This could be one of the best graphics arts shows of the year. Handforth Gallery at Tacoma Public Library.  is showing 230 concert posters by the Ames Bros., who won awards for designing virtually every poster for Pearl Jam concerts. In addition, their work is highly sought after by Nike, MTV, Amazon.com, K2, Ride Snowboards and others. Very inspiring stuff.

–James

After winning the readers’ poll award for Tacoma’s Best Spa in the Weekly Volcano last summer,
Savi Day Spa continues to have a stellar 20th anniversary year. A couple of weeks ago, Victoria Becker, of the Tacoma Weekly came to Hotel Murano for a two-day “staycation.”  Ms. Becker liked what she saw in us: “When the doorman greeted us, an artistic vision presented itself ahead. Low, modern furniture punctuates the bar and fireplace. The effect is sort of floaty, giving a feeling of peace.” Nice words! And moving on to her spa experience at Savi day Spa, she said, “The foot massage was heavenly, and my neck spasm was relieved. The rest of the treatment took place in the Vichy steam room where several vertical showerheads bathed me while I laid down. All was well.” I’m thinking I’m due to make an appointment for myself.

–Danielle

What with the economy on the skids, I say it’s time to party like it’s 1929. (That’s a joke about the stock market crash. Okay, never mind.) Our fair city has loads of places for you to visit. In fact, you might want to hire a cab and hit a handful of places, say, up on Sixth Avenue. But here are two places that you might want to put on your list for sure.

The Red Hot
2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229
Complimentary midnight champagne toast, drawings for all kinds of vintage stuff, gift certificates and more.

Jazzbones
2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169
Live music with The Paperboys and Vicci Martinez Band; champagne toast at midnight with party favors.

–James

He may be the biggest name in show business you’ve never heard of. Why? Because David Foster is the man behind the stars, writing hit after hit. Think: Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” Peter Cetera’s “The Glory of Love,” and John Parr’s “Man in Motion” (the St. Elmo’s Fire soundtrack) and you’ll get the idea. He wrote all that and more. The CD to pick up right now (you can get it Costco and other places) is this gem: “David Foster & Friends.” He’s joined by a ton of his friends that he has either produced or written for. Better yet, get the DVD and watch him share the stage with Kenny G, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and more. Wow!

–Dale

My grandson is becoming a big man. Make that a big man with a big smile.

Either it’s new or it’s new to me. But finally there is one place to go online that tells you about all the wine tasting events around town. Thanks to a calendar, compiled by Suzy Stump at the Weekly Volcano called “Sipping Out”, you can now find out where to go every day of the week to sniff and slurp in public. I may bookmark this one myself. Our guests need to know where to go!

Toodles,
Danielle

Props go out to Tacoma Mama for her redesigned website. She is truly one of the best mavens for all things Tacoma on the Internet. Just to prove it, drop by her site, which is split up into several family-friendly categories, including Eat, Play, Learn, Celebrate, Shop, Explore, Talk and Cool. Click on the Celebrate page and you’ll get all sorts of ideas for things to do during the holidays. My favorite? You know how I like trains. I learned we can ride the Mount Rainier Scenic RR Snowball Express up into the snow-covered mountains. Kids’ll even get to meet Santa and get a gift from The Old Guy himself! It runs now through December 21, and you can get details here.

–Dale

Now, here’s a deal that I can go for. Savi, our in-house day spa and salon has just come out with a new set of membership packages. Better than ever, the new Platinum and Gold Memberships have greater discounts, freebies and more fun! Consider these memberships for yourself or as the ultimate gift for anyone on your holiday list! (Hint, hint!)

–Danielle

On the other hand, maybe you want to connect with other film lovers right here in the T-A-C of the O-M-A. Stop by the Tacoma Film Club and get your membership started, where you’ll get discounts on movie rentals, a nifty membership card and access to movie lovers just like you. Cool!

–Danielle

It might be just a little bit geeky for me, but the other day I found a very cool website, where you can watch great movies on line (high-definition and everything!) and then chat about them with other movie fans. At www.theauteurs.com you can download movies from the site and then connect with other viewers right there to chat about it. It’s kind of like being in an online film club. Check it out!

–Danielle