This conversation about the little matchbook cover (and all the previous stuff about the safe found downtown) got me thinking: We love old buildings, photos of those old buildings, talking about stuff that happened way back when ... the list goes on.

And its no wonder: We went through a rough patch there (see the 1970s through the 1990s), and thinking about our cute, snappily dressed predecessors (see: roaring 20s) and their little matchbook covers and bustling downtown reminds us that we can do it. Or something.

But what about us? Someday we'll be someone's snappily dressed predecessors. People will be scouring whatever iteration the future holds of eBay and Sanford & Son for pictures of Tacoma's downtown in '07 or signed Tacomics. Believe it.

So, I think we should make a time capsule to represent Tacoma as it is right now.

Off the top of my head, I can think of the following:
1. Loyalty 253 T-shirt
2. Tacomic
3. "Gritty Tacoman" dog shirt or onesie
4. Pictures of downtown, the Java Jive, Opera/Antique Alleys...
5. A mix CD with music from local bands
6. Bound, hard cover compilation of every TacomaArts listserv message detailing exactly how to unsubscribe from the listserv, along with the preceeding 15 e-mails from people who couldn't quite figure it out. (Uhm, kidding!)

Your turn! Contributions (in the form of suggestions) welcome ...

Until today, I didn't know or particularly care that there were people on this earth who collected matchbook covers. Then I stumbled on this:

The Mirror Room?! Sounds interesting!

Turns out someone's selling it on eBay to fellow matchbook cover collectors for the tidy sum of $2.25, plus $2.50 shipping.

That is all. Just wanted to share that fun little find!

If you haven't made it to Mineral yet to see R.R. Anderson's draw-rings, you have exactly three days to get there. They'll be swept away on Saturday. I'm told there are still a few left for purchase.

I'd post an example of work here, but then I'd have to kill you ... or, wait, I mean I think he would sue us. (Who could blame him!? As an aside, I really think someone should sue the Internet. No, its not possible. But someone's got to take responsibility for all the work time lost on things like waiting for your free blog software to allow you to edit your post, which drives you to think of new and interesting people to Google. Twenty minutes later, after you've read the Wiki on David Hasselhoff, you've forgotten what you were even doing and you're traumatized by the thought of chest hair. I've heard that this happens, and its just not right.)

Anywho, I highly recommend watching the video loop R.R. produced that's playing in Mineral's window. It's pretty weird.

Mineral, 627 St. Helens, 253-576-1841. Hours vary, so its best to call.

Don't let me hear you say there's nothing to do in town this weekend. Here's what Tacoma has in store for you:

1. Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the SOTA theater. Tonight and Saturday for 16 bucks. Call 253-777-4430 or visit The Horatio for details.

2. MLK Ballet will hold a recital (their first, I think) on Saturday at 2 p.m. at 1216 1/2 MLK Blvd., Tacoma I can't find ticket info, but it'll happen!

3. Urban Art Festival is on Sunday from noon until dusk at Fireman's Park. Bands, art, stuff for sale, fashion ... you name it.

Update: I'm a liar. Hedwig is this weekend at the Horatio. Go! Buy tickets! Now!

Could the e-mail, forwarded by a co-worker, be true? Had Michael Moore hand-picked Tacoma as one of the cities where "Sicko," his newest movie, would be previewed?

P.S. Catch the sneak preview of "Sicko" in these cities this Saturday night, June 23rd:
Washington, D.C.
Miami, FL
Atlanta, GA
blah, blah, blah
Houston, TX
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Milwaukee, WI

I went to the web site and, after taking 2 minutes to watch the trailer (which opens with an awesome clip of George W.), found a list that looks something like this:

blah, blah, blah
Austin, TX
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI

Folks, Seattle-Tacoma is not the proper name for the Kingdom of Seattle.
KTHXBYE.

Watch out, Tacoma! Cosgrove and his lovely wife Kim have brought unto this Earth a newborn baby boy.

The baby's name is Jameson and he either weighs EXACTLY 7 pounds, 8 ounces OR 8 pounds 7 ounces. And he is either 19 inches long OR 20.5 inches long. Apparently Cole and Kim can't agree on anything. I, for one, am starting to question whether this so-called baby even exists.

Rumor has it Jameson entered the world drinking a perfectly chilled Mai Tai and sporting a $200 pair of Italian leather loafers and yet remained humble throughout the day. Cole and his baby mama are reportedly doing well. For more, check out the editorial page blog.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go live my baby-free lifestyle.

I read about yahoos talking on cell phones while dining at Ed's Diner and had a flashback:

I'm in the restroom at a restaurant. A woman walks in. Her phone rings. She picks it up, talks while using the restroom, right next to me. She loses the connection....

"Oh, $#!t... (pause) ... Hello? Sorry, the call dropped."

I wanted to drop kick her! I mean, is it just me, or does it seem like talking on a cell phone while in a restaurant's restroom is just not the thing to do?

While we're at it, I'm willing to hear other cell phone-related guidelines. Maybe I'm doing something horrible (like occasionally talking while checking out at the grocery store. Oops.)

I'd like to think that GritCity had something to do with this, but it could just be her winning smile and snappy fashion sense: Brooke ...

...won the trip from Teen Vogue to work on a band photo shoot in L.A. In the fall, she'll head to a "fashion university weekend" in New York.

A MySpace bulletin from urbanXchange says they're encouraging Brooke to bring home some "hot fashion booty." Yes, please!

With the opening of the new Tacoma Narrows bridge just a month away, we thought we'd offer a few ideas for some signature cocktails to help celebrate.

Some of these concoctions may be deadly or illegal or both, so don't try them at home. Don't try them anywhere!

Bridging the Gap
1 part the most expensive chardonnay you can afford.
1 part Night Train fortified wine.
Mix in mouth.
Experience the mingling of Gig Harbor and Tacoma.

The Lights Are Out
4 shots of Black Velvet mixed with, um, pills.

The Don’t Look Down
1 part Sea Breeze.
1 part absinthe.
Repeat until vertigo sets in.

Under the Bridge
Pour 1 bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 into 32 oz. fountain cup with ice.
Fill to top with Mt. Dew.
Pay for 32 oz. Mt. Dew.
Run like hell.

The Missing Joint
Whiskey, which will make you feel warm and fuzzy, garnished with hops, which smell like weed. It’ll curb your cravings for those times when your dealer gets held up at the state line.

The Toll Collector
Any shot that costs $3 going in, but it’s free coming back out.

Last month, Kelly returned from Chicago well rested, starry eyed and ready to change the city.

This week, I returned from Detroit tired and kind of blown away. Sure, I really only spent a day in Detroit proper (three in the suburbs!). And, true, I really didn't have a stellar agenda planned. But a drive around town can be telling.

You think Tacoma has empty buildings downtown? High unemployment? Violence? A lack of parking? Sorry, folks!

They don't even have drive-through coffee stands and there are advertisements for things like "Mocha Lattes!"

Elysia tells me you just have to know where to go in Detroit, and I believe her. But ... I feel like I was Ebeneezer being transported to a larger, ruder version of Tacoma ... in the 80s. (Sorry, Detroiters.)

OK, maybe I'm overstating, but I do think the trip made me understand the Tacoma cheerleading a bit more.

Nude driver cited for drinking and 'embracing' while driving

“You are not supposed to be hugging or kissing while driving,” state trooper Jeff Merrill said. “It’s so distracting.”

I always say Tacoma's a time warp: our great old buildings, the neon signs on South Tacoma Way, the great classic cars that just seem to last longer within the city limits. It's our own odd snowglobe (minus the snow, usually).

I keep a mental file of oddities and wonders, fleeting glimpses of Tacoma-brand weirdness. This week, I have two.

• A twentysomething guy walking past the McDonald's at Tacoma Ave. and South Ninth today carrying a large toy tyrannosaur. He looked forlorn. He looked like some great character out of a Miranda July story. I want to know his story.

• A Tacoma Mall shopper last weekend walking past Macy's with a tiny kitten clinging to her shoulder. Well, at least it wasn't a Chihuahua.

In an eerie twist of synchronicity, the Tribune blogs and Exit133 updated their look on the same day. Derek's rejuvenated site looks great – like he put some thought into it (although I think he left a coffee mug sitting too long on his new masthead). Our renovations were more of a necessity after a complete software meltdown when the duct tape finally broke.

At one point during our mayhem over the weekend, I visited the GritCity address but Seahawks Insider came up. So I'm hoping we get credit for a portion of the massive amount of Seahawks page views – and this somehow qualifies us to share Mike Sando's second consecutive EPpy Award for best sports blog in the nation.

I'm not really sure what's different on our site. I notice a black bar going through the date. That's nice.

And now in the lower right corner there's a list of "Who's Online" so you can see who else is wasting time at work.

Busted!

We're not afraid to use the L word when describing our crush on Tacoma. And we don't get all jealous if other people love Tacoma too.

But it's gotten kind of weird lately.

We see a hint of desperation in the public displays of affection. Like a high school relationship where the girl is so insecure about whether her love is being returned that she has to constantly tell Tacoma she loves him. And although Tacoma likes to flirt with others, he'll never cheat on you. So don't lose faith every time he fails to reply “I love you too.”

Because cities can't talk. They emote.

And we can tell he's into you. He just needs a little space. Don't smother him. Let him breathe. Be confident. Be cool. And while he might occasionally dance with other girls, never forget that at the end of the night, he'll always go home with you.

Join a support group for people who love Tacoma:

When: 5:30 to 7 tonight
Where: Pacific Grill
Details: www.lovetacoma.com
Show your love: Buy the T-Shirt.

Who ordered the beluga burrito?

Don't worry – nobody ate it. He's the newest critter at Point Defiance.

... then you will be sad to find out that this might be the last weekend of the drag shows at La Costa, as we (thanks to Ed Murrieta) reported earlier.

Lupe Cervantes (slash Lupita "What's Love Got To Do With IT?" Cervantes) said he and the new owner haven't come to an agreement yet on whether the show will continue. She signs papers on Monday. That means you have tonight and tomorrow to watch the shows for sure. Beyond that, you're making a gamble.

Bring 7 bucks to 926 Pacific Ave. at 9:30 or 11:15 tonight or 11:15 tomorrow night.

If I weren't going to be in DEEtroyt, like the lady at priceline said it, I'd be there.

It's not every day someone who lives in Northeast Tacoma is on the "Colbert Report."

So how do you think that went? How did we come off?

I learned that we're the nation's No. 1 producer of rhubarb ("Which is like being the nation's No. 2 producer of rhubarb," Colbert says, "in that no one cares either way.")

Although now it makes a lot more sense why the Tacoma Rainiers' mascot is named Rhubarb.

And it was fun to hear an endorsement for Pick-Quick on national television. Now that he mentions it, I think I'll go to lunch there today.

But where did he get that Dick's Drive In comparison? Probably from the Wikipedia entry on Fife, which claims that "Pick-Quick's area rival is Dicks Drive In."

Bah. Like Seattle's tiny Dick's could measure up our Pierce County giants: Frisko Freeze, Little Holland, 12th Street Diner and Pick-Quick.

But Colbert did seem to be enjoying his hamburgers during his intro:

Wow. Wow. That is good. This is so frustrating. I can't decide whether the burgers are better from Dick's Drive In or the Pick- Quick. And I'm already past deadline on my new book coming out this fall, "The Colbert Guide To The Top Restaurants in Fife, Washington." I really should have picked a town with more than 5,000 people before I promised my publisher 300 pages.

If you missed it, look for the replays today at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Comedy Central.

Update: Watch the interview here.

All within the span of a week, we've blogged about strippers, ice cream, drag queens, pie, House of Microwaves and Stephen Colbert.

Man, is this blog great or WHAT?

According to the Innerwebs and my perked up ears during a news meeting, District 9's Rep. Adam Smith will be on tonight's episode of the Colbert Report.

Smith and District 9 will be featured during Colbert's "Better Know A District" segment. A press release cites "a lapse in judgment on the part of Smith’s communications director" as the reason for agreeing to participate in the segment. Let's hope Smith's press folks have a few more zingers like that in store for Colbert's show.

Somebody tell me what happens. I'm in between moves and cable-less right now.

Update: Here's the official preview from Les Blumenthal.

Ed Murrieta reports that La Costa Mexican Restaurant has been sold to a new owner who is apparently "not interested in continuing the drag shows." Here's hoping the show relocates to some place equally as gritty, glittery and magical.

Tacoma's defunct House of Microwaves came up this week. I'm sorry I never got a T-shirt. (Although I still have my House of Pain shirt, circa 1992.)

But it's clear the "House of" empire lives strong in these nearby outlets:

House of Tattoo
House of Records
House of Teriyaki
House of Vacuums
House of Donuts
House of Representatives (Olympia)
House of Pho
Meier's House of Clocks
House of Heat
International House of Pancakes (La maison internationale de flapjacques)

Spokane has my favorite: "House of Hose."

What hypothetical "House of" would you like to frequent?

From: Cole
To: Niki, Laura, Kelly
Subject: Existential crisis

I can’t think of anything funny to say about $1 scoops of ice cream.

From: Kelly
To: Cole, Niki, Laura
Subject: Re: Existential crisis

I don’t think $1 scoops are funny. Now I’m sad. And hungry.

From: Niki
To: Cole, Laura, Kelly
Subject: Re: Existential crisis

I’m at a loss.
But I, too, am now hungry. thanks.

From: Laura
To: Cole, Niki, Kelly
Subject: Re: Existential crisis

I’m lactose intolerant. Now I have a stomach ache. Thanks a lot.

=> Read more!

In case you missed it in the news this week, here's your warning. Traffic fines are going up. If you get caught speeding 6-10 miles over the speed limit, you'll be looking at $124 ticket.

Just remember that next time you're weaving in and out of traffic on a Friday night trying to make it to a concert on time. If you get pulled over, not only will you be late to the show, but you'll be poor until next paycheck. And by you, I mean me.

Blogs like us always like to write the birth announcements for fun new stores, but what about their obits?

Yesterday I noticed a lot of empty space at Space, the Stadium District furniture boutique we wrote about when it opened about a year ago. It looks like it's been closed for a while – and its phone number has been disconnected. (The owner also runs Tacoma Design Market, so maybe this is consolidation.)

We've all seen the condo construction explosion, but how many shops will die waiting for the population boom?

If we were taking bets, what do you think will be the next Tacoma shop to go under? Which ones look like they're on life support?

It's fun when businesses do things a little out of the ordinary, especially when it involves pie and ice cream. This comes to us from The Grand:

What: The Grand's First-Ever Pie and Ice Cream Social
Where: The Grand Cinema Lower Lobby
When: Sunday, June 3 from 1:30 to 7:00 pm
Cost: Free! (donations of $3 a slice gladly accepted)

Ever since "Waitress" came to the Grand, we can't seem to get enough pie! Join us this Sunday for a down-home, old fashioned pie and ice cream social in the Grand's Lower Lobby. Several varieties of pie will be served up from 1:30 until 7:00 pm. Come a little early for your movie or stay a little late. You are also welcome to join us simply for some pie and conversation. Hope to see you there!

Sunday's Showtimes
Away From Her: 11:45, 2:00, 4:15, 6:30, 8:40
Waitress: 12:00, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 8:50
Miss Potter: 12:20, 2:10, 4:00, 6:00
After the Wedding: 8:00

Anthony Valenzuela Collection: Nudes from the '50s
Saturday, 6-9 p.m., Rebecca V Gallery

Opening reception of Anthony Valenzuela's extensive collection of Nudes from the '50s, a unique collection of photographs taken in the 1950s. Don't miss this opportunity to view this collection, taste great wines (complimentary, from Pairings), and meet interesting people! Who knows what you may discover!

With luck, you won't discover that your grandma was a floozy.

We used to think we were special back when The New York Times labeled us "gritty."

Turns out, Tacoma isn't the only one:

"Big, Gritty Chongqing, City of 12 Million, is China's Model for Future"

Marvel at the similarities within my poorly excerpted excerpt:

Everywhere one looks here, there are ... new bridges ... grimly polluted places ... motorcycles ... bears ... haze ... a 25-year-old man with the face of a teenager ... wheat, potatoes and rice.

So in an attempt to connect our parallel worlds, I found a Chongqing blog and asked if they'd be our Sister Gritty City.