It’s a special delight to run across an interesting and unusual spot in your own town. I just learned that right in Old Town Park, just a block from where it originally stood, is a replica of Job Carr’s cabin. Um, who? And, what?

Well, turns out that old Job was Tacoma’s first Euro-American settler, plopping himself down, in 1865, in what is now Old Town Tacoma. A permanently disabled veteran of the Civil War, Carr made his way from Indiana to Commencement Bay, purportedly exclaiming “Eureka! Eureka!” when he spied the future Tacoma.

He built himself a cabin, got himself a cat—Tom, of course—and got down to the business of making his claim. His cabin is now a museum with all his pioneer stuff, some great old musical instruments, and some audio musical samples of the music of Carr’s day.

If you ever wondered what Old Town looked like when it wasn’t so old, a visit to Job Carr’s home will give you a glimpse. You can also check out the Job Carr Museum as well.

Cheers,
Dale

This favorite spot of UPS students has long piqued my curiosity. My goal with a visit to the Goofy Goose on 6th Ave. was to try to get to the bottom of why it’s goofy, and also if there is actually a goose involved in any way whatsoever.

Although there are hamburgers at this hamburger joint, the thing to get is the pseudo-Japanese fare. The yakisoba, for example, is very tasty, with plenty of perfectly cooked veggies, and enough meat for a family of four. The hand-dipped fried mushrooms, at less than two bucks an order, are worth the trip alone.

So, I guess the goofy part is that this hole-in-the-wall actually offers something different than you might expect, and that the hamburgers are good and reliable. And I can confirm there is not a goose in sight.

See ya!
Danielle

I’m always telling you about the goings-on at the Murano, and what an awesome hotel it is. And I figure you probably think I’m a little biased, since I work here, and care about my job security and whatever. Don’t take my word for it. Just listen to these real, honest to goodness guests, courtesy of the trusted travel site, TripAdvisor, where we’re the #1 ranked hotel:

• “I ate dinner one night at Bite. I thought the food was very good, and the service exceptional.”
• “I have never stayed anywhere with faster elevators … From the lobby, there was always an elevator ready, waiting, with door open for passengers.”
• “Housekeeping was very polite and considerate, did a great job — I couldn’t find a hair or dust anywhere. The desk staff was equal.”

So if you’re hungry or you’ve simply had it with sluggish elevators, we’re right in downtown Tacoma on Broadway Plaza.

See ya!
Danielle

Keith Urban, a kiwi country star? I’ll bet you thought he was an Aussie. I did. Actually, he is, sort of. He was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia. But you might’ve thought he was born right here in the U.S.

He started strumming a guitar at the tender age of six and has since become one of the country music scene’s biggest names, winning a Grammy, a CMA award, and an Aria award.

And now he’s coming to the Dome on September 12. Even if country isn’t your bale of hay, this is probably a show worth seeing. Plus, at the concert you can even record your own song, with Keith, thanks to magic green-screen technology.

Yeehaw,
Dale