What would leap to mind if I were to say the name Bluebeard? Most would mumble something about a pirate or a fairytale, but those in Tacoma might answer "coffee" or even "a cat."
The holidays are a time for family togetherness, ambiguous religious symbolism, and crippling stress over gift giving. Sure, you could just go out and buy everyone the perfect gift, but store-bought presents are just so mainstream, you know?
Decorating for the holidays has become less common in recent years and for a place like Tacoma that’s a real shame. With all our grey and rainy days, we need as many Christmas lights as possible to twinkle through the gloom of winter.
December 21st is the winter solstice and, according to a cryptic sidewalk plaque in downtown Tacoma, sunrise on that day at 19th and Market is the time and place to be if you want to take a peek into the world of the dead.
When Mark Twain arrived in Tacoma in 1895 he was broke, smoking 10 cigars a day, and seemingly unimpressed by the area. Much like our summer of 2017, wildfires were wreaking havoc in Washington and most of our beautiful scenery was completely hidden from view.
Want to take home a Tacoma girl, a Tacoma pearl? At first glance it seems Phil Baxter did, although his lyrics to a 1930's song about our lovely Tacoma ladies were nearly lost for good.
Ready to say enough is enough with all of the stuff? Join the many who are leaning toward gifting their loved ones experiences for the holidays rather than the same old slippers, sweaters and sure-to-be-regifted crap.
Nestled in downtown Tacoma in a narrow park stands a totem pole. At one point, it was brightly painted, but the paint is faded. Graffiti is carved into the base. At the top sits an eagle with wings spread, as if surveying the port below.
There are two types of people in Tacoma: men who grow beards and women. As a lifelong member of the latter group it took far too long for it to occur to me having a beard is a male's default state, and choosing to be clean-shaven is a commitment.
There are no shortage of charities in our beloved Tacoma that could use the help of your time or a financial contribution, but finding a place to volunteer with kids in tow can be tricky.
If you are thinking of taking a class at a community college, or if you have a child, if you are in business that cares if people have disposable income to spend in your shop, if you are patriotic and think America is the best country in the world, or if you pay taxes—which, if you think about it, is almost everyone—then you should know a dirty little secret about community colleges.
Since 2008 there have been 125 wrecks at the bridge of 11foot8.com fame. Thanks to a nearby camera, can't-look-away footage of trucks crashing into the 11-foot, 8-inch train trestle in Durham, NC has been viewed by millions of people.
