In New York, it's an easy reality that a good percentage of the population will never own a car.  Taxi cabs, the subway, private company cars and busses are available and used regularly by people of all ages and races, class ranges and wallet size, so why is it that here in Tacoma that the bus system seems to predominantly transport drifters, druggies and the homeless from one area of town's panhandle to another.  I bring up the transportation issue as I now find myself without (personal transportation that is). I love taking cabs.  It's the closest I will ever get to having my own "driver," allowing me freedom to move around the city in whatever state of sassy inebriation I choose.  Also, not having to pay insurance, high gas prices, maintenance and upkeep on a privately owned car cannot be a bad thing. I seem to start taking cabs a lot more as winter creeps up, and while the weather doesn't really shout WINTER, it appears mine has arrived.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

REJJIE PICKED ME UP IN HIS TOY TRUCK for lunch at JOHNNY'S DOCK. We drive all the way over there, and the 16-year-old hostess says, "I'm sorry, folks, we aren't serving right now, but feel free to have clam chowder and salad in the lounge" in a voice that conveyed she was not sorry. We grumble on the way out. Rejjie hollers SOMETHING NASTY in a shrill voice as we pass through the door. They probably thought it was me (Thanks, Rejjie).  It is decided that we shall have Vien Dong, or VEINY DONG as Rej calls it. On the way there, he GUNNED IT OVER THE RAILROAD TRACKS as the caution lights started flashing, and the crossing bars came down almost on the truck's bed. We swore loudly, looking at the oncoming train. (Not a smart thing to do, I know, but what a rush). Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard once we made it across AND didn't get pulled over. Nice and Nice.  Food at Vien Dong was awesome. I recommend #50.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

JOHN LENNON RULES.

I was amazed to see so many young faces turn out for the Lennon tribute show at Jazzbones. Lennon's music continues to have profound effect on every generation. Proves some things are timeless. THE CLOVES had a great set and sounded fab. MIKE WINFREY made good use of the piano, showing great versatility and songwriting ability. Each time he performs at Jazzbones is better than the last. MONO IN VCF was joined by DERREK OF WALLPAPER doing an interesting version of "Oh, Yoko." Shining like the Hometown Celebrity that he is, DOUG MACKEY carried the night's ending with a sing-along of "Happy Christmas/War is Over."

Saturday, Dec. 11

Home of the most unpretentious staff on the planet, PANAMONICA'S gave themselves a good taste of rock ‘n' roll with GLORIOUS fresh off a West Coast tour and HILBORNE revving up for Saturday's show at Fenders.  LAST PEACE opened. My favorite song was their last one. Jeremy, their lead singer, swapped his guitar for an electric ukulele and busted out with a speed surf-rock song. Look for Last Peace in future all-ages shows. Hilborne proves time and again that real rock is not dead. Give those guys a stage and prepare to be impressed.  KATE AND JAMES BENDER showed up to film. FARWEST TAXI carted me home when the after-party at EBONY BLUE'S house for MIKEY'S BIRTHDAY was over. Ebony dragged Mikey all over the house and then outside to beat his ass for his birthday spanking.  Some of his paintings are on display at Panamonica's till the end of the month. Rising artist SCOTT STONE and I talked for most of the party.