On Monday, Dec. 5 a truck pulled up to Boy Scout Troop 248’s storage shed on Bridgeport Way, tore away the door and made off with many of the Scouts’ supplies. It’s been a week since the event took place and Scout Master Dave Matzen still has no leads on the missing gear.
“All are replaceable; it’s just a matter of costing money,” Matzen said.
In all, the materials stolen amounts to seven stoves, three propane tanks, five lanterns, three camping propane tees, and a bin full of ceremony equipment as well as the troop flag.
University Place residents may know Troop 248 as the group that sells Christmas trees every year in the city. The troop, currently consisting of around 30 boys, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
The troop focuses on individualization to make sure every member is having a good time on the many adventures the group takes on. Trips are taken to places like Alaska and Oregon, and these supplies are vital to making sure everything goes smoothly.
While there are no leads on who took the supplies, the troop is pretty confident that the thieves don’t have a sweet tooth. One of the few items that remained after the break-in was a giant tub of candy, lef tover from a Halloween event.
“I guess we’re just trying to find some humor in the situation. Why wouldn’t you take that?” Matzen asked.
If you have any information regarding the stolen supplies, contact Scout Master Matzen at (253) 381-4724.

Tacoma City Council is working on a timeline to collect and review applications to replace outgoing City Manager T.C. Broadnax now that he has accepted the post of city manager of Dallas.
Broadnax, who left a post as the assistant city manager of San Antonio to become Tacoma’s top administrator in 2012, will return to the Lone Star state after the New Year.
Councilmembers approved a resolution on Tuesday to begin the process of selecting a national search firm to coordinate the search and selection process as a way to take action before the end of the year, since the Council meetings for Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 have been cancelled.
“This is basically to get the ball rolling immediately,” Councilmember Marty Campbell said during the study session that added the resolution to Tuesday’s council agenda.
The selection of the next city manager will be among the last major votes of the current City Council, since four of its nine members are term limited from running for reelection and another is up for reelection. The terms for Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Campbell, at-large councilmember Victoria Woodards and South Tacoma councilmember Joe Lonergan are term limited from running for their seats again, while North Tacoma Councilmember Robert Thoms’ current term also expires in 2017.
The Dallas City Council selected Broadnax over the in-house option of Mark McDaniel, who is the current assistant city manager of Dallas as well as Maura Black Sullivan, the COO of Chattanooga, Tenn; Jelynne LeBlanc Burley, a former vice president of CPS Energy of San Antonio and James Twombly, city manager of Tulsa.
The city manager serves as the top day-to-day executive of the city of 200,000, based on the directions and policies of the nine-member City Council, which confirms the city manager’s appointment.

MAXINE MIMMS TO RECEIVE HONOR

The City Events and Recognitions Committee will honor Dr. Maxine B. Mimms with the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award during the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16. The event will begin at 11 a.m. in the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center (1500 Broadway).
“Dr. Mimms embodies the mission of Dr. King through her extraordinary dedication to opening doors of higher education to the diverse community in Tacoma,” said Committee Chairwoman Erin Lee. “Our event theme is ‘Beloved Community’ and we gave special consideration to nominees whose work focused on understanding our community and its needs, and delivering solutions.”
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award strives not only to recognize and encourage excellence in community service activities carried out by an individual, organization or group, but also seeks to encourage similar efforts by others who may want to serve in the community. It is presented each year during the City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration before an average crowd of approximately 2,000 attendees.
For more information about the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, visit cityoftacoma.org/mlk, email MLK@cityoftacoma.org or call (253) 573-2523.

STRICKLAND ANNOUNCES COALITION TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS

Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland has convened a group of elecnewly formed Pierce County Housing Stability Coalition includes Puyallup Mayor John Hopkins, Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson, Milton Mayor Debra Perry, and Pierce County Council Members Doug Richardson, Connie Ladenburg and Rick Talbert.
“I formed this coaliry, and Pierce County Council Members Doug Richardson, Connie Ladenburg and Rick Talbert.
“I formed this coalition because homelessness is a complex issue that affects all of Pierce County – rural, suburban and urban communities, not just Tacoma. A unifi. “Many factors can contribute to homelessness such as chemical dependency, domestic violence, mental health issues and access to living wage jobs. This coalition will advocate for policies and programs that help improve housing stability and provide needebs. This coalition will advocate for policies and programs that help improve housing stability and provide needed help to those experiencing homelessness.”
"My colleagues from the Pierce County Council and I look forward to this opportunity to bring an integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the many facets of homelessness," said Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson. "The coalition provides an important venue for meaningful progress."
The coalition has developed a set of priorities for the upcoming legislative session in Olympia. These include expansion of successful programs such as Housing First and the McCarver Elementary School Housing Program, and renewing and increasing the document recording fees, which are dedicated to helping the homeless. The coalition also supports policies to help local jurisdictions create more affordable housing, and will advocate for legislation that addresses predatory mobile home lending practices.

EMBRACE WINTER WITH PARKS AND RECREATION

Winter is here and spring will soon follow. Pierce County Parks & Recreation’s winter/spring activity guide has been released and now is the time to register for your favorite programs.
Pierce County Parks & Recreation offers a broad and diverse selection of programs and events for all abilities and ages, from toddlers to teens, and active adults too. Browse the latest issue of the online program guide at www.piercecountywa.org/index.aspx?NID=1247 and pick your favorite events and programs to participate in.

BOARD OF HEALTH PASSES MEDICINE RETURN REGULATION

The Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health took a stand against the potential dangers lurking in the home medicine cabinet. In a unanimous vote, board members adopted a comprehensive medicine return regulation at their Dec. 7 meeting. The regulation expands options for the safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly disposal of prescription medicines.
“Harmful medicines can easily find their way from the medicine cabinet into the wrong hands or into the environment,” said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, director of health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “The regulation protects people and the environment and prevents overdoses and addiction.”
In 2015, a majority of heroin users surveyed in Pierce County said they were first hooked on opioid medicines like those found in home medicine cabinets, according to the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. Heroin later became their drug of choice because it helped them achieve a similar high to medicines like Percocet and Vicodin. Heroin is also cheaper.
Feedback from the community influenced the Health Department in the development of this regulation. The Department considered testimony from the public gathered at meetings and written comments.
The new regulation will begin to take effect in the fall of 2017. To give residents greater convenience, the regulation will:
· Expand medicine drop box locations to more places such as pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations.
· Add an option for some residents to send unused medicine by mail to a disposal site for free.
· Use funding from the pharmaceutical industry to run the program.
These options will add to the 21 drop box locations where Pierce County residents can get rid of most unwanted or unused prescription and non-prescription medicine.
Learn more about the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of unwanted medicines at www.tpchd.org/medicine-return.

HEALTH DEPT. INVESTIGATES PROBABLE MUMPS CASES

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is investigating four probable cases of mumps in Pierce County, all associated with an outbreak in south King County.
“Public health is essential to address disease outbreaks, especially those that cross county boundaries,” said Nigel Turner, communicable disease division director at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “We coordinate with partner agencies to protect the health of all people in the affected area,” Turner said.
What Is Mumps?
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness. An infected person can spread it through face-to-face contact by coughing, sneezing, or spraying saliva while talking. It can also spread by shared cups and eating utensils.
What Are the Symptoms?
Mumps are best known for causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, the result of swollen salivary glands. The symptoms are:
· Fever
· Headache
· Muscle Aches
· Tiredness
· Loss of Appetite
Meningitis and encephalitis are rare complications of mumps.
How Can You Prevent Mumps?
Immunization is the most effective way to prevent mumps. Everyone should make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). Other ways to protect yourself:
· Avoid contact with anyone infected with mumps.
· Wash your hands with soap and water.
· Don’t share cups and eating utensils.
Who Is More Likely to Get Mumps?
· Babies less than one year old.
· Children older than one who have not received at least one dose of the MMR.
· Adults born in or after 1957 who have not been vaccinated or have not had mumps before.
Today the Health Department is reminding Pierce County school districts of steps to control a mumps outbreak. If an outbreak om school to minimize further exposure.
Find more resources about mumps www.tpchd.org/mumps.

TURKEY SHOOT BRINGS IN $36,000 FOR JBLM CHARITIES

On Nov. 4, America’s Credit Union (ACU), held its 16th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament at Eagles Pride Golf Course. Many local businesses and overt Program and The Madigan Foundation on JBLM.
The tournament originally sted to get Santa’s Castle off the ground. Santa’s Castle is a local charity that assists soldiers in need by providing Christmas presents for them to give to their families. Later,charity that assists soldiers in need by providing Christmas presents for them to give to their families. Later, the tournament was expanded to also benefit the JBLM Holiday Food Basket Program and the Madigan Foundation which helps to pay soldiers and their families’ medical costs not covered through insurance.
Kenneth S. Leonard, President/CEO of America’s Credit Union, has been there from the beginning and shared the history and meaning of the tournament as well as his commitment to give back to our soldiers. ACU and Ken are honored to contribute to the morale and welfare of our military.
ACU wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of this tournament; Red Wind Casino, Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row; SWBS, Award Sponsorship; Cascade Print Media, Dinner Sponsor; Bruce Titus Olympia Nissan, Cook Security, Northwest Motor Sports, Tactical Tailor, The USO NW, Cigar Daddies, The Better Business Bureau, BMW Northwest, Arrow Cleaning, AUSA, Boom, Creative, Costco, Access Softek, CUNA, I5 Designs, Jimmy John’s, Sound Credit Union, The Madigan Foundation, US Family Healthplan, Air-Streams and Little Caesars. ACU would like to give a special thank you to the Walmart Lakewood Store for supplying 15 turkeys and Dimitri’s Gourmet Mixes.

PARTNERSHIP OFFERS TRAINING, JOBS, CAREERS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of Tacoma, Clover Park Technical College and Goodwill are providing grant-funded training opportunities in 2017 & 2018 to help the unemployed, underemployed and transitioning servicemen and veterans in Pierce County into quality environmental careers.
A $200,000 EPA Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant (formerly Brownfields Grant) is funding recruiting, entry level training, career counseling and job placement services that are a gateway to careers in construction, contamination remediation, hazardous material handling, and more. Environmental eting Tacoma or Pierce County residents 18 and older.  The Washington State Department of Eology’s August 2015 Hazardous Sites List, identifies 141 sites in the Cit of Tacoma either pending or in the process of cleanup while 54 more are situated across the rest of Pierce County. Even though Tacoma has only 25 percent of the population of Pierce County, it has 72 percent of the hazardous sites – more than 2.5 times the rest of the county.  The need for environmental cleanup in Pierce and surrounding counties will offer businesses like TCB project o ortunities requiring a labor and management force of Hazmat certified employees through 2026.Goodwill uses its network of education campuses and case managers to recruit, career counsel and help studentswith job placement, Clover Park Technical College performs the training, the City of Tacoma manages the partnership and provides overall grant administration, and the EPA provides grant resources and funding.  Private businesses like TCB Industrial recruit studstration, and the EPA provides grant resources and funding. Private businesses like TCB Industrial recruit students into their ranks based upon their specific interest areas.
Each of these training opportunities is highly valued and include approximately $1,500 in certifications in HAZWOPER, Underground Storage Tank, OSHA 10 Construction Safety, Confined Space Entry, Forklift, and Asbestos.
The six-week training will be offered in 2017 and 2018 at Clover Park Technical College – the first with a tentative starting date of Feb. 3 and the second TBD. Classes are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Two course and career information sessions will be hosted Jan. 9 and 18 (1 p.m.) at Goodwill’s main Tacoma campus, the Milgard Work Opportunity Center, 714 S. 27th Street, Tacoma 98409. For more information visit www.goodwillwa.org.

PARK BOARD APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Park Commissioners voted Dec. 12 to appoint Shon Sylvia as executive director of Metro Parks Tacoma, effective Jan. 1, 2017.
Board members praised Sylvia’s and the district’s record of accomplishments, with President Erik Hanberg calling out management of the strategic 2017-2018 budget process as the latest example of Sylvia’s leadership. The budget passed unanimously the same night. Commissioners also called attention to Sylvia’s “out-of-the-box” thinking and his development of strong partnerships with other government agencies, nonprofits and businesses.
“Shon is a data-driven visionary who knows how to turn great ideas into solid, sustainable programs and practices,” Hanberg said. “Metro Parks is on a great path, and Shon will ensure the agency remains strong and effective.”
Hanberg also pointed to the need to increase public access to programs, spaces and services by removing economic, physical and social barriers, and to Sylvia’s successes in these areas.
“We have an amazing park system,” said Sylvia, who joined Metro Parks in 1997. “Our staff members are committed to finding ways to keep improving the quality of life in every neighborhood. I look forward to continuing the great momentum we’ve created at Metro Parks.”
The Park Board had appointed Sylvia as interim executive director in September. Sylvia has held key management roles, including assistant executive director and before that director of recreation and community services. He is married and has two daughters. Before coming to Metro Parks, he worked for the City of Sunnyvale in California, coordinating the city’s youth services division.
At Metro Parks, Sylvia led the development of meaningful relationships with other agencies in ways that leveraged public and private funds to expand access for citizens and save taxpayers money. He has been a vocal supporter of Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute, for example, which turns the Metro Parks-managed Point Defiance Park into an outdoor classroom, and for his drive to provide after-school programming on-site at schools throughout the city. Sylvia also led the development of the STAR Center in South Tacoma, and he’s excited about the Eastside Community Center, a collaboration that involves Tacoma Public Schools, the City of Tacoma, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound and Tacoma Housing Authority and will break ground next year.
As executive director, Sylvia plans to focus on several areas, including:
· Continuing to nurture collaborative programming with other agencies.
· Expanding environmental programs and outreach to enhance the community’s conservation values, with a focus on sustainability.
· Developing creative ways to identify and pursue additional resources to preserve and maintain the park district’s existing assets.
Sylvia succeeds Jack C. Wilson, who retired in September after leading the park district since 1999. The Park Board recently named the pedestrian bridge linking Point Defiance Park to Point Ruston “Wilson Way” in honor of Wilson’s dedication to providing access to citizens. The bridge is due to open in 2017.
“Shon is the consummate public servant,” said Andrea Smith, Board of Park Commissioners clerk. “When you talk with him in person, his dedication to citizens is clear. He’s exactly the person we need to lead Metro Parks.”

Symphony Tacoma’s “Messiah”
Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
St. Charles Borromeo, 7112 S. 12th St., Tacoma, WA 98465
symphonytacoma.org

Symphony Tacoma is pleased to welcome to this performance Christina Kowalski-Holien, soprano; Melissa Plagemann, mezzo-soprano; Wesley Morgan, tenor; Charles Robert Stephens, bass; Amy Boers, harpsichord; Coni Liljengren, organ; and Symphony Tacoma Chorus director Geoffrey Boers. Tickets: $30+
The Symphony has been a vital part of Tacoma’s cultural landscape since 1946 and has operated as a professional symphony orchestra for the past 20 years. With 80 contracted musicians and an affiliated community chorus, the Symphony brings music into the lives of 15,000 citizens annually throughout the South Puget Sound.
The Symphony presents classical, pops, choral, the “Mini Maestros” series for children ages 2-8, as well as master classes and educational concerts each season. Its flagship education program, Simply Symphonic, earns the accolades of educators.

Fire and Ice: Illuminated Traditions
Dec. 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, WA 98402
museumofglass.org

Join artists Larry Calkins and Jennifer Adams as they take you on an intercontinental exploration of traditional holiday crafts celebrating fire and ice. Carillon Bell Ensemble will perform in the Grand Hall at 1 p.m.

Tack Fused Snowflakes
Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 18, 1-5 p.m.
Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, WA 98402
museumofglass.org

Explore the art of tack fusing and create a unique fused glass snowflake out of pre-cut materials. Workshops start on the hour. $12 per snowflake or two snowflakes for $20. Pieces will be available for pick-up on Thursday after the workshop in the Museum Store. Shipping is available for an additional fee.

Creative Colloquy Book Launch, Reading & Open Mic
Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
B Sharp Coffee House, 706 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA 98402
creativecolloquy.com
Creative Colloquy is closing out a rad year of literary shenanigans with a big finale! Firstly, we will unveil a delightful matrimony of locally penned short stories and poems paired with thought provoking and colorful art throughout the pages of “Creative Colloquy Volume Three.” Our featured line-up will highlight a few of the works you can find within and include: Christina Butcher, Daniel Person, Jenni Prange Boran and Josh Kilen. And a special bonus, Washington state poet laureate Tod Marshall will play celebrity emcee and be performing some of his own pieces for us! Books will be available for sale for $20 a piece and at a discounted price when paired with Volumes One and Two. Open mic to follow, so bring your words to share

FUNNY WOMAN

Comedian Sarah Colonna – best known for appearances on the E! Nework's Chelsea Lately and her popular books, “Life As I Blow It: Tales of Love, Life & Sex … Not Necessarily in That Order” and “Has Anyone Seen My Pants?” – will headline Tacoma Comedy Club with five big sets this weekend. Performance times are 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $20 to $25; www.tacomacomedyclub.com.

PIER PEER

Bring your family and join Foss Waterway Seaport and Metro Parks Tacoma for a "Pier Peer in Tacoma," an aquatic evening adventure that begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St. Explore the hundreds of mysterious marine life forms – including some pretty alien looking creatures drawn to underwater lights placed off the Waterway docks. See and touch creatures brought up from the deep by local divers. Participate in a plankton tow. Afterward, hot cocoa will be served as participants discuss what they saw; www.fosswaterwayseaport.org.

“MESSIAH”

Symphony Tacoma will deliver a special performance of Handel's 1741 classic “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at St. Charles Borromeo, 7112 S. 12th St. Performers will include Christina Kowalski-Holien (soprano); Melissa Plagemann (mezzo-soprano); Wesley Morgan (tenor); Charles Robert Stephens (bass); Amy Boers (harpsichord); Coni Liljengren (organ); and Symphony Tacoma Chorus director Geoffrey Boers. Ticket are $30 to $48; www.broadwaycenter.org.

GRINCH BRUNCH

Head to Whoville – a.k.a. Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 Porltand Ave. – at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 to feast with Jolly St. Nick and the grumpy Grinch. Enjoy who-pudding, Roast Beast sausage, Who-hash, green Grinch-cakes and green eggs, too! Registration includes: Family picture with Santa, Holiday face painting, Holiday music, and Grinch-themed craft projects. Four seating times available. Sales tax is included in admission fee. Resident $8; Non-Resident $10. Ages 2 and under are free. For more info. or to register call (253) 591-5391.

TRAIN FEST

History and holiday magic unite at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., during the 21st annual Model Train Festival. This museum-wide event for families, railroad buffs and model train enthusiasts showcases the most spectacular and detailed model railroad scenes in the Pacific Northwest – including the largest permanent model train layout in Washington. Admission is $8 to $12 or free for members and children ages 5 and younger; www.washingtonhistory.org.

Gift giving, especially during the holidays, can be a challenge when the recipient is a fitness fanatic. Does a new set of barbells say “Merry Christmas?” “Happy Hanukkah?” “Joyous Kwanzaa?”
Fortunately, local businesses are stocked with all kinds of fitness-friendly merchandise. If you’re married to a marathoner or buddies with a bodybuilder, there’s a knowledgeable salesperson out there ready to help you pick out the perfect gift.
Bob Krain, manager at Precor Home Fitness near the Tacoma Mall, helps countless holiday shoppers every year pick out the perfect gift. His first piece of advice: unless you’re shopping for a white elephant, bring your intended recipient with you to the store.
But what if you’re hoping to surprise your friend or loved one? Do your research. Find out what they want and what they need – without tipping your hand, obviously.
“The first thing I do when a customer comes through the door is ask them what they like to do,” Krain explains. “What did they like to do as a kid? Ride a bike? Hike? Play sports? Were they an athlete? Usually, if it’s a loved one, you know what they’ve done. That makes it a little easier. Then I try to find out if they have any owies, like bad knees or hips. Are they having trouble with grip when carrying the groceries in? Get them some grippers.”
Hand grippers are among plenty of inexpensive fitness-related gifts sold at Precor. Other affordable items range from yoga mats to medicine balls. If you’ve got your eye on a big-ticket item like a treadmill or elliptical trainer, make sure it’s exactly what the recipient wants. Otherwise, save that receipt, because it’s probably coming back.
At Proctor’s Fleet Feet Tacoma, running gloves and hats are popular this time of year. So, too, are handheld water bottles and hydration packs, which make useful gifts for marathoners. But co-owner Paul Morrison says nothing beats a gift card.
“People in the running, walking and fitness community really like shoes,” Morrison explains, “but it’s hard to buy a pair of shoes for a loved one. What we recommend people do is come in and buy a gift card for approximately the same price as an average-priced shoe. We put the gift card in a miniature shoebox and throw in an energy gel and some other small items. So when they open it, they don’t just get a gift card. They get a couple of treats to go along with it.”
Training programs, too, often find their way into those gift card boxes: perfect for your friend training for her first 5-kilometer fun run or half-marathon.
“Those work well for New Year’s resolutions, too,” Morrison adds.
Of course, not every present can fit in a stocking or under the Christmas tree. Maybe your friend or loved one would appreciate a gym membership or enrollment in a fitness class.
“It’s nice to receive as a gift an experience instead of something that sits in a drawer all year,” says Janet Bissell, a fitness instructor for Metro Parks Tacoma.
Bissell leads fitness classes primarily at Jefferson Park, where participants can break a sweat while doing everything from circuit training to TRX workouts. TRX, in case you’re unfamiliar with the acronym, is short for Tactical Suspension Trainer, an elastic strap invented by a former Navy SEAL. The workouts utilize the whole body and can be done anywhere.
A drop-in punch card costs just $60 and is good for ten classes, which can be spread out over any length of time. Bissell only asks that first-timers call her before their first class.
“My classes are kind of like family,” she explains. “A lot of people have been coming for a long time. If you call ahead of time, I can make it more of a basic class so I can go through some of the fundamentals.”
The first class is free, by the way.
Metro Parks also offers annual memberships at the People’s Community Center and Pool on Hilltop, the STAR Center in South Tacoma and the Center at Norpoint in North Tacoma. Each membership includes access to pools, weight rooms, open gyms and any number of classes. The latter, which are held every day of the week, span the whole fitness alphabet, from aerobics to Zumba. Even seasoned exercisers will appreciate the diversity of offerings, which include martial arts and other exotic activities. Ever heard of yogalates?
If you do decide to give an experience instead of a tangible object, Bob Krain’s advice still holds. Know your subject. If your spouse has never expressed an interest in getting fit, a gym membership might not spread much in the way of holiday cheer. It might, however, relegate you to the doghouse.

Matt Kite is an avid hiker and masters runner in Tacoma. Check out “3 Minute Hikes,” his hiking channel on YouTube.

CULTURA: “Jingle Bachata” with DJ Mauro and DJ Leo (bachata, salsa, reggaeton DJ) 10 p.m., $20
G. DONNALSON'S: Kim Archer (blues, funk) 7:30 p.m., NC, AA
JAZZBONES: Erotic City (Prince tribute) 8 p.m., $15-$20
KEYS ON MAIN: Dueling pianos, 9 p.m., NC
LOUIE G'S: Rain Light Fades CD release (acoustic) 7:30 p.m., $10, AA
PACIFIC BREWING:“Pints with Santa” with DJ Dodo (DJ) 6 p.m., NC, AA
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO: Symphony Tacoma presents “Messiah” (classical) 7:30 p.m., $30-$48, AA
THE SWISS:“Metal Madness” with Out of Hate, Love the Dead and Blackline (metal) 9 p.m., $8
TACOMA COMEDY: Sarah Colonna (comedy) 8, 10:30 p.m., $20-$25, 18+ early show
TACOMA DOME:“Dope Music Festival” featuring Busta Rhymes, E-40, Method Man, Redman, Too Short, Kokane, Da Brat, Money B, The Pharcyde, DMX (hip-hop) 5 p.m., $30-$120
UNCLE SAM'S: Hambone Blues Band (blues) 8 p.m.

B SHARP COFFEE: The Soulful 88s (blues) 8 p.m., $7, AA
G. DONNALSON'S: Kim Archer (blues, funk) 7:30 p.m., NC, AA
JAZZBONES: Stay Grounded, Rhythm-N-Brown, Island Bound, DJ 671 (reggae) 9 p.m., $10-$15
KEYS ON MAIN: Dueling pianos, 9 p.m., NC
LOUIE G'S:“A Very Brutal Christmas” with Beyond Theory, Bioplague, Odyssian and Otherworld. (metal, rock) 8 p.m., $10, AA
PACIFIC BREWING: Power Pale release with Power Laces, Skull Kid and Bummer (reggae, rock) 8 p.m., NC, AA
REAL ART TACOMA: Sleeper 72 CD release with Redeem the Exile, Coast Culture, The Vast Ocean (metalcore) 7 p.m., $7, AA
RIALTO:“The Christmas Revels” (Christmas music) 2, 7:30 p.m., $12-$34.50, AA
THE SPAR: Tatoosh Christmas Party (classic rock) 8 p.m., NC
THE SWISS: Strangely Alright, Trees & Timber, Vanilla (power-pop, alternative) 9 p.m., $10
TACOMA COMEDY: Sarah Colonna (comedy) 10:30 p.m., $20-$25
TACOMA DOME: “Dope Music Festival” with Gucci Mane, Meek Mill, Jeremih, DJ Drama, Nate Jackson, William Singe, Lil Uzi Vert, Clemm Rishad and Russ (hip-hop, comedy): 5 p.m., $45-$150
UNCLE SAM'S:“Erwin Family Benefit” with the Motors Band (blues, rock, country) 7 p.m.

DAWSON'S: Tim Hall Band (open jam) 8 p.m., NC
G. DONNALSON'S: Soulful Sundays (blues, gospel) 6:30 p.m., NC, AA
NEW FRONTIER: Bluegrass jam, 4 p.m., NC
RIALTO:“The Christmas Revels” (Christmas music) 1, 5:30 p.m., $12-$34.50, AA
THE SPAR: Polly O'Keary (blues) 7 p.m., NC
THE SWISS: Puget Sound Music for Youth (all-ages jam) 2:30 p.m., $7, AA
TACOMA COMEDY: Sarah Colonna (comedy) 8 p.m., $20-$25, 18+

B SHARP COFFEE: Creative Colloquy (literary, spoken word) 7 p.m., NC, AA
DAWSON'S: Heather Jones and the Groove Masters (R&B, soul, funk) 8 p.m., NC
G. DONNALSON'S: “Guitar Going Monday” (blues, jazz guitar) 7 p.m., NC, AA
JAZZBONES: Rockaraoke (live band karaoke) 7 p.m., NC
THE SWISS: Chuck Gay (open mic) 7 p.m., NC

ANTIQUE SANDWICH CO.: Open mic, 6:30 p.m., $3, AA
DAVE'S OF MILTON: Jerry Miller (blues, rock) 7 p.m., NC
DAWSON'S: Doug Skoog and Brian Feist (blues) 8 p.m., NC
G. DONNALSON'S: James Haye (blues) 7 p.m., NC, AA
JAZZBONES: Adam Norwest, Scott Losee, Nigel Larson, Mr. Sam Miller, Josh Firestine (comedy) 8:30 p.m., NC, AA
NORTHERN PACIFIC: Stingy Brim Slim (blues) 7 p.m., NC, AA
REAL ART TACOMA: Klownz Over Everything/Sumtin Different Ent. Tacoma Rescue Mission benefit (rock) 5 p.m., by donation, AA
RIALTO:“The Christmas Revels” (Christmas music) 7:30 p.m., $12-$34.50, AA
ROCK THE DOCK: Dustin Lefferty (open mic) 8 p.m.
STONEGATE: Leanne Trevalyan (open mic) 8 p.m., NC

DAWSON'S: Linda Myers Band (R&B, blues, jazz) 8 p.m., NC
G. DONNALSON'S: James Haye (blues) 7 p.m., NC, AA
JAZZBONES: “Snapchat: Red & White Party” with DJ K-Phi and Nate Jackson (DJ, comedy) 10 p.m., NC, AA
NEW FRONTIER: Open mic, 8 p.m., NC
NORTHERN PACIFIC: Open mic, 7:30 p.m., NC, AA
RIALTO:“The Christmas Revels” (Christmas music) 7:30 p.m., $12-$34.50, AA
STONEGATE: Dave Nichols' Hump Day Jam, 8:30 p.m., NC
TACOMA COMEDY: Comedy open mic, 8 p.m., NC, 18+
TOWER BAR & GRILL: Michelle Beaudry (jazz guitar) 4:30 p.m.

B SHARP COFFEE: Marc Harper and the Ground Up Trio (jazz) 8 p.m., NC, AA
CULTURA: “Ladies Night Out: Christmas Edition” with DJ K-Phi (DJ dance) 10 p.m., $5-$10
G. DONNALSON'S: Rod Cook (blues) 7 p.m., NC, AA
KEYS ON MAIN: Dueling pianos, 9 p.m., NC
TACOMA COMEDY: Susan Jones (comedy) 8 p.m., $10-$16, 18+

Legendary crooner Neil Diamond will return to Seattle's KeyArena with his forthcoming 50th anniversary tour. On July 26, fans can expect to hear hits dating back to the 1960s. We're talking classics like “I'm a Believer,” “Cracklin' Rosie” and, of course, “Sweet Caroline” that earned Diamond a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and, later, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
The show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from $41 to $145. To learn more about that and these other hot tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com except for where otherwise indicated.
▪ Miranda Sings: 8 p.m. Jan. 11, Pantages Theater, $39.50 to $75; www.broadwaycenter.org.
▪ Smokey Robinson: 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Emerald Queen Casino, $70 to $170.
▪ Margaret Cho: 8 p.m. Jan. 27, Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, $45 to $55.
▪ Northwest Sinfonietta presents “Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky” featuring Joseph Swensen: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Rialto Theater, $20 to $50; www.broadwaycenter.org.
▪ Air Supply: 8 p.m. Feb. 14, Emerald Queen Casino, $30 to $75. 
▪ Eric Burdon & The Animals: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Pantages Theater, $29 to $85.
▪ Blake Shelton: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Tacoma Dome, $29.50 to $65.
▪ Tommy Castro and the Painkillers: 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Temple Theatre, $22.50.
▪ “Lingerie Masquerade Ball”: 7 p.m. Feb. 25, Cultura Event Center, $20 to $30; www.brownpapertickets.com.
▪ Chris Botti: 8 p.m. March 17, Tacoma Dome, $26.50 to $196.
▪ John Cleese: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. March 17, Pantages Theater, $39 to $110; www.broadwaycenter.org.
▪ “The Rock and Worship Road Show” with Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli and more: 7 p.m. March 17, $10; www.theroadshowtour.com.
▪ Eric Church: 8 p.m. March 18, Tacoma Dome, $20 to $86.
▪ Lewis Black: 8 p.m. March 18, Pantages Theater, $59.50 to $75.
▪ “The Spin Stops Here” with Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller and Jesse Watters: 5 p.m. March 25, Tacoma Dome, $65 to $125. 
▪ Regina Spektor: 8 p.m. April 3, Paramount Theatre, Seattle, $28.50 to $68.50.
▪ The Weeknd: 7:30 p.m. April 26, KeyArena, Seattle, $35.50 to $121.
▪ Soul 2 Soul Tour with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: 7:30 p.m. May 27, Tacoma Dome, $66.50 to $1,249.
▪ Chris Stapleton with Maren Morris: 7 p.m. March 28, KeyArena, Seattle, $30 to $65; on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28. 
▪ Chris Tomlin: 7 p.m. May 4, KeyArena, Seattle, $13 to $65.75.
▪ PJ Harvey: 8:30 p.m. May 5, WaMu Theater, Seattle, $59.50.
▪ Sasquatch Music Festival featuring Frank Ocean: May 26 to 28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George, $275 to $295 festival pass.
▪ Roger Waters: 8 p.m. June 24, Tacoma Dome, $55 to $199.50.
▪ Bruno Mars: 7:30 p.m. July 24, Tacoma Dome, $45 to $125.
▪ Coldplay: 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Century Link Field, Seattle, $25.50 to $185.50.

Not so long ago, in a conference room not that far away (unless you live way out in Orting or something), a group of four men convened to discuss some of the most important issues of the day. No, they didn't talk about global climate change or deconstruct this year's bonkers presidential race. Foremost on their minds was “Star Wars: Rogue One,” for these men were members of Tacoma Weekly's Nerd Panel.
This time around, the panel features mostly regulars in staff writer Derek Shuck, sports editor Justin Gimse and entertainment editor Ernest Jasmin, who served as moderator. The lone newcomer was arts columnist Dave Davison who brought his unique take on everything from Bothans to Amazons. Here is part of that discussion.
EJ: We're headed into what could be the biggest year ever for cinematic science fiction. But first, just in time for Christmas, there's “Star Wars: Rogue One” (in theaters on Friday, Dec. 16). So what's on your wish list for things you want to see in this film?
Derek: It's about them stealing the plans to the Death Star, right? I want Darth Vader to be in it. I want him to be in it for all of 30 seconds, and I want him at the end of the movie to just kill everyone.
EJ: Knowing what we know (the movie is a prequel to 1977's “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”) it seems like it has to have a negative ending.
Derek: Presumably, they're gonna go for this big, long adventure. They're gonna get the plans, and they're gonna look real cool doing it. Then, at the end, you just have Darth Vader show up and kill everyone and reinforce how cool and bad ass Darth Vader is.
Dave: Plus, it shows how big of a sacrifice it was to get the plans.
Justin: I guess we're actually gonna find out what Bothans look like now, and they just look like you and me.
Derek: Hold on, this is bothering me. Bothans stole the plans for the second Death Star.
Dave: Oh, that's right. I don't even know what a Bothan is, and I was thinking maybe we would see that.
Justin: I always pictured them as some little, blue, furry creatures or something.
Dave: Maybe they're like Ewoks, but less fuzzy.
Derek: And smart.
EJ: OK, enough with the Bothans. What else do you wanna see, Justin?
Justin: I want to see what's left of the Force as far as people's connection with it; if it has already become a folk tale to the people around the universe.
EJ: This is, of course, before old Ben Kenobi shows back up on Tatooine, and the Jedis are all presumed dead now. That seems kind of odd, though, because - unless Obi Wan is like 500 years old – the events of this movie are about 30 years after “Episode III.” So why would people have forgotten there are Jedis?
Justin: Well, a lot of people have died – including Bothans.
Dave: The PR campaign or propaganda campaign has discredited them as criminals or a dangerous sect.
EJ: We'll just go with it for the sake of suspending disbelief.
Dave: Why did the Empire feel they needed a weapon that will destroy planets? Is the rebellion so successful up to that point that they need to up the ante? I don't know if they'll go into that.
Justin: That's a great point. They can take out a continent just using star destroyers.
 

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EJ: Along those lines, why is that the Empire's only plan for wreaking havoc? It's always another, bigger Death Star. Couldn't they come up with something else?
Justin: This sounds like a great “SNL” sketch where they keep showing the same guy a the same grease board going, “I got a great idea.” Then he starts drawing a big circle. (He laughs.)
Dave: Next time, we won't start putting any exhaust vents in it.
Justin: And everyone at the board room table, they're just looking at it nodding. Um, yeah.
Dave: They can't disagree.
EJ: And the reason they can't disagree, of course, is they might get force choked by Darth Vader who - as we touched on earlier - is returning to the world of “Star Wars.” How excited are you? And what are the odds director Gareth Edwards could screw him up like in George Lucas's prequels?
Derek: That's kind of why I want them to show restraint. I don't want him in it for very long. I want him to show up, do something cool, and leave. The longer he's in it, the more opportunity they have to screw him up.
EJ: On the flip side, think about how excited you were for Rhino in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” - which we may or may not touch on later – and he's just in there for like 30 seconds. That's kind of anti-climactic.
Derek: Yeah, but that particular Spider-Man movie was disappointing in general. If Darth Vader's scenes are memorable enough, I don't think the time will really matter. It's quality, not quantity.
Justin: Anyways, along the 30 seconds line, I don't want a lot of Vader; but when he's in there, he's gotta be vicious. If you overkill it, then it's just like a Darth Vader movie. Or maybe have it to where you don't see him until all the way to the end. Somebody's walkin' up, handing him a cup of coffee. Then he just turns around and stares. (They laugh.)
Dave: They could use him a lot 'cause this is a chance to really update the man in the costume. You haven't seen him since the first three when the technology was not as good. You know how the old light saber battles were kind of clunky in the first three movies? Then they were these amazing, orchestrated things in episodes one, two and three. Now Darth Vader can be a lot more agile and dangerous.
EJ: You don't want him to be like Yoda, though. I think we can all agree on that. He was a little bit too agile. (They laugh.)
Dave: I think they'll do something interesting with him.
Derek: On the flip side, I am excited to see lower level Empirial bad guys like Grand Moff Tarkin again.
EJ: Is he gonna be in it?
Justin: Yeah, he's in it. They found a younger look-alike guy.
Moderator: I think Ben Mendelsohn is who you're talking about. I thought he was Tarkin, but I looked on IMDB, and he has a different name. He does look spot on like him from the first movie, though.
Derek: I always liked those guys when they're not getting choked out by Darth Vader.
EJ: So “Rogue One” is part of what's being called the “Star Wars Anthology”series which insiders suggest will have a different feel, down to there not being an opening crawl for the first time in franchise history. Based on the trailers and what you've read, how do you expect this flick to stray from the “Star Wars” formula?
Justin: I think the only difference is going to be that there's no touchstone characters that have played a big part in previous movies. You're basically just dealing with a lot of new faces and characters. Otherwise, it looks like “Star Wars.” I don't know why they're not doing the crawl at the beginning. Some changes just don't make any sense.
EJ:Will that ruin it for you? Nothin' says “Star Wars” like the crawl.
Justin: No, 'cause five seconds into the film you're gonna be rockin' and rollin'.
Dave: The crawl always oriented you.
Derek: Disney wants to make a lot of money, and the best way to do that is to release a “Star Wars” movie every year. So at what point does “Star Wars” fatigue start to set in?
I think doing this “Anthology” thing might mitigate that a little bit. If you have a fresh set of faces and you don't have the opening crawl it feels unique and different, especially if the tone is different for each one.
They have this “Rogue One,” but then you could also do a young Obi Wan Kenobi on Tatooine; kind of a wandering warrior style movie, right? That could have a different feel. Maybe that's what they're going for. I'm fine with no opening crawl.
Justin: I'm also hoping that they do it a little bit like “X-Men.”
EJ: How so?
Justin: Well, they have “Old Man Logan coming out now (that comic series was the inspiration of the upcoming “X-Men” flick, “Logan.”) So I'm hoping for maybe an old man Jar-Jar. (Doing that annoying voice.) “Meesa so tired! Meesa need a nap.”
EJ: Strangely, that's a perfect segue into our next topic. The events depicted in this film happen between the prequels and “A New Hope,” meaning there's at least a tiny chance Jar Jar Binks could show up and spoil the fun. In the event of that unthinkable scenario, in what gruesome way should he be killed?
Justin: I've thought about this. If Darth Vader could cut him in half with a light saber that would be OK.
EJ: Is that enough, though?
Justin: That's enough for me. Hey, slice and dice. Get him outta here.
Dave: I think he'll probably be rotting in an Emperial prison – maybe the Spice Mines of Kessel.
Derek: Yeah.
Justin: Oh, snap!
Dave: He knows too much. (They crack up.)
Derek: I agree. Jar-Jar knows too much. I would like to see maybe scenes with Vader cleaning up his past, making sure everything's taken care of. Then maybe the first scene him force choking Jar-Jar Binks.
EJ: But there could also be an outside chance that Jar-Jar touches his inner humanity. That was his buddy from back in the day.
Derek: Were they ever buddies?
Dave: Yeah.
Justin: (still doing Jar Jar voice.) Ani? Meesa your only friend.
Derek: Oh yeah, they were buddies.
Justin: I have a better idea. In the beginning of the movie you have Jar Jar. He's one a secret mission to steal plans for the Death Star. He steals them then takes off in his ship. “Meesa getting awaaaaaay.” Then the ship gets blown away. (They laugh.)
EJ: Since you have all these spinoffs, what minor “Star Wars” character would you like to see star in his or her own movie?
Derek: Wedge Antilles (the x-wing pilot.) Wedge is the coolest guy in the Rebellion. He's in every major battle, he survives every one. He blows up the second Death Star and never gets his due. In fact, in the first “Star Wars” movie, they spell his name wrong in the credits.
Dave: Wasn't he in some of the books?
Derek: He's big in the books.
Dave: What about Porkins?
Derek: A Porkins prequel?
Justin: “AAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!! Eject! Eject!”
EJ: What about Cliff Claven (actor John Ratzenberger)? He was in the original trilogy (as Rebel Major Derlin.)
Derek: He's in one little shot, right?
EJ: He's in two of 'em, I think. He's in the scene where Luke hasn't checked back in on Hoth.
Justin: You know what would be a good tale? It would be kind of a darker “Star Wars” with Bossk, this crazy lizard with a gun that's a bounty hunter. It's him chasing people and doing it from their perspective. So they're being pursued by basically a creature from their nightmares.

Derek: Do you think there are Disney executives sitting around saying “We could do a Bossk movie” or “we could do a Boba Fett movie?' Who are we gonna pick?
EJ: I'm trying to think of another character that is this popular despite having so little screen time in a movie. Everyone loves Boba Fett. But how long does he appear? A grand total of 10 minutes?
Derek: It speaks to how cool he looks.
Dave: In theory, he's still alive, isn't he? He's being slowly digested by the Sarlacc.
EJ: His armor could be acid proof, and maybe he shot his way out. You never know. But moving on to the next topic: Between “Rogue One” and “Episode VIII” next December, a bunch of other iconic sci-fi franchises will return to theaters in 2017. You have “Guardians 2,” “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the “Bladerunner” seqel. There's “Alien: Covenant,” and you could even thrown in the live action version of “Ghost in the Shell.” So out of all those which are gonna be the most awesome, and which one has the biggest chance of being a dud?
Derek:“Bladerunner” is the most interesting. I think it has the potential to be great and the potential to be awful. It's cool that (director) Ridley Scott is involved. It's cool that Harrison Ford is involved. It's just a weird movie to make a sequel to.
EJ: And this much later. (The original came out in 1982.)
Dave: Aren't we almost to the date of the original movie?
EJ: We're almost to the date. I guess they showed the Replicant birth dates, and they were born this year. So I guess the events in the original movie are around 2019, 2020.
Justin: You didn't mention it, but “Kong: Skull Island” looks frickin' awesome. It's got a great cast. They took out Jack Black, inserted John Goodman. Hell yes.
Derek: But John C. Reilly's in it, and he's pretty much Jack Black. They're like the same guy.
EJ: They are very similar in their role choices.
Justin: You guys are nuts.
Dave: What about “Guardians of the Galaxy” with baby Groot? In the first one, Groot carried the movie.
EJ: From what I've read, he still has powers and can kick ass.
Derek: But are they going to overdo the cuteness factor.
Dave: That's what I think. It could be an Ewok scenario. (They laugh.)
EJ: We can probably agree the “Star Wars” movies will make the most money. But what will be the biggest non-”Star Wars” hit.
Derek:“Guardians 2” will probably be the biggest hit. I think this one will be just as big as the first. Marvel movies make a ton of money, and people go in knowing what to expect. I think it's a sure thing at this point that's gonna be one of the biggest sci-fi movies, even though some of these other ones have more potential.
EJ: We mentioned the superheroes in previous answers, and coming up in 2017 you have “Logan,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Wonder Woman” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” I guess we'll count the “Power Rangers,” too.
Justin: Hey, that “Power Rangers” looks awesome, and I wasn't a “Power Rangers” fan as a kid. I'm all over that.
Derek: I don't know what kind of tone they're going for with that. What audience are they trying to capture? People who watched “Power Rangers” as a kid are in their 20s and 30s now. I don't know if older fans will like it. At the same time, I don't know if teens are gonna be into “Power Rangers,” which they may not have watched. I just don't understand the audience for that movie.
EJ: So we'll put that at the bottom of the list. So what's going to be the biggest superhero hit?

Justin:“Spider-Man” is gonna make the most money. But I see “Logan” as possibly being the best movie in the bunch. It actually seems like it's gonna be more of a gritty drama as opposed to being ripped from the pages of the comic books. I'm ready for that.
EJ: I'm not as familiar with the source material on that one. How far in the future is that? Logan has aged, even though he ages slower than everyone else, but Professor X is still alive.
Derek: Something has happened to Logan, and he's losing his powers which includes his ability to not age.
Justin: And it looks like some if not all mutants are gone, like they've been eradicated from humanity.
EJ: So that's your pick. What about you, Dave?
Dave: I think “Logan” is gonna be good. I like the Thor movies, but I don't know how much more they can really do.
Justin: Wait, is that coming out next year?
EJ: Yes, “Thor: Ragnarök” which has been described as a buddy road movie with him and Hulk.
Justin: That movie's gonna have serious legs.
Dave: And it's “Ragnarök.” It's the end of the world.
Derek: You're gonna have the big wolf eatin' Odin and stuff, right?
Dave: Yeah, the Fenris Wolf.
Justin: Maybe we'll see the kind of the trolls, Ulik. That would be awesome. There's a lot of side characters from Marvel's Thor that are gonna be in this movie that I've been a fan of since I was a kid.
Derek: Spider-Man has the biggest name, but I'd be interested to see how that does just because there's been so much Spider-Man. I don't know if that will discourage people or not. Probably not, but I'm interested to see where they go with that. Then I agree that “Logan” looks like a standout. It just looks like something different, and I've always liked the X-Men movies. If it's gonna be his (Hugh Jackman's) last one, and that's crazy to me 'cause he's been doing it 15, 16 years now.
EJ: It's confirmed that there will be three villains in the new “Spider-Man” film with Michael Keaton as Vulture, Bokeem Woodbine as Shocker and Michael Chernus as the Tinkerer. We've see this sort of villain cramming weight down previous Spider-Man flicks. Good sign or bad sign?
Justin: It's a good sign because throughout his career Spider-Man has always been dogged by groups of super villains, whether it's a couple of 'em or he's taking on the whole Sinister Six.
EJ: So you're gonna run out and see this one despite the hit-or-miss results of the last few.
Justin: Marvel Studios is at the helm now, and they're gonna be pushing away from the others as much as possible.
EJ: maybe a better way to approach this topic is: What do you hope they get right about this Spider-Man, and what screwed up the other ones? There have been at least three bad ones now.
Derek: I thought Andrew Garfield was a fine Spider-Man. I thought he was a really bad Peter Parker. He was cool, skateboarding. That's not who high school Peter Parker is at all.
EJ: He was kind of like a hipster.
Derek: A lot of the characterization they got wrong. Marvel Studios normally does a fairly good job of bringing their characters to life, so I think we'll see a more accurate Peter Parker in this one. He seemed fine in “Civil War.”
EJ: We've gotta talk a little DC, too. The “Wonder Woman” trailer came out recently, and you see she's still blocking bullets with her bracelets and what not.What's sillier: That she doesn't just make body armor out of her bracelet material or that people still don't recognize Superman when he wears glasses?
Derek: We've talked about this, EJ. He can slightly alter the muscles in his face so he can look different and …
EJ: That did not happen in the movie!
Derek: OK. How do you know?
EJ: Because I was looking at him. (They crack up.)
Justin: So Wonder Woman's bracelets, sword and shield – those are all gifts from the gods. She didn't make that stuff.
Derek: Yeah, she can't return 'em. “Actually, I just want armor.”
EJ: It seems pretty impractical, though. Why didn't they just give her a suit? Aside from the obvious marketing to 15-year-old boys with sexist DC costumes. (See also: Power Woman.)
Justin: But her skin stops bullets. She's actually bulletproof.
EJ: Then why does she have to block the bullets?
Justin: Because they hurt.
Dave: In the trailer they show one of her fellow Amazons getting shot.
Justin: But that's a lower caste Amazonian. She's half god.
Dave: She's a demi-god?
EJ: So what I'm hearing is everyone is down with the bracelets and Superman with glasses is sillier.
Derek: Yeah, sure.
EJ: DC movies still aren't quite as popular as the Marvel ones. So do they bounce back next year with “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League?”
Justin: They're getting' closer, and DC's comic books have been beating the pants off of Marvel over the last six months. They're doin' something right over there, and they're catching a little fire, too. “Suicide Squad” was a lot bigger hit than I think most people expected.
Derek: I think they always produce good trailers. I thought the “Wonder Woman” trailer was really good; but they also put out really good “Batman vs. Superman” trailers, and the “Man of Steel” trailers were good, as well. We'll see. Maybe they'll finally put out a good movie.

What do you do after watching the Seattle Sounders capture their first MLS Cup championship with a couple of thousand soccer fans at the ShoWare Center in Kent? When the Tacoma Stars organization is throwing the party, you’re going to bite the rest of your nails off and lose what remains of your vocal chords as the home team finishes out another incredible come from behind victory.

Following the Sounders victory on Saturday, Dec. 10, it was an easy stretch to wonder just how many fans would stick around for the Stars’ late game start, with so many fans quite literally exhausted from the Sounders’ championship dramatics. There was also the draw of heading off to a watering hole with scads of other Sounders fans and keeping the party going deep into the night.

With the first kick coming over two hours after the scheduled start time; it was an impressive sight to see the vast majority of fans still under the ShoWare roof for the Stars’ showdown against rival Ontario Fury.

As if 120 scoreless minutes and a penalty shootout wasn’t enough to rattle the nerves of the local faithful, Tacoma decided to go with the nerve wracking trend and offered up another early lead to a team that is fast becoming their top rival in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).  Tacoma trailed Ontario by as many as three goals in the second period, and two goals in the fourth stanza.

However, with less than two minutes left in the game, it was another bit of déjà vu for Stars’ fans. Tacoma’s Mike Ramos has a growing reputation as a late-game, clutch player. The Spokane native should be a marked man at the end of regulation, but somehow he just keeps on delivering game-winning stunners, and Ontario has felt his bite more than once now.

With 1:22 remaining in an 8-8 tied game, Ramos took a feed from Dan Antoniuk, worked himself some room angling toward the right side of the goal box and then he did his thing. Ramos wound up for a rocket shot that forced his defender to make a move for the block. Instead of hammering away, Ramos lightly skipped the ball further to his right and then delivered a blast into the far corner of the goal.

Whatever vocal power the 2,029 in attendance had left in reserve went absolutely through the roof as Ramos leaped in delight and climbed to the top of the protective field glass. Despite pulling their goalkeeper for the rest of the game, Ontario would not be able to find an equalizer goal and would head back home owners of a 9-8 loss that felt like a victory for most of the game.

Ontario put the first goal on the scoreboard midway into the first period on a goal by Leonardo De Oliveira. Less than two minutes later, Ontario’s Tiguinho Dias made it 2-0 on a feed from Jayme Kapinos. Finding themselves in an early hole has become somewhat of a tradition this season for the Stars. It usually takes a three goal deficit to shake up and wake up Tacoma, but this time they’d push that part back a little further into the game. Antoniuk took a pass from Evan McNeley off the boards and one-timed it into the back of the goal. Ontario would take the 2-1 lead into the second quarter.

Now it was time for the Fury to put Tacoma into their usual three-goal ditch. Ontario scored two goals within the first 4:20 of the second quarter and the Stars now trailed 4-1. Fans looked at each other and seemed to shrug. It was nothing new to a fan base that is beginning to require ice water running through its veins.

Playing as though they had been rustled out of a bad dream, Tacoma went on the attack. Another sensational goal by Antoniuk drew the Stars within two goals of Ontario at 4-2 midway into the second quarter. A little over two minutes later, McNeley deflected a wide shot from Joey Gjertsen into the net to draw the game closer at 4-3. With time dwindling in the first half, Jamael Cox stole the ball near the top of the circle, spun a three-sixty and pounded a blast into the back left of the net to tie the game at 4-4 going into halftime.

Ramos would deliver his first goal of the night just 33 seconds into the third quarter and Tacoma found itself with its first lead of the game at 5-4. Just over a minute later, Ontario began another run with a goal by Oliveira to make it 5-5. A score by Juan Carlos Gonzales made the score 6-5 for Ontario to end the third quarter.

Ontario extended its lead to 7-5 on another Gonzalez blast four minutes into the final period. Down two goals, Tacoma’s wake-up call was again answered. McNeley, an Everett native, crushed a long shot into the left of the goal to pull the Stars within one goal at 7-6 with just over eight minutes left in the match. Less than two minutes later, Gjertsen, a Wilson High School Hall of Famer, took a pass from Cory Keitz and bent a shot inside the upper-right corner of the goal and the game was tied once again at 7-7.

The pace of the game was beginning to get furious. A goal by Franklin Pierce alum Derek Johnson sent the crowd into a tizzy as the Stars took an 8-7 lead with just over five minutes left in regulation. Ontario would find an equalizer goal from Nick Perera with just over three minutes remaining. It wasn’t much longer until Ramos delivered his magical game-winner that sent Stars and Sounders’ fans home thoroughly exhausted and happy.

Tacoma (5-3) hosts the MASL Pacific Division leading San Diego Sockers (6-2) on Sunday, Dec. 18 at the ShoWare Center. First kick is at 3:05 p.m. A victory by Tacoma will draw the Stars into a first-place division tie with the Sockers. The top two teams from each division advance to the MASL playoffs once the 20-game regular season ends.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 - BASKETBALL
Boys - Olympia vs. Bellarmine
Bellarmine HS - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 - BASKETBALL
Boys - Sumner vs. Curtis
Curtis HS - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 - BASKETBALL
Boys - Bethel vs. Stadium
Stadium HS - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 – BASKETBALL
Boys – Mt. Tahoma vs. Lakes
Lakes HS – 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 - BASKETBALL
Girls - Wilson vs. Lincoln
Lincoln HS - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Lakes vs. Mt. Tahoma
Mt. Tahoma HS – 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Bethel vs. Stadium
Bethel HS – 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 - BASKETBALL
Boys - Lincoln vs. Wilson
Univ. of Puget Sound - 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Stadium vs. Clover Park
Clover Park HS – 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Mt. Rainier Luth. vs. Tac. Baptist
Tacoma Baptist HS – 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 – BASKETBALL
Boys – Mt. Rainier Luth. vs Tac. Baptist
Tacoma Baptist HS – 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 - WISL SOCCER
Snohomish vs. Tacoma Stars Reserves
Tacoma Soccer Center - 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 - MASL SOCCER
San Diego Sockers vs. Tacoma Stars
ShoWare Center, Kent - 3 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 19 – BASKETBALL
Girls – NW Christian vs. Life Christian
Life Christian HS – 7 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 19 – BASKETBALL
Boys – NW Christian vs. Life Christian
Life Christian HS – 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 – BASKETBALL
Girls – South Kitsap vs. Bellarmine
Bellarmine HS – 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Emerald Ridge vs. Curtis
Curtis HS – 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 – BASKETBALL
Boys – Washington vs. Foss
Henry Foss HS – 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 – BASKETBALL
Girls – River Ridge vs. Stadium
Stadium HS – 3 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Bellarmine vs. Lincoln
Lincoln HS – 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Willapa Valley vs. Chief Leschi
Chief Leschi HS – 5:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Stadium vs. Foss
Henry Foss HS – 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Lakes vs. Curtis
Curtis HS – 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 – BASKETBALL
Boys – Willapa Valley vs. Chief Leschi
Chief Leschi HS – 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27 – BASKETBALL
Girls – Tulalip Heritage vs. Chief Leschi
Chief Leschi HS – 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27 – BASKETBALL
Boys – Tulalip Heritage vs. Chief Leschi
Chief Leschi HS – 3 p.m.

In the next month there are a few high school games that should be considered “can’t miss” contests for local basketball fans. These are the sort of games that are sure to deliver a playoff-level atmosphere. Some of these games may very well determine which team will win their league title, but we’re looking more at the rivalry aspect of the contests.

Friday, Dec. 16 has two games on the schedule, going down at the same time that local basketball fans should be bent out of shape about. While they’re waiting on a new gymnasium floor over at Wilson High School, the Rams are currently playing their home games at the University of Puget Sound Memorial Fieldhouse. It’s one of the top venues to watch a basketball game in the South Sound.

With that said, the Wilson boys will be hosting the Lincoln Abes at UPS at 8 p.m. Every year, this matchup proves to be one of the most exciting basketball games of the entire season. The teams are hyped. The schools are hyped. The crowd is hyped. Everybody is hyped.

Meanwhile, across town, the Lady Abes will be hosting the Lady Rams at Lincoln High School. The two teams will be tipping off at 7 p.m. With the Rams moving back to their own gym in early January, this would have been a fantastic opportunity to schedule a doubleheader for Tacoma that people would have probably remembered for centuries to come.

Instead, fans have to choose between one or the other. We know there are reasons and that it makes sense to some folks, but from a pure basketball fan standpoint, we’re up in arms over this. A choice for either game is a wise decision. We apologize on behalf of the schedulers who obviously stepped in it on this one.

Thursday, Dec. 22, the Bellarmine Lady Lions will travel crosstown to face the Lincoln Lady Abes. It’s a non-league matchup that pits the defending champions of the defunct 3A and 4A Narrows Leagues. Both teams currently sit at the top of their league standings, and this game will showcase two teams who have great shots at making it to the 3A and 4A state tournaments at the Tacoma Dome. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7 is a night for the area’s small schools. The Chief Leschi Warriors will pay a visit to the Life Christian Eagles at 7 p.m. The Warriors are a team on the rise and the Eagles have dominated the 2B Pacific League for two undefeated seasons. We’re not calling the upset, but prepare yourself for some non-stop, high-flying action when this one goes down.

Monday, Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be two fantastic doubleheaders going down in Tacoma. Foss High School will host the boys’ matchup between Wilson and Timberline at 2 p.m. Both teams are top-level and should challenge for league, if not district titles. At 3:30 p.m. the Foss Falcons will do battle with the Lincoln Abes. Tacoma bragging rights could be on the line for this showdown.

Lincoln High School will host the girls’ MLK matchups between Wilson and West Seattle at 3:30 p.m. This is a contest between two teams more than familiar with recent state tournament appearances. Closing out the doubleheader will be the Lady Abes hosting defending 3A state champion Bellevue at 5:15 p.m. Need we really say more on this one?

UPS WOMEN HAMMER GEODUCKS TO REMAIN RANKED AND UNDEFEATED

The nationally-ranked Puget Sound women's basketball team remained undefeated when it beat Evergreen State, 73-44, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at UPS Memorial Fieldhouse. Alexis Noren led all players with 13 points, and Jamie Lange posted season highs with 12 points and seven rebounds.

The 22nd-ranked Loggers' (7-0) defense held the Geoducks (1-6) to just 30.8 percent shooting from the floor, and forced Evergreen State into 22 turnovers. Puget Sound also outrebounded the Geoducks, 46-36.

The Loggers' up-tempo offense resulted in 11 assists on 14 made baskets in the first half, as Puget Sound held a 33-13 lead through the first 20 minutes. In all, the Loggers finished with 20 assists on 29 baskets.

The Loggers return to action in the Pacific Lutheran Tournament, when Puget Sound tips off against Trinity (Tex.) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. The Loggers will then face Buena Vista on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Both games take place at PLU’s Olsen Gymnasium.

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MITSUI AND WHITE LAND NATIONAL ACADEMIC HONORS FOR LUTES

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recognized the top achievers in the classroom and on the pitch in NCAA Division III with Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer student-athletes Takara Mitsui and Kelly White both earning a spot on the NSCAA Scholar All-American Team.

Mitsui landed a spot on the 13-player Second Team while White was a Third Team honoree. Both Mitsui and White were additionally honored as First Team Scholar All-West Region selections. A total of 39 student-athletes from across the nation were honored with Mitsui and White the lone representatives from the Northwest Conference.

The honor is just the latest in a laundry list of awards for Mitsui. The senior goalkeeper was the Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year while also earning NSCAA All-American, NSCAA All-West Region, All-NWC, CoSIDA Academic All-American, and CoSIDA All-District accolades. The Lynwood, Washington native and nursing major played every minute of every game for the Lutes (16-1-4, 13-0-3 NWC), helping PLU secure the NWC title for the first time since 1992. Mitsui tallied 16 shutouts in goal while finishing the regular season ranked fifth nationally in minutes played, ninth in save percentage, and 11th in goals against average.

A four-time NSCAA All-West Region honoree, White lands NSCAA Scholar All-American laurels for the first time in her career. A First Team Scholar All-West Region selection in 2015, the Tacoma native anchored a defensive backfield that pitched 16 shutouts and built a 590 minute scoreless streak that stretched across eight games. A double major in physics and computer science, White was a First Team All-NWC selection in 2016 and showed her versatility on set pieces with four goals and one assist.

PLU tallied its first undefeated regular season in program history in 2016 before qualifying for the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time ever. Mitsui and White played a key role in the team's success in 2016 and leave campus with a 56-13-12 overall record in a Lute uniform over the past four seasons.

PLU MEN STAY ABOVE .500 WITH TIGHT WIN 73-70 WIN OVER WILDCATS

Dylan Foreman piled on a game-high 22 points as the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team survived a scare inside Olson Gymnasium on Friday, Dec. 9, outlasting Portland Bible College 73-70.

The host Lutes (5-4) built their largest lead of the game with 10:03 remaining on a Foreman jumper, building a 12-point buffer. The pesky Wildcats (0-10) battled back, hitting four threes while sinking nine free throws over the next eight minutes to close the gap to just a single point with 1:47 remaining. Tyson Birrer came up clutch in the final seconds, hitting four free throws in the last 32 seconds to preserve the three point win after Portland Bible misfired on a three as time expired.

“Dylan had a great game and he demands more from his teammates in timeouts,” said PLU head coach Steve Dickerson. “He and Andrew Ardissone are trying to provide internal leadership which we desperately needed.”

A sluggish start saw the Lutes trailing 15-5 after just eight minutes of play. PLU utilized a 13-2 run late in the opening stanza, taking a two point lead on an Ardissone layup with 2:44 left before the half. The two teams traded jabs the rest of the half with a Kyle Sawtell jumper knotting the score at 30 heading into the intermission. PLU tallied 15 of the first 19 points of the second half and never trailed en route to the non-conference win.

Foreman finished the game 10-for-19 from the field, netting a game-high 22 points while Birrer added 13 points and seven boards. Brandon Lester chipped in 12 while Kyle Sawtell had eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.

PLU outrebouded the Wildcats by a 42-31 margin and enjoyed a 30-14 edge in points in the paint. Portland Bible inflicted significant damage from the perimeter, hitting 10 three-pointers and shooting at a 47.6 percent clip from distance.

The Lutes have the next week off before returning to the hardwood on Dec. 18, facing Illinois Institute of Technology at 3 p.m. in Santa Cruz, California. PLU returns home for a weekend doubleheader on Friday, Jan. 6 against George Fox at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 6 at 6 pm.

PLU’S EDDIE NA PLAYING FOR GUAM NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer student-athlete Eddie Na was recently given the opportunity to play with the Guam National Team for the second time this year, representing Guam at the EAFF East Asian Cup Semifinal Round in Hong Kong.

Na recently wrapped up his third season with the Lutes, and getting the chance to rejoin his teammates in Guam and gain some unique experience helped cap off another strong year for the Lutes' leading scorer. Na was named the Northwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year this season while also securing NSCAA All-West Region accolades.

“Playing with Guam is probably one of the best things to happen to me so far in my soccer career,” Na said. “It's different playing with the national team because everyone on the team knows all of Guam will be watching our games and cheering us on.”

Na previously played with Guam last March, in a friendly against Chinese Taipei and in a World Cup Qualifying match against Oman. Traveling to play with Guam was a big change for Na, and he was admittedly challenged in his first experience with the team.

“When I first went on the trip I was very worried about being the weak link on the team,” Na said. “I was basically playing to not mess up, and I felt like I held back a lot because I felt the pressure needing to perform well and make a good first impression.”

This time around, Na and Guam faced off against Chinese Taipei, North Korea, and Hong Kong at the Semifinal from Nov. 13-19. Na didn't have to worry about the jitters of his first trip to Guam, and he played excellently in his return, starting and playing all 90 minutes in all three matches.

“This recent trip was very comforting to me because I knew the guys a lot better and I felt a lot more comfortable, which allowed me to express myself a bit more on the field,” Na said. “I was a lot more dangerous and gained the trust of some of my teammates, and I know that every time I go on these trips I'll continue to get better and better.”

Na looks to improve his game in all facets over the offseason, and making the trip to Guam served as a tremendous first step toward accomplishing that goal.

“What I bring back from Guam to PLU is experience. The speed of play is so fast and the players are just as athletic as I am so a lot of my play when I'm abroad is about thinking as much as it is running,” Na said. “I've become cleverer in my style of play because everyone at this level is amazingly athletic. It requires a lot of precision and the only way to get through good players is by being smarter.”

While playing with Guam, Na was led by Darren Sawatzky, head coach of the Tacoma Stars. The Stars showcase many great young soccer players in the Major Arena Soccer League, including former Lute Derek Johnson. Na learned a great deal about the game under Sawatzky, and he hopes to continue to do so while playing under current Lute head coach John Yorke.

“I would really like to thank Sawatzky and Yorke, because without these two I wouldn't be playing at the level that I am today,” Na said. “I know if I continue to work with them they can help me fulfill my potential and prepare me for my career after college. I can't be more thankful for these two and their investment in my development and I hope to repay them by helping them reach their goals of winning championships.”

Na also looks to continue playing with the Guam national team when the opportunity presents itself again. While he continues to grow as a player, Na can help soccer grow as a sport in Guam, as he takes the team to new heights.

“My plan with the Guam team is to continue to represent them whenever I can,” Na said. “I want to help my team qualify for the next World Cup, the Asia Cup and continue to advance into higher spots on the FIFA ranking because I know we are more than capable of it.”

Until his next opportunity comes, Na will continue to grow as a player back in the states, and try to lead the Lutes back into contention for the Northwest Conference championship in 2017.

“I hope that I continue to be invited back to these trips because I always learn multiple things that I can always bring back and use to help the teams I play for become better,” Na said. “I am very excited for the future but right now I have to focus on the present and train harder and harder every day.”  - By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports.

Tacoma police need your help to identify the suspect responsible for a bank robbery. At 12:40 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 detectives say he robbed a Columbia Bank branch located in the 600 block of North I Street in Tacoma. The suspect entered the bank, approached a teller, and presented a note demanding cash. The suspect placed the money into a blue file folder and fled the bank.
He is described as a black male approximately 40 years old, 5-feet, 9-inches to 6-feet tall, approximately 190 lbs., with a black curly hair and a goatee. During the robbery he was seen wearing black pants, a bright red jacket and collared shirt, black sunglasses, and a black leather cap.
"If you think you know who this suspect is, he probably usually doesn't wear a bright red coat and weird hat like that and sunglasses. He's trying to take away from what he looks like so look at his face and if you know who he is, let us know because somebody who robs a bank and gets away will usually keep robbing them until we get him caught," said Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer.
Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest. If you know his name, call the hot line anonymously at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

Fircrest police need your help to identify these suspects responsible for a theft and credit card fraud.
On the morning of Monday, Nov. 7 a vehicle was prowled on Birch Street in Fircrest. Unidentified suspect(s) stole a purse from inside the vehicle. The purse contained a laptop computer, credit cards, identification and checks. Immediately following the theft, the couple in the photos used the stolen credit cards at the Target store, Famous Footwear store and the Walmart store all located along Union Avenue in Tacoma. The suspects also used the stolen checks to make over $1,500 in fraudulent deposits and cash withdrawals from the victim’s accounts.
"The victim is devastated by this because once you lose your purse, you are usually going to lose everything you own. It's who you are and now somebody else is pretending to be who you are and not only are doing fraud and theft but they've stolen your identity," said Det. Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who can identify the two suspects.
"These people make a living at stealing people's identity and what we want to do is get these people caught right away," said Troyer.
If you know their names, call the hot line anonymously at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Alicia Barrett was climbing the typical corporate ladder at a Fortune 50 retailer after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a stint at a regional retailer.
Yoga had long been a part of her personal life, so she decided to marry it with her professional life by opening Tuladhara Yoga Studio rather than continue that trek through corporate America.
“Yoga was very transformative for me,” she said. “I thought it was something the community could really benefit from.”
She received her 200-hour Yoga Alliance accreditation and then opened her studio last spring, while she is working on her 500-hour trainer certification through Semperviva Yoga.
Her Lakewood studio offers varying levels of yoga training at various times of the week to fit the needs of the students, whether they want to simply improve their physical fitness and flexibility or want to become more personally centered through meditation.
“People choose yoga for a reason,” Barrett said. “They come to yoga because they weren’t finding what they were looking for in a gym. I want people to get what they need from each of the classes.”
Each class includes movement and flexibility positions, meditation and “breath work” to help students learn how to better get in tune with their bodies and their limits rather than compete with others in the class.
“The idea is to respect where you’re at,” Barrett said, noting that students are encouraged to modify yoga poses to fit their needs and limits rather than feel pressured into doing it “right.” They can then build from there and reach for a physical balance through practice that then translates into a balanced life out of class.
Tuladhara, after all, comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “Tula” meaning balance. Tuladhara is someone who embodies balance in their daily lives and changes the world by striving to always be the best versions of themselves through taking care of their health and practicing peace with themselves and others.
“How you deal with things on the mat is how you deal with things in life,” Barrett said.
Students who are frustrated on the yoga mats because they feel pressure to do the yoga pose perfectly will feel frustrated in their work, their lives and their relationships, so the studio strives to be supportive rather than competitive. The seemingly simple practice of focusing attention on breathing and being present in a yoga class can help students be present and focused in their everyday lives in the outside world.
Tuladhara Yoga Studio offers an introductory package for $30 for unlimited classes for a month so people new to yoga can see if the classes are right for them. There is also pricing for individual classes and unlimited memberships for more active students.
Tuladhara Yoga Studio is located at 7304 Lakewood Dr. W, Suite 12 in Lakewood. More information is available at TuladharaYoga.com or by calling (253) 244-9056.

It is beginning to feel like the Tacoma Stars are unable to deliver anything but an epic home field performance. There was a time, a few decades ago, when a visit by the San Diego Sockers meant nothing but heartache and heartburn for Tacoma Stars’ fans. While there were a few close games to be had, the Sockers had Tacoma’s number, and it drove the diehard fans absolutely nuts.

Sure, San Diego is still an awesome team and an outstanding professional organization, but it appears that Tacoma has finally closed the gap. Facing the Sockers with a first-place tie in the Major Arena Soccer League’s Pacific Division on the line, the Stars matched San Diego’s ferocity and fire for a full 60 minutes on Sunday, Dec. 18 at the ShoWare Center.

In the end, it was yet another heart-stopping victory for the Stars, as they traded blows with San Diego for an 8-7 victory in front of 2,371 ecstatic and exhausted fans. The win pushed Tacoma’s record to 6-3, matching San Diego’s and pulling them into a tie with the Sockers at the top of the standings. The Stars also ran their home record to 4-0 at the ShoWare.

San Diego struck first just over two minutes into the match as Brandon Escoto fired a shot to the upper left corner of the goal, just too far out of reach for Tacoma goalkeeper Danny Waltman. It would take nearly nine more minutes until Tacoma found its own spot on the scoreboard off the foot of Raphael Cox. A Stadium Tiger alum, Cox spun toward the top of the goal box circle and crushed a low burner toward the bottom right of the goal. Meanwhile, Tacoma’s Dan Antoniuk had dropped anchor in that section of the box, successfully keeping two Sockers from covering that section of the goal.

When Cox sent his shot toward the goal, Antoniuk merely had to move his left foot slightly and the ball zipped straight between his legs and into the back of the goal to tie the game.

Tacoma would strike again two minutes later as Derek Johnson found some open room streaking up the field, while Michael Ramos pushed the ball into firing range, with two defenders drawn to him. Seeing Johnson appear in his vision, Ramos skipped the ball across to Johnson who one-timed the shot past San Diego goalkeeper Boris Pardo. Tacoma would get another goal off the foot of Cox just a minute later and Tacoma was cooking up a 3-1 lead with 22 seconds left in the first quarter.

Just when it seemed as though the Stars could run away with the game, San Diego pounced. A goal with 16 seconds left in the first quarter by Brandon Escoto pulled the game to 3-2 Tacoma at the end of the period. The teams held each other scoreless for the first half of the second quarter before the Sockers evened the score off a Matt Clare goal with less than eight minutes left in the first half. Clare would score again less than two minutes later to give the Sockers a 4-3 lead and the turn of fortunes left fans dizzy.

Just eight seconds after San Diego took the lead, Tacoma’s Troy Peterson took feed from Johnson had found the back of the net to tie the game at 4-4. Two minutes later, a loose ball was heading toward Pardo in the box. It looks as though Tacoma’s Alex Megson might have a shot at getting to the ball first, and he went for it. Pardo was either going to take a body blow and challenge for the ball, or he was going to turn his body and save himself. He went for the second option and Megson got just enough of a foot on the ball to see it slowly roll over the goal-line and Tacoma led 5-4.

Clare would get earn a hat trick before the end of the first half with a goal at the 11:56 mark. The teams headed into the locker rooms tied at 5-5.

The Stars again took the lead just over a minute into the third quarter as Johnson scored on an assist from Megson to make it 6-5 Tacoma. Like clockwork, San Diego answered five minutes later on a goal by Erick Tovar and the teams ended the third quarter tied at 6-6.

San Diego broke the tie less than two minutes into the final stanza on a solo goal by Max Touloute. The Sockers now led 7-6 and no matter what Tacoma threw at them, they would hold the lead for the next eight minutes of play. Finally, with 4:56 left in the match, Tacoma’s Joey Gjertsen found the equalizer. The Wilson High School Hall of Famer took a pass from Megson deep on the left side of the goal box. Instead of firing, Gjertsen faked the kick and drew two defenders and Pardo into diving for the stop. Gjertsen nudged the ball to the right and put it into the back of the net for a 7-7 tie.

Just under three minutes later, Cox would send the ball into the right corner. Angling into the box, Megson played the ricochet perfect and one-timed the ball into the goal, and Tacoma had its game winner at 8-7. Megson would go on to be named to the MASL Team of the Week for his two-goal, two-assist performance. The play of Waltman in goal was exceptional, as he stopped several on-target, rifle shots by the Sockers.

After a break for the holidays, Tacoma (6-3) returns home to face Atletico Baja (5-3) on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the ShoWare Center at 6:05 p.m. Tacoma will then host the MASL Central Division leading Cedar Rapids Rampage (7-2) on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:35 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit www.tacomastars.com.

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has added another massive walrus to its Rocky Shores Habitat in hopes of making some little walruses.
A 1,346-pound calf named Kulu is on loan from the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium. Earlier this month, she joined 3,650-pound male Dozer, 23, and females Joan and Basilla which are 21 and 33, respectively.  
While Joan and Basilla have hung out at Rocky Shores for years, Dozer arrived at Point Defiance from Sea World San Antonio last month on a breeding loan through the Walrus Conservation Consortium, a group of zoos and aquariums that either have walruses in their care or are active in the quest to conserve the iconic marine mammals. Dozer will remain in Tacoma through the breeding season, which generally runs into spring.
It is a rare opportunity to see so many Pacific walruses on display since there are only 14 at accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States. The zoo is operating on a special Winter Break schedule and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 2 but will be closed on Dec. 25. To learn more, visit www.pdza.org.
Ernest A. Jasmin, Tacoma Weekly

Last weekend, Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, was the third annual Dope Music Festival held at the Tacoma Dome. Two Five Tree's Productions planned the first night and Sky Movement took over for the second night. Friday evening was dubbed Old School Night at the Dome featuring E-40, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Too $hort, Da Brat, Kokane, Method Man and Redman, Money B and Young Hump from Digital Underground, The Pharcyde, and Curtis Young. Saturday had a more contemporary vibe with the night's line-up including Meek Mill, Gucci Mane, Clemm Rishad, Lil Uzi Vert, and Russ. Both nights were hosted by Nate Jackson who very well could be the funniest man in Washington State. During both shows he entertained the crowd, and himself, with jokes and toasts. He truly was the right person for the job because he seems to be at one with a hip-hop audience. Jackson knows all the songs and he can rap along, getting the crowd to join in and participate as well.
This festival was a big deal for Tacoma. The entire week before the festival, the weekend of and the Sunday after, social media timelines were filled with promotions, live videos, and concert-goers’ reactions to the shows. The sheer number of artists on these bills was impressive. Seeing 15 artists in two days is a lot for our city. Many around here would be happy to see this many artists in one year's time much less a weekend. The actual production of both shows was close to perfect. Both nights started on time and there were only 10 minutes or so between acts. Every artist had between 25-30 minutes to perform.
Friday night began with Curtis Young warming up the crowd with some of his original music and also some covers of his father's music. Young is the first son of Andre Young, better known as Dr. Dre. Curtis has a strong resemblance to his father and is continuing in his legacy of pushing West Coast hip-hop to the limits. Next up was Los Angeles’ Pharcyde. Originally the crew consisted of four members however only two were there for the Tacoma show. This did not in any way affect their music negatively. Current members Imani and Bootie Brown exploded onto the stage like two energetic, underground rap superheroes. Pharcyde's music has always been fun, light-hearted, funny, yet still dipped in South Central Los Angeles. It is true party-rocking material as they have jams that are odes to women, weed, and just fooling around. Money B and Young Hump were up next. With each act the crowd's reaction grew. These members of Digital Underground played all their hits such as "The Humpty Dance," "Kiss You Back," "Freaks of the Industry" and "Doowutchyalike." They also had a tribute to 2Pac, as he was an original member of the crew back in the late 80's and early 90's.
Method Man and Redman came to the stage next. They are two of the best live hip-hop performers around – seasoned vets yet still able to jump and run all around, making hip-hop boisterous and jovial. Each of them sprayed the crowd with plenty of water and threw water bottles out into the crowd to build-up the frenzy of their performance. All of their music is upbeat and energetic.
Next came Kokane. Although he is a West Coast staple of G-Funk, he is best known for being a hook man so he performs parts of other artists’ songs that he was featured on. He also let his 21-year-old daughter perform two R&B songs. Da Brat followed. She is extremely charismatic on stage. Her raps are razor sharp live and she has a nice, loud delivery that demands attention. She joked around with us during her set and pretty much left many believing that she is one of the best women to ever do it. Then out came Too $hort. He keeps it simple and old-school with no hype man, no jumping around, no antics, just his East Oakland raps and his dripping swag. Too $hort truly is an old-school artist with hits to draw from reaching back into the 80's. He fed us well, giving us a taste of all his biggest songs. Accompanying him on stage was a female back-up dancer who sauntered around with neon pink lights emanating from her sneakers. It was hard to take your eyes off of the two of them.
It was obvious the crowd was waiting to see DMX. He came out with his Ruff Ryder crew standing on the side of the stage. All the people up there added to the excitement of his set. X is at his best when he is spitting his acapellas and doing his signature prayers for the crowd. He is an intense artist who emits incredible amounts of emotion while performing.
Then came Busta Rhymes who brought one of hip-hop's most famous back-up men, Spliff Star of the Flipmode Squad. The two of them rocked all of Busta's hits. They poured champagne on the front rows and were very theatrical. Busta might have lost a step or two with his age but his raps are more dexterous than ever. He is one of the few M.C.s who can rap his fast rhymes just as well as he did in the studio while recording them. It is truly impressive.
Lastly was E-40 and he was the town favorite. Seats emptied out as his fans flocked to the front to dance along with his music in the aisles by the stage. He performed classic Click hits to his new commercially successful chart-toppers like "Choices" and he and Big Sean's song "I Don't F**ck With You."
This night was a little more crowded than the second night. It was full of beautiful people ranging from parents with their school-age children on up to stylish seniors sporting Mr. Mac type suits.
Saturday had a younger crowd, plenty of teenagers and young adults. Russ started the night off. He performed his Atlanta hip-hop and R&B flawlessly. His style ranges from Trap-like, to moody, emo music. He can sing as well as he can rap and he got the show off to a great start. Lil Uzi Vert came-up next. Out of both nights he easily got the crowd the most hype. Without warning this young man jumped off the stage and performed his songs up and down the aisles. Every time one of his songs came on it was like a wave taking over the crowd. They all jumped, pumped, and danced in unison. It was quite the sight to see.
Tacoma's own Sky Movement artist Clemm Rishad performed after that. Although he does not have recognizable hits to rap, he did his set with professionalism and he made sure to pay lots of homage to his hometown and the love and support he receives from Tacoma.
Gucci Mane was perhaps the most chill of all the artists. He really lets his infectious music do the talking. He confidently, in the most relaxed manner, strolls back and forth on the stage while the crowd does most of the rapping for him. There is no climbing up on speakers or jumping around with Gucci. He is much too cool for all of that. It still makes for a completely entertaining set.
Last up to bat was Meek Mill. His set had a live drummer and keyboarder. This gave his music a big stadium sound. The lighting on stage was also magnificent for him as he had a neon panel of lights behind him. It was a big arena type show and his music is fast and exhilarating.
Make sure to thank Two Five Trees and Sky Movement for working so hard to bring Tacoma such an enormous festival. There will be more to come in the future as the cannabis industry and Tacoma continue to grow. Tacoma is lucky the two were able to work together to fill the Dome with so many legends and stars in one weekend.

It was plenty cold the morning of Dec. 17 but warmth was in abundance near the Tacoma Dome for the Puyallup Tribe’s annual giveaway for the homeless. Setting up in the Puyallup tribal parking lot next to the Dome, the all-volunteer crew offered a variety of winter clothes for all ages, a hot meal, toys for the little ones thanks to Toys for Tots – plus plenty of smiles and hugs to go around.
The line began forming about an hour before the giveaway kicked off at 10 a.m., but the thoughtful volunteers had two fires going that the men, women and children could gather around to chase the chill while they waited. Stacked on tables nearby were piles of coats, hats, blankets, sweaters, gloves and shoes, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, tarps and even hand- and foot-warmers to take with. On side tables were all kinds of portable foods not needing to be cooked to ensure that no one left without something to take with them to eat later.
Hot food was given as well. Lisa Earl, director of the tribe’s Little Wild Wolves Youth and Community Center, and her helpers arrived with two vats of homemade, steaming hot soup, hot dogs to roast on the open fires, fresh fruit and beverages to make sure everyone enjoyed a delicious and nutritious meal that day.
The majority of the volunteers were members of the Puyallup Tribe led by Puyallup Tribal Council Member Sylvia Miller who has organized the giveaway for years now. In between hustling about keeping everything running smoothly, she gave a whole-hearted thank you to all the volunteers who came out to brave the cold and help those who need it most.
“We’re happy to be here and I’m so happy that these individuals come out every year and help,” she said. “It shows that they care about their community. It’s important that everybody here knows that.”
She remarked too on how grateful those were who were receiving that day.
“These guys are very appreciative of anything that the Puyallup Tribe or…Toys for Tots can do. People come up to me and say how appreciative they are and how it warms their hearts. It makes Christmas feel a lot better.”
Working side-by-side with the tribal members were State Rep. David Sawyer (D-29th), who Miller said comes out to help every year, and Tacoma City Councilmember Keith Blocker.
“It’s a cold day so it’s good to see everybody get what they need,” Saywer said. “It’s very generous of the Puyallup Tribe to give back to the community in this way. There’s no shortage of people who are extraordinarily grateful for the amount of time that Sylvia and others put into this. It’s just a privilege to be here.”
Blocker said he was happy to be there and serve. “These people are obviously very vulnerable – it’s a cold day – and it’s going to be cold winter. This is a great way to start off the Christmas season by giving back to people who are greatly in need.”
Pierce County Detective Ed Troyer of Crime Stoppers and Toys for Tots said he uses the opportunity to teach his children how to give. “I like bringing my own kids so they can volunteer and see all kinds of sides of life and see what they can do as they get older,” he said, “like all these people in the Puyallup Tribe giving back to communities. That’s how we teach our kids.”
Angel Robertiello, lead secretary for the Puyallup Tribal Council, said she comes out to volunteer “because I know that me and my family are really blessed. It’s really hard to look at all these little kids out here that don’t have anything and are the same age as my grandchildren. That’s why I’m here today. It feels just as good for us to give as it does for them to receive.”
Robertiello said she wasn’t raised to turn a blind eye to the homeless but rather to do something to help. “One time me and my dad were in Seattle and there was a homeless man who was crippled and my dad gave him his belt to help him carry is bags,” she recalled from her childhood. “That was a first lesson. We all need to do that and teach our kids to do that too. We have to help.”
Tribal member JD Dillon looked back on when the Puyallup Tribe had practically nothing and today has the power to give to others in need in keeping with the meaning of the Puyallup name – “the generous and welcoming people.”
“This is how our ancestors started out and we’re the giving people so we’re doing this for them,” he said. “In the beginning we had to fight and scratch too and that’s why we enjoy doing this because we don’t have to fight and scratch anymore. We are blessed and it’s a good feeling to be able to do this.”