Although Yelm is a small town, it is filled with a huge military presence that is best exemplified through the actions of its residents, such as the town's participation in the Memorial Day running event, wear blue: run to remember.

Amanda Huston, an avid runner and longtime military spouse, had seen a similar run described in DuPont. Last year she decided to organize a Yelm version to honor those who've given the ultimate sacrifice.

Though she has not tallied up the RSVPs or pledged miles just yet, Huston is certain that the numbers will far exceed those from last year, especially since there is still time for more to join. To register or pledge miles, visit the run's Facebook. The run - though you are welcome to walk or bike too - will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the head of Tenino Trail. A barbecue lunch, courtesy of donations, will begin at 10:30 a.m., across the street at Yelm City Park.

How far is the run? There is no finish line, although stopping for the barbecue lunch seems like a solid plan.

>>> The group from 2012's first annual wear blue: run to remember Memorial Day run. Planners hope to double attendance this year.

"I am touched everyday by a Goldstar family in my daily life. I know of two more that also live in Yelm who just want their soldiers sacrifice remembered," Huston explained. "That is what our group does. We meet monthly in Yelm to call the names of the Fallen and of our friends, then we run for those who can no longer run."

FRIDAY, MAY 17 2013 >>>

1. Talented artists command the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom semi-monthly, illuminating their work and creativity with the visually aided enhancement implied by the name of the series, TRIPOD Slide Shows. Created by Tacoma artist Lynn Di Nino, the night of digital slides features three artists and one creative theme.  The next TRIPOD Slide Show slides into Madera tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. featuring 15-minute slide shows by Mady Murrey will show slides of art hidden at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, nationally syndicated political cartoonist Chris Britt and Oregon’s "Barbie Lady" LaVonne Sallee.

2. The annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hangar 9, building #1166, on JBLM-McChord Field. Event officials are expecting approximately 2,000 military beneficiaries to attend, who will enjoy the Madigan Healthcare System Health Fair, ID card issuance and replacement opportunities, the Legal Assistance Station, Vehicle registration fun, the VA Compensation Review Station and the Veterans Information Expo.

3. Grit City Comedy Club will be closed for three weeks while Malarkey’s Pool & Brew hosts the APA League Championship for Pierce County May 17-June 1. Winners will move onto the Nationals in Las Vegas.

4. Paula McLain wrote The Paris Wife, a novel that captures the love affair between Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain paints a real sense of their daily life - Hemingway's charisma, genius, stinginess and cruelty that apparently could erupt with no warning - and the citizens of Pierce County know this. For the past two months, thousands have been reading the book as part of the Pierce County READS program. At 7 p.m., McLain will drop in on the McGavick Conference Center to discuss the book, and the life of the famous couple.

5. Local Internet NWCZ Radio knows music. It's not only obvious from their daily shows, but also in the live shows they produce — as in the case of the 9 p.m. presentation of Ben Union, Perry Acker and The Furniture Girls at the Harmon Tap Room in Tacoma.

LINK: Friday, May 17 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TOURS AND POETRY >>>

The Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Tacoma preserves the artifacts and history of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry - all-African-American cavalry units that served in America's wars from 1866 through the end of WWII. They participated in cross-country cattle drives, escorted wagon trains and stagecoaches through often volatile territories of the Wild West and fought in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. The museum was founded by Buffalo Soldier William Jones of Tacoma.

"Before Mr. Jones died in 2007 he had already amassed quite a few relics from other Buffalo Soldiers and a large quantity of printed materials, in order to start his museum," says Lynn Di Nino, local artist and friend of the museum. "Of course he belonged to the national organization and attended their reunions every year."

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, or by appointment.

Saturday, Jan. 26 the Buffalo Soldiers Museum will host its first open house, welcoming everyone in to learn and explore. Local poet Elijah Muied will be on tap with a reading of a work inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Muied's poems have been published in "Threads" and he has showcased his work at his own open mic events as well as multi-poet happenings such as Hope in Hard Times at WSHM.

There will also be refreshments and tours of the museum. The open house is free. Come one, come all.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS MUSEUM, SATURDAY, JAN. 26, NOON TO 4 P.M., FREE, 940 S. WILKESON ST., TACOMA, 253.272.4257

TUESDAY, NOV. 13, 2012 >>>

1. The Swiss Pub and science are synonymous. OK, so maybe they're not quite synonymous, but they do go together quite well - the "Tacoma Science Café" at the Swiss proves it. Tonight, U.S. Geological Survey's Chris Magirl, Ph.D., will discuss the causes of floods and approaches to reduce the threats of flooding in our communities. The dicussion and beer begin at 6:30 p.m.

2. Today is International Chowder Day. Yahoo! In celebration of said day Duke’s Chowder House on the Ruston waterfront will hand out free small bowls of chowder during operating hours.

3. Several Tuskegee Airmen will drop by the annual meeting of the Lakewood Historical Society to share stories. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. inside St Mary's Episcopal Church next to the Lakewood Library.

4. Maria Sampen, Tim Christie and David Requiro will perform the music of Zoltan Kodaly, Gordon Jacob and J.S. Bach as part of the Classical Tuesdays In Old Town series. The trio hit the chairs at 7 p.m. inside the Slavonian Hall.

5. Get your groove on tonight in Parkland. DJ spins during "$2 Tuesdays" at Lady Luck Cowgirl Up, offering Top 40 action plus $2 wells and drafts. The good times start at 9 p.m. Or, if you're looking for something more, peruse the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here. 

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

1. This event celebrates the return of salmon and highlights the hard work accomplished by multiple groups to help ensure a successful run. Enjoy fish painting, marine touch tanks, green boating, bird house building, yummy salmon burgers, a salmon obstacle course, and more. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., free, Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, (253) 845-2973

2. People familiar with the work of local artist and author Nikki McClure marvel at her intricate paper-cut designs, created with nothing more than a sheet of paper and a precision blade. How does she do it? McClure will demonstrate her process at the Lacey Timberland Library on Saturday, September 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. She will also read from her children's book "Apple," which will be available for purchase and signing. The program is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. - noon, free, Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE, Lacey,(360)491-3860.

3. Zombies are taking over T-Town - and no - not the bath salt eating kind, but the kind that in real life are fun-loving people who want to get gory for a good cause. Tacoma Zombpocalypse is also a preparedness expo for doomsday. Expect live music from the Hot Roddin Romeos and lots of contest and prizes. This is a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., $5 - $12, Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, 2611 East E Street, Tacoma, www.tacomazombpocalypse.com

4. The Moon Festival is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. This family-friendly celebration will bring together businesses, residents, community groups and visitors from all areas of Pierce County and beyond for a safe, fun, cultural experience. This annual waterfront event will also highlight the progress of a collaborated project between the City of Tacoma and its citizens to build the commemorated Chinese Reconciliation Park. Mid-Autumn Festival ("Zhongqiu Jie" in Mandarin Chinese), is a traditional holiday widely celebrated in Aisa, that marks the end of summer and autumn’s equinox, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest (thus the nickname “moon festival”).2 - 9 p.m., free, 1741 N. Schuster Parkway, Tacoma,(253) 330-8828.

5. Want to meet a former Mariner? Brian Hunter will be in Olympia throwing down some batting moves. "I'm excited to meet someone that has played pro ball and see if I can get some pointers," says employee Joe Matt. Donations will be given to charity in support of Hunter's DH Foundation and the Vintage 9 Foundation. 1 - 4 p.m., donations, Airport Golf and Batting Center, 8080 Center Street Southwest, Tumwater,(360) 786-8626.

WRITER/DIRECTOR JESSE WATSON'S FILM TO SCREEN AT STIFF >>>

We all have multiple identities. Sometimes, Tacoma's Rick Walters makes films. He produces, acts, and has even written and directed his own short, 2011's Scamp. At other times he wears the title Dad for his son Race (the two performed together in Scamp).

But on this particular day Walters plays yet another role - Operations Sergeant at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Dressed in full ACU (army combat uniform), he drives me across the vast post (where he works full-time) toward the French Theater, for a privileged screening of his latest producing effort. I'm no solider, but I get to be an audience of one this afternoon.

I have about 600 seats to choose from within the movie house. I plop down in one as the lights dim, looking forward to seeing A Man, Buried, which I've heard about online for more than a year. The film brings back to the screen a few local faces I recognize: Darlene Sellers (Fantastic Confabulations) and Tony Doupe (who I met just weeks ago on another Andrew Finnigan production, Koinonia).

Read more...

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Don't Want To Mess With The Duck: The University Place City Council voted down a $16,000 proposal involving tax dollars and donations to install a 50-foot flagpole at the public plaza fronting the building over concerns about the use of tax dollars and the possibility of it overshadowing the bronze duck sculpture. (News Tribune)

Tacoma Alcohol Impact Areas: The new liquor law will bring booze into Tacoma's two AIA areas. (News Tribune)

Nice Knowing Ya: North Korea has a long-range rocket on the launch pad, but says it's in the name of science. (Aljazeera)

Syria: Hope dims for pullout as bloodshed crosses border. (CNN)

Technology Arms Race: AOL strikes $1.1 billion patent deal with Microsoft. (The New York Times)

R.I.P: Mike Wallace. (USA Today)

Letters To Kurt: Hole guitarist Eric Erlandson talks about Kurt Cobain. (Rolling Stone)

Thrillsville: A This American Life segment spins off to become a new HBO series. (Screen Rant)

Today In Timelines About Attention: Kanye West. (Flavorwire)

Breakfast Meats TV: Bacon reality show. (New York Post)

What Life Might Become

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012 >>>

1. Every traveler has had that Moment. The Moment you know you will look back on six months (or a year, or 10 years) from now and laugh. Laugh and laugh and laugh, just laugh hysterically that you could be so wrong about a flight time, or that performing street monkeys could have such light fingers. If you'd like to remember that Moment when the young French fella stole all your cash while you were kissing along the Seine, and laugh to yourself, the Second City Chamber Series continues its "Hallowed Halls" season of exploration in regards to music with a program entitled "Paris Conservatoire" featuring works for wind instruments from the French tradition. At 7:30 p.m. inside The Great Hall of Annie Wright School, the Principal Winds of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra (Mary Jensen, flute; Selena Greso, oboe; and John Ruze, bassoon) join pianist Oksana Ezhokina for compositions by French composers Jules Demersserman, Marin Marais, Francis Poulenc, and Alexandre Tansman, as well as by the Canadian/American composer, Bill Douglas. Go to expedite your transition to the laughing place. Just go.

2. Who serves the best Cloud Chowder in Tacoma? Tonight, the Mandolin Café does. The recently formed rockin' blues improv trio will explore the space at 6 p.m.

3. Metrosexual: (noun) "Of or pertaining to a straight, urban male who is eager to embrace and even show off his feminine side, especially when it comes to expensive haircuts, designer suits, and $40 face cream." At 7:30 p.m. inside Orca Books, poet Bill Kelly will sing the praises of th emetrosexual when he reads from Kindness Is In Me: Poems in Praise of Men. The poems in this book, and the photos accompanying them, offer a much needed corrective to the masculine images so prevalent in the media. All proceeds from the sale of the book at the event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound.

4. Jazzbones hosts the VetsMeetVets Military Appreciation Fundraiser with Cee Cee James, Voxxy Vallejo and Stacy Jones beginning at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit VetsMeetVets.org, with 20 percent off bar and food tabs for those with military ID.

5. The Harmon Tap Room Underground continues to hone its new music room with an Automatic Theory and Bodybox show at 9 p.m.

MORE THINGS TO DO: The Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region

LINK: South Sound happy hour food and drinks

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Weather: It's still messed up. (News Tribune)

Foothills: Your morning arithmetic quiz has been canceled due to snow. (News Tribune)

Dale Washam Update: The Pierce County Council wants him gone. (News Tribune)

6th Congressional Contention: State legislators Jan Angel and Jim Hargrove have bowed out of contention as successors to U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks. (News Tribune)

Afghanistan: The Obama administration is discussing a speedier pullout. (The New York Times)

Syria: Many women and children are among those killed in a year of attacks by the government, a U.N. official says. (CNN)

Jack Kerouac: Too bad he's not alive to see his only play staged for the first time. (Yahoo)

Kiss Mini-Golf Course: It's opening in Las Vegas this week. (NME)

Pork Donuts: Dunkin' Donuts will serve them in China. (Laughing Squid)

Background Music: Enjoy the '70s during your busy work today. (Network Awesome)

Grandpa Joe Gets Harshed

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Why You Can't Read Morning Spew: Because your power is out. (News Tribune)

Not Good: Taliban vow revenge for Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army staff sergeant who went on a killing rampage in Afghanistan. (CNN)

Finally: Pierce County leaders stopped paying Assessor-Treasure Dale Washam's legal bills. (News Tribune)

President Obama's Health Care Law: It's go time for Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. (The New York Times)

Bob Dylan: He's working on a new album. (The Guardian)

Guns N' Roses: Reunion unlikely at Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction. (NME)

Taylor Swift: She was the highest-earning musician of 2011. (BBC)

We Have To Drive To Lynnwood?: AMC Theaters to hold ultimate Marvel Marathon on May 3. (Coming Soon)

Will Ferrell: He has a new music video. (Hollywood Reporter)

Will This Happen In Tacoma April 23?