>>> Best Place To Buy Star Wars Figures And Other Cool Shit
Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium
Everybody needs an ALF lunchbox at some point. Or a Wonder Woman toothbrush. Or a Jimmy Hendrix bath towel. Or a Skeletor tie. Or Gary Coleman (R.I.P. Arnold) ankle socks. Or an ABBA test press. Or a Jesus ashtray. Or an Alien Vs. Predator water cannon. Or an original Land of the Lost storage tin. Or a Small Wonder T-shirt. Or a Mr. Belvedere coffee mug.  Don’t pretend you don’t. Because you do. And if you don’t, you’ll probably need one once White Elephant season rolls around again. Go to Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium. They got what you need. 817 Division Ave. Suite B, Tacoma, 253. 272.5288 — Paul Schrag

>>> Best Place To Find Your Inner Sarcasm
Brownie Morrison
If the Weekly Volcano, me and a bottle of hallucinogenic homemade vodka were to have a threesome, one of us would most likely give birth to something resembling Brownie Morrison.  Filled with eccentric doodads, hilariously sarcastic greeting cards and slightly offensive T-shirts, Brownie Morrison leaves you feeling like you need to take a shower after leaving the store.  And by shower, I mean boiling acid bath. In a good way. I love this place. 711 St. Helens #104, Tacoma, 253.683.2924 — Steph DeRosa

>>> Most Therapeutic Couch Session
Mad Hat Tea Company
Search as you might, there is no wireless Internet to be found inside the welcoming confines of Mad Hat Tea Company.  Owners Maureen McHugh and Tobin Ropes have all but banished outside communication once you enter their herbal sanctuary.  Take a moment to spill your heart and let these guys stir you up a hot cup of personalized remedy.  Curl up on the couch, read a good book and soak up friendly vibes with locals who are there to do exactly the same thing.  This is the perfect place to let go of technology, negativity, and those pesky editors emailing you about so-called deadlines.1130 Commerce St. and 1127 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.441.2111 — SD

>>> Best Place to Have Your Ass Kicked
Crossfit Tacoma
Crossfit Tacoma is full of ass-kickers and name-takers. The On Ramp health and fitness program, designed to get a newbie up to speed on how to eat, sleep and work-out, lasts for the longest three weeks of your life. I felt like a noodle after each hour and a half session with trainers Morgan Hepfer and Leon Aldrich.  Between the two, they tackled nutrition, the whys of muscle fatigue, stamina and proper form in movement and exercise.  Of all the fitness programs I’ve put myself through Crossfit is the best so far. 411 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.310.1940 — Jennifer Johnson

>>> Best Convenience Store To Be Called “Bro” At
7-Eleven, South 19th and Trafton
When I order a Quarter Pound Big Bite and buy a pack of smokes, what do I want to be called? You guessed it, bro; I want to be called “Bro.” Luckily, at the 7-Eleven on South 19th Ave near my house, that’s never a problem. The red-smocked guys behind the counter (who remind me of a Middle Eastern version of “The Wild and Crazy Guys”) always have me covered. Sure, the store always smells a little like dude, but I’ve never had a problem with that. 1901 S. Trafton St., Tacoma, 253.404.1718 — MD

>>> Best Place To Play Putt-Putt Golf
Parkland Putters
The thing to remember is, unless you’re some sort of sadist, don’t play the back course at Parkland Putters. It’s not even fair. It was designed by some sort of asshole that just really likes watching pre-teens and stoned high school kids get frustrated and throw their clubs. No joke. Look it up. But if you stick to the front three courses (the putt-putt jewel being the famous Parkland Putters boat, of course), there are few places better designed to entertain you and your girlfriend-less buddies on a Saturday afternoon than the outdoor mini-golf mecca near where Interstate 5 and Highway 512 meet. Take the Steele Street exit and head for the spot that looks like a scene out doo-wop, early-’60s Americana. 10636 Sales Road S., Tacoma, 253.588.2977 — MD