically blending genres and imbuing the quintet's rootsy sound with affable liveliness at 9:30 p.m. in Doyle's Public House.

LINK: Saturday, April 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area