What are /r/Tacoma's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

First of all, welcome to the neighborhood!

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The Lincoln District around where you are is great for walking, I personally have never felt worried in that area. The neighborhood watch groups (Lincoln LAWGS on FB and Nextdoor) are both very active, and if something starts to go wrong, it's dealt with pretty quickly. I bought pepper spray for self defense when I first moved in because "OMG the Tacoma is gonna get ya!", but I don't even know where it is now because I've never felt the need to carry it.

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Walk on down to 43rd and Pac to hit up Connie's Donuts in the morning, and Casa-U-Betcha for lunch, dinner, or a nightcap. There are endless little Ma & Pa shops near 38th or Yakima, I'd just start walking to wherever is closest to your new house, and then branch out from there. Best part? No need to drive! The emerging brewery district is also an optimistic half hour walk downhill from you. Hike there during rush hour then bus/rideshare/lime scooter home is a pretty cheap date night.

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Gas Station Park will be just south of you can has an interesting history, but it's more of a kid's playlot. The much more picturesque gem is Lincoln Park on 37th which has an arboretum similar to Wright Park. If you're up for a longer walk, head over the 34th street bridge to McKinley park to get some urban forest.

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People will rag on it, but the Lincoln Distinct is changing rapidly for the better. I've only been here a few years, and already some streets are almost unrecognizable from when I moved in. A few neighbors of mine have been here for 20+ years, and they all love the direction it's headed.

Check your messages in a little while for an amazon gift card in the amount of $11.14 to replace your mug with this likely poor substitute.

Vandor 41161 Transformers Prine 12 oz Ceramic Mug, Multicolor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBSZHTE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_UOC9ub0H18G0B

Hi everyone. What are the chances of losing power this weekend? I moved here about 2 weeks ago so I'm nervous about all the trees, the relatively unprepared city for this kind of wind + snow, etc. I live in Central Tacoma. Are power outages common here with storms like this? Or does nobody really know? I've never really had to deal with not having heating during cold temperatures, etc so I'm beginning preparations this afternoon.

Is everyone taking this storm very seriously?

And quite on topic I think, I also make an Android weather app called All Clear Weather if you're interested. It's new, uses NWS data and runs multiple weather experiments (like using barometers crowdsourced into a new kind of virtual weather station network). The main focus is on clear communication of weather data - and I'm trying to get an update out today before the storm hits! What do you think of the app?

Thanks for your local knowledge about the potential power losses, I'm sure there are lots of newbies to the area like me feeling nervous about this.

Frankie also posted "Basically Brand New Never Used" in computer equipment. (https://offerup.com/item/detail/1105627465/)

Do you know what you are selling, Frankie?

We had one of these for our pets in Florida and the cat was indifferent, but the dog loved it: Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs - Pressure Activated Gel Dog Cooling Mat - No Need to Freeze Or Refrigerate This Cool Pet Pad - Keep Your Pet Cool, Use Indoors, Outdoors or in the Car https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007JT4P88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VDG947SPEMT303FRC0R1

Unfortunately swamp cookers will do little to nothing here. As others have mentioned it's a humidity thing.

A ductless heat pump, mini split. Is the best option if you can have one installed.

You mentioned a window type one won't work. My apartment has windows that won't work with them either.

The property owners won't let me install a DHP system so I've got a portable AC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AA8WOAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_X75ABR78S2520WGNKHQQ

Like this One. It's not a great solution but I'm not hot so that's worth it

Looks like a Barker 4-Wheeler fuel tote. Clearly, Frankie doesn't know what it is because even brand new with all the components (several of which appear to be missing in this photo) it's worth ~$330.

They make PM 2.5 filters for cloth masks. I have a few masks that use them. They may not be widespread, but it's better to say that these exist rather than just "cloth masks don't work".

https://www.amazon.com/Activated-Breathing-Protective-Pollution-Activities/dp/B085L9HFV6

Wow... They're calling for the Puyallup to hit 27.2 feet tomorrow. I can't remember ever seeing the river that high. Yet another reason to not live in Fife...

Joking aside, this could be really problematic for not just people's houses, but all that industrial stuff in the Port.

lots of places don't even list online - they just post signs in the windows. i've seen lots of vacancies around stadium/downtown/6th ave neighborhoods in tacoma, so the openings are here. i agree with the air bnb suggestion - that would give you a place to stay as soon as you get here, and give you a few days to go check things out in person.

congrats on landing a job here, and welcome to the northwest!

edit: how about a cheap hippie bus for a few nights? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3953338?s=EeGw

This app is the best, and it is free: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cgeo.geocaching

There are a ton of great, easy caches in our area. Any specific area you are looking to start in?

Thank you for trying to read the story.

The best way to get around the paywall is to buy a subscription.

Here's a link to buy a digital subscription for $40 per year (with Sunday paper the price drops to $31): https://www.groupon.com/deals/mcclatchy-nat-seattle-1

Here's the wrap-up: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151007914980701&refid=25

>URGENT UPDATE!!!!! - HALEY IS HOME THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR AMAZING ONGOING SUPPORT I LOVE YOU ALL

>She had been hiding out with a friend who's mother saw the news broadcast and made her go home! Thank you all for your posts, prayers, emails, calls and support.

State Farm has a big claims call center in Tacoma. Do a job search on their site and look for the tacoma positions titled: "Claim Associate-ILR"

Also look through these results

https://nextdoor.com/ Join it, find your neighborhood, start meeting people. Its not a massive thing but people post often though it seems geared more towards the older residents who dont leave their house but still want to talk.

It was in the Nextdoor Titlow Park group. Here's an "invitation" to get you started in that direction (I can't give you a direct link to the thread, sorry): https://nextdoor.com/invite/zfykahsnamgefcedgvnt

How many BTU's do you need? I have a portable one that is 8000 BTU's that I would be willing to sell for $200. Bought it from Amazon for $350 last summer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YG683C/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jYSJvbDA6CKMY

https://www.amazon.com/BESTTRENDY-Windshield-Cover-Shade-Protector/dp/B016AI2S28/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1544158353&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=windshield+cover&dpPl=1&dpID=615bV3nYrKL&ref=plSrch

Windshield cover from Amazon for 14$. Cheap, and works great! There are others that are more expensive, but this one does the job just fine. So you can focus on scraping all the other windows, ha.

You’re over thinking this

If you can get CenturyLink fiber, get it. There is no competition. I'm paying $65/month including taxes and fees for symmetrical gigabit service. The performance for the money is mindblowing.

$ speedtest -s 6199

Speedtest by Ookla

Server: Wowrack - Seattle, WA (id = 6199) ISP: CenturyLink Latency: 4.79 ms (0.15 ms jitter) Download: 920.58 Mbps (data used: 485.2 MB)
Upload: 932.02 Mbps (data used: 720.2 MB)
Packet Loss: 0.0% Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/1727ca3b-188f-41d5-9c7d-c68b494b82a7

Just happened to see these posted on NextDoor... Maybe these are yours?

Link to NextDoor post

Indeed.com is the best source for jobs. The majority of city/state and private businesses list through them. You can create a free account and have alerts emailed to you as well.

I have not been hiking in a few years however when I was I used https://www.alltrails.com/ a lot, good filtering and at least back then people were good about leaving quick reviews about condition. Hope that helps.

http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC5N95M_wilkes-view-part-deux - this looks to be a pretty straight forward one. There have been many at this location, so I haven't found it, but it's pretty simple. If you really want some help, I'd be willing to show you a few (one of which I own in pt. defiance) and give you some tips. I haven't cached much in the past couple of years, but I've got a ton of finds under my belt. For this one, I'll assume it's hidden underneath the gazebo since the photos people have posted are taken in front of it with the pilings showing. You can even see the container. The official app for iPhone is pretty legit, I assume it's very similar for android as well.

Hey there! There is a club called Gamerati. They do board games, DnD, RPG's, etc own certain days of the week/month.

It is free, but contributing a $10 membership every month is awesome :) Check it out on meetup.com. Ask /u/GMJoey for details!

They accept new and experienced players, are VERY welcoming, and explain everything. It's a really awesome time.

I think mine even has an AUX input if you’re using electric drums/back track as well.

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A5AEJAXFEYC8XX49797M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

These are the ones I ended up buying!

SENSORY4U Folding Castable Crab Trap with Casting Rope and Mesh Bait Box and Dungeness Crab Measuring Tool and Zip Ties https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SVHQ5H1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TXN8V78VHS4CBWP07CBR

You can do it yourself

I second the Torguard recommendation. Get their Torrent VPN service for $4.99/month and be able to relax and not worry about getting caught.

Think of the legit retail value of all of the things you torrent compared to paying $4.99/month and the choice is even easier.

http://torguard.net/

https://www.amazon.com/Hausse-Squirrel-Pigeons-Repellent-Outdoor/dp/B07S6MLPK7/ref=asc\_df\_B07S6MLPK7?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80676783691786&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&amp...

I've been using https://weather.com/forecast/allergy/l/Tacoma+WA?canonicalCityId=bd400bc325a19bb613e05672a7f83f28aaa897f73c3b67c51bbdde6321d42e18 to check out the pollen counts.

one of my friends sent me this link down in Portland via amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J3YYX1K/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_W61CB99232VSN133WH3F_0?fbclid=IwAR07Y5raAECQ4KxIvQpMYVeTg7rG7kEn4yHSOgJlgU_xWmR2xyFBVQRiC5Y

I've gotten mice every year for about 5 years. First couple years we tried an assortment of traps (but no poison because of kids and pets). We had the best luck with live traps like [https://smile.amazon.com/UPGRADED-CaptSure-Release-Reusable-Hamsters/dp/B073GRKG88/](these cheap ones). Usually catch half a dozen a year or so.

Also been working on sealing floors and gaps inside to prevent them from getting in and so far we've had none this year.

Do you keep your lawn mowed? Do you have chickens or compost?

Even if you didn't have pets, poison is terrible. The mice eat it, run off into your walls and die. Then they stink for months on end while they decompose. Not a good solution.

Are you using traps like this? https://smile.amazon.com/Mouse-Traps-Outdoor-Indoor-Reusable/dp/B07Q3M6QYK/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=plastic+mouse+trap&qid=1655395706&sprefix=plastic+mouse%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-5

I found these to be super effective, along with spray foam, at eliminating our mouse problem. Peanut butter works great in the traps.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/tacoma/98402/weather-forecast/331423

Air is actually excellent according to Accuweather.

This is exactly what I did. My inlaws bought us some Cutco and they are okay knives but I dislike the weird plastic handles. Supposedly there's a lifetime sharpening warranty but I'll never use them enough to find out.

For myself I bought a Henkel knife block. To be honest you only need three knives: 8" chef knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife.

Be aware that Zwilling J.A. Henkel are made in Germany whereas the cheaper quality Henkel International are made in China. The former has two men on the logo, the later just one.

Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler with Day & Night Detection Modes,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F1R0GC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1Y5RNZZN318AYQXJJJRA

That and a motion activated camera and you have some top grade material.

https://youtu.be/KGYCbvMXpyo

I've always found it a great source of inspiration. You can always find unique perspectives and totally out of the box thinking. You can find it at Barnes & Noble. E-book or paper. I always pick up a paper copy when I see them (cause I'm a nerd).

The best hummingbird feeders I've used are the ones shaped like a UFO. I've tried about ten different feeders and gave away all the upside down bottles.

The Aspects brand is probably the nicest but there are cheap knockoffs. It has a little well in the middle that your can fill with water as a moat that prevents ants.

These never leak (all upside down bottles leak as temperatures go up and dish during the day causing the air inside to expand and push out some nectar)

Super easy to clean because you don't have to clean a bottle. Dishwasher safe.

And they don't hold so much nectar that you waste much of it when it's goes sour

Amazon link for the photo but you can find locally.

Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 Oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder - 429, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XL7WZO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WD4Z5NNZNP4WSP82ZFSD

And the best part is that there's not a bottle in the way to prevent your from seeing the birds.

They make a window version as well that I really like too.

I've got a couple of these going for mine. They have to be pretty close to the feeder, but the hummers don't mind a single bit. My girl one is actually sitting ON the rim of it now.

https://smile.amazon.com/Toolzy-Detachable-Aluminum-Reflector-Thermometer/dp/B08HTSRG16/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1K5X6YM5HMKAX&keywords=ceramic+heat+lamp&qid=1640633631&sprefix=ceramic+heat+lamp%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-4

> the killer in cold like this is the earth itself, which will endlessly sap your heat & strength the longer you are in contact with it.

THIS!! As someone who camps recreationally I cannot stress this enough! Something as simple as this will limit the heat loss into the ground. It can also be used as a rain shelter. I'm surprised I don't see more of them used or given to homeless persons tbh.

You should consider THIS. I have the much smaller WorkSharp kit for pocket knives, and it works incredibly well. From the reviews I've seen on these, you couldn't go wrong investing in this for your knives.

You can use a wireless spectrum analyzer from Fluke to see what frequency your fob is on (test it outside the area) and then check the area to see what else is running on that frequency. Sounds like someone is running a jammer or has a very powerful broadcast on that frequency that you're just too close to (which would be illegal). If you can isolate the source or the frequency, the FCC can come in and take care of locating and shutting it down.

There are often analyzers on the state surplus site and ebay for cheap. I know Tmo techs used to carry them so if you see one of those vans around fixing a tower, you could ask them.

I'm actually pretty interested in this as well.

If I'm not wrong, your fob should be running around 315mhz

This should do the trick https://www.amazon.com/Explorer-Handheld-Spectrum-Analyzer-WSUB1G/dp/B01EWSJP7Y

Not quite in Tacoma but Dash Point has a really nice mix of beach you can explore and a walking loop through the woods. It’s pretty family friendly—especially the beach—but (like any park) it’s not a good idea to leave valuables in your car.

Bonus is that you’re in Federal Way afterward to get yourself some bomb food.

i'm on the same plan -- testing from Tacoma to their Seattle speedtest server I am currently getting ~0.6G download and ~0.9G upload https://www.speedtest.net/result/8702385389.png

Have to be hardwired for that - home WiFi (adapters/drivers/hubs) max out between 100-150Mbps (unrelated to ISP)

edit: just tried on wifi, faster than I remembered https://www.speedtest.net/result/8702402511.png

Grit City Construction does concrete! They’re a newer company in the area. Albert the owner does really good work! https://nextdoor.com/pages/grit-city-construction-tacoma-wa/?init_source=copy_link_share

Here's some ideas: -Go to events in Tacoma- open mics, concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, at the Tacoma Dome, colleges, playhouses, libraries, etc. In the summer, there's a lot of outdoor festivals as well, like Taste of Tacoma. -Visit the museums -Take a class and learn something new and meet new people. -Join a meet up group -Buy a bike or a kayak/paddle board and explore the lakes and stuff. -Try new restaurants

If you don't have a car alarm then consider a cheaper battery kill switch option. Whenever you leave the car grab the kill switch key too.

https://www.amazon.com/DGZZI-Battery-Disconnect-Isolator-Breaker/dp/B085HPZJZQ/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=battery+disconnect+switch+key&qid=1637813084&sr=8-10

If you can’t find one buy a cheap one off Amazon.

BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone,3-in-1 Portable Handheld Karaoke Mic Speaker Machine Birthday Home Party for PC or All Smartphone (Q37 Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078RJZPJX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F276YHGYMD103JGD6J8H?psc=1

Since commuting in the winter is often in the dark, I use this jacket: Proviz PVR360JM Reflect360 Cycling Jacket, Fully Reflective, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LD82CC2/

It is REALLY reflective and makes you very visible to cars.

I used to ride from Grandview all the way across the bridge to the Cushman Powerline trail. Dupont is good too, but not a trail.

Use a website called mapmyride. Here's a loop I used to ride. Sections of this ride are pretty popular for riders and have bike lanes. Basically Cushman Powerline trail and 5 mile drive. 28 miles loop

Definitely a niche market but a growing one. ESPN did a good research peice here. There's quite a few in Vancouver, BC area to pull market data from. Maybe the most popular being Net8 eSports Arena.

Make sure that you read that right, when it comes to internet speed the capital or lowercase letters make a big difference.

https://opensignal.com/knowledgebase/the-difference-between-megabyte-and-megabit.php

ASL meet ups are not the same thing as Deaf community meet ups. ASL meet ups are for slow speakers to practice pleasantry in a rather formal structure. There is a ASL meet up on meetup.com that meets in federal way. These are 99% hearing people. If you are looking to participate in Deaf culture, facebook is much more successful with the deaf community then reddit. Most local deaf groups meet in north seattle, there is a younger (20 to 30s) bar group in federal way you can find on facebook.

These!

Insulated, waterproof, comfortable, not hideous.

They're advertised on Amazon as "hiking boots" but they are definitely more like sneakers. I tend to be in between sizes and went with the smaller size. They are a perfect fit. Keep my feet dry and warm through the cooler and wetter seasons.

There are shields that are a popular deterrent

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Security-Catalytic-Converter-Protection/dp/B08QR7WGZ2/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=cat+shield+prius&qid=1618786105&sr=8-11

The app (Recycle Coach) mentioned at the bottom of that guideline is pretty decent as well. You can directly search for a product if it's not obvious what category it fits into.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.recyclecoach.worldster.pack

Yeah, as soon as this started again, I just ordered a bidet. I still have a big pack of Scotts but I'm not playing the crazy TP game again.

I'll also add that the 2 piece saucer shaped feeders are by far the best not just for observing and photographing the birds (because there's no bottle in the way when the bird is on the far side. but are much easier to clean (dishwasher safe) and they never drip so do not attract insects.

I don't know why this one is priced at almost $30 because I think I paid less than $15 atv the farm store. They make a window mount one too. I believe they are made in USA if that matters to you (less chance of weird Chinese plastic leaching chemicals into the nectar if not truly food safe but that might just me being overly cautious)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XL7WZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f8UNFb1DRFE4M

You don't need a locksmith to change locks. You just need new locks and a screwdriver. Or, you can buy a rekeying tool set for $70 on Amazon, watch a YouTube video, and do it yourself.

Schlage 40-134 Rekeying Kit Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N768/

Kwikset 236 Builders Keying Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NKHKS2/

Just come up with a plan to make sure that the nectar never freezes during the winter.

They go into a torpor state at night and when they wake up at sunrise they need to immediately feed and don't have energy stores to fly very far in search of an alternative nectar source if their preferred feeder is frozen. I keep a feeder indoors ready to go and put it out before sunrise if the weather is forecast to drop before freezing. Most days all you have to do is check the weather to know that you don't have to do this chore the next day.

One easy way to do this is to have a window mount feeder because warmth from the house will prevent freezing when a feeder places away from the house would be frozen.

I use one very similar to this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NWZXT1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U50JFb67B5FS6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I'd guess I've tried ten different hummingbird feeders in my life and have determined that there's only one design worth using: this 2 piece clamshell design is super easy to clean and never leaks or loses parts like the upside down bottles. Not sure why it's so expensive on Amazon because I think I bought mine locally for about $15 at a farm supply store. I have several of these and gave away all my others.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XL7WZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F80JFbE72R0MS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

For people asking where to find it, unfortunately the only place I've been able to find this exact shirt is on Amazon.

If you would rather not support Amazon, here is a similar looking shirt for about $10 more.

Yes. If it's a Schlage, you need a Schlage rekeying set. If it's a Kwikset, you need a Kwikset, and so on.... Also, you need to make sure that it includes the right parts for your lock sets. The most basic sets include everything you need to do a standard doorknob, but, for example, on the Schlage, you need a special tool for removing the cylinder cap on the deadbolts, which isn't included in the set linked above. It is, however, included in the set I bought, linked here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CSN4VC/. You can also buy it separately here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078ZP4FY4/

I taught myself to do this by watching a YouTube video. I messed up a couple times on the deadbolts, but got it all back together, and now I'm pretty good at it. It's cheaper than replacing the lock sets, but also more time consuming. Mainly, I'm happy to have acquired this skill.

My car inherently has really bad lights, and is regularly complained about on the owners' forums. i decided to take a punt on these as they will never go back to halogens! my dipped beams are now nice and bright,

these bulbs fit great, work perfectly,

So I just got this Petsify [NEWEST 2018] Ultrasonic Anti-Barking Device - State of the Art Bark Controlling Device - Ideal for Dog Training - Safe for Humans and Pets - Unique birdhouse Design - Waterproof https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLLLCXN?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

And you know, it works pretty well. You can't change a crappy neighbor, but you can try to keep the peace as much as possible. Record all incidents! Good luck!

I'm not knowledgeable on the subject but if you have prime you could have it by Tuesday for $19. I'm sorry if that's crazy expensive, I don't know anything about the stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/High-Ratio-Shortening-3-lb/dp/B00A0OW6MQ/

Oh shoot I would also add a happy light can be very helpful in this situation. We have this exact one and I have it by my pc and turn it on if I get a little down or too sleepy. It simulates light and is suppose to help you produce Vitamin D.

There is no need to remove the covers, they use outlet testers. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LZTKIA/ When I purchased my home, the inspector I hired plugged a device like that in to literally every single outlet.

Edit: This is more like the one my inspector had. It has a GFI test button, where it causes a short to verify the GFI works without burning the house down.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RUL2UU/

Maybe a fold up futon mattress so you can store it away while you're awake, and have more room.

Milliard 4-Inch Foam Tri-fold Mattress with Ultra Soft Removable Cover with Non-Slip Bottom https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJ8HWBU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_6oYVub0FXP9EB