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

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

It’s official. A resolution creating an Office of Sustainability and the Sustainable Tacoma Commission on Climate Change was adopted by the Tacoma City Council on October 21, 2008. The Mayor’s Green Ribbon Climate Action Task Force presented its recommendations, which have also included, in the past, of finding ways to reduce our city’s carbon footprint. Score one for the environment!

–Dale

Tacoma has a wonderful history – one worth preserving. And, to recognize special achievements in that area, the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission has released its list of 2008 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award winners. They are:

– David & Josephine Root (502 N. I St.) – Their house stood vacant for a number of years, calling upon extraordinary determination and commitment by the owners to finish the renovation project.

– Todd & Paula Bond (407 N. E St.): The residence, constructed in 1893 and remodeled in 1903, is located in the Stadium-Seminary National Register Historic District.

– Dr. Caroline T. Swope & David Waring (2902 N. Cedar): The Lord Residence, which was designed and constructed in 1906 by notable builder Sherman L. Blair, has been extensively rehabilitated. In 2007, it was designated a landmark on the Tacoma, Washington and National Registers of Historic Places.

– Metro Parks This award is for the stewardship of two important public historic assets: Point Defiance Park and Wright Park; both which are accessible and enjoyable to all of Tacoma’s citizens.

– Chinese Reconciliation Park The Chinese Reconciliation Park supporters are recognized for their dedicated persistence in initiating and building a Chinese Commemorative park and international pavilion to educate the community and memorialize this part of Tacoma history.

– Historic Tacoma & Save Our Bridge organizations The Murray Morgan Bridge is listed on the Tacoma and National Registers of Historic Places, as well as the Washington State Heritage Register. It was listed as one of 2008’s Most Endangered Historic Properties in the state.

(Information gleaned from Tacoma Daily Index.)

–Dale

Every city worth its sense of place has a commission to preserve historic buildings. And, over the years, definitions of architectural merit change and evolve as one style displaces a previous trend. Our own hotel was once derided as a Cold War-era eyesore, but very smart designers have re-imagined it into a true landmark. With that it mind, it was fascinating to read Exit 133 ask the question: “Which [Tacoma] building do you want brought down and what’s your justification for such a selection?” The answers they gave were very interesting – and it looks like they’ve left commenting open for you to weigh in with your choice for the swing of the wrecking ball.

–Dale

Live theater has had a bit of a struggle in Tacoma these last few years. It was a sad day last year when the lights went out for good on the Tacoma Actors Guild troupe. As usual, money was the issue. But now, the new Theatre Northwest has taken the stage – this time, with the help of Broadway Center for the Performing Arts.  According to the News Tribune’s blog, sees itself as a production partner, providing incubating services for the fledgling theater company in the form of “administration costs, stage labor, and rent of performance venue, Theatre on the Square,” until it can stand on its own. Let’s hope they can make it. Better yet, let’s support live theater in this town by including it in our entertainment choices. We’ll be glad we did – and we’ll be doing our part to ensure its success.

-James

It doesn’t get any more straightforward than that. If you’re going to be in town the weekend of August 8 and 9, you might see me down at the 3^rd Annual Showcase Tacoma, http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=731 , which puts a local spotlight on visual and performing art exhibits and demonstrations, art installations, and performance activities. Sounds like straight-up good times. Until you get to the event tagline: “Expand. Explore. Explode.” I’m not sure what they mean by that. But I hope to have a blast. Check out Kevin Freitas’ pics from last year. http://www.kevinfreitas.net/journal/photos-showcase-tacoma-2007/

–James