Spew

Ray-Bans and mojitos

BRAD ALLEN: DECK DRINKING >>>

I loved Miami Vice, with its sexy yachts, fast cars and dangerous criminals. And since it went off the air in 1989, life has never been the same for me — I still miss Sonny Crockett. But life goes on. And if, like me, you prowl the streets of Tacoma sunny days looking for trouble — or hot chicks — head over to C.I. Shenanigans deck for their Signature Mojito, a cool cocktail that will take you straight to South Beach.

Shenanigans muddles fresh mint, Barcardi Limon rum and sugar, pours it over ice with soda water, and serves this simultaneously sweet and tart baby in Shenanigan’s signature hurricane glass.  Its striking appearance resembles an unstrained salad in a glass. 

The beautiful people flock to this Ruston Way waterfront restaurant on sunny days. They’re all laughing out loud, too, which makes this a place to practice careful drinking.  It’s never attractive to have red liquid shooting out of my nose, after all, and I wouldn’t want to stain my white Don Johnson jacket.  So I play it safe and order the mostly clear Mojito. 

[C.I. Shenanigans, 3017 N. Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8811]

Flickr Post of the Day

Looking Up, originally uploaded by johnwayneismydad.

 

Rock the Cause

BENEFIT
Rock the Cause
Today Love Tacoma and Project:U have teamed up to create Rock the Cause, a fund-raiser for the United Way of Pierce County set to go down at Jazzbones from 2-9 p.m. It’ll be a multifarious mix of great local rock and roll talent and a hip-hop band, all available to an all-ages crowd, and all in the name of raising cash for the United Way of Pierce County. I spoke with United Way of Pierce County president Rick Allen for this week’s cover story, and what the organization does for the uninsured alone should be enough to inspire your donations and intrigue you into spending Sunday at Jazzbones. Couple that with a lineup consisting of Evan Purcell, Fear Train Caravan, Matt Coughlin, Nasty Left, Paris Spleen, the Vamanos, and Trip the Light Fantastic, and you’ve really no good reason to miss this show. — Matt Driscoll
[Jazzbones, Sunday, May 18, 2-9 p.m., all ages, $8, 2803Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

STAGE
Man of La Mancha
This show had a lot of hype behind it, but it has proven to deliver as promised. Capital Playhouse's Artistic Director Jeff Kingsbury is that good, dispatches from the front report. Now I could draw some real-life parallels between Kingsbury playing the role of a knight who is fighting against an imaginary foe and his debates on the Olympia City Council, but that comparison would be cheap and hackish.

For anyone not in the know, the show follows the tale of Cervantes, who finds himself in prison during a time when folks didn't want to find themselves behind bars — the Spanish Inquisition. Facing less-than-kind treatment at the hands of the court's prosecutors, Cervantes presents his defense against the nebulous charges of presenting entertainment offensive to the Spanish Inquisition by taking on the role of Don Quixote. While in prison awaiting his trial, he portrays the legendary tale of valiant fights and battles for idealistic justice against all odds or hope of success. — Steve Dunkelberger
[Capital Playhouse, Man of La Mancha, through May 31 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $21-$33, 612 E. Fourth Ave., downtown Olympia, 360.943.2744, www.capitalplayhouse.com]

LINK: Relay For Life Benefit and more in the clubs today.
LINK: Let’s eat outside again.

Tacoma Photo of the Day

A latitudinarian he's not

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

THE DAILY WORD
Latitudinarian \lat-uh-too-din-AIR-ee-un; -tyoo-\, adjective:

1. Having or expressing broad and tolerant views, especially in religious matters.
2. A person who is broad-minded and tolerant; one who displays freedom in thinking, especially in religious matters.
3. [Often capitalized] A member of the Church of England, in the time of Charles II, who adopted more liberal notions in respect to the authority, government, and doctrines of the church than generally prevailed.

USAGE EXAMPLE: While trying to choose a name to blog under, the Rev. Wright turned to his associate and said, “How about Latitudinarian69?” His associate replied, “I like the 69, but I’m not sure latitudinarian really sums you up.”

MORNING NEWS 

TACOMA: Speed at your own risk today

OLYMPIA: Trial date for brewery water deal

SEATTLE: Cheap stay

UNITED STATES: Obama and his flag pin

UNITED STATES: Ted Kennedy has a stroke, or something...

JUST BIZARRE: Big sinkhole, big gator

MORE STRANGENESS: Resting his eyes

ONE MORE STRANGE STORY: Hot for teacher

THINGS TO DO TODAY

FILM LISTINGS: Look here

MUSIC LISTINGS: Here’s what’s happening

HEALTH CARE IN PIERCE COUNTY: Read this

SHOOT THE SHIT: The Weekly Volcano forums

ROCK THE CAUSE TOMORROW: Plan for it today

WALKABILITY: Everyone's talking 'bout it

GET DRUNK: On beer

Poster of the Day

Go al fresco today

JAKE DE PAUL: DINE OUTSIDE TODAY >>>

Though the South Sound dining scene has improved markedly over the past decade, something the rainy climate makes difficult is the coveted outdoor nosh. We’re not talking about the faux “outdoor” settings provided by themed shopping complexes (though those can be enjoyable too). We mean honest al fresco munching, under the bright blue (or starstruck) sky. With the sun forecasted to hang on through the weekend, click on this link for local patio/deck dining — although call and confirm that their decks will be open.

LINK: South Sound Patio/Deck Dining

Go green then go rock

EVENT
Livable Communities Fair
Alert the tree huggers and break out the patchouli for a day. Let your armpit hair flow free as you step into the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall for the Livable Communities Fair today.

Pierce County and the City of Tacoma have partnered up to give you an all-inclusive playground that demonstrates how our fine, environment-loving community works, and what we can do to use it wisely. These dedicated government employees are providing us with interactive displays on stuff like energy conservation, recycling, neighborhood emergency preparedness, water quality, public safety, clean environment, agriculture, recreation, health, education, volunteering, and children's activities.

Dust off the Birkenstocks — you’re going to need them to carry in the cans of food I’m asking you to bring for the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Want to know the best part of it all? The admission is free. That right there makes the community in my wallet a much more livable place. — Steph DeRosa
[Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 2727 E. D. St., Tacoma, 253.798.6691]

ROCK
The Lonely H
Looking at a band like the Lonely H, three fourths of which is 19, the other fourth an elderly 21, I can’t help but be seriously impressed by what they’ve managed to accomplish at such a young age. A band that singer Mark Fredson, guitarist Eric Whitman, drummer Ben Eyestone and bassist Johnny Whitman formed even before they reached high school, the Lonely H has been going for five years now. With their Robert Plant hair and faded, ’70s-style threads, which this band of teenagers wears with strange classic rock pride though they were born long after the mudshark had left the Edgewater, the Lonely H has gone in search of the magic of ’70s rock, and the results have been surprisingly good. They’ve toured extensively, played SXSW, released multiple well received records, and more importantly suggested that classic rock may have possibilities beyond the “Stairway to Heaven,” repeat mix we’ve come to know it as. The Lonely H have surely done and seen things that most kids their age can’t even fathom. It’s mighty impressive. — MS
[Hell’s Kitchen, The Lonely H, Speaker Speaker, The Pete Moss Band, The Globes, 5 p.m., all ages, $7, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

ROCK
Bob’s Java Jive
There are a few bands in this town that I always keep my eye on. Whenever I see their name, I know the show’s worth paying attention to.

The Fuxking Eagles are one of those bands.

Face it. The Fucking Eagles rule. Not only do they have “fucking” right in their band name (which just screams dangerous, doesn’t it?), but their grimy garage rock meets maximum R&B could be the soundtrack to our city. The Fucking Eagles always put together killer lineups, too. When you see the band scheduled to rock, you know the whole night will be good. — Matt Driscoll
[Bob’s Java Jive, Roy Loney & The Long Shots, The Fucking Eagles, The Tripwires, Darrren Selector, Saturday, May 17, 8 p.m., 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]

LINK: Straight On (Heart tribute) and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Let’s eat outside today.

Stimulation at long last

MATT DRISCOLL: NEEDS A SMOKE >>>

After nights of painful waiting and plenty of anticipation, today it finally happened.

The Feds finally stimulated me. And damn it was good.

Now, plenty of people have already filled the blogosphere with talk of IRS stimulus checks, the usual questions being “How are you going to spend yours?”

But I’ll be honest. I don’t really care how you’re going to spend your stimulus. I’m much more concerned with how I’ll spend mine.

Thoughts:

- I may fill up the gas tank, just so I can remember what it looks like.

- I guess shots at the Firwood are out of the question.

- How many cupcakes can one buy with $900?

- Can you say Brazilian Wax? 

- Maybe I’ll donate it to charity, and then walk around all high and mighty for the next few months until my car breaks down and I curse the decision.

- Can you say $900 sack?

- Maybe I should save some of it to buy my wife flowers after spending our entire stimulus check on said $900 sack?

Anyway, these are just a few thoughts on what I may do with my economic stimulus check. Whichever one I choose, I’m just happy to be able to help get the economy back on track. Let’s all do our part.

Crazy delicious

SUZY STUMP: THIS WEEKEND AT THE MOVIES >>>

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian — The sequel to the film that gave us the SNL spoof that launched Andy Samberg’s career features the battle over Narnia.

Set in an English village in the early 1980s, Son of Rambow is a gentle story that involves a great deal of violence, but mostly the violence is muted and dreamy, like a confrontation with a fearsome scarecrow that looks horrifying but is obviously not real — or real enough, but not alive, or something.

LINK: Go here for movie starting times.
LINK: You gotta eat.

Tacoma Photo of the Day

Poster of the Day

Lacking social polish

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

THE DAILY WORD

Gauche \GOHSH\, adjective:
Lacking social polish; tactless; awkward; clumsy.

USAGE EXAMPLE:  Bobble Tiki has been called many things in his life. An ass. A prick. Even an imbecile. However, Bobble Tiki has never been called gauche. It’s not because he’s not gauche, mind you, it’s simply that Bobble Tiki’s friends have the vocabulary of 3rd graders.

MORNING NEWS

TACOMA: Fabulous Firwood in Fife burns down

OLYMPIA: Three protesters charged

SEATTLE: From the NBA to homeless

UNITED STATES: McCain versus Obama

THINGS TO DO TODAY
FILM LISTINGS: Look here
MUSIC LISTINGS: Here’s what’s happening

The Firwood is firewood

BRAD ALLEN: FABULOUS FIRWOOD ON FIRE >>>

The News Tribune is reporting the Fabulous Firwood in Fife is on fire.

Battles with the Fife police, battles with contractors and now a battle with fire. That doesn't sound all that fabulous.

Hard and soft

POST-HARDCORE
Kane Hodder
The last time Tacoma got a chance to see Kane Hodder was April 13 at Supernova Hair and Tattoo. The Bremerton scream rockers were shooting a video for the song “Siberia 1908,” which will show up on a soon to be released digital EP Kane Hodder is currently preparing for, though no official announcement has been made from the band about a possible release date, title, or track listing.

Tonight, Tacoma will get its next chance to see Kane Hodder, this time at the up and coming all-ages venue the Viaduct. Joined by Rough Chukar, Dressed to Kill and As Far as Foxes Go, this is just another in a growing list of shows that proves the Viaduct is for real. — Matt Driscoll
[The Viaduct, Kane Hodder, Rough Chukar, Dressed To Kill, As Far As Foxes Go, 7 p.m., all ages, $8, 5412 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, www.myspace.com/viaductvenue]

POP
Debra Arlyn
OK, kiddies.  Enough of that rock stuff.  Organized noise, that’s all it is.  It’s not even that organized.  Noise, that’s all it is.  Pop music, man, the music of sex and love and sex — that’s where it’s at.  Don’t hate, man, don’t hate.  It’s all about love.  Love!  Are you against love?  Peace, love and happiness.  If you come to see Debra Arlyn, you’ll get to hear some great Portland pop (with a little disco, actually) music. OK, I’ll come clean … she adds a little heartache. But it’s because of love. Now all we need is some love ... love ... hmm ... all we need is love … — Suzy Stump
[Borders Books, 7 p.m., all ages, no cover, 2508 S. 38th St., Tacoma, 253.473.9111]

LINK: The Little Penguins and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: A couple of films open today.
LINK: Let’s eat at the Herban Café.