Dubious Claims?

Recently I've been looking at lodging options in the Puget Sound area.

First off, my parents are coming to Tacoma to visit me, and I suggested the Silver Cloud Inn on Ruston Way. Upon examining the Silver Cloud website, I read that it's the "only waterfront hotel in Tacoma." Whaaaaaat? Can this really be true?

Well, considering there are only about 5 proper hotels in downtown Tacoma and it's the only one located on the water, I suppose the site is correct. In fact, one visitor to the hotel commented: "Our room was right over the water. We woke up to the beautiful sunrise." Not only on the water, but directly over it (which is further proved by the photo). Another vacationer wrote: "The reflection of the water on the ceiling at night is enchanting."

These reviews are more positive than those given to the Rodeway Inn in South Tacoma:
"Staff mistakenly thought we were only staying one night; the 2nd day, they removed our things from the room and ate our food - May 2008."
Then there's the puzzling review of the Days Inn Tacoma Mall posted in September 2008: "Just a roof over my head." Is that favorable? I guess that person just has low expectations.

Later in August, I'm thinking about going camping with some friends after a Flaming Lips concert. I want to stay close to Seattle, and I found a campsite in Fall City called "Snoqualmie River Park and Campground." Some of its features are listed, including clean restrooms, bordering an 18-hole golf course, and fishing and swimming. It also lists disposal station and shade. These two qualities cannot be promoted enough. When I go camping, the first things I think of are:
(A) Will I have some place to put my garbage?
(B) Get that wretched sun out of my eyes.

It's Time You Know Who I Am - A Major Player In The Dining Scene

Gosh, I can't tell you how much my life has changed in the last week.
Ever since I was featured in a short article about local eateries in the Weekly Volcano, things have been a lot different. Suddenly, I'm getting offers from the Albuquerque Weekly Alibi and the Vicksburg Post. Neither paper has promised any compensation, but they've said that if I show the same kind of energy I did while enjoying an amber beer and BLT (like above), I could really go places.

Maybe a few pics of me enjoying a chicken basket at Shoney's or sipping a vanilla shake at Mannie's Restaurant, and who knows what could happen? I could even make it to the dailies!

When writer/photographer Steve Dunkelberger approached me about a candid shot, I had no idea this would propel me to stardom. I was just enjoying a Saturday evening with friends. It just goes to show: If you put yourself out there, it's only a matter of time before someone realizes your potential as a youthful diner.

I've been talking to my agent and he thinks it's time for me to take my career to a new level. We're discussing a move to a bigger market like Bakersfield or Tulsa. I will never forget Tacoma and how I got my start. But I've got to start thinking about my future.
So far, I've been fortunate. Didn't even think about what I was wearing or ordering that day. Guess I'm a natural.

For My Personal Reference

All I'm doing here is forming a list of bars and drinkeries in the Tacoma area. In preparation of a 'night out' with the old school Seattle homies (98103!! where u at?!). These are the potential targets for grabbing food, and then copious beverages:

#1 Engine House No. 9
611 Pine St. (and 6th Ave.) 98406
-spacious, brews its own ale, located in historic building (1907)

#2 Red Hot
2914 6th Ave. 98406
-beers, hot dogs, weekday specials

#3 Crown Bar
2705 6th Ave. 98406
-good happy hour and menu, fully-stocked bar

#4 O'Malley's
2403 6th Ave. 98406
-dive bar, $1 PBR Mondays, pool, mostly beer?

#5 Puget Sound Pizza
317 South 7th Ave. 98402
-karaoke, delicious pizza

#6 Parkway Tavern
313 N I St. #1 98403
-cozy Stadium District watering hole, great beer prices

This isn't all of 'em, but a good start. 6 pm to 2 am...and you don't stop.