Tinkertopia: Endless Vortex of Creative Fun in Tacoma
I highly recommend stopping by Tinkertopia for today's grand opening or, really, any day they're open. I visited yesterday and was blown away. Miss Darcy and husband and local...
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Nalley Valley Viaduct Construction Accident
A brief note on Twitter alerted me that I should get my camera as close to the Highway 16 Nalley Valley viaduct as possible this afternoon. Turns out, a...
Seattle REI, Lunch, Halley & Chuck's Bachelor/Bachelorette Bash
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Social Media'ing With the Best of 'Em
That's right! Tacoma's Social Media Club has a list of board members from a prominent web development and design firm, a huge outdoor retailer, a prolific local hospital system,...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 27
Vote for your favorite!...
Tacoma Ellipsis
As of last week I'll be seeing Tacoma six days a week fewer than normal. Why? Life and love lead me to the Columbia City neighborhood of south Seattle....
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 25
Great chalking and huge thanks to our Tacoma Zombpocalpse sponsors! Head over to vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
Tacoma Cabana and Rum Bar Preview
Recently I found myself a little sad to say goodbye to the comfortable, inviting spot that was Villa Cafe & Imbibery. Owners Robyn Murphy and Jason Alexander served up...
Growler Sweaters
It's a brilliant idea a woman had on display tonight at The Red Hot. Seriously, she better start selling these because I have a feeling stylish growler protectors are...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 22
Today was beautiful and so were all the happy people, kids, and chalk! Vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 21
We bid a fond farewell to Frost Park chalk veterine Dawn today. It was a beautiful but bittersweet lunch hour but she'll surely be missed....
Downtown Tacoma Block Party 2012
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Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 20
Hot day out but some cool chalk is now covering the sidewalk. Check out the pics below and vote for your favorite by midnight tonight....
LeMay Museum Cafe
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Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 17
Great chalking out there today! Huge thanks to our sponsor 104.9 The Brew for offering up Rainiers tickets for today's participants and VIP tix for the winner.Head over to...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 16
Congrats to the hearty souls who braved a thunder and lightning filled morning to come chalk! Actually, as the radar helped me predict, the weather was great! There were...
For Sale: 2008 Vespa LX150 Scooter
It was a tough decision but I'm selling my scooter. It's been very good to me and made for a great around town vehicle. This year, however, I've taken...
Art on the Ave 2012
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Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 15
Huge thanks to Dorky's for sponsoring this week's video game-themed chalk off! Head over to FeedTacoma to vote for your favorite from this week!...
Tacoma's City of Neighborhoods 2012
Today was a great day for the future of Tacoma. A couple hundred people got together to hear speakers and speak themselves about a Tacoma that grows from the...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 13
Cloudy but warm and calm weather made for a bustling chalk off today! There was some great work done in a "fireworks" theme. Check 'em out and vote for...
Social Media Club Tacoma: Play Ball!
Tacoma's one and only social media club met up tonight at the Tacoma Rainier's baseball game. I rode my bike up from work and along the Scott Pierson trail...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 12
Today's drizzly day did little to dampen the chalk art of our talented artists. Show your love and vote for your favorite by midnight tonight!...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 11
Completely stunning day today for chalking. Head over to FeedTacoma before midnight to show these artists some love and vote for your favorite....
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode 10
Rain! But still great chalking. Vote for your fav!...
Transit of Venus
The greenhouse heated planetary neighbor of ours, Venus, slid between us and our shared sun today for the last time until the year 2117 -- and I wasn't expecting...
On the Scene - Tacoma Co-Op Drive Thru
All joking aside, it sounds like 4 people were injured after a woman driving down 6th Ave. had a seisure and rammed into the front corner of the Tacoma...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 8
Amazing weather and some great art in the theme of the oft mourned former Seattle basketball team the Sonic. Huge thanks to Sonic's Guy for sponsoring along with Villa...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 7
A chilly-ish start to the day gave way to warm sunshine and colorful chalking. Huge thanks to Puget Sound Starts Here for sponsoring and, as always, for our chalkers...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 6
A stunning 6th week straight of sunshine and some truly whimsical pieces out at Frost Park today. Vote for your favorite and see everyone next week!...
Tall Drink of Porter
Wingman Brewers P-51 Porter. Brilliantly dark and malty with a stunning color. Well done gentlemen!...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 5
5th straight week of no rain and the chalk was a-flyin' with artists hoping to win $50 to Comic Book Ink. Vote for your favorite by midnight tonight and...
Mostly Andrea
Most people know Andrea Trenbeath from her winning work at Tacoma's Friday Frost Park Chalk Off's or from her paintings that show up in galleries and shows around town....
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 4
'Twas a lovely day for chalking for a great prize of 4 box seat tickets to an upcoming Rainier's baseball game. Huge thanks to Korsmo Construction for that and...
Rain and Rocks Derail Link Train
A rain squall of pretty epic proportions passed right over the top of downtown Tacoma about 5:30 tonight. I watched it come down from inside my dry apartment happy...
2012 King's Books Wayzgoose
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Wingman Brewers Dome District Grand Opening
On a crystal clear, warm Northwest day like this what's a couple to do other than go for a long walk and drink beer? That's what Connie and I...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 3
The soggy rain pelting this area over the last few days halted mere hours before noon today and made for a perfect time. Not too hot, not too cold,...
Hilltop Artists' Glass at the Seymour Conservatory
Glass art in a glass enclosed jungle. Perfect. I <3 Hilltop Artists and the W.M. Seymour Botanical Conservatory!...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 2
Yay for a stunning day for chalk art and for The Red Hot for sponsoring with a $25.30 (get it? 253?) gift certificate each for the grown ups and...
Social Media Club Tacoma: Food Blogging
Just got back from a great SMC Tacoma meet-up all about food blogging! The panelists are local bloggers who shared their insights, experiences, and tips with a great crowd...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 5, Episode 1
Amazing day down at Frost Park with celebrities, politicians, sunshine, hula hoops, and tons talented chalk artists! Huge thanks to Pierce County Assessor/Treasurer candidate Tim Farrell for sponsoring with...
Tacoma Declares Frost Park Chalk Day! (Photos & Audio)
To mark the start of the 5th season of Friday chalk art at Frost Park Tacoma's Mayor and City Council declared April 6th, 2012 to be Frost Park Chalk...
Early Evening Walk Around Downtown Tacoma
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Tacoma Dome Cleaning Progress
The Tacoma Dome is getting spiffed up [just in time for the LeMay Museum opening] thanks to an anonymous donor. Check out these shots showing a bit of the...
Frost Park Chalk Off, Season 5, Episode -2
A glorious Spring day filled with sunshine greeted chalker's prepping for the 5th season of our annual Friday lunchtime art-in-action. It was great to see some familiar faces and...
Tacoma Sounder Construction Pacific Ave. Preview
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Mt. Rainier's Lenticular Cloud
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March Snow Dusting Walk to Work
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A Good Day's Wander
I started wrote this post at my favorite time of day: 2:53 which just so happens to coincide with the area code in which I live. Every day reminds...
A Light Rail Tale
"Where are you ladies headed?"There were six or so of them in the car behind mine. As the Link light rail rolled through downtown Tacoma each woman looked at...
Valentine's Pinball Tourney at Dorky's
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Morning Rays Over the Cascade Mountains
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LeMay Museum Tour
We took a tour of the incredible new LeMay Museum building today to scope it out for work events. The place is stunning with plenty of cars already lined...
Sunny Winter Walk to Old Town Tacoma
It was a beautiful day for a beautiful walk with my beautiful lady. :)...
Sunny Winter Bike Ride to Gig Harbor
Knowing the weather was going to be a February stunner today Connie, Dorene and I decided it best to make the most of it. We started off with a...
Chihuly Visit to Hilltop Artists
The call came in last night around 11:30. But I didn't get it 'til about 6:30am when I woke up. My friend Kathy wanted me to come by to...
Fire Dance Happenstance
You gotta love Tacoma! I stopped by my dentist's office on my bike ride home from work to see an art gallery opening then, later the same night, my same dentist...
Always Nice to Start Monday...
...with a rainbow in the sky. Have a great week!...
Downtown Tacoma Sunny Winter Day Walk
I stopped off at Hal of a Sub for my usual (and fantastic) egg salad sammich today then decided to walk the long way back to work to enjoy...
Icy Sparks
Today's ice storm in Tacoma is nothing new to me growing up in the Portland area but it does make for an interesting day. Starting with my walk. I...
Snowy Morning Walk Commute Through Downtown Tacoma
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Morning Colors and the Moon
I love Tacoma and the amazing area that we're part of. Enjoy!...
Extra! Extra! (that's me)
Today I had the pleasure of being an extra in a film being partially shot at Tacoma's Doyle's pub. I arrived for my call at a very early 6:15am...
Social Media Club: Furballs & Facebook
Last night Tacoma's Social Media Club got together at our Humane Society's HQ to pool our knowledge of Facebook and good marketing practices to help further adoptions and preventative...
Mt. Rainier and Old City Hall at Sunrise
All I can say is wow....
Beer, Walk, Lights & Wine
Put all those things into a single event and I'd totally be there. Perhaps that's what convinced Connie to make the drive down from Seattle today. Tacoma showed itself...
Downtown Tacoma Buildings, Soren's 2nd Birthday
For a November Saturday it was certainly a stunning one out there. I enjoyed a walk downtown and snapped a bunch of pictures of the beautiful buildings nearby on...
A Very Foggy Tacoma
My walk in to work today greeted me in the face and in my bones with a chilling fog. The layers I enjoy wearing were just about enough to...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 31
And so we bid farewell to yet another fantastic season of Frost Park chalk off's with yet another fantastic Frost Park chalk off. Some great Halloween themed work covers...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 30
The weather held well today and presented a brilliant, moist canvas for the chalk to stick to. Have a look at today's entries then vote for your favorite before...
Crisp Morning Walk to Work
As I said yesterday on Twitter, Fall colors are going to make walking to work every morning take just a bit longer....
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 29
Some vibrant (that was the theme, dig?) chalk our came out to shine on an otherwise overcast Northwest day. Vote for your favorite before midnight tonight and enjoy!...
Social Media Club Tacoma Presents: Scary Stories
The Social Media Club of Tacoma got back together last night and enjoyed sharing the scariest (well, some were actually pretty sweet) social media stories they had to offer....
24 Hour Comics Day 2011
The talented James Stowe, esteemed members of CLAW and I (with the gracious hosting by Comic Book Ink) embarked on a journey of creating a 24-page comic in 24...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 27
Menacing clouds rolled in but the rain held off for a great lunch hour out at Frost Park for today's chalk off. Everyone even got to share Birthday carrot...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 26
Squeezed out another beautiful day for Frost Park chalk action! Take a look at the entries and vote for your favorite before midnight tonight. Remember, only 4 left this...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 25
Felt fantastic to be back at Frost Park today for some lovely mid-September sunshine and quality chalking. Make sure to vote for your favorite by midnight tonight. Enjoy!...
Dockyard Derby Dames - Season 5, All-Star Bout 2
All-star roller derby teams from Tacoma, Joint Base Lewis McChord, and all over the northwest put on a couple great bouts tonight! On either side of my tasty 3...
Win, Lose, or CLAW Open Swim
A hilarious and creative energy from the latest "Win, Lose or CLAW" infected Amocat Cafe tonight. Two teams busted out their best quick draw and guesses in a competition...
Zara Offers Tacoma New Tastes Downtown
I had the pleasure to join other Tacoma types last night at the Zara Mediterranean Cuisine's pre-opening reception. Local officials like Mayor Strickland, Council Members Boe, Mello, Woodards were...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 20
Clouds just cleared and a cool sun shone bright on a great day out at Frost Park. Vote for your favorite before midnight tonight and come check it out...
Art and Dogs
Tacoma made another great Saturday showing today and I, somewhat more relaxed than last Saturday, took some of it in. Among the days events I paid a visit to...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 19
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Saturday: Fantastic
Wow, where do I start. This Saturday is one for the record books and memory banks. Truly. There are pics below but I gotta wax long-windedly a bit first...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 18
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 17
It was a stunning day for chalk out at Frost Park this week with some great chalking! Thanks again to Brooks Dental Studio for sponsoring this very toothy occasion....
Anti-Billboard Protest Outside City Hall
Tacoma came out tonight to protest billboard blight in our neighborhoods. The crowd gathered near City Hall decked out with signs to let passer's by know they care about...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 16
Vote for your favorite here!...
Eric Anderson Memorial Parking Lot Guerilla Ribbon Cutting
In honor of the soon-to-be ex-Tacoma City Manager, RR Anderson gathered the masses today to christen a parking lot. The lot stands on a former toxic clean-up site and,...
2011 Art on the Ave
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 15
We're now half way through the chalking season (of normally 30 episodes) with some fantastic work to show for it today! Lots of kids involved today all turning out...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 14
Sunny stunning day for chalking! Some great patriotic work out there among others. Go vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
Dale Chihuly in Tacoma
I just had the pleasure of seeing a wonderful new(ish) exhibit of Dale Chihuly's Northwest at the Tacoma Art Museum and hear from/meet the man himself. The works on...
Summer Rain Squall Over Tacoma
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 13
A mild summer day greeted chalkers and gawkers alike today which made my bald dome happy mostly due to the fact that I neglected to remember a hat. Fortunately...
Museum of Glass Cone, Thea Foss on Sunny Day, Rainbow Cloud
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 12
Weather was mighty fine as were seeing all the happy, smiling faces enjoying today's chalk off. Huge hats-off to everyone who chalked but also to the Dockyard Derby Dames...
BBQ at Work and An Evening of Music at Amocat
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Sunny Day Bike Ride With Friends
With camera slung over shoulder, I met up with Joe, Anna, and Dawn this morning for a bike ride around Tacoma on this first truly summery day of the...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 10
Glorious weather greeted all the chalkers today for our 10th episode of this chalking season. They made some serious art all vying for a free portrait session graciously donated...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 9
Frost Park featured Sonic's Guy as our sponsor this week so there was some great artwork of the theme. Everyone did fine work despite the threatening weather. Vote for...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 8
Amazingly beautiful day down at Frost Park today! Tons of chalking going on and lots of happy people enjoying the weather with us. Vote for your favorite before midnight...
Playing Tacoma Ambassador for the Weekend
Had a fantastic weekend playing Tacoma ambassador to a lovely visitor. Zane came up Friday and I did my very best showing her around without making too busy a...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 7
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David Boe's Tacoma City Council Campaign Kick-Off
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 6
The skies were gray but the pavement dry out at Frost Park for the chalk off today. Chalkers came out in force with a wide range of work but...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 5
Vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
SiteCrafting Client & Partner (and Friends) Appreciation Party
We threw a party for work tonight to thank all our great clients, partners, and friends that turned out to be a great night. The setting was the Foss...
Mandi's Mushroom Debuts at Infinite Soups
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(Elev8)tion Gain
Here are pics from Elev8 Fitness first ever (Elev8)tion Gain challenge! The course took participants from the Sherman Elementary obstacle course to Proctor, down the hill to Old Town,...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 3
Today was a chilly and moist April day to be out chalking but, nevertheless, the chalkies threw down some great work! Head over to vote for your favorite to...
Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 2
The sun brought some seriously quality chalking out. That and, I'd like to think, the generous prize offered up by The Red Hot. Whatever the case it was great...
Plumber Installed Clean Out Pipe
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Frost Park Chalk Off Season 4, Episode 1
The official start of season 4 was today and, despite some drizzly, cold April Fool's Day weather the chalkies made fools out of the weather with some fantastic work....
Business Examiner Fast Growing Companies Awards
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Tonight's Supermoon Over Tacoma
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Tacoma Planning Commission Hearing re: Digital Billboards
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South Sound Technology Conference
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Photos & Video - Clear, Blustery Tacoma Morning
The waters of Commencement Bay were choppy from the chilly winds we received in Tacoma this morning. Beautiful February Saturday outside but perhaps only for the hearty among us....
Tacoma's Beautiful Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
After a relaxing breakfast with Michaela at The Spar in Old Town Tacoma we headed up the hill to the zoo. Her membership got us in on this soggy,...
CLAW Open Swim - Public Service Announcements
Tonight's CLAW Open Swim theme was public service announcements and some clever ads came out of the group. My plan was to get there early to setup for doing...
Still plenty of snow on the ground but it's deflating/melting fast with this solid rain falling. #snOMGbgone #Tacoma
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Video - Snowfall in Tacoma
Beautiful, ain't it?...
Oh, good morning falling snow. Don't you look lovely! #Tacoma
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Photos ~ CLAW 2010 Great Yearly Ceremony
Huzzah to the CLAW! Last night I joined in for their annual ceremony wherein there's some baton (or actually sword/pencil) passing, friends are honored with those awesome cheetah print...
Photos ~ Crisp December Morning Mt. Rainier, Tacoma Buidings
Happy [almost] New Year! It's cold but beautiful out there....
No Surprises
The best song came on. I drove around Tacoma at six in the morning to survey the extent of a late December snow in the area. The roads were...
Photos ~ Frigid Morning Along the Thea Foss
Chilly enough out there this morning that the water on Commencement Bay and the Thea Foss Waterway was steaming or even turning to ice. Nevertheless, that November sunshine is...
Photos ~ Snow in Tacoma! (and that overturned bus)
Took a walk to/from lunch to see the snowy sights around downtown. Enjoy and be safe out there!...
Photos ~ Tacomic Book Release Party
Congrats and truly great work RR! Here are photos and even a video of RR reading from his Tacomic book....
Photos ~ YWCA Wilsonian Building Preview & Ribbon Cutting
Here are more photos from the tour I mentioned yesterday. You can see it all yourself and help the YWCA out by purchasing a ticket to their grand opening...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 29
Only one more chalk off left after today but that didn't detur the artists out there today. Some great work (and the return of Stowe!) so make sure to...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 27
No Biden appearance but he was there in spirit in chalk cartoon form. We even got a beautiful and sunny October noon hour out of it. Make sure to...
Photos ~ Tacoma Greek Festival
I finally made it out for my first time to Tacoma's Greek Festival at St. Nicholas. The energy was infectious especially when dancers filled the stage and the audience...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 27
Always good art to be had down at the Frost Park chalk off and today didn't disappoint. Check out the pics below and vote for your favorite before midnight...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Episode 26, Season 4
Frost Park! Photos! Vote here! ;)...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Episode 23, Season 4
A great prize in glassblowing this week from a woman that does so for a great cause. Check out how today's Frost Park chalkies participated and interpreted today's theme...
Photos ~ LeMay Museum Carshow at Marymont
All I have to say, after viewing this collection for the first time, is I truly can't wait for the new museum to open downtown. Just, wow. I can't...
Photos ~ Amocat Cafe Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
An evening of congratulations were in order Friday night when Morgan Alexander's new cafe Amocat was welcomed by friends, family, and dignitaries alike to Tacoma. Mayor Strickland council member...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 18
This morning's fog gave way to some brilliant lunch hour sunshine which made for a great day to chalk. Veteran chalker Andrea returned and we even had Seattle public...
Photos ~ Inside Tacoma's Elks Temple (legally!) Tacoma McMenamin's
Wow. Tacoma McMenamin's is coming! That's about all I can say after I got to go inside Tacoma's historic Elk's lodge. The McMenamin's folks, at the urging of photo...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 16
Pretty gray day for July but that's nature's air conditioning for the Pacific Northwest. The sunny spirits of the chalkers wasn't dampened though with some fantastic entries. Enjoy and...
Photos ~ Art on the Ave 2010
I hopped on my bike and took a leisurely, sunny Sunday ride over to 6th Ave for this year's Art on the Ave. The weather couldn't have been better...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 14
No prize other than bragging rights this week but chalk hath no fury like a people scorned by cool weather. Not only were the chalkies out in force the...
Photos ~ Dockyard Derby Dames Championship Bout
Tacoma turned out last night for the final bouts of the Dockyard Derby Dames season! The grudge match between the Marauding Mollys and Hellbound Homewreckers was neck and neck...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Episode 13, Season 4
Plenty of chalk flying around on a mild Summer day out at Frost Park. Check out the pics below and make sure to vote for your favorite before midnight...
Photos ~ 100th Monkey Virgin No More
Just wanted to share a few photos from last nights 100th Monkey party. RR Anderson and the CLAW gang did a wonderful job prepping tiles and the entertainment of...
Photos ~ Stowe, Monlux Signing @ Comic Book Ink
I headed out to see Stowe, Mark Monlux, a gaggle of Dockyard Derby Dames and others out at Comic Book Ink yesterday for a signing of local artists. It...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Episode 12, Season 4
The first portion of today's Frost Park chalk off felt downright brisk but the sun emerged and summer was suddenly born. Nevertheless, the art in action was hot today...
Photos ~ Jet Flyover, 26th and Pacific, Hotel Merkle Sign, Lunch and Dinner
A couple jets flew out of JBLM and directly overhead as I headed off for work this morning. From there my co-worker Nick and I had a stroll to...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 11
Fantastic turn out today at Frost Park with some awesome chalk. Few newcomers and plenty of happy people that didn't have to worry about rain at all. Make sure...
Photos ~ LeMay Museum Groundbreaking
LeMay broke ground on their new auto museum yesterday and hopefully work will commence in a very real fashion. As was echoed by many speaking there yesterday, it's been...
Photos ~ Misc. About Town Yesterday
There doesn't really have to be a cohesive story to every blog post, right? Nah! Here's a few somewhat random pics I snapped about downtown Tacoma yesterday. Enjoy!...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 10
We again avoided the rain and had a great noon hour out at Frost Park. Some wicked good entries today all vying for a $50 gift certificate to the...
Photos ~ Apple Store Opens; Mall, Apple Try Best to Kill Excitement
The Apple Store at the Tacoma Mall opened. Love 'em or hate 'em, it's a big new business that decided to locate here. I have an iPod touch and...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 9
The hearty were few but fierce out at Frost Park today. Mark Monlux, Thorax O'Tool, Andrea, and RR gave their all despite the rain and wind. Who will reign...
Photos ~ Creative Pro's Meet-up @ Tempest
Last night I took in my first Tacoma creative professionals meet-up at the Tempest. At the urging (he just wanted a ride really) of Stowe I came along and...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 8
Check it! Today's chalk entries. Enjoy!...
Photos ~ Going Grassless in My Front Yard
The lines have been drawn and in the war between me and grass -- I'm winning! Previous battles have involved the side of my house, a patch for herbs...
Photos ~ Social Media Club on Blogging
Tacoma's very own Social Media Club had a get together tonight at UPS on the topic of blogging. Presentations by Bob Dunn, Jen Boutell, and Derek Young covered advice...
Photo ~ Evening Earth Shine on the Moon
Beautiful night out there after a lovely weekend. Hope you enjoyed yours. If not, hopefully this will at least help it end on a high note....
Photos ~ Welcome to the World, Fuzzy Little Tacomans!
Driving by the Foss Waterway park under the 21st Street Bridge this morning I saw these little guys and gals. Aww... Enjoy, happy Friday and welcome to what finally...
Photos ~ Guerrilla Gardening the Sunflower Way
I've always wanted to do this....
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 5
Cloudy with a chance of chalk dust out there today! Aside from the random dead rat I save Dawn from it was a great day for chalking. Jeff was...
Photos ~ CLAW Open Swim CLAWduct Placement
Last night's CLAW Open Swim pitted teams of two against one another in a 45 minute imaginary product battle royal! Come up with a product, anything at all, illustrate...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Episode 3, Season 4
Fantastic turnout at Frost Park today. It was great to meet Jeff the cycling ice cream man and also the folks from Seabury Middle School. It was beautiful out...
Photos ~ New MultiCare Emergency Department Tour
I took some time this weekend to tour around the new MultiCare Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Emergency Department. The grand opening was this weekend and the real opening...
Photos ~ Garden Progress Update
After first making short work of removing the grass in my backyard it was finally time for the roots to hit the ground. Last weekend my goal was to...
Photos ~ Tacoma Tech Quiz Night
Despite the dicey weather a handful of tech-happy Tacoman's came by the Tacoma Tech quiz night meet-up last night. Erik Hanberg put the night together and managed to whip...
Photos ~ Win, Lose or CLAW!
It was an epic battle of pen versus paper. Tonight the CLAW was shattered into two along with friends and fans as both sides battled it out in a...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, Episode 0.1
With a balmy March day out there local renaissance man Thorax called for a pre-season Frost Park Chalk Off episode. Despite the man himself not showing other regulars came...
Photos ~ Monkeyshines 2010 ~ Year of the Tiger
They're at it again! This is the seventh year the anonymous monkeyshiners group has spread art and wonder throughout Tacoma. Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful glass with a...
Photos ~ The Red Hot's Gauntlet Challenge w/Stowe
Plenty of details of the insanity over at my FeedTacoma blog. In summary: many dogs down but no victory for either of us. But great photos so you can...
Photos ~ CLAW Open Swim Robot Drawing Contest
We had one hour. Draw a robot or robots. Then everyone would vote. I'm proud to say that I captured 3rd place tied with the one, the only, James...
Photos ~ CLAW Annual Meeting of Goodness
After a fantastic year of chalking, open swimming, 24 hour comic-ing, regularly comic'ing, and zine-ing, I'd say your friendly neighborhood CLAW has started things off right. The fledgling group...
Photos ~ Lakewood Police Officer Memorial Processional
On a frigid day I joined others at the corner of South Tacoma Way and Pacific Ave. to watch as a massive procession of police, fire, and other service...
Photos ~ Tacoma Craft Beer Fest
The 1st annual Tacoma Craft Beer Fest was an impressive success! I headed down there about 5, had to park a good half mile away, then wait in line...
Photos ~ Luzon Building Demolition (Update: as of 1pm)
The Luzon is nearly gone as of about 1:30pm.9:34amLast dawn of the Luzon. RIP....
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 26
The sun was out and the chalking was fine! Only four more episodes left this year so come out the next couple Fridays. In the meantime, vote for your...
Photos ~ Luzon Building in Portraits
Whether it stays or [more likely] goes I had a slow wander around the ill-fated Luzon building yesterday during my lunch. For extinct animals we have museums and I...
Photos ~ Sweet Things Cupcakes in Proctor
Libby and I peeled ourselves out of bed early this Saturday morning because, excitement of excitements, it was time to walk to Proctor for breakfast. Cupcake style! We popped...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 20
No rain nor thunderbumpers today out at Frost Park but the fear was there. The crowds were thin thinking the heavens might open up and the chalkers were quick...
Photos ~ Pillars of Progress
Whether passing by on my Vespa or bike I'm always impressed with the scale of the project going on to get traffic across the Nalley Valley. The human comparison...
Photos ~ A Late Summer Storm Cell
After I turned north on my bike ride home from work I noticed some sinister looking clouds off further in that direction. After and hour or so, sure enough,...
DIY Green Roof Progress
You may remember that green roof I created a while back. Well, I thought the time was right to get serious so I set out late last week to...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 19
The weather may have cooled off but the chalk action down at Frost Park today was still hot, hot, hot! Here's the action below and vote for your favorite...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 18
Beautiful (not too hot) day out and some great work by all the artists. Check out the photos below and vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 17
Just a picture perfect day out there today. The sun came out just in time for the chalking to begin. Cast your vote for your favorite before midnight tonight....
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 15
A simply stunning day out there today. On top of that, Patricia again generously celebrated her birthday in the park and offered up cinnamon rolls to all around. Great...
Photos ~ North End Garage Fire
A barrage of sirens followed by the smell of a nearby visible pale of smoke came from a north end fire this morning. The detatched garages of two houses...
Photos ~ No Longer A CLAW Open Swim Virgin
I had the pleasure of attending a CLAW open swim last night. The fez-topped gang welcomes in guests at a meeting once a month for perhaps some official business...
Photos ~ Buddy Behind the Scenes, Father's Day at The Red Hot
Today closed this weekend's worth of shows at Tacoma Little Theatre's production of the Buddy Holly Story. I snapped a few behind the scenes pics with my new little...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 11
Great lunch hour out at Frost Park today. Some fantastic chalking by regulars and newbies alike. As always, don't forget to vote for your favorite before midnight tonight!...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, Episode 10
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Photos ~ Dusk Over the Olympics and Narrows Bridges
It's great when something catches your eye enough that you whip your head around nearly sufficient to give you whiplash. Last night on my way home from Trader Joe's...
Photos ~ Putting on a Naked Face (for the show!)
Seriously. Aside from the great acting, amazing live music, and supporting your priceless local theatre, you know you want to come see The Buddy Holly Story starting this Friday...
Photos ~ Rainy Proctor Farmers' Market
Rode my bike over to the Proctor Farmers' market today to hear Izenmania, his pop Don, and their family friend play. I was also on the hunt for some...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 2, #5
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Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off Season 3, #4
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Photos ~ My First Mariners Game
Yesterday my buddy from PLU Doris and I went to my first ever major league baseball game. Since it was a Sunday game I remembered we could take the...
Photos to Remember March Snow By
So, yeah, it's snowing yet again. But it's light, not causing and real problems, and just plain lovely. Enjoy!...
Photos ~ Wayzgoosed
Yesterday marked the first King's Books Wayzgoose I've been able to attend during my tenure here in T-town. I started by observing my friends/members of CLAW press out their...
Photo ~ Never Tired of Mt. Rainier
Seriously. It's an absolutely stunning icon of our area. Just thought I'd share how I saw her last night....
Photos ~ Monkeyshines '09 Outing
This year the Monkeyshines are at it again having released hundreds of glass ball floats into the wild in celebration of the Chinese New Year. I had a chance...
Tacoma Photo Gang ~ Broadway and Court C
Had a chance yesterday to join some folks from the Tacoma Flickr group a.k.a. the Tacoma Photo Gang for an outing around town. We met up just in front...
Photos ~ First Night 2009 (mostly Hi Jack, really)
As my itinerary laid out I only went to a couple things at First Night last night but had a good time. Saw the parade of some impressive bagpipes,...
Photos ~ Christmas Day Sea Wall Walk
I went for a stroll along the Point Defiance sea wall today. The air and waters were calm as my feet crunched their way about the still snowy path....
Photos ~ Snowy Outing on the Solstice in Tacoma
I took about 5 hours today to head out into the elements and see as much of Tacoma as I felt safe driving in. Beautiful but a bit treacherous...
Photos ~ Frigid Mt. Rainier Sunrise
Despite the bitter cold the sky is clear and brilliant with gusty winds blowing any guck from the area. I could clearly see the North Cascades and a curtain...
On the Set at the Toyota Commercial Filming
I stopped by to see the commotion surrounding the filming of a Toyota commercial out in front of the Convention Center. Everything there on Commerce and the Link light...
Dick Stein Reading The Tacomiad (and other fab audio!)
I had the pleasure of joining Dick Stein and John Carlton on stage at King's Books last night. John presented a great audio piece from Murray Morgan's Puget's Sound,...
Photos ~ Prayed for Snow
Many happy Tacoman's braved torrents of rain to absolutely pack the Harmon Brewery last night for their 11th annual Pray for Snow party. I was lured there into the...
Obama and the Election
History was clearly made last night as the 8 o'clock hour rolled around here on the west coast and all the major networks immediately called the election of the...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #30
The season has drawn to a stunning close today at Frost Park with chalkers braving the rain and vying for this season's champion. Despite the soggy sog it was...
Photos ~ Frost Park Retrospective Show
I procrastinated and prepped all day but round about 6pm I finished up the last of it and headed to the show. Frost Park artists converged on Herban Cafe...
Photos ~ Up Close With Biden at Tacoma Rally
Ensie, Frinklin, TacomaMama and I met up bright and early this morning for some grub at PSP before heading to today's Obama/Biden rally at Cheney Stadium. We got in...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #28
For anyone that missed it I have a gloat that the weather was absolutely great out there for chalking in Frost Park today at lunch! Sunny with a slight...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #27
Great time chalking out there today. The weather was brisk but rainless and a fine bunch of work came out of it. Even had a couple newcomers join the...
Photos ~ Debate and Legos, Together At Last
After the idea hatched Monday night at local hang The Red Hot our first Lego and prez debate party took place. Before everyone came over I released my boxed...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #26
Chalk? Definitely. Rain? No problem! Tagro? Absolutely! Cheers to the hearty chalker and spectators that made it out today. Some great work plenty of folks missed out seeing created...
Nordstrom Knows How To Gala (and Open)
A slew of other invited local bloggers and I mingled among plenty of pretty people last night at the new Tacoma Mall Nordstrom opening gala. The event was setup...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #25
The weather is still gracing us with dry, comfortable days and today's Frost Park chalk off was no exception. Thought not feeling 100% myself I enjoyed watching everyone lay...
Photos ~ Crescent Moon & Dawn Colors
Just wanted to share a couple shots I snapped from my front yard this morning. The crescent Moon hung beautifully in the clear, dim blue sky and the few...
Photos ~ Freighthouse Into Frighthouse This Oct.
There's Halloween fun coming to Freighthouse this year and it looks like it'll be a real scream. They've hired talented local fabricator and scare master Ben Isitt to turn...
Photos ~ Commencement Bay at Night With Moonlight
After the usual Monday night at The Red Hot and a quick grocery stop I realized the nearly full Moon was out and still low in the sky. Realizing...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #23
I completely missed out on the festivities do to a lunch meeting for other affairs. However, I stopped by and saw Erik B and enjoyed everyone's hard chalk art...
Photos ~ Chambers Creek Wanderings
After some yard work and lunch yesterday I met with with a former co-worker buddy Scott to do some photoging. He lives in DuPont so I thought the Chambers...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #22
Though recent mornings have started with a 40-something degree chill in the air the Sun still smacks of Summer. High in the noon sky it helped warm everyone at...
Photos ~ Commencement Bay in a Summer Storm-Given Shroud
The evening after my Sunday hike I drove from my house down Stevens and spied a stunning sight looking toward a usually stunning viewpoint. The overlook where I've watched...
Photos ~ Pack Forest Hike and Alder Lake
I needed to get out yesterday so I took in a hike at the nearby Pack Forest. It's a UW owned forest used for research but it's open to...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #20
Though I couldn't stay to the bitter (but hopefully more sweet) end today I enjoyed Frost Park today. There was a crazy mash-up of new chalkies, wee kittens, impromptu...
Photos ~ An Evening Sunset Ride
Well nearly sunset. After a quick dinner at home last night I headed out to the nearby University Place DOL office to see about spying the course for my...
Photos ~ Red Hot Birthday
Saturday day night The Red Hot let it all hang out for it's first birthday. The business was in front and a party was added in the back but...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #19
I missed out on the main event that involved Angela Jossy performing and catering by Herban Cafe. Nevertheless, my drive from our company retreat went smoothly and I stopped...
Photos ~ 2008 Showcase Tacoma
I stopped downtown Saturday morning on the ol' Vespa to get an early start at this year's Showcase Tacoma. The celebration was just getting underway as the city woke...
Photos & Video ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #18
It was a fabulous day for art and today's chalk off in Frost Park didn't disappoint. The competition opened up nationally a bit with guests of Laura Hanan's vacation...
Photos ~ G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria!
I wasn't able to make it down for last weekend's Latino Fest but a by-product of it has dazzled me each morning this week on my way to work....
Photos ~ Woofstock 2008
Sunday I had the pleasure of heading to this year's Woofstock over on the UPS campus with Ensie, Frinklin and their Jeffrey who was a very good boy for...
Photos ~ Home-Grown Blueberries
Sunday I picked a healthy crop of blueberries from two little bushes on the side of the house. This is the first time they've produced anything worth while. I...
Photos ~ Mt. Rainier Textures in the Morning
The other day I saw some beautiful light and white gracing the visage of our beautiful giant Mt. Rainier. A layer cake of lenticular clouds drug across the peak...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #17
With documentary film crew taking our interviews down for posterity the crew of chalkies were up to their usual works of color and fun. Check out the pics below...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #16
Today's return of RR came with the bullet of his newly hatched little one and wife attending as well. It was great to see them and (jealous?) I even...
Photos ~ 2008 McChord Air Show
Saturday, with 150,000 of my closest friends, I headed to McChord to take in the air show. The Ferguson's were my ride and company for a great day of...
Photos ~ A Ride Around Gig Harbor w/the Gang
More like a club, actually. I spent the day motoring on two wheels on my first ever NW Motor Scooters club ride. The well-planned route led us from near...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #15
Despite missing perenial chalkies RR and Andrea there was no love lost on the contenders this week. The weather was refreshingly cool and the mellow atmosphere made for a...
Photos ~ First Sixth Ave Farmers' Market
I enjoyed stopping by the first ever Sixth Ave. Farmers' Market yesterday. There was a great assortment of all things fresh from the usual flowers and vegetables to some...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #14
Though RR was missing due to a baby Anderson on the way, today was a great day to be at Frost Park. The Sun was shining, the chalk was...
Photos ~ Glassblowing for Lance's Chalk Victory
Locals were invited last night to the Hilltop Artists hot shop for an open house to experience their facility and program and also to watch Lance help create the...
Photos ~ Freedom Fair Air Show, People Watching, and Fireworks
I had a chance to enjoy some of the finest this year's Freedom Fair has to offer yesterday. The air show with my buddy Gav and his mom, some...
Photos ~ Talls Ships Parade of Sail
Last time around I missed the procession of the tall ships into town and wasn't about to let that happen this time around. I caught this year's Parade of...
Photos ~ Tollefson Receives Chalk Art Love
As a part of the Go Local Shore Leave for Tall Ships last night Tollefson Plaza received some activity in the form of pirates, a DJ spinning beats, and...
Photos ~ Late June Lightning
Oppressive heat like yesterday is something PNWer's just aren't accustomed to. Neither is the unstable atmospheric conditions it can create when you mix hot and humid with an incoming...
Another Dock Street Blip
Dock Street is prepping the final touches to put on its best face for the hundreds of thousands that will stop by in the next couple weeks. The stylish...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #11
A missing Erik B didn't stop the chalk. There was plenty of great art and innovation on display with a multimedia showing by Dawn and Ariel, a strung-out self...
Photos ~ Hard-to-Describe Stunning
That's how I felt just a few short minutes ago. My lovely wife and I decided on a late and light dinner at Katie Downs. We hopped on the...
Photos ~ Dockyard Derby Dames Bout 3, Season 2
Last night started with dinner at PSP then led to watching a bout of the Dockyard Derby Dames with a bunch of other FeedTacoma friends. Roller derby is a...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #10
The Sun cracked out from between the clouds at the end of the lunch hour today. Like light at the end of the tunnel of recent gray days. So...
DIY Green Roof - Brown Comes Before Green
Sometimes I get a wild hair to start a new project. This one has been growing for a while now and I took a little time last Sunday to...
Photos ~ Chasing the Train to Trek
Saturday I had the pleasure of being a volunteer photographer for Metro Parks for their Train to Trek kick-off. Two engines pulled four sleek silver cars away from Freighthouse...
Not Just a Scooter, It's a Vespa
Or so I'm told. After buying one this weekend I was made aware of the fact that we've joined a bit of a cult on two wheels. Well, when...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #8
Some amazing talent again on display up and down the sidewalk at lunch in Frost Park today. Aside from the brilliant chalk work being thrown down some local media...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Off #7
A solid gray, yet dry, lunch at Frost Park made for a great setting for all the chalk art in action. Artists threw down some amazing ideas and colors...
Photos ~ Broadway Farmers' Market
Had a chance to Link over to the Broadway Farmers' Market yesterday. The weather was a little ADHD with peeks of warm sunshine but otherwise cloudy with a downright...
Photos ~ Cereal Party [update: now w/video]
Some people have makeup parties. There are, of course, stamp parties. One could easily get wasted at a wine tasting party. But last night an entirely new kind of...
Photos ~ A Perfect Night for Baseball
Finally had a chance to get to a Rainiers game this season and did so on perhaps the perfect night for it. Frinklin of No Rhubarb! came with an...
Photos ~ Wright Park Re-Opening
Yesterday was the official re-opening celebration for Wright Park. The renovation work took a couple years but was well worth the wait. Though the fountain was turned on before,...
Photos ~ The Mecca Condos
It may seem like I'm a Gintz Group groupie but it's not my fault! In the last two weeks alone they've shown off their 27th Street Station and, just...
Photos ~ 27th Street Station Grand Opening
The Gintz Group had their grand opening for their 27th Street Station project at the south edge of Hilltop last Saturday. Though not in the market for a new...
Urban Chalk Invasion: Tollefson Plaza Edition
Whether related or not to the success of the chalk art popping up at Frost Park on Fridays, it appears that the phenomena is spreading. While enjoying an afternoon...
Photos ~ Frost Park Sidewalk Chalk Challenge #3
We had a beautiful day yesterday to be outside at lunch in Frost Park. Lots of people showed up to enjoy a chat and see the RR-inspired chalk art...
Hotel Murano Staycation - The Art
I can't claim to be particularly knowledgeable about particular artists or pieces but I do know what I like. Aside from enjoying our room and food experience, the art...
World Premiere - Freidiohead Does Radiohead
By some strange coincidence the newly formed Rock Band group Freidiohead was secretly recorded playing Radiohead's Creep. The group's sordid history stretches back all the way to last Friday...
Hotel Murano Staycation - The Food
Aside from enjoying our room we dined three times during our local vacation. Here's where we went/what we had.The Bite, Afternoon SnackOnce we were settled in room 1500 Sarah...
Hotel Murano Staycation - The Room
Upon entering our king junior suite at Tacoma's Hotel Murano we immediately appreciated it. A gradient of dark carpet to a single gray wall to the white structural pillars...
Photos ~ Frost Park Chalk Art Lunch
Since getting its start from a post back in February the Friday lunches in Frost Park have blossomed into a weekly event. We endured all kinds of weather for...
Wright Park Fountain and Pond a Beautiful Sight
The public can't yet enjoy the full glory of the new pond and fountain at Wright Park but they've done a beautiful job thus far. Izenmania told me earlier...
Building Photos, New Tacoma Awards, and Frost Park Chalk Art
What a great Friday to get out of the office a bit! I started off my day heading to the Tacoma Club to attend the New Tacoma Awards. The...
First Presbyterian photo safari
I attended yet another photo safari Monday put on by the City of Tacoma. This one focused on First Presbyterian Church there in the Stadium district. The campus and...
Photos ~ Tacomic 1st Birthday Party
Yesterday's Tacomic birthday celebration at the Helm turned out great. Setup began mostly by RR and wife Darcy at 11am and food started filling a couple tables about a...
Photos ~ Hotel Murano Sculpture from Bottom to Top
Saw this morning that the tarp is off and headed over to the Hotel Murano to see the new sculpture. Just after 10am most of the scaffolding was off...
Pythian Temple Photo Safari
Yesterday I had the pleasure of hunting down some good photographs on a City-led photo safari of the Pythian Temple. Nestled in the heart of downtown this building stands...
PSP Karaoke Brought My Voice Back
Singing was a huge part of my life all through high school and through college. After that, life seemed to get the better of my musical side as I...
Photos ~ Sunset from Chamber's Bay
I was out Friday night at the Chamber's Bay golf course and was reminded just how stunning it is out there. Though not at all a golfer myself I...
'Herban Cafe' Tasty Addition to Sixth Ave
Normally I don't wait to share my food-related opinion but after two visits to Pinwheel Catering's Herban Cafe [ map ] I can't delay anymore. Sarah and I stopped...
Photos ~ Shot by Gavin (a.k.a. The Most Vain Entry Ever)
For quite a while now my friend Gavin and I have been digital photo buddies. We both started with point-and-shoots and worked out way up to fancier DSLR equipment....
Photos ~ Beautiful February Day Along Ruston Way
It's great to see the Sun a little higher in the sky and be able to enjoy it a little on a day off. Sarah and I joined ensie...
Photos ~ SinSational Valentine's Night
There was only one way to get out and really have fun on Valentine's yesterday and that's the SinSational way. The lovely ladies of Equilibrium threw an art party...
Don't Overlook Upper Crust
Because if you treat 21st and "I" Streets only as a freeway connecting the North End with downtown rather than a charming district of it's own (Bridge District anyone?)...
10 Years of Journaling/Blogging/Whatever-ing
Where/who were you 10 years ago? I was a freshman starting his second semester in college at PLU. I just about got back together with my high school girlfriend...
Photos ~ Music and Glass at the Conservatory
Sarah and I had the pleasure of getting over to the botanical conservatory yesterday to listen to some music and view some glass art. Our co-worker Joe Izenman played...
Photos ~ "Dipper" Sculpture Installation (step 1)
Hotel Murano is taking shape. The large iron frame is now in place and awaits being filled with blue glass. Already it looks stunning. The scale is impressive and...
Photos ~ Democratic Caucusing in Tacoma (Proctor)
We had a fantastic day out practicing a little democracy today. Sarah, myself, and thousands of other folks around Tacoma headed out to caucus. Ours was held in a...
Photos ~ Monkeyshines Ride Along
I tagged along with Monkeyshines early this morning as they help kick off Chinese New Year in Tacoma. More than two hundred blown glass balls are now strewn about...
Photos ~ First Lunch at Top of Tacoma Cafe
After seeing a post earlier today about the lunchtime opening of the cafe side of Top of Tacoma [ map ] a gaggle of co-workers (a.k.a. local bloggers Cassioposa,...
Photos ~ Caucus Training for Obama
Though we couldn't make it to see John Kerry stump yesterday for Obama Sarah and I got out for a bit this afternoon for caucus training. About 50 people...
Caught a Bit of the Funk
After a bit of work on a chilly Saturday I rolled around the corner from the office to pay my first visit to Funkoma Vintage. Owner Tressie greeted me...
Local Anniversary Getaway
After relaxing at Salish and exploring San Fran what would we do for our 3rd wedding anniversary? With designs to head to Tokyo this fall Sarah had the idea...
Photos ~ Future FUMC Site Construction Update
The other day I updated on the large pit where the former historic First United Methodist Church once stood. FUMC will soon have a new home on the corner...
Photos ~ Former FUMC Site Construction Update
It's been a while since an update on the location of the former historic First United Methodist Church. MultiCare is on its way to building its new emergency departments...
Welcome to the Neighborhood, Friesenburgers
Welcome indeed. It's always great to see quality business and eats come to the Dome District and Friesenburgers is a promising addition. After hearing they were finally open earlier...
Side-by-Side ~ Paying Off Our Cars
Wife lady and I paid off both our cars yesterday and we couldn't be happier. We actually did so at the same time simultaneously but at two different local...
Video ~ First Night Tacoma 2008
We had a great New Years Eve at Tacoma's First Night celebration. I snapped a few photos while my lovely lady pulled in some video. I put together the...
Photos ~ First Night Tacoma 2008
Sarah and I had a great time out at First Night for New Years Eve last night. We followed our itinerary without wavering 'cause each performance we saw was...
Photos ~ White Christmas in Tacoma
In case you don't have a window or just want to look back on this from warmer days, here are some shots of the snow that's falling and sticking...
Merry Christmas from the Freitai
Happy Holidays! Who are "The Freitai", you might ask? Well, they're a couple of nerdy people (hence the video game-themed card above) that have jokingly taken on that moniker instead...
No One Tried to Blow Up the Hylebos Bridge
Thought I'd just clear that up right away. While most folks are hanging with family and cooking up a storm the TPD bomb squad got all dressed up for...
Video ~ Bowling Cam
Though I may be elsewhere today I wanted to make sure I posted something fun. Something that's as much (or tries to be, anyway) fun as where I'll be....
Tacoma Beer Society and a Day at PSP
Somehow yesterday the stars aligned and their gravitation pulled me into PSP. Starting with the FeedTacoma Feed at breakfast I filled up with a plate stacked three high with...
The Money's There, Let's Light a Bridge!
That's the message of the group trying to again light the Narrows Bridges. Instead of waiting for more money to light both bridges NarrowsBridgeLights.org wants to get to work...
Pinwheel Herban Cafe Coming Soon to Sixth Ave
A friend pointed me to some activity over at the former Ezell's Chicken over on Sixth Ave. and Fife. Turns out a restaurant and catering business are moving in...
Letter ~ Don't Settle in Case of Sounder
The following is an email I sent this morning to the Tacoma City Council regarding Resolution 37342 before them tonight regarding the Sound Transit plans for expanding the Sounder...
Going really local for a Christmas tree
Five blocks from our house is what I'd call going local. That's as far as Sarah and I had to go this year to snag a great looking Christmas...
Photos ~ Victorian Holiday at Seymour Conservatory
Last weekend Sarah, some friends and I made time to visit the Seymour Botanical Conservatory for their Victorian Holiday Celebration. First of all, if you've never been, stop by...
Movie Poster Sale at the Grand 12/15
The Grand is having a movie poster sale next weekend. Might not be a bad way to deck your halls this season. From the Tacoma Arts Listserv:Are you one...
Video & Photos ~ Oh Voices on KUPS
Last night I had a chance to sit in the KUPS studio with Oh Voices. Space was at a premium with the three band members, a couple of their...
McCabe's in deep with police, City
The News Tribune is reporting this morning that McCabe's has had its power shut off and is operating under a temporary liquor license. The article is somewhat confusing but...
Photos ~ First snowfall of the season around Tacoma
Yea, it's pretty easy to look out the window and see the stuff falling but, hey, it's still fun to share. Here are some shots I snagged from outside...
Chocolate peppermint cupcake? Don't mind if I do. (now with photos!)
Got an email from Reina over at hello, cupcake and a new flavor is making its holiday appearance starting today. I'm sure you guessed by the title that it's...
Photos ~ South Sound Tech Conference 2007
Just got back from a great morning and early afternoon at the South Sound Technology Conference. Despite being organized only within the last 3 weeks it was a rich...
Happy Thanksgiving!
As I wait for an afternoon of meals at multiple houses I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to anyone passing by. We had a safe and clear drive...
Video & Photos ~ Ted Bartholomew woodturning
Had a chance yesterday to visit Gallery Madera downtown to meet a charming and talented man. Ted Bartholomew was visiting the wood shop there to do some woodturning on...
Photos ~ Narrows Bridge Art in an Odd Spot
Just off the corner of S. 6th and Tacoma sits a protective cage with a sculpture of the Narrows Bridge right in the middle. The cage covers the entrance...
Photos ~ The Ruins of Gottschalks
Standing like semi-grand reminders of what was, I snapped some shots of the ruins of the old Gottschalks off 6th and Pearl. There's not much left aside from the...
Infinite Soups little but packs tasty punch
Getting a meal in liquid form always seemed kinda' strange to me. Early this week a few of us from work decided to do just that for lunch at...
Calendar adds a little "BANG!" and "ZING!" to TPU
It's not often anyone associates the words "style" or "satire" with a public utility. Prepare for that perception to change a bit. Both worthy attributes are on display in...
Will City Hall be moving?
What would a City budget capital project item like the following say to you? They adding on a new bathroom? Taking over a nearby office space? Knowing that this issue...
Construction fence graffiti clean-up
Saw this poor construction working wasting his time having to cover up graffiti left on a fence surrounding the new UWT building off Pacific. Anyone else perceive an overall...
Side-by-side (kinda') with City Council Position #3 Candidates
I only received a response from one City Council position #3 candidate but thought her time deserved to be for a good use. An email was sent to Mr....
Dia de los Muertos impressions
After the band prepped a few days before we were ready for last night's main event. The Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sixth Ave! We gathered at a...
Limited supply of 'Art at Work' t-shirts available
Starting tonight at the kick off of Art at Work Month you can get the following spiffy shirt: They cost a mere $15 for the work done by...
Weekend Events ~ Lots of D's
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the Dockyard Derby Dames. See? D's.Tonight will be an interesting one for a couple reasons. First, I've never attended a...
Side-by-side with City Council Position #8 Candidates
Since the local City Council candidates don't get together for debates or forums very often I thought it would be nice to get them side-by-side. Even if it is...
Blogging Ninja's Halloween live blog
Some wacko ninja who fancies himself a blogger emailed me the following account of his day.8:47amNo good looks from other drivers. Bummer. 11:50amBlogging ninja is so stealthy cameras have a...
Free flu shots Sunday @ Allenmore
As a part of their annual open house and new building "C" MultiCare is offering free health screenings and flu shots. Most importantly, however, they're offering free valet parking....
Post-it style graffiti
Being the big fan of SoDo Tacoma that I am, I'm sometimes encouraged and sometimes not so much. In the case of graffiti in the area, I'm not sure...
Be in a Dia del los Muertos band
Jamie from Thrice All American has rallied together a pile of sheet music and a group of musicians to play at this Friday's Dia de los Muertos celebration on...
i.FeedTacoma.com launches local blogging tools
Anyone can now get into the local blogging action over at FeedTacoma. My inaugural post has brief instructions to get you started. As FeedTacoma has grown I've found some...
A little dizzy from the Sushi Revolution
I met up with a few folks from the office for lunch on my day off at the new Sushi Revolution [ map ] restaurant over by the Tacoma...
Avanti re-imagined as Biella
Avanti at the Marriot downtown has been made over. It's now Biella by Ruth Michelle and offers more than just the regular spa. Among the to-be-expected spa options there's...
McCabe's manager on last night's shootings
With our office only half a block away it was a bit of a shock this morning to see the crime scene around McCabe's blocked off. This afternoon, via...
Video ~ Transponder collection plate
Ever tire of collection plates in church? Maybe the whole "giving" thing isn't the problem but passing that plate around is really a time drainer. Have no fear because...
Coffee & Rhetoric for 10/25
It's the fourth Thursday of the month again and time for another Coffee & Rhetoric. Tonight's topic is the Middle East. The guest is Iranian born, American educated local...
Photos ~ Weekend front yard makeover
This weekend wasn't much for resting from the work week. Instead, Sarah and I set out to re-create our front yard with the help of a couple great friends...
More ships on Schuster: Blocking views or building business?
The company that owns the docks where two military cargo ships sit along Schuster Parkway wants to clean up their dock and possibly expand. The article in the News...
Brave the storm for Art Walk
Despite a cancellation of today's Go Local wrap-up and final Broadway Farmers' Market of the season (babies) Art Walk is still on tonight. The winds are picking up out...
Morbid ads make me sad while happily browsing events
While prepping a presentation for work I took a glance at the News Tribune's events calendar. Though a bit of a mess there's some good info on there. Unfortunately,...
Plan Your Trip ~ Arts in Tacoma
The regional online publication Crosscut has a thoughtful piece from the other day about Tacoma's growing arts community. The article centers around a theme of Tacoma's age old rivalry...
2007 Tour of Urban Living ~ Walker
Last stop after the Roberson and Thea's Landing on the tour took us to Walker (don't believe there's a "the" in front of that). Big dislike first: the place...
Atlas Foundry security camera video
The News Tribune posted a surveillance video from the site of the Atlas Foundry explosion two weekends ago. In it you can see the truck begin fuming white gas...
2007 Tour of Urban Living ~ Thea's Landing
After [re]viewing the Roberson we headed down to a now veteran of downtown living space. Thea's Landing may have just the ticket if waterfront apartments (with a few condos...
'Chaos into Order' video
Received via the TacomaArt listserv: David Derickson created this six minute 'review' of Chaos into Order, a six hour performance art piece at Art on the Ave 2007, Tacoma,...
2007 Tour of Urban Living ~ The Roberson
After 21 months of construction The Roberson is showing itself to be formidable in the downtown condo market competition. Though visitors this weekend had to remove their shoes airport-style...
Sunday, Funny Sunday ~ Heron Power
Green power from burning blue herons. Got any amusing pics or video you'd like featured on Sunday (or whichever day I happen to post them)? Send 'em my way...
Sign an ad, support climate change conversation
Citizen's for a Healthy Bay want to get the word out about Oct. 25th's "Day of Conversation on Climate Change". You can show your support by signing a full-page...
Tacoma Armory gallery at City Hall
Photographs from the August photo safari through Tacoma's National Guard Armory are on display now at City Hall. The tour led people and their cameras through the 100 year...
Happy 3 PSP!
Today is Puget Sound Pizza's 3rd birthday and Jim couldn't be more proud. Celebrate with them tonight as DJ Aaron Mack will be spinning 80s music and more starting...
69K sq ft medical complex proposed for S. 19th
The Madison Park Medical Center could soon be joining the Snake Lake neighborhood. The now green space and former junk bus lot at the end of Proctor on 19th...
Photos ~ Balfour Docks construction underway
The pieces of our urban waterfront are coming together nicely for all the world to see at the Tall Ships 2008. Approval of a loan from the City Council...
Proctor Chocolate Fest should tempt more people
Seriously. Something like this should have banners all over town because I can't think of a much better topic for a festival than chocolate. Sarah and I found a...
Neighborhood Market expired from my list
After grabbing food at The Red Hot a couple weeks ago Sarah and I remembered we needed some milk so we crossed the street to Neighborhood Market. [ map...
Boarded windows now adorn corner of 24th and Pacific
How absolutely charming. Probably a good move for the spot, however, considering how many of the windows have been broken out there lately. I'm not a native enough of...
One Heart and a movie next door
Seems like an unavoidable combination since the Grand Cinema and One Heart Cafe next door to one another. We certainly took advantage of it yesterday during an afternoon downpour....
Photos ~ Atlas Foundry fire aftermath
Just wanted to post a couple more shots of the aftermath from that Atlas Foundry explosion yesterday. Local damage to the Atlas facility is pretty severe with partial collapse...
Photos ~ Atlas Foundry fire post-explosion
We didn't feel anything due to an afternoon nap but we awoke to news of the explosion down in the Nalley Valley. Sounds like there were a series of...
Out of the Office
I'm heading out today through Saturday so it'll be a bit quieter here on the ol' website. Our company is taking a retreat to the Hood Canal area to...
Downtown development town hall meeting tonight
Like downtown Tacoma and want to hear what some local decision makers and business leaders have to say? There's a town hall discussion about it (though not at town...
Joeseppi's feeds Home Makeover crew
Local restranteur and all around great guy Joe Stortini of Joeseppi's is feeding crews on the set of an Extreme Home Makeover happening in Kirkland. A truck has been...
Sunday, Funny Sunday [belated] ~ Keepin' It Together
Call 1-800-ZIPP-TIE for all your trucking security needs. Got any amusing pics or video you'd like featured on Sunday (or whichever day I happen to post them)? Send 'em my...
Photos ~ Dockyard Derby Dames bout
Saturday night Sarah, ensie, and I went to the third bout of the Dockyard Derby Dames' season. We didn't entirely know what we were getting into but had a...
Photos ~ Inside Crown Bar
The new Crown Bar opens tomorrow with a tasty menu of street food and a lively location all led by an outstanding local chef. Charlie McManus is doing right...
Coffee & Rhetoric live online tonight @ 7pm
That's right. If you're not a fan or parking downtown or just can't get away from home but still want to see what Coffee & Rhetoric is all about,...
Photos & Video ~ Poletop rescue competition in the Plaza
After rumors then figuring out just what the heck a large wooden pole was doing in the Plaza downtown, I went down yesterday to see the main event. The...
Architect says Sounder extension comes with '100-year' impacts
Tacoma Planning Commissioner David Boe sketched his concern for Tacoma City Councilmembers today. He's concerned that the Sounder train extension through SoDo will cause problems that could "have a...
Powell to get his day in court
After requesting three subpoenas recently Donald Powell is asking for two more and now has a hearing date set for Oct. 9. Powell's request for one was bounced around...
Downtown development town hall meeting Oct. 3
Pierce County Councilmember Timothy Farrell has organized a town hall meeting on downtown Tacoma development. Panelists will include City Council members, City and county economic development staff, and representatives...
Prium updates Economic Development Council re: Winthrop
An afternoon meeting of the Economic Development Council today had Prium providing an update about the Winthrop. The replacement low-income housing was the key topic the City wanted to...
Nick-n-Willy's a fresh choice for North Enders
The new Nick-n-Willy's in Proctor had it's grand opening this weekend after about a week of tests with family, friends and passers by. Sarah and I stopped by there...
Tacoma urban living guide coming Friday
Want to learn how live and urban life here in Tacoma? The group that puts out South Sound magazine is releasing Tacoma Live this Friday. According to the BE...
Photos ~ Inaugural reverse Sounder commute to Tacoma
Todd Matthews, of Tacoma Daily Index fame and a daily commuter from Seattle, took a journey on the first reverse Sounder train to Tacoma this morning. He liked the...
Downtown nuisance response at tipping point
Most folks in Tacoma know of Laura Hanan's perennial fight to keep downtown a viable place for business and residents. She even squelched some of her own diligence snapping...
Sunday, Funny Sunday ~ Animal Antics
Coco the neighborhood cat and Colby tangle. Fortunately for Colby,there was a window between them. And Michael has the following hilarious video of him trying to convince a pug Harriet...
Market Street to get new lines?
It may not sound like much but keeping Tacoma roads well marked is important. There are hand painted markings along Market Street near 19th. They're along the side of...
Subpoena and testimony filed in Warren residency case
Todd Matthews posted an article in the Tacoma Daily Index regarding subpoenas and testimony filed in the case challenging City Council candidate Ronnie Allen Warren's residency. From the article... Rachel...
Pole in the Plaza
On the way to work this morning Sarah and I noticed a bit of activity in the Plaza downtown. A large, wooden pole is being installed by city crews....
Coffee & Rhetoric for 9/27
The in-person local talk show Coffee & Rhetoric is back next Thursday. This month's topic is the reemergence of Tacoma's First Night. The master minds behind the event will...
Can Woody's hold their waterfront spot?
Woody's Wharf had a solid weekend of advertisements scattered throughout and around the Maritime Fest. It raised our awareness enough to give them a shot. Sarah, Angela and I...
Photos ~ Tacoma Maritime Fest 2007
This weekend was my first ever visit to the Tacoma Maritime Fest and a really enjoyed myself. Favorite by far was the dock dog jumping. The pups showed tons...
Sunday, Funny Sunday ~ Breaking Up Is Card To Do
"Uh, re-stock of depressing cards on aisle 5."...
Paint it like you just don't care...
...how distracting you may be to nearby traffic flow. ;) Yesterday on the way home I made a double take at what indeed was a lovely sight. A gentleman...
LeMay to break ground in Dec. 2007
Could it be that we'll actually see this thing happen? The City Council seems to think so after unanimously voting to approve changes to their agreement with the LeMay...
Downtown business owners get legal on the Olympus
Downtown business owners Laura Hanan and Kris Blondin are suing the owners of the Olympus Hotel for improper management. Todd Matthews reports in the Tacoma Daily Index that both...
Air Force Reserves retirement and picnic at McChord
Last Saturday my buddy Steve passed a major milestone in his life. He retired from the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron over at McChord AFB after 23 years of service....
Margaret's makes a mean breakfast quiche
At the behest of tacomachickadee and Tacoma Mama, Sarah, friends Angela, Steve and I stopped by Margaret's [ map ] downtown before work on Monday. Though 7am seemed pretty...
Party for Mr. Jones
Mr. Jones of Jones Glass, a well-know salvage yard and shop here in Tacoma, is retiring. A party is being thrown for him next month. Link to the FeedTacoma...
Nick-n-Willy's pizza opening Sept. 22
The new sit down and/or take out pizza place in the heart of Proctor is opening September 22nd. Nick-n-Willy's will be open that Saturday in the space just off...
Guiding principles toward Tacoma streetcars
The push to bring streetcars back to Tacoma is still alive and well. KFnet friend Chris forwarded me this doc of principles of how a system here in town...
Lunch visit to Matador
Paid my first visit to downtown's Matador restaurant yesterday with Sarah and friends Galen and Reena. We stopped by for lunch on a stunning day and after I had...
Photos ~ I Am Curious... Yellow
Though the Plaza proper was full of post-runner related booths and such (see Bank to Bay) he group putting on the "I Am Curious... Yellow" art yard sale had...
"I Am Curious... Yellow" - Today @ 10am
The undisclosed location for this event has been disclosed. Head down to Tollefson Plaza today between 10am and 2pm. Details are slim save for this being a nod to...
10 story sculpture planned for Hotel Murano?
Will the new Hotel Murano (in the old Sheraton) sport a large outdoor sculpture when it's ready in November of this year? A flyer for the brokerage company leasing...
Murry Morgan Bridge closed tomorrow
The BE Daily is reporting that the Murray Morgan Bridge will be closed tomorrow between 7am and 5pm and next Wednesday and Thursday. Sounds like some overdue work is...
National Guard Armory photo safari
Last Tuesday I had the privilege to join a group of other local photographers for a safari inside the National Guard Armory. The nearly 100 year old building made...
Video ~ Late summer thunderstorm over Tacoma
Last night the earth and sky rumbled over Tacoma. A great thunderstorm and associated squall slammed into us. Sarah and I had fun watching it approach from our upstairs...
Sunday, Funny Sunday ~ Low high chair
"Is this some kind of cruel joke?! Don't make me pull myself up there and slap you all!"...
Breakfast @ PSP 7 days a week
The demand is there and Puget Sound Pizza will now serve breakfast 7 days a week. Here's a note from Jim: ...due to increased downtown demand Puget Sound Pizza...
Crown Bar details and facade
Charlie McManus' new spot on Sixth Ave. called Crown Bar has a new facade up where the former Gary's Steakout used to be. McManus' Primo Grill blog has some...
First taste at hello, cupcake (update 2)
And I say "first" because it won't be my last. Wow. The wait was totally worth it. Downtown's newest delight hello, cupcake is doing a soft, work-out-the-bugs opening today...
Greek cuisine deserves a hearty 'Opa!'
After organizing a bit a few of us local blogger types got together to try the new Greek restaurant Opa! just past Pearl on Sixth Ave. Jenyum organized the...
Central Neighborhood seeking new board members
Tacoma's Central Neighborhood Council (CNC) is looking for a new board member. They have one seat available and are always looking for alternates. You can get involved by filling...
Food goings-on this week
Lots of food related stuff going on this week in town. It was great news to finally get word yesterday about hello, cupcake's opening. Their owner Reina is thrilled...
Storefront murals unveiled at Music & Murals Sep. 8
There are some beautiful murals around Hilltop as I was happy to notice while out with the Photo Gang a couple weekends ago. According to the following press release,...
Parking lot of dreams
If someone told you, fair Tacoma, that the LeMay car museum promised to dazzle anyone passing through Tacoma was to start construction this winter, would you believe them? Well...
White Buffalo what now?
Yea, they may want to consider a different font. I'm just sayin'....
Good to Go for more dinero
Heard from a co-worker and an article in the News Tribune that those transponders used for tolls across the Narrows will soon cost new customers some money. Each sticker...
Photos ~ Rainiers 8, Beavers 4
Last night was definitely a good night for baseball. Certainly the weather and dollar beer and hot dog night drew a couple full parking lots worth of people to...
No general election bid but Marty still needs your help
Marty Campbell posted a conciliatory letter on his homepage. In it he congratulates the two candidates in his race moving on to the general election and he asks for...
Breakfast and lunch at Mary's (update 2)
I started my first day exposure to the new Mary's Burger Bistro at about 7am today. I placed my order at their charming walk-up window then headed inside to...
Lunch at Old Milwaukee Cafe
After numerous weekend morning attempts at breakfast with no luck Sarah and I were finally able to make it to Old Milwaukee Cafe [ map ] for lunch. The...
Counting down the minutes to Mary's
I had a chance to finally meet the woman behind Mary's Burger Bistro. We've been swapping emails for the last couple months and it was great for her to...
Vote today
Today is our primary election. Here's a list of polling places and if you're voting by mail be sure to have it post marked today or drop it by...
Mary's now opening Aug. 22
I posted a note in the FeedTacoma forums but wanted to also do so here. Mary's Burger Bistro isn't opening 'til this Wednesday, 8/22. In an email Mary herself...
Changing the world through lunch in Tacoma?
A new website on the scene created by Brian Dorsey from Seattle aims to break folks out of the comfort zones and meet new people. The site is called...
Photos ~ Glass Roots despite dicey weather
Just got back from my first visit to the Glass Roots Festival downtown. I've missed it previously but finally made it down this time around. Embellish Salon is the...
Tacoma Photo Group - Hiking in Hilltop
The Tacoma photo group over on Flickr is heading out tomorrow to the Hilltop area of town. They're hoping to enjoy the morning snapping shots of an area quickly...
Old Wonderbread/Hostess building up for grabs
That lovely old brick building at S. 7th and Sprague that used to house a Wonderbread/Hostess thrift shop is going up for bid. The 35,000+ square foot building is...
Opening night at The Red Hot (update 2)
Chris Miller's baby The Red Hot opened yesterday on 6th Ave. Thanks to a little bit of forum-based organization we helped bring a good-sized group of people to the...
Photo Safari in the armory, Aug. 28
The last photo safari inside Old City Hall was a great time. Next up is the old National Guard Armory. Check it out: Join the City of Tacoma and...
Opening night meet-up at The Red Hot
The Red Hot [ map ] opens today and tonight at 6pm we're gonna fill the place up. Now that their menu is posted, I'm pretty stoked. The Chicago...
Mad Jack's licks ice cream competition
After a great day out at Showcase Tacoma on Saturday Sarah and I met up with Angela and Steve for dinner. While in the restaurant parking lot I noticed...
Photos ~ TAM's 'Glitter' aftermath
After enjoying a bit of the opening night of Showcase Tacoma we headed over to TAM for their shindig. Sarah, In-Tacoma's Michael and I walked into the presenting of...
Girl Trouble "My Hometown" video
Just got an email with a link over to a Girl Trouble video. It's for a song called "My Hometown" and it's pretty solid. The group, which admittedly I'd...
Photos ~ Hotrod-a-rama
Last weekend's Hotrod-a-rama was really impressive. I haven't been to one until this year and was blown away by all the cars. I know nothing about vehicles like the...
Paint the Funk[oma]
Funkoma Vintage in the Dome District on 26th wants help making a home of their building. They're going to open their facade to anyone who wants to slap some...
Menu posted at Mary's Burger Bistro
Knowing my love for SoDo as you do you can imagine seeing a menu posted for Mary's Burger Bistro had me pretty pumped. Best part is it looks pretty...
Constitutions Matter: Graffiti on Graffiti
So it appears repeated calls on the local Internets to enhance local "Constitutions Matter" billboards have been heeded. A couple tips led me to five such altered signs. The...
Happy 1st Birthday FeedTacoma!
Yea, I know it's a bit like wishing it to myself but it's more a shout-out to the others that have helped make the site possible. One year to...
Beans & Seens to talk photos tonight
The Tacoma Photo Gang is continuing their passion for pics tonight by getting together for the group's third Beans & Seens. They meet at least once a month to...
A note from Nick-n-Willy's in Proctor
While out snapping shots of that great new mural yesterday, I also peeked in to see how Nick-n-Willy's is coming along. A note on their window clued me in...
Photos ~ 2007 Proctor Arts Festival and new neighborhood mural
My Saturday this weekend started off with a cool morning stroll around Proctor. What made that day different was that the main streets were closed off and I was...
Photos ~ Rainiers game featuring many scary creatures
Well I ended a super busy day Saturday and joined No Rhubarb's frinklin for a great night out at a Rainiers game. The visiting Zooperstars morbidly drew us there...
KFnet household now with little bird
Along with squirrels in the attic, little birds can be quite informative creatures for local bloggers like me. Well, now our household includes such a creature but, I assure...
T-town bloggers represent at KOMO blogger meet-up
KOMO TV held a local blogger meet-up last night and a proud contingent of Tacoma's finest on the web carpooled up to join in the fun. After receiving an...
Action at the Elks building
KFnet friend Michael pointed out that on his walk to work he saw some activity over at the old Elks building. Though it's not be full-scale renovation just yet,...
Constitutions Matter - Reasons City Council Should Enforce Billboard Ordinance by Erik Bjornson
Thanks to downtown attorney and KFnet friend Erik Bjornson for sending in the following post: Just over 10 years ago, Tacoma passed the billboard ordinance to stop the proliferation...
Photos ~ Deer in our neighborhoods
There are lots of small critters that live out their lives among us. But bigger ones aren't often seen in such densely populated areas. Now, I know we've had...
Photo ~ Jupiter from our backyard
Look to the south on these clear Summer evenings and that bright star you see out there is Jupiter. We yanked out our telescope last night to take a...
Photos ~ Minor damage to Marcato after car accident
As Exit133 reported, a car hit the Marcato condos this afternoon. I stopped by a minute ago and the Tacoma Ave. is wide open and the car that hit...
What's growing in your garden?
I wanted to share a warm, summer morning scene with you this Monday. No, it's not a sunny sunrise but a small slice of the bounty that is our...
Tickled by the Tempest
I know "tickled" is a cheesy word but I was. Co-owner of the Tempest Lounge Michelle has the demeanor of a server in a Southern diner but surrounded by...
Downtown loses window into crime
Though intrepid in her efforts and faithful to the safety of her part of downtown, Laura Hanan is nolonger posting images of local crime online. In an email, she...
Report: Improving Downtown Transit and Parking
Exciting stuff received via email: Today, the Transit and Parking Advisory Committee released a ten-page report, titled Improving Downtown Transit and Parking. The report details a simple strategy to...
LeMay gets new marketing blood
Received via email: America's Car Museum welcomes Elisabeth Piper Davidson to the LeMay staff effective July 23, 2007 as Director of Marketing and Communications. Davidson just completed her PhD...
Winfield's closed (update 1)
Intrepid KFnet friend Erik B. tossed a comment on an old entry that Winfield's Twisted Cue Club is out of business and closed. I'll look into it and have...
Video ~ Bagpipers practice in our neighborhood
It's not often 'round these parts one hears the sound of bagpipes blowing around in the wind. As Sarah and I sat watching some TV last night, we heard...
More trains at Freighthouse
Freighthouse now has the Sounder, the Link, will soon have the dinner train, and eventually the Amtrak station and light rail to Seattle. They now also have model trains....
Serenity Spa set for Fall '07 opening
While enjoying dinner at Puget Sound Pizza the other day Sarah, Angela and I noticed a sign hanging from a condo going up nearby. A place called Serenity Spa...
NarrowsBridgeLights.org in the news
After a huge success on opening day gathering input from the public and showing our efforts to date, today there are two articles in the paper about the efforts...
Big fan of SoDo Tacoma
So while at Third Thursday last night I think I realized how much I love our area of downtown. I say "our area" because my office is down here....
Photos ~ Third Thursday Artwalk for 7/19 (update 1)
We had a great time out after work tonight. Artwalk didn't disappoint but before we took in art we took in some calories. Thanks the the happy hour over...
Video ~ Pretty, shiny lights
Being a child of video games (no offense, mom and dad) I'm a big fan of all things eye candy. So this weekend when I got my first look...
Third Thursday Artwalk for 7/19
That's right, tonight is yet another Third Thursday Artwalk kinda' night. As always, there's plenty going on. The local "big 3" museums always get involved by waving admission today....
A couple changes over at Freighthouse
A couple changes to note over at Freighthouse. First, the Spirit of Washington dinner train folks are taking over suite 101. The former space of a massage parlor toward...
Goats make a come back at Blueberry Park
In case you missed them last year, the goats are coming back to work this summer at Blueberry Park [ map ]. From the Metro Parks press release: Metro...
Photos ~ Newly remodeled Corina Bakery
Thanks goodness their phone message was right. Though it said they'd be opening again "Monday" I wasn't entirely sure which Monday they meant. Well, today is the day and...
Photos ~ Narrows Bridge opening day [update 1]
As I mentioned yesterday, I have a few more photos I'd like to post from opening day of the new Narrows Bridge. When you snap 700+ pics it's hard...
Happy Birthday, new Narrows bridge!
I'd consider any birthday party a success when 50,000+ people show up. Today was amazing. From dawn 'til dinner I was down at the opening festivities for the new...
Funds setup for family of Zina Linnik
My heart goes out to the family of Zina Linnik and to everyone in Tacoma who worked so hard to try and find her. Two local banks now have...
Corina set to re-open Monday 7/16
After being closed for a remodel your favorite confectionery and mine Corina Cake Bakery will re-open Monday, July 16th. Prep your sweet tooth and stop by to see their...
Weekend Events ~ Blues, Bridges and more
Summer weekends are always busy with events and this one is no exception. Saturday starts with a Transformers collectible convention out at the King Oscar. The Old Town Blues...
'Dragonfly' lands in Dome District
A couple weeks ago I noted that the old Premium Motors building was undergoing some change. Little did I know something would occupy the space so soon. Dragonfly set...
Cool off with Click! and KFnet
I helped local cable and internet provider Click! out with a fun little project airing on their Channel One today. Sometimes beating the heat is all mental. That's why,...
New United Methodist and old bricks
Looks like renovation of the First United Methodist is underway at their new location on the corner of 7th and Tacoma. Work began late last month and will be...
Tacoma Photo Gang - 5 Mile Drive
On Saturday I joined the Tacoma Photo Gang on a photoroll at Point Defiance Park's 5 Mile Drive. As if clandestine operatives we all met by the statue of...
Multimedia Monday - The Kalakala, Ma Chihuly's balls, and preemptive cool down
Plenty of fun stuff popping up online to tantalize the eyes and ears. See how TAM installed Ma Chihuly's glass spheres in that cool infinity reflective outdoor display case....
A farewell from Steak Out's Gary
While at Art on the Ave yesterday I saw a sign in the window at the former Gary's Steak Out. It bid a fond farewell to locals after 20...
Wine, beer, gelato, and sorbetto all at Firehouse
So they really are cranking things up a notching at Firehouse over on 6th and Union. As I mentioned earlier, they're still yet to wisely add beer and wine...
Photos ~ Art on the Ave 2007
We had a great time out at Art on the Ave today. The weather was stunning and there was a great crowd. The clouds stuck around most of the...
Art on the Ave today!
I have something to confess. I told someone not to go to Art on the Ave yesterday. I told them to go today 'cause the guy was assuming it...
Picking up skimboarding again
Seeing that skimboarding competition a few weeks ago out at Dash Point inspired me to get on a board again for the first time since high school. That was...
Terry's Office Tavern does the trick
Yesterday was a pretty warm one especially out in the Sun. Friends Angela and Steve joined Sarah and I last night after riding their bike to our house. After...
Call for "D" Street overpass art
Want a chance to make your mark on the new "D" Street Overpass without resorting to graffiti? The City of Tacoma wants artists to apply for the job of...
Photos ~ 2007 Tacoma fireworks over Commencement Bay
I'm skipping over the entry about the daytime Freedom Fair activities [for now] to get right to the good stuff. Fireworks! Sarah dropped me off as far down 36th...
Happy 4th of July!
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! I'm certainly not one for blind patriotism but we are fortunate to live in such a great...
Take a peek at a secret downtown park
Tucked between a couple buildings toward the top of the hill off 9th Street is a little gem of a park. I was reminded of it after recent discussion...
Daily Index feature on Tacoma historic districts
Received via email: Tomorrow's edition of the Index includes a lengthy feature on Tacoma's historic districts. Whitman residents Pat McGregor and Dave Stafursky are leading an effort to seek...
Central Tacoma beauty on the market
I don't normally post about homes for sale but this one's special. Our great friends Angela and Steve live there currently and we've spent plenty of time there. So,...
Last Tuesday recap
Seriously, I'm behind a bit on blog entries. Nevertheless, I give you a recap of my very busy and fulfilling last Tuesday night. With all the hubbub about the...
Photos ~ Northwest Trek office outing
Our office was treated to an outing at Northwest Trek last Friday morning. Since we did a rush job for them they thanked us by offering up a hayride...
Old Premium Motors building facade changes
The two large, conjoined brick structures that use to house Premium Motors is getting a little clean-up work done. Nearly all gone now are all the former business' signage....
Coffee & Rhetoric for 6/28
Coffee & Rhetoric's back and on it's new monthly schedule! If you thought last week's City Council candidate forum needed more excitement stop by C&R tonight. Julie over at...
Laura Hanan's bio in Who's Who
Laura Hanan is to be included in the 2007 and 2008 (27th and 28th editions) of Marquis' Who's Who In American Art. The merit-based Who's Who... publications have been...
Tacoma Film Festival submissions due Aug. 17
Received via email: Are you a filmmaker who wants to show your work to Tacoma? If so, we are accepting submissions for inclusion in the 2nd Tacoma Film Festival. The...
MultiCare again avoids public process
In the ongoing issue of the MultiCare boiler plant slated to go up across from Wright Park, a squirrel in the attic passed along the following email. In it...
Capers Downtown Open for Lunch and Dinner (now w/photos)
On my way to a meeting I noticed that Capers Downtown, located at 701 Pacific Avenue, is opening it's doors today for lunch and dinner. Capers features a menu...
Photos ~ House demolition on 27th and Pacific
The old house standing in the parking lot of Superior Saw at 27th and Pacific is no more. A huge claw tore it apart this morning. The area is...
Thursday's too busy? Try Tuesday instead!
Seriously, there's always so much crammed into Thursday evenings lately it's hard to keep pace. Fortunately for Tacomans we now have more busy days in the week. Take tonight,...
Coming soon: Tacoma vs. Clear Channel?
Jason Hagey writes in this morning's News Tribune of things heating up a bit over local billboards. Owner of all 193 Tacoma billboards Clear Channel has already fired a...
PSP comment box
Just wanted to drop a comment out there to the folks at Puget Sound Pizza. I know in the past it's been a bit of a "chicken or the...
Past City leader hopes to serve again soon
At 77, Harold Moss is running for the North End and Westgate neighborhood's city council seat. Moss registered at the last minute against Spiro Manthou who, until then, looked...
Bullets from the Position 8 forum
Last night I took in Derek's forum for candidates running for Tacoma's "at large" spot on the City Council. It was a good chance to see and hear each...
Cool virtual tour of Stadium High exterior
Just got a link via email of a couple cool 360 degree virtual tour panoramas of the exterior of Stadium High. The quality is pretty solid with views of...
My Third Thursday plans
It's amazing but any a group or business planning events around Tacoma now has to be resigned to the fact that there will almost always be something else going...
Photos ~ iBoat Tacoma and the Nowhere Fast
I stopped by pylon 17 on the Thea Foss waterway to get a gander at iBoat Tacoma, it's owner and her boat. Kristine was wrapped up in an interview...
Photos ~ Skimboard competition at Dash Point
Once upon a time, one of my sister's best friend's dad made me a present for my birthday. I don't even think I was in high school but it's...
iBoat Tacoma hits the water
After recently exclaiming "I wish we'd get more water-related attractions around here," while out with the Photo Gang this weekend I found a new service down on the Foss....
Perspective from Table Number One at Stadium Bistro
KFnet friend Annie just sent over an email about her recent experience at Stadium Bistro. Here's what she said... We had dinner at the Stadium Bistro the other night, and...
Paul Blanchard strikes a chord with videos
It's pretty rare when browsing through web videos that any truly impress me. Sure there's plenty of silly/wacky stuff people are putting out there in 30 second blips from...
Get First Night'd
The First Night Tacoma website is now up and humming. Four pillars of community, celebration, the New Year, and the arts guide this event here and numerous ones around...
Night on the Town tonight
The Downtown Merchant's Group's Night on the Town is tonight with various spots staying open for your shopping enjoyment. Don't worry, there are deals to be had throughout. Namely...
North Slope board doesn't want steam plant
North Slope Historic District board chairman Mashall McClintock expresses the group's opposition to the proposed MultiCare steam plant adjacent Wright Park in a letter to the editor today. He...
New fence along Delin above 'jungle'
A lengthy chain-link fence is going up on Delin bordering a portion of the "jungle" above South Tacoma Way. It runs from the corner of Tacoma Ave down to...
Photos ~ This Shirt last Friday at Hell's Kitchen (update 1)
Spent last Friday night at Hell's Kitchen to check out a co-worker's band and play some pool. Granted this was the "all ages" hour but I still had a...
76% of Tacoma billboards 'non-complying'
A report from the City Manager to the City Council states that 76% of all Tacoma billboards don't comply with a 1997 ordinance. Ten years later, the compliance grace...
Rug Barn building getting some TLC
Any business with "barn" in the name kinda' scares me. Especially that strange spot at the corner of Proctor and 12th. Can't say I've ever been inside but it...
Point Defiance concept plan released
Looks like the folks over at MetroParks are thinking pretty big with some proposed plans for Point Defiance's future. Water taxis, view towers, and hotels -- oh my! Ideas...
Photos ~ 2007 Sound to Narrows run
Checked the FeedTacoma calendar after I woke up this morning and was reminded of the Sound to Narrows Run taking place today. Since it was nearby our place I...
These boots are made for walking [tours]
The Business Examiner Daily email is reporting that the downtown Tacoma visitors center now offers walking tours. Tours focus on local history and will be held twice weekly: 10am...
Photo ~ UWT graduation day
Congrats to all of today's UWT grads! More than 900 students took that walk today, the largest class yet from this downtown institution. Have a pint, kick back and enjoy,...
MultiCare boiler plant seeks fewer windows
Architects building the boiler plant along Wright Park for MultiCare says they want less windows. They've applied for a variance with the City of Tacoma that might get them...
'OK Tacoma' video and slideshow
Derek over at Exit133 put out a nice video performance and photo collage. Local poet Daniel Blue is seen performing his poem "OK Tacoma" with slides from Derek's "365...
How To Be A Good Tacoman ~ Schuster Sidewalk Cleaner
Last weekend while jetting from my house around town running a few errands, I noticed something strange along Schuster Parkway. There was a man on the sidewalk with his...
City publishes mixed use center recommendations
The City of Tacoma published a draft of their mixed use center analysis and recommendations. They took at look at a couple dozen locations around the city. Recommendations include...
Tacoma's Favorite Fountains
Aside from that big, salty water feature that wraps around much of this area there are numerous human-made gems around town to be recognized. Fountains breathe life amidst concrete...
Video ~ Foggy Narrows bridges from the train
On her way south last Friday wifey Sarah shot this great video from the train. Pretty impressive view and weather especially considering how toasty it was around that time. It'll...
North 30th St. closed for maintenance June 4th and 5th
It's amazing how quickly roads can decay into disrepair. With harsh winter weather and especially temperatures this can be true of pretty much anywhere. Even passages through the North...
Old City Hall condos on-hold
A article in today's News Tribune says the condo project at Old City Hall is in a holding pattern. One non-profit tenant won't/can't move and the cooling housing market...
Downtown Tacoma Capers sneak peek
KFnet friend Erik B. sent over a few cellphone pics of upcoming downtown "take home" restaurant Capers. Looks like a clean and simple place (with stunning high ceilings!) and...
Walkable evening in Tacoma
Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands. Tonight, for example I had a couple back-to-back meetings at Firehouse Coffee for volunteer web projects I'm working...
New Tacoma Narrows bridge opening ceremony July 15
It's official. The new Tacoma Narrows bridge will host a community celebration and opening on Sunday, July 15th! There's a 5K run, official dedication, general public ribbon cutting and...
Photo ~ Sail Boats and Brown's Point
Stunning day out there. Little warm for my taste but I guess I won't be picky. After a busy day at work we got a call/invite from Angela and...
Nick-n-Willy's pizza coming to Proctor
A new take-n-bake pizza place is coming to Proctor. Nick-n-Willy's will be filling the former Subway space just off the corner of 26th and Proctor. We had a discussion...
FeedTacoma now featuring Tacoma videos
I spent some time this weekend adding a new videos area on FeedTacoma. It's always amazing to me to see how much great content there is out there on...
Photos ~ Sunny day walk along Ruston waterfront
Things don't get much better around Tacoma than today: Sunny, 60-something degrees and a slight breeze. After doing chores and other odds 'n ends Sarah and I headed down...
Tacoma Photo Gang - Chamber's Creek
The busy holiday weekend only yielded six participants for today's Tacoma Photo Gang outing but we had a great time. We started at the top of the new Soundview...
Charming horse carriage spotted downtown
I've noticed it a couple times in the last week or two and finally snapped a photo. A stunning, white horse drawn carriage with bouquets of flowers and drivers...
Out in old Japan Town with Tacoma Then & Now
I was finally able to hook up on a Tacoma Then & Now outing yesterday. With meticulously researched info handouts we headed out down Fawcett. The journey took us...
Photos ~ Beautiful day for Farmer's Market
Though we couldn't make last week's first Broadway Farmer's Market of the year, yesterday we certainly did. And it was a stunning day for it. You could tell most...
Tacoma Photo Gang - Chamber's Creek
We're at it again. The Tacoma Photo Gang is heading out this Saturday morning. We're meeting up at Knapp's first then heading out to the Chamber's Creek area and...
Get away clean at Classy Chassis
Without washing our cars for months or, as Sarah claims, over a year it was time. Last weekend we headed out to Classy Chassis in Lakewood to have the...
State of the Domain - KevinFreitas.net at Seven
1998 2000 2002 2005 Today marks the 7th birthday of KevinFreitas.net as the domain name behind this site and the man himself. (Note: I'll probably be writing this entry from the 3rd person...
Photos from 'Tacoma Wanderings' flickr set
A quick search of Google for "urban explorers" yields anything from a most literal underground Parisian artistic movement in some old salt mines to a guy who ventured into...
Impressions from the 2007 New Tacoma Awards
Though I didn't really tell many if any people, I was nominated for a New Tacoma award. Today was the presentation at the Tacoma Club. Among the nominees was...
'hello, cupcake' promises treat for all senses
I know some of you have been chomping at the bit (somewhat literally as well) to learn more about when hello, cupcake will open downtown. Well, there's still no...
Local Photo Phun IV - "And on your left you'll see..."
Friday seems like a good day for some photo phun. Today's comes at 'cha with a feature every place should have: A CB-like announcement radio! Have you ever wanted to...
Photos ~ May 2007 Artwalk
Sarah and I enjoyed a great night out after work tonight. For Artwalk we got out to the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, hit happy hour at Two Koi, then over...
Farmer's Market today and Artwalk tonight
Despite the fluctuating weather, summer is coming and a good sign of that are all the events that are popping up. Today, you can start by hitting the first...
Photo ~ Warehouse treasure
Tacoma is the type of town with treasures to find all over the place. Some are out in the open and some not so much. Some house workshops for...
Video ~ Narrows bridge goes dark
As I mentioned last week, the new Narrows bridge is no longer going dark but is dark. Efforts to light the bridges are going well and you can always...
What Tacoma Shouldn't Do: Stupid Signage Edition
So I saw a stupid sign in Kent the other day. And it was one of those "it's the law" ones 'cause it was white with black letters. What...
Congrats Tacoma Marathon runners, organizers and volunteers!
Congratulations to everyone who ran today's first Tacoma Marathon! And a hearty thanks to the organizers for bringing such an event to town. Hopefully the event with 1,400 participants...
Mary's Burger Bistro coming to SoDo
It's already turning out to be a busy morning and I haven't even been to my best friend's wedding yet. Passed by that restaurant near 23rd and Pacific I...
2007 Tacoma summer events guide now available
Time to start planning for those months that large, bright orb hangs high in our skies. That's the sun and that must mean summer's nearly here -- and so...
Opinion ~ WSHM fence barrier to a more vibrant downtown
In the ongoing saga of the WSHM donor wall the results now seems clear and unavoidable. Since the stop work order was lifted the time has come to put...
Local Photo Phun III - Trace this track
I haven't revived the previous satellite photo phun entries (which I may still do) but figured I could mix it up a bit with real photos. Heck, I take...
What haven't you done?
Reminders pop up now and then like one on Tickle me, Tacoma yesterday about places practically right next door that we never visit. It's like living in a city...
Spanish Steps rehab funding on Council agenda
Tonight's City Council meeting has an item on the docket to help rehab the Spanish Steps near the old Elks Building. There's a grant for nearby $1 million allocated...
Photos ~ An evening with the office at a Rainiers game
SiteCrafting peeled our eyes off the screens and rested our coding fingers for the evening at a Tacoma Rainiers game. We headed out on this stunning Spring Monday about...
Vacant North End lot for sale
It's not often in an urban setting like Tacoma's North End that you come across a vacant lot for sale. Well, there's one at the corner of 45th and...
Photos ~ Native Plant Sale and Snake Lake
We have to be there by when? I know, a 9am sale of native plants beckoned yesterday and we heeded the call -- at about 10:30. A failed attempt...
New Narrows bridge going dark
There's a great image (at right) on the front page of the News Tribune showing only one strand of lights remaining on the new Narrows bridge. The other is...
Conversation on a lively and safe downtown
A great topic has come up over at the BIA blog. How can downtown Tacoma become a place of 24-hour activity and, to be blunt I'd add, who's even...
See Old City Hall gallery in the new City Hall
Our "photo safari" outing to Old City Hall last month was a total blast that I won't soon forget. A gallery with some of the resulting work is now...
Broadway Center wants your input
Got an email from the ol' arts listserv from the Broadway Center. It wasn't advertising any upcoming shows but instead a call for input. They want to know what...
Photos ~ Proctor Farmer's Market and some color in our garden
Good day so far. Started with my snapping a few pics of our garden, some drinks and pastries at Forza, then on to the first Proctor Farmer's Market of...
Weekend Events ~ Frida, Photos, Parks and more
Seems like the buzz of events that come with good weather around here is in full swing. Tonight there are Frida Kahlo inspired bed races and other related fun....
Countdown to more La Fondita
We enjoyed a great night Dining Out for Life with a couple friends. As I mentioned before, La Fondita [ map ] in the Proctor District is growing and...
Corner of Sixth Ave and Sprague a-changing
A squirrel in my attic did a little chattering about the strip mall at the five-way corner of Sixth Ave and Sprague. Seems the current owner plans to sell...
Dine out for life tomorrow
Eat, drink, be merry and make a difference. Tomorrow marks Dining Out for Life here in Tacoma and across the United States. There are plenty of local eateries participating...
Winfield's help make Sarah's birthday memorable
That's right, since this Monday was my lady's birthday we decided to go out last Saturday night to try out Winfield's Twisted Cue Club. After a surprise guest joined...
Narrows Bridge lights in the budget
The good news for Tacoma out of the weekend is the inclusion of partial funding for decorative lights for the Narrows Bridges. The even better news? We may get...
Photos ~ 2007 Daffodil Marine Parade
Still Daffodil'ing it up since last week's Junior parade and yesterday's Grand Floral parade, Sarah and I enjoyed some of today's lovely weather out at the Marine Parade. For...
Photos ~ 2007 Daffodil Grand Floral Parade
After a quick breakfast at Cascade Bagel we staked out a spot on the steps at the Plaza and enjoyed today's Daffodil Parade. The weather was first a bit...
Some goods on the goods of 'hello, cupcake'
Not satisfied to snap a photo of a sign or peek through a window, I got in touch with part owner Reina Miller of hello, cupcake. She'll play the...
Beer and wine coming soon to Firehouse
Firehouse Coffee on the corner of Union and 6th Ave. is applying for a liquor license. A barista there said they're looking to start serving bottled beer and wine....
Museum Cafe closed; Foss waterway now quieter than ever
It's somewhat old news but did anyone notice that the Museum of Glass Cafe is now closed? Yea, neither did I. Sarah and I stopped by there a couple...
Anti-David Seago flier
Apparently someone out there T-town is not a fan of The News Tribune's editorial page editor David Seago. A flier tacked on the side of a utility box says...
New restaurant coming soon to 23rd & Pacific
Downtown is slowly creeping southward as a new restaurant is set to open at the corner of Pacific and 23rd. The spot has been under renovation for months and...
'hello, cupcake' going in along Pacific
That blank canvas of a commercial space at 1740 Pacific will soon become Hello, Cupcake. Mentioned previously, it seems there won't be a shortage of interest. This also answers...
'Primo' blog launches
The folks over at Primo Grill have launched a new blog. Chef Charlie McManus will cook up some content from time to time and hopefully give us insights into...
Photos ~ 2007 Jr. Daffodil Parade
This year's Junior Daffodil Parade made for some fun photos and a great morning. Brisk temperatures and a breeze were a welcome change from the weather at last year's...
Paddy Coyne's Weekend Breakfast Service Starting May 5
Got a note and cell pic from KFnet friend Erik B. Looks like that fabulous watering hole Paddy Coyne's will soon begin serving breakfast on weekends. Here's what Erik...
Narrows Bridge part rolling toward Tacoma + video (update 1)
As Erik pointed out earlier that huge expansion join is now on the road from Spokane to Tacoma. You can track it's progress here. WSDOT even posted a video...
No 'donor wall' but stop work order lifted
A squirrel in our attic has just sent me info regarding your favorite topic and mine: the downtown WSHM donor wall. The short of it is the stop work...
Tacoma Hosting World Affairs Summit Apr. 19-21
Just got an email in about a local summit focusing on how global issues effect local life. From the press release: Tacoma is hosting the first annual World Affairs...
Narrows Bridges in the News
The News Tribune put out a bundle of three Narrows Bridges-related articles this morning. This in addition to tonight's city council meeting that takes up the issue of decorative...
City Council takes on the bridge lights (update 1)
Tomorrow night there's a couple issues on the ol' City Council agenda of interest. First is those Narrows Bridge Lights. The group is seeking a resolution with no monetary...
Tatanka made a great Sunday lunch
In between squirrel catches yesterday (more on that soon) Sarah and I needed to get out. We also found a break in between rain showers and enjoyed lunch outside...
Photos ~ Bridge and Museum of Glass night shots
I got an email from a couple fellow Tacoma Photo Gang members yesterday that they were headed downtown to shoot at night. Sounded like fun so I joined in....
Photos ~ Eagle's Lodge demolition
On our recent gorgeous Friday I swung by the former Eagle's Lodge to have a look at the demolition process. They've taken a pretty sizable chunk out of it....
Photos ~ Beautiful Summer fluke in Spring
Wow. I don't need to tell you how stunning it was out there in the Puget Sound area yesterday -- but I will anyway. Sarah and I headed out...
Coffee & Rhetoric - Let skateboarders ride
Last night's Coffee & Rhetoric had a pretty good group attending to hear Peter Whitley of TacomaSkateParks.org discuss how he's working to setup safe places for kids to ride....
What else could fall?
The recent partial collapse at 12th and Fawcett got me wondering a bit. What other buildings are prime for an Eagle's Lodge-like demise? I know there are plenty of...
Eagles building demolition prep
Just got a quick cell pic from KFnet friend Erik. Looks like demo is right around the corner from the Eagle's Lodge. Boy, if I didn't have, like, a...
Not what you want to see on a mailbox (update 2)
Welcome to a bit of post-9/11 paranoia. The following is something I would prefer not to see on the mailbox just outside our office. Hmm... This is fun! I'd...
GPS + Camera + Location = Waymarking
The News Tribune has a story up about a bit of nerdly fun you can have around town. Waymarking is a hobby in which locals with GPS and digital...
Eagle's building 'after' photos
Plenty to see at the collapsed Eagle's Lodge today. I swung by after work and took a gander at the damage. Pretty impressive considering the collapse effected the Eagle's...
Eagle's building 'before' photos (update 2)
With all the local blog posts flying around this morning about the Eagle's building collapse, I thought I'd share with you a "before" shot. This comes courtesy of KFnet...
What a napkin can say about Tacoma
On our way home from work yesterday Sarah and I stopped off at Farrelli's for some tasty pizza pie and their to-die-for (or from) ranch. The place is often...
Coffee & Rhetoric - Thoughts from last night
We had a group of about 20 people in the audience last night who all got a powerful snapshot of the sizable problem of teen homelessness in and around Tacoma. Mary...
Coffee & Rhetoric for 3/29
Tonight's Coffee & Rhetoric tackles the issue of homeless teens in Tacoma. Guests includes a local teen homeless advocate as well as two past clients who are turning their...
Roca tummy ache
Need treats for a road trip? Want to get in good with the misses? Well, the Brown & Haley outlet [ map ] is having a sale with some...
Bombay Bistro coming to Sixth Ave (update)
The former site of the Happy Mart and Deli on N. 6th and Stevens will now be the Bombay Bistro! Their sign says "coming soon" but who knows what...
Proctor business blips
I noticed a bit of shuffling taking place in Proctor while at breakfast yesterday. One business is expanding while one left a gaping hole of a space. ¡Viva...
Narrows Bridge part stuck at ID/WA border
SayWA (to steal a surprised expression from Erik Emery)? A wee, not-so-wee, but friggin' huge piece of the new Tacoma Narrows bridge is being held up at the Idaho-Washington...
Tacoma Photo Gang - Down on the Waterfront
The Tacoma Photo Gang is at it again this Saturday morning. This time we'll be on and around the Ruston Way waterfront taking pics of whatever we can. Anyone's...
'Urban Cowboy' in Tacoma
If you're hankering for a rootin', tootin' good time you might want to grab tickets to see Urban Cowboy: The Musical at the Pantages. From the press release: The...
A little slice of Europe at Paddy Coyne's
On the urging from our friend Angela we headed to Paddy Coyne's tonight for the first time to help celebrate her getting a new job. Together with her hubby...
This week's Coffee & Rhetoric canceled
This week's Coffee & Rhetoric has been canceled. Rec'd via MySpace: ...due to numerous misfortunes,THIS WEEK'S COFFEE AND RHETORIC IS CANCELLED!SO SORRY EVERYONE... Bummer. Oh well, there's always next week.In...
Tacoma's political cartoons
Today's Tacoma Daily Index has a piece covering the sparse landscape of local political/editorial cartoons. With the addition of FeedTacoma's Tacomic, the count is now at three. In Tacoma,...
Breakfast at PSP
Suddenly, as I type this, my pathetic morning piece of toast just seems inadequate. We tried out Puget Sound Pizza (PSP) for breakfast on Sunday and found out that...
Former site of Mattson house update
After some recent comments on a post from last May, I decided to swing by the former Mattson house site for a look-see. There's a new place being built...
My new favorite park
Maybe it's because I like to take pictures, maybe it's because the Narrows Bridge is on my mind, or maybe it's because I enjoy skipping rocks. Actually, I'm pretty...
Winfield's and Twisted Cue sneak peek
As I mentioned a couple weeks ago Winfield's and the Twisted Cue club will be opening soon. I stopped by for a tour from their HR manager Dawnn to...
Get creative, Tacoma
Freshly minted from the Richard Florida workshop last year comes a new group hoping to champion his ideas in our fair city. Creative Tacoma is looking to get more...
Photos ~ Old City Hall's two towers
The two towers at Old City Hall will become glorious dwellings in Tacoma. Rumor is that Chihuly will become proud owner of the penthouse that includes the main tower....
MultiCare envision the smokestacks contest (update 3)
After a suggestion from KFnet friend Morgan and submission by RR Anderson, it's time to sketch our suggestions for how the smokestacks on the proposed MultiCare power facility should...
Photos ~ Old City Hall windows (update 1)
The views from inside to outside Old City Hall are stunning as is. They are made even more beautiful by the beautiful windows that frame those views. Some are...
Photos ~ Old City Hall photo safari
Thanks to Sharon of the Tacoma Photo Gang and to the City of Tacoma for arranging a great afternoon of shooting photos inside the Old City Hall building. There's...
Loft 616 townhomes on the market
Want to live where the action/culture is? Downtown is good but Sixth Ave may be better. The Loft 616 townhomes are on the market and have a website for...
Smile Tacoma!
Sometimes it's the little things around town that help brighten my day. Today's sunshine helps. Aside from that, I saw a couple sidewalk drawings/graffiti that made me smile. Without walking...
SWOJO and a new BBQ place at Freighthouse
I swung by (get it?) to check out SWOJO over at Freighthouse on Saturday. I stuck around for their first set and enjoyed their sound. The selection of charts...
I will take photos
Derek of Exit133 linked to an interesting video of some TPD officers "interacting" with a videographer during some recent protests down in the Tideflats. Though I don't know the specific...
Photograph Old City Hall with us
Want to get inside Old City Hall and snap some photos? Prompted by a request from the Tacoma Photo Gang's lazeye a shoot is organized for next Tuesday, March...
MultiCare boiler plant to feature nine-story smokestacks
An article in the News Tribune this morning gives us a little more detail about the boiler facility MultiCare wants to build on the edge of Wright Park. One...
Winfield's and Twisted Cue opening April 1 (no foolin')
The reported spring re-opening of the former David's on Broadway looks to be moving along nicely. Winfield's and the Twisted Cue Club have a banner up and there's also...
Red light cameras coming to Tacoma
According to this morning's News Tribune our fair city will soon have eyes where it didn't before. They don't know where or how many just yet but red light...
Weekend Events ~ Old Town Jazz and Wine fest
There's plenty going on this weekend including the Old Town Jazz and Wine Festival. Listen to some solid sounds and enjoy some drink all to the benefit of a...
My first Coffee & Rhetoric
The first thing that comes to mind is "right on". Thanks to our hosts Julie from UrbanXchange and Josh Carter for the invite and thanks for contributing to the...
Tacoma's Garage grand re-opening Mar. 2
Tacoma's Garage night club is kicking off some changes with a grand re-opening this weekend starting Friday. Here are some deets... 104.9 FM & Garage Monkey PresentsJOIN DAMON...
Business Briefs: CompUSA closing, new wine and furniture stores open
CompUSA The Tacoma branch of CompUSA is closing within 90 days. The chain has lagged behind other comsumer tech stores like Best Buy and Circuit City and will shut...
Where to get 5's downtown
If you pass me on the street and put your hand in the air you might get a high five, but that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm...
Reminder: Infinite Soups fills your bowl tomorrow
Don't forget -- tomorrow Feb. 28 Infinite Soups opens it's doors. I can't wait to try out the delicious sounding Italian sausage and tortellini soup. However, that Portuguese garlic...
Photos ~ Downtown panorama from 'D' Street
Our last Tacoma Photo Gang outing in the tideflats was a great time and I had another photo to share. I stitched together a panorama I took from "D"...
Listen to 'The Sound' online
Local Tacoma UPS student radio station KUPS The Sound is now available for streaming online. I check them out on my radio at 90.1 usually on the weekends when...
Tacoma likened to itchy sweater by Seattle columnist
Just saw on GritCity a blurb about a Seattle columnist who described Tacoma in a rather uncomfortable way. Apparently our fair city is like an itchy sweater. Here's the...
Museum of Glass now... Museum of Glass
No, seriously. According the the Trib, since 2000 it's been officially named the "Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art" -- not that anyone around here would know...
New parking structure proposed for Dome District (update 1)
After emoting a bit about losing 100 parking spots along Dock Street, I had no idea the Tacoma City Council would listen to me then up the ante 30...
Freighthouse Sq: Art, flowers and the British are coming!
I frequent Freighthouse Square more these days 1) because I really don't like making my own lunch in the morning and 2) I work with my wife who's even...
National Community Theatre Festival coming to Tacoma in 2009
Mark your calendars! Tacoma was chosen to host the American Association of Community Theatre's biennial festival in 2009. From the press release email: Tacoma Little Theatre (TLT), Tacoma Musical...
St. Helens Cafe brings the 'yum'
Sarah and I stopped by to check out St. Helens Cafe yesterday for some dinner. This was Sarah's second trip and my first. I have to hand it to...
Tacoma Photo Gang - Shot da Tideflats (update 5)
The second meet-up of the Tacoma Photo Gang went well today and we had record attendance! Thirteen of us met and headed into the Tideflats to shoot some shots....
A couple local brew haha's - North Shore and Jazzbones
Just a couple quick clips from today's News Tribune. There was a community meeting concerning the North Shore development and something about an owners dispute at Jazzbones. First, a...
Puget Sound Pizza expanded
There's more room to breathe, sit and move around now that Puget Sound Pizza has expanded a bit. According to one of their delivery guys and some comments on...
Wapato Lake polluted and dying
It's no secret to anyone who's stopped by this potentially wonderful spot in our fair city. Wapato Lake once was a thriving water hole for the area but now...
Poll ~ Which way St. Helens?
With all the brew-ha-ha surrounding the Broadway Local Improvement District (LID) I'm sure opinions are a plenty. The latest portion of the LID issue everyone can wrap their minds...
Tacomamama.com launches family-friendly blog
Today we can welcome another local blog onto the scene with the launch of Tacomamama.com. The site's a bit rough around the edges but comes with a goal of...
Panhandling ordinance discussion tonight
An article in the News Tribune today gives an update on the thorny issue of getting a handle on panhandling in Tacoma. The legality of such laws has to...
Photos ~ Narrows Bridge lights from Titlow Beach
The wife and I stopped by Steamer's for some grub and enjoyed the view of the stunningly lit new Narrows Bridge. Naturally, I snapped a few pics before heading...
Business Examiner Daily gets RSS
The Business Examiner has joined the ranks other other local publications that now allow anonymous sampling/obsessing of their content via RSS. Their "BE Daily" now has feeds for the taking. No...
Volunteer wanted: Landmarks Preservation Commission
Want to have your say with preservation here in Tacoma? The Landmarks Commission is seeking a volunteer who knows what they're doing. From an email: Professional: Open to...
Dock St. work begins, free parking goes
Dock street is about to get a bit messier as widening and a bit of a makeover begin. Oh, and don't forget that all that free on-street parking between...
Winthrop now in Prium's hands
The News Tribune is reporting that as of Jan. 31 Prium Companies now holds the deed to the Winthrop. No press release yet from Prium but AF Evans sent...
509 bridge and an orange moon at dusk
The crisp, clear winter skies we've had around here the past week have made for some beautiful sights. The other day my camera was focused on a certain nearby...
Photos ~ Fawcett House before demolition
Tacoma's troubled and recently burned Fawcett House will be knocked down today. Slated to be office space before the fire it will now be flattened. Don't know what's coming...
Beautiful Mt. Rainier
If this photo says nothing else it says we live in a beautiful place. I feel fortunate that at any given time we're treated to some wonderful sights both...
New Narrows Bridge decks now all in place
Sounds like the new Narrow Bridge is now actually a bridge. The last piece of deck was hoisted into place. Plenty more to be done but the hopes are...
Council gets ear full, blocks North Shore development
For now anyway. Sounds like the Tacoma City Council was smashed last night with people from Northeast (wonder if they read Tacoma blogs too?). Sounds like most if not...
A couple downtown streets earn their stripes
After our downtown "Dead Zones" discussion it was a pleasure to see a couple streets near 705 get some much needed attention. 23rd and A Street back behind Melting...
Photos ~ Discovering Titlow Beach
Sarah and I took part of this afternoon to enjoy the weather and do a little exploring. Practically just down the street from our house is Titlow Beach where...
Friday Foto Mystery - What's different?
Something has changed in the photo below. Can you tell me what it is? It's not an animal. Not a vegetable. It's not a mineral. It's a numeral! While...
Bank of Tacoma lights up in downtown
Seems like the neon sign delivery guy was awfully busy in downtown Tacoma today. The neon over at the tanning place is up and there's a new sign lending...
Pasty Tacomans rejoice!
Soon you'll be able to get your tan on downtown. Urban Tanning Spa near the north end of Pacific, nestled between Meconi's and Matador, will be opening soon. Their...
How to get off my "places to eat" list
At work, we like to have weekly staff lunches. It's not often we run into an area restaurant incapable and seemingly unwilling to take our business. Here's a paraphrased...
I-5 traffic construction alert
Traffic on I-5 around Hwy. 16 will undergo some changes starting tonight. Here's a list of what to watch out for over the coming week or so (schedule weather...
Zoo's record setting aardvark dies
Did you know that Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo is North America's foremost authority in elderly aardvark? With the passing of their 30-year-old Kikuyu they bid farewell to the oldest...
Tacoma's dead zones
After wandering around snapping photos the other day, I got to thinking about some of the strangely desolate areas within our city. These "dead zones" are devoid of any...
Photos ~ United Methodist nearly a memory
I know for some of us it's hard to see such a great structure lost but we need to see the gore to help remember what kind of pain...
Tacoma Photo Gang - Warehouse district (update 2)
Went on a photo outing this afternoon with a bunch of folks from the area. We organized online and got together to snap photos of the warehouse district in...
Donor wall update - Century Park meets the Plaza? (update 1)
There's a bit of buzz going on that may see the proposed pedestrian blocking donor wall and Century Park re-located over to the Plaza. Details are hazy but the...
Photos ~ United Methodist nearly gone
After a few previous visits it looks as though Tacoma's historic United Methodist Church is nearly gone. Like a large ship slipping below the surface, only the tall tower...
More Tacoma snow (update 1)
After last weeks' snowfall I thought surely, after a weekend away, everything would be back to normal. I'm starting to sound like I do when I tell out-of-towner's, "It...
Plenty of white stuff -- How much did you get? (update 3)
After a quick dinner with friends at the Spar last night it started to dump snow around 7pm. On our short drive home up the hill the white stuff...
Video ~ Time-lapse of morning snowfall
Seems like the snow that was forecasted hit a bullseye. Here in the North End of Tacoma we received probably about a half inch at the most. Still, it...
Donor wall update - Contractor pulls out
Thanks to David Seago over at the News Tribune for doing the leg work someone as interested in this as I have been should've done. Guess I don't get...
Kellie Pickler at Varsity Grill in Tacoma
OMGWTFBBQ?!!1!1! That's right, an email promotion from downtown Tacoma's Varsity Grill announced an event of momentous monumentalisness. What happened to my normal gooditude with the English language, you ask?...
Mark Larson's Winged Lion Studio closed?
Sure looked that way from my view riding the Link today at lunch. Their sign wasn't hanging and a simple, sad "closed" sign was all I saw. I have...
Photos ~ United Methodist goes under the claw
Had a chance to briefly stop by today and see some of the beginnings of United Methodist's demolition. It's a sad site as it is while they tear down...
Photos ~ United Methodist demolition (not quite)
Just got back from taking some photos around United Methodist. As I mentioned yesterday, tear down begins today. Although initially scheduled for 10am it sounds like, from a worker...
United Methodist demolition beginning tomorrow (update)
A piece of Tacoma history will meet with the beginning of the end tomorrow. First United Methodist Church is scheduled for a 10am date with demolition. Sounds like the...
Photos ~ Zoo and Narrows Bridge lights
Yesterday I had a chance to visited the nearby Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo. Sarah and her mom joined in and strolled around to look at the lights...
Even local business can afford to be funny
Apparently local merchants can afford to have a bit of sense of humor in their ads. After all, who among you doesn't snicker just a bit every time you...
Post-storm perspective and pics
After the storm blew through last night and I finally got to sleep we awoke to a somewhat crippled city. Sarah and I both drove downtown to work and...
Live blogging tonight's storm
Supposed to be a wet and windy one out there. It's already pretty dicey but I thought a first-hand account might be interesting. At least until the power goes...
Photos - Lute and Guitar concert in Old Town
As I mentioned a couple days ago, Elizabeth Brown held a free concert in Old Town last night. She played both her lute and guitar wonderfully and even enlightened...
A Lute plays the lute in Old Town, 12/12
Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma are still going on with a performance by a professor from my alma mater. Elizabeth Brown will be performing lute and guitar music...
Smoking ban one year old today
Seems like just yesterday that all sorts of people were complaining about the pending state wide ban on indoor smoking. An article in the News Tribune today mentions that...
Tacoma housing news blips
The Winthrop, condos near the dome, and some windows you can eat. Here's some news blips from this mornings News Tribune. Winthrop deal grows sweeterCity of Tacoma approves possibility...
Santa's sleigh is a monster truck
At least that's probably how he got to a cute little community event/photo op in a parking lot off Portland and S. 72nd. After seeing a post about this...
Luzon Building and Marine Center moving forward
Not in the same building, however. A couple articles in the News Tribune this morning covering some oft wondered about projects. New life for Luzon BuildingThis very Ghostbuster's headquarters-esque...
Holiday Tree lighting tonight [update]
Looks like it may be brisk but the weather is suppose to clear just in time for tonight's 60th annual holiday tree lighting! Join in the spirit of the...
Photos ~ Morning color and the steaming bay on a frosty day
I sure wish someone would knock down those power lines and that batch of trees that mar any shots I want to take of Mt. Rainier from our 2nd...
Pots in the Plaza
As KFnet reader Jacob and I'm sure many who've been downtown have noticed, the Plaza now has some new decorations. A handful of planter pots are now scattered through...
Photos ~ Snowy, icy T-town
Snapped some pics around the 'hood and house this morning. I even braved the elements at lunch by taking the Link into downtown to help a local business owner...
Best sledding hills in Tacoma?
With all the snow outside our windows this early in the season it makes me think we'll have more to come. With today's conditions and any snow to come,...
New streetlights on North 30th
Although pitch dark at night it seems work to replace the various cobra-head streetlights along the North 30th Street hill is progressing nicely. They're being replaced with that silver...
Photos ~ Waking up to a dusting
Looks like at least the higher areas of Tacoma woke up to a dusting of snow this morning. There's not much on the ground and nearly none on the...
Sounder holiday shopper train
Not only will the Sounder be running on Black Friday but they've added an extra train for your holiday shopping convenience. Check out the info from their site. Sound...
Photos ~ Downtown from the tideflats and a little grit
I dropped Sarah off this morning and decided to take the long way home. Which way was that? From downtown I headed toward the south tip of the Thea...
Bid farewell to United Methodist
Seems the rather paltry struggle to preserve the 90 year old United Methodist Church building has come to an end. A deadline to file a lawsuit to keep it...
Flying Fish teriyaki and sushi now open
A new teriyaki place just opened up near the Subway on N. 30th and Pearl and we couldn't be happier considering it's practically in our neighborhood. What's a strip...
Food news you can chew
Plenty of places to eat, too few hours in the day (or bills in the wallet) to try them all. Great thing is, with a couple of these new...
More money to keep Winthrop status quo?
Sounds like the developer AF Evans is sniffing around for more funds from the City of Tacoma to maintain the Winthrop as affordable housing. An email from KFnet friend Erik points...
Film takes loving look at Mt. Rainier
It's right in our backyard, we see it all the time and take for granted how far into nature we can get in an hours drive. It's Mt. Rainier...
Flood related info
Since so much wet stuff has been falling there's plenty of real flood concerns for folks living in the area. The best source I've found for Pierce County (and...
Op Ed: Public's insights could solve dilemma over Century Park
In the second of my series of civic-minded editorials I write about how the donor wall/Century Park debate could be solved by ideas received when I called for sketches....
Advice from a rainy people [update]
So I gave an account of Saturday's rain but there's obviously more falling. I'd like to hear from you about what's going on around the area. Anything rain-related happen...
Speaking of rain...
I guess Alexander Graham Bell's wife was right -- there seems to be plenty to go around today. Just drove home from some time at work and was pretty...
It's always rainy in Tacoma
At least that's the thought of Alexander Graham Bell's wife Mabel upon her taking a trip on the Southern Pacific Rail Road through the area in December of 1889....
Tacoma's Winthrop may become Prium project
The press release went out yesterday and everyone has since pounced. Local developer Prium Companies now has an option to purchase the Winthrop from AF Evans. Sounds like there's...
Don't like living in Tacoma?
Well then, take off, eh. That according to a somewhat pointed but right on post I found while browsing the Tacoma LiveJournal group. Snip: make your own fun. invent and...
Pray for snow tonight [update]
No I'm not hoping it'll snow tonight to avoid some deadline at work or anything. I'm talking about the Pray for Snow Party tonight at the Harmon Brewery in...
Century Park sketches
After a call for alternative ideas concerning the WSHM donor wall and Century Park from folks reading this website I have to say, you came through. I received a...
Steam Vent ~ Political signs
They dot the roadside this time of year -- especially during big elections. They pop up like magic when you're not looking. And, yes, although the election is only...
Hob-Nob damaged by fire
KFnet friend Dave just let me know about a fire over at the Hob-Nob restaurant and lounge on 6th Ave at the edge of Write Park [ map ]....
Winthrop: More 'attractive' offer presented to AF Evans
Just got an email blast from Chester Trabucco of Citizens Hotel. Seems that there's now word of a more "attractive" offer that AF Evans is exploring in their Winthrop...
Halloween fun around Tacoma
Seems like there's plenty of Halloween-related fun taking place this weekend and into next week around town. Although I don't have any break event info myself a couple other...
Tacoma's Fall Colors ~ Puget Gardens Park
Today's the final installment in my Tacoma fall colors photo series. After a morning out taking photos with Joel I joined up with another friend of KFnet Erik. We...
Century Park sketch examples [update]
I've received a few donor wall alternative/Century Park sketches from KFnet readers and I wanted to provide a couple as examples to show how other folks are doing it....
Tacoma Fall Colors ~ Dock Street
All the color and avian wildlife at Wapato Lake was pretty hard to top but our last stop took us along Dock Street. We took a few photos of...
Two Koi grand opening celebration
Tacoma's new Japanese fusion cuisine and sushi spot downtown is having its grand opening this Thurs, 10/26. Two Koi will have a ribbon cutting by the Tacoma Chamber around...
Tacoma's Fall Colors ~ Wapato Lake
Yet another local park I hadn't visited until last Sunday was Wapato Park [ map ]. We headed there after taking photos on North Union and out at Snake...
Call for donor wall and Century Park ideas
Who's calling? Well, the lack of any viable solution from either the WSHM or the City of Tacoma tells me us folks who live here need to put our...
Tacoma's Fall Colors ~ South Tyler and Snake Lake
Color was everywhere along Union near UPS but we eventually moved on toward South Tyler and Snake Lake. Here we found one particular tree along the road just bursting...
Tacoma's Fall Colors ~ Union Street and UPS
Fellow KFnet friend Joel and I enjoyed a morning making a big loop around Tacoma in search of fall color. I alone snapped about 350 photos and, inspired by...
Councilmember Andersons on the wall (not literally)
Tacoma city councilmember Julie Anderson weights in on the donor wall debacle in an op ed in today's News Tribune. Seems she's trying to play the role of a...
Urban fall color outing tomorrow
After some discussion the other day, I've made firm plans to head out tomorrow to capture some of the beautiful signs of fall color in Tacoma. Anyone that would...
WSHS Donor wall FAQ
Looks as though the WSHS is doing a little campaigning for the building of their controversial donor wall through a FAQ and timeline on their site. As I'm sure...
No news from Winthrop Hotel group
No news has been forthcoming from the Quigg/Trabucco camp regarding meeting today's due diligence deadline to purchase the Winthrop from AF Evans. Sounds like their still in negotiations and...
Seeking fall colors (inquire within)
A co-worker took a jab at my urban living yesterday by pointing out how much fall color she sees on her drive into work from Orting. I suppose I...
Late Link hours for Third Thursday
Looks like Tacoma's Link is finally getting wise to some of downtown's blossoming night scene. Saw the following rider alert at the Union Station stop that's really encouraging for...
Steam Vent ~ Views
Seems to be a bit of chatter about Tacoma growing up (literally) and concerns about folks' current and future views. "Steam Vent" is a new feature I'm trying here...
Never afraid of scrapping a bit
We have a new neighbor across the alley from my office. For a time we didn't know what their trade was until just the last week when palettes of...
Brick wall now with more glass? [update]
An article in today's TNT outlines a supposed compromise in the WSHS donor wall debate. The new idea would call for adding "a glass panel" to the proposed wall....
Photos ~ Calm fall morning on the water
I took a minute on my way in to work this morning to stop and grab a few photos from Thea's Park. I had a purpose for my shots...
Follow-up: Winthrop and the Wall
Just want to help make sure a couple important issues in the progress of downtown Tacoma stay on people's radar. More is sure to arise in the coming weeks...
Photos ~ Pantages Theater grand opening preview
Took some time yesterday afternoon to pop on over to the newly remodeled, nearly re-opened Pantages Theater. Marketing guru Lacey Leffler was nice enough to lead me through the...
Photos ~ Loop 2.4.3 concert in Old Town
Who says Old Town's got nothing going on after 5pm on a Tuesday night? Well, at least on this particular evening, not me. After a sandwich dinner at The...
Photos ~ Premium Motors downtown showroom
I previously wrote about Premium Motors moving from downtown a couple miles away down South Tacoma Way and wanted to follow up. I had a chat with the owner...
My first Carl's
I'm not much of a fast food kinda' guy but there's nothing wrong with fighting a personal stereotype once in a while. That's what I did Friday night when...
Sounder to Lakewood route open house
Stopped by Freighthouse Square yesterday to an open house put on my SoundTransit for folks to see the current ideas about how to get the Sounder from Tacoma to...
Donor wall remixed
RR Anderson of Holistic Forge Works fame came up with a pretty funny bit of work in Photoshop. It seems he sees a different vision of the proposed wall. Hehe....
Todd Matthews on local bloggers
Todd Matthews just published his piece on local bloggers with thoughts and perspectives on our growing influence here in Tacoma. Here's a couple snips from the article. Tacoma's blogging...
Weekend Events ~ Music, food, a dash of history, and solar power
Seriously, I know it's already October but the real Northwest rains have yet to return (thank you very much El Niño!) and there's still stuff going on. Here's the...
Pita Pit now open
Reliable NoDo (North Downtown, like it?) tipster and man on the street Erik sent me an email that Pita Pit is now open. The place is at 921 Pacific...
Premium Motors heading south [update]
Saw a sign on the side of local downtown oddity/gem Premium Motors on the way home and it looks like they're moving. Can't say I blame them on purely...
New Old Milwaukee space [update]
Heard from a tipster that the Old Milwaukee Cafe on Sixth Ave. maybe expanding. I'm told the beauty salon next door is now going to be part of the...
Tacoma Greek Festival Oct. 6-8
Here it is Monday and I'm already looking forward to next weekend. Well, since it's now Fall and no one thinks there's anything to do besides stay in with...
Dad's makes tasty take-out
A couple Saturday's ago Sarah and I met up with friends Angela and Steve to try out Dad's Bakery and Deli on Sixth Ave for lunch. Sarah did try...
Weekly Round-Up for Sept. 30, 2006
Since the pace of blogging has grown more brisk with time, I'm going to try out something new. The following is a round-up of the the week's big entries...
Donor wall editorial and renderings
Plenty of stuff's still flying around about the wall the WSHS wants to erect to honor donors and continue to route pedestrians toward its front doors. There's an editorial...
Tacoma restaurant scene is buzzin'
There are so many amazing places to eat in Tacoma that it makes my head (waistline and sometimes wallet) spin. I'm pretty sure our grocery shopping schedule has become...
Another fire in Tacoma tideflats
Looks like there's another fire down in the tideflats. Seems like it's been mostly put out now. Plenty of sirens headed in that direction from downtown and a large...
Photos ~ Matador restaurant metal work
A new restaurant will be gracing the corner of 8th and Pacific soon. The Matador, as it'll be known, brought in some impressive metal work to greet people to...
Exit133 goes pro
Since re-entering student-hood by going back to school, Derek over at Exit133 may again be feeling those days of Top Ramen and Mac 'n Cheese dinners anyone in college...
Morning Winthrop meeting audio and links
The prospect of transforming the Winthrop into a grand hotel and finding replacement housing for current residents is a potential win-win for everyone involved. Developers Tim Quigg and Chester...
Morning Winthrop meeting notes
There was great turn-out this morning (sans anyone from the TNT) at an informal presentation held by Tim Quigg and Chester Trabucco. Plenty of local business folks and affordable...
Photos ~ Cliff Colon at Jazzbones
It felt good to get out and hear some music last night. Cliff Colon and his drum and bass funk crew did wonders for my ears. Everyone in the...
3rd Thursday Artwalk tonight
Since summer's not officially over 'til Friday I can still say, with some accuracy that this summer's 3rd Thursday Artwalks are still going on. Yeah, I know, I'm stretchin'....
Downtown construction mini mystery
Anyone who attended last May's public spaces workshop knows that the topic of better pedestrian access around town would be great where possible. One glaring spot is at the...
9/21 - Cliff Colon @ Jazzbones
Lemme tell you 'bout a man named Cliff. Well, he plays him some mean tenor sax and will be flexin' his chops tomorrow night at 8:30pm Jazzbones. His style...
Winthrop wrap-up
Although I couldn't stick around for the duration of last night's City Council meeting they voted in favor of the AF Evans funding resolution. Have no fear, however, there...
Winthrop loan and panhandling on the agenda
There's a couple items that may interest some folks on the agenda for tonight's city council meeting agenda. First we have the proposed loan to AF Evans concerning the...
First dinner service at Two Koi
After hearing the news of Two Koi opening, Sarah and I found we had just enough time between work and driving to Vancouver to make dinner. Once inside we...
Two Koi quietly opens today
Sounds like folks waiting for more sushi downtown need wait no longer. It seems Two Koi just of the Plaza will open today. Here's the blurb:Twokoi, a Japanese restaurant...
An old school, smelly cows, and homemade boats
That maybe how you view the big three events around here this weekend because of the chilly fall weather and noticably shorter days. But c'mon, we're from the Northwest...
Prium's 'Porpoise Landing' project re-named
Prium Companies'/Homes' future condo project on the Foss known as Porpoise Landing in downtown Tacoma now has a new moniker. How's "Nineteen Thirty-Three at Dock Street" work for ya?...
Delay in Winthrop financing vote
Tonight's City Council meeting was packed full of people most of whom wanted to talk about the Winthrop. Not only were local business owners present but current Winthrop residents...
Possible delay in Winthrop financing vote
Tonight's Winthrop financing vote might be postponed according to a Jason Hagey article in today's News Tribune. Looks like local businessman Tim Quigg might be chatting it up with...
Photos ~ Weekend photos from around town
It's easy to let the simple things pass by when there's bigger fish out there to deal with. Sarah and I had a great weekend at home with our...
Joeseppi's makes you feel right at home
When I think of Pearl I don't often think much more than strip malls, the Y, and that it ends where Point Defiance begins. Food choices along this street...
Tacos on my mind
I always love how certain things in life just tend to synchronize sometimes. Yesterday when I wrote about some historic maps, a reader noted he was thinking about getting...
Get 'Smart' on Tacoma's roads
Although I'm surely more into promoting something like a streetcar to get around, I'm not opposed to pointing out a local biz or two that's willing to buck the...
Mayor Baarsma misses the point in plaza renaming debate
This week has been an exciting one for me on the local involvement front. I've brought up the issue of renaming Pacific Plaza to readers here and went forward...
Satellite Photo Phun II
It's that time again when I post a satellite photo from somewhere in the area and you slueth your asses off to find out where it is. OK, you...
Stadium Bistro sneak peak
After a drink and some bangers and mash at Doyle's last night we stopped by next door to investigate the new bistro and chips places going in. Stadium Bistro...
Photos ~ Toppled Wilson High sign
Although I have no kids of my own and most folks around here seem to focus on the re-opening of another local high school, I thought I'd give a...
New to me: 2good2toss.com
A co-worker recently pointed me to a website that take a page or two from Craig's List but spins it with a local and environmental flair. The site is...
Name that space - Step II: Voting
After gathering a list of possible names for Pacific Plaza the time has come to put them to a vote. Head over the the [brand new] polling section and...
Silly sign: when recycling goes too far
Steve sent over a great shot of one of those silly signs we all see around town. This gem comes from the south end with [slightly uncomfortable] love. Thanks for...
Name that space - Step I: The Names
After some discussion yesterday, it seems to me like we should hold a good ol' fashion poll to help guide the Tacoma city council in naming/re-naming Pacific Plaza. First,...
Satellite Photo Phun I
I thought I'd start a bit of a game to see just how well you know this area. I'll periodically toss up a satellite view from around here so...
Renaming Pacific Plaza - what would you do?
A discussion that came up yesterday brought to my attention the consideration by the city council on Aug. 22 to rename Pacific Plaza. To what, you might ask? Harold...
One improvement at a time: bus stop cover
In light of the recent report about public spaces downtown it's great to see some incremental progress being made. Today's example: there's a new bus stop cover at Pacific...
Back from camping - more coming soon
I'm back from a few days camping on the Oregon coast. We had a great time with friends and enjoyed spectacular weather. For those interested, I'll be posting and...
Photos ~ Oily I Street in Tacoma
A failed chip sealing process from last year bubbled up as a problem during the recent 90 degree plus heat. I Street has become an oily mess causing problems...
Delights at Corina Cake Bakery
After a swift day at work last Friday, Sarah and I had some viddles with Angela and Steve at Meconi's then headed up the hill for dessert. The girls...
No go[ats]
After half a day of staying at home working yesterday Sarah and I met up with Angela, Steve, and their neice Amaya to see some goats! Unfortunately for us,...
Weekend events: get out while you still can!
Don't forget the sad fact that the days are getting shorter and with all that wishing for cooler weather, Fall will be here before we know it. So, why...
Green power from a gross source?
A recent demonstration put on in Fife could usher in a new era of diesel fuel creation. Or it could be a complete hoax. The Trib has an article...
Photos ~ Tacoma skyline and traffic
Since today seems to be a bit of a slow news I wanted to fill the gap. How? With pictures! I took a walk up the hill from work yesterday...
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot 7/27, 8/5
An article in the Trib pointed me to what could be some great Shakespeare performed by a local troop. Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, as they are called, will...
Goats to weed in south end park?!??!
According to an entry on Spew a heard of 280(!) goats will be running their choppers to clip the weeds at Blueberry Park [ map ] in south Tacoma....
Four changes recommended around Pacific Plaza
The report from May's public spaces meeting is coming out tomorrow and the News Tribune has an interview with one of the consultants. She speaks well of Tacoma but,...
Skateparks article points to multi-park plan
The Tacoma Daily Index has an article about the hot local topic of skateparks. The notion is definitely gaining steam with relatively little resistence from local business owners. Supposedly...
TNT: "Eclectic, electric Sixth Avenue"
The Tacoma News Tribune has a glowing article about the current and future promise of our locally beloved Sixth Avenue. It doesn't go into tremendous details nor is a...
Freedom Fair safety and security ideas
After we enjoyed this year's Freedom Fair (and fireworks) it apparently took a turn for the worse. We left around 5pm but some groups started causing some trouble as...
D and A streets closing this month for construction
Two popular ways of bypassing all the stop lights downtown on Pacific will be closing this month for construction. D and A Streets at the end of the Thea...
New bike lanes coming to N. 26th Street?
When riding around town one certainly sees things differently -- like what's not a hill in your car certainly is when operating under pedal power. Another is anything that...
Photos ~ A beautiful day for Art on the Ave
Sarah and I ventured out on our bikes this afternoon to enjoy this year's Art of the Ave. The weather was fine with plenty of sunshine and a bit...
Art on the Ave - 7/9
Yesterday I wrote about the blues fest happening this Saturday. Now, I'm reminded about Art on the Ave taking place this Sunday. I guess it's summer so I should...
Tacoma Old Town Blues Fest - 7/8
After an understandably busy 4th weekend I'm looking forward to some serious vegging this weekend. The blues may draw me out, however, since so much of will be going...
Photos ~ 2006 Tacoma fireworks over Commencement Bay
After a busy day down at the Freedom Fair Sarah and I were joined by a slew of friends to watch the Tacoma fireworks. I staked out a spot...
Photos ~ 2006 Tacoma Freedom Fair
After a quick jaunt to get an accessory for my camera, Sarah and I walked down to the Tacoma Freedom Fair. We enjoyed the walk through the Puget Gardens...
Photos ~ Cheney Stadium fireworks
After a random day of stuff around the house Sarah and I headed over to watch an early fireworks display. Angela and Steve (of the Fergusons) were nice enough...
Photos ~ Kaiser smokestack demolition
Here's a few choice photos I snapped this morning of the Kaiser smokestack demolition. I'm out for the day to spend time with family but will get more pics...
Photos ~ Tacoma's Kaiser smokestack (pre-demolition)
In the interest of a little bit of history I headed down to the tideflats yesterday to grab some parting shots of the Kaiser smokestack. It's set for demolition...
How do you beat the heat?
Since record highs scorched the Northwest a couple days ago I thought it might be wise for us to share tips on how to beat this heat! Without air...
D Street closure coming soon
If you commonly cut over to Dock St. from Tacoma's Dome District via D Street you'll soon have to find a different route. D Steet will closed for construction...
Antique carousel opening at Point Defiance Zoo 7/15
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium allows visitors to see the animals and pet some animals. Staring July 15th, you'll be able to ride some, too! They are, however,...
"Hello, Washington" said the sign to the driver
When the billboards begin to talk to you, maybe it's time for a little more sleep every night. All around Tacoma people may be asking themselves why some area...
Tacoma Dome District Market starts today
The Dome District Market kicks off today from 3-7pm. Stop by the market after you hop off the Link or Sounder and pick up some fresh produce for dinner...
Filthy 15 house not so filthy?
A visit to Tacoma's Filthy 15 webpage to get details on a Tacoma Ave. house on the list yeilded a bit of a surprise. One of the houses on...
Soggy days of June
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May and June showers bring? My guess is lower water bills. Our garden is full of all sorts of plants and...
Parade of Homes passes through this weekend
Starting this weekend the Pierce County Parade of Homes will be showing off the kind of dwellings this area has to offer. Houses and condos across the area will...
Photos ~ Tacoma Ave. house slated for demolition
Since the buzz over another recent demolition I'm understandably a bit sensitive about this sort of thing currently. I found out today that not-so-well aged old house will soon...
Things to do in Tacoma when it's raining (or whenever)
After a some early summer weather we've plunged back into and on-and-off forecast of late spring in the Pacific Northwest. Here's a couple ideas to get out without taking...
Fwd: God's Washington's
I'm not normally much of a "forwards" fellow but this one is different. Just keep in mind, I don't write 'em, I just copy and paste 'em. Thanks to...
Photos ~ Former site of Tacoma's beautiful Mattson Mansion
Plenty of shock and surprise rippling around Tacoma and the local webosphere about the sudden and complete destruction of a beautful, historic mansion overlooking the Puget Sound. I stopped...
Tacoma public spaces workshop
I joined in on a public spaces workshop today sponsored by local businesses and the city. The goal was to figure out how to best utilize the spaces and...
Pacific Square/Plaza used but not by us
With Sarah out of town on business I decided to have lunch with the citizens of Tacoma. That basically means I brought my lunch to Pacific Plaza to eat....
Pink elephant gets new clothes
Sometimes an elephant is pink and sometimes it's really pink. Walking from work toward downtown Tacoma I today I noticed a painter touching up one of our city's favorite...
Get your [Pacific] Square on tomorrow, May 4
Someone I know posted an entry on her site with some depressing photos of Tacoma's newly dedicated Pacific Square. In the middle of a comfortable, clear spring day there's...
Photos ~ Tacoma Daffodil Parade and Pacific Square dedication
Sarah and I caught a bus downtown to see the 2006 Daffodil Grand Floral parade and the dedication of the just finished Pacific Square. We arrived after the parade...
Review ~ St. Patricks at Pour at Four in Tacoma
After a good week and Friday at work Sarah and I hooked up with a couple friends for some dinner and chill time tonight. We decided on wine and...
Seahawks fevah in Tacoma
Lately folks 'round these parts have been pretty excited. I'll admit that the excitement caught me a bit last weekend as I watched most of the Seahawks vs. Panthers...
Tacoma's Deriugin house to be demolished
A local eyesore landmark will soon meet its demise. The Tacoma News Tribune reported this morning (view PDF, 80K) that a rather surreal building will soon be sold and...
It's snowing fog
Just wanted to chime in with a note to anyone out there interested in up-to-date weather related blogging from Tacoma. It's snowing fog. Yeah, it's well under freezing out...
Photos ~ Stormy orange sunset
While running some errands I stopped to take in the beautiful and somewhat stormy sunset. Too bad that stupid Arby's sign got in some of my shots. Such is...
Photos ~ Family and friends visit us in Tacoma
After a long day yesterday of cleaning up and knocking off a couple other house-related projects, my parents and Uncle paid a visit as did Mandy and Terry. We...
Getting my Saturday ABCs (Art, Bison, and... Camera!)
Sleeping in can really give you a new lease on life. That what we did this morning and boy did we need it! It's the summer weekends that usually...
Hanging with the 'rents
My dad called up last night and wanted to know if he and mom could shoot up here for the day. We turned them down politely -- not really!...
Hooky for two
I worked from home for the first half of today and skipped the rest of it in favor of spending time with Sarah. In a rare aligning of the...
The more pictures, the better
Knowing my camera was in-route to my home in north Tacoma, I used some of my summer vacation time to take the afternoon off for some R&R and to...
Love tap, baby, love tap
The day could be considered normal with only one true exception. This evening, I drove my normal Yakima St. route from work to home. It's a non-freeway route which...
That's a spicy eclipse
At right is an animation I put together from tonight's annular solar eclipse. I along with Sarah and my buddy Matt Turner spent two hours gazing up at the...
Movin' on up
Our move into a new rental house is well on its way. Sarah recently vacated her position at Oberto which left her with some free time this week to...
New cross street
Not much to say for a relatively regular Friday other than we're going to soon be living on the first floor of a mint-green house at the corner of...
Apartments, manuscripts, floor plans, basketball, and Heat
First, the apartment. Holly, Sarah and I took off this morning in the new Impreza (and with a freshly burned car CD mix) around 10am to visit the neighborhood...
Touring Tacoma
Althought work had me well occupied yesterday, the long President's weekend has left me with today as my Saturday and tomorrow as my Sunday. Thus, today my parents made...
More rentals and a birthday
More this morning on future rental possibilities as Gavin, Sarah and I headed out for one follow-up visit and visits to a few new prospects. For full coverage, see...
Gettin' to know the town
Our plan today was to get out and survey some rental possibilities. Sarah, Gavin, Holly and I took off just after 9am this morning with maps and lists in-hand...
Eclipse today
Not often does an event this interesting and somewhat rare come along. Tonight at about 8:10pm PST approximately 30% of the Sun will be covered by the New Moon....