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February 8th, 2008
Do you remember that feeling as a wee lad that kept you from truly enjoying Sundays? You know, the one in which you felt the weekend's demise was eminent and it would all be over tomorrow? Well that's how the Super Bowl is for some men. While there is a certain glee in their eyes, if you look closely you can see a wistful look behind it. A look that says both "this is awesome" and "this is over." Well, at least we all got a great game to tide us over until fall. While we have roots in New York we were rooting for the Pats, because a) we're Jets fans and b) we met our girlfriend at a Super Bowl in which the Pats won (you know, the one with the rogue boobie). At the end of the day, however, we love an underdog, and we're pretty sure Boston-area sports fans have it too good right now anyway. Now, how long until fall? BTW: We will throw down a free T-shirt from Destroy to the first two gents to forward this issue of PPFM to 5 friends and CC us at picks@portlandpicksformen.com. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Do it for the Children Chain stores are great. They're convenient, they offer variety and, best of all, they're usually cheap. The problem with shopping at chains, however, is that you end up dressing like everyone else. That's not great. Fortunately, we can offer you a savvy solution to humdrum mall fodder: A Broken Spoke. Owner John Blasioli makes every piece in his original collections by hand. This results in fairly limited quantities of his inventive take on street-wear-meets-dressy. With items like a double-collar trench coat made of brushed-cotton corona canvas (we don't know, either—but it looks good), Blasioli fuses European styling with modern, top-notch fabrics. On top of all that, he'll even do made to order items. Just ask nicely. So you can keep buying your underwear at The Gap, but supplement your wardrobe with a few things from A Broken Spoke to make the big difference. You won't look just like everyone else, and you'll feel better knowing your clothes were made by the hands of an adult… and not an 8-year-old girl in Bangladesh. A Broken Spoke |
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| 2 | Right Up Your Alley If you're like us, when you hear the word "bowling" you automatically conjure images of a dark, dingy, smoky hall, filled with fat middle-aged men drinking domestic beer, eating greasy fried food, and hurling balls down the lanes … and not a woman in sight. Or you think of a bright, balloon-covered madhouse full of screaming kids pinging balls down the bumper lanes, driving their parents (and you) crazy. Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge will completely shatter those stereotypes. The upscale, non-smoking atmosphere boasts good lighting with a clean, classy, and modern décor. And forget about having a Budweiser—Grand Central has two full bars that offer an amazing selection of micros and liquor. What really sets Grand Central apart, however, is the food. Like all bowling alleys, they offer up burgers and pizza, but they also have a full menu serving culinary delights like sushi and top sirloin. Grand Central is definitely not your average bowling alley—we'd even say it's a great place to take a date (and actually impress her). Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge |
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| 3 | And On the Seventh Day… Submitted for your approval: Picture, if you will, a man, with a last-minute invite to a Super Bowl party. The grateful man, in an effort to be a gracious guest, delves futilely into his liquor cabinet to fetch a worthy scotch, when he remembers it was spent over the holidays. Hopelessness sets in when he realizes liquor is not available for purchase. You have not just entered The Twilight Zone, but rather the State of Oregon on a Sunday. Never fear lads, we have the answer. No, not a Sunday drive to the 'Couv, but rather downtown's own Portland Center Plaza Liquor Store. Besides being open seven days a week, they have one of the best selections of scotch and brandy in town, plus a host of local vodkas. We found uptown liqueurs like Pernod and Florentino, and even those hard-to-find, foofy pre-mixed numbers that the ladies love (read: Mudslide). Bonus: they're self-serve, so you don't have to hold up the line asking their informative staff to see bottles from behind the counter. The man? ... he saw that it was good! Portland Center Plaza Liquor Store |
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| Book of the Week: | |||
Ok, we’re not actually reviewing an author's work here, but rather a book that can hold up to 200 titles at one time! Amazon's new e-book, the Kindle, is incredibly simple to use and gives the owner access to more than 90,000 titles as well as top newspapers and magazines. Its "e-ink" display has a sharp resolution that reads like real paper, and doesn't drain battery life like a typical notebook. You could read for a week on one charge! And at just over 10 ounces, it's lighter than a good sized paperback. With no monthly bills and such ease of use, we felt it best to stretch the definition of "book" this month. |
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Mandatory Items: |
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| 1 | King George Do you remember those montages of art that beginning credits would play over in early '60s films? You know the ones—swinging jazz music played while you saw names like Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Audrey Hepburn dance by. You can now add some of that hep-cat style to your pad with the works of local artist George Perrou. Informed by the likes of Miro and Kandinski, his works are (so far) affordable and will enhance virtually any wall space. |
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| 2 | Double Bagged Socially conscious? Environmentally friendly? How about bags by Malia Designs—they’re made from recycled Vietnamese rice bags, making for sturdy and fully lined totes and messengers. Available at Five Accessories (which donates 15% of sales to local charities where each product is made) Malia Designs gives an additional five bucks to Cambodian foundations that support victims of violence. Best of all, they look great! |
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| 3 | See the Future
We love watching movies on our iPod during flights (or while waiting for the plane, which is more often the case). But there is only so long our eyes can squint at that little screen. Enter ezVision Video Glasses. These ultra lightweight glasses simulate a 50-inch big screen, have built in earphones, and an 8-hour rechargeable battery. These might just make up for those x-ray specs we ordered from a Silver Surfer when we were nine. |
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Grooming Tip of the Month: |
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Q: My face feels tight and is flaking. What's up? A: The winter months can be harsh on your skin. Not only is tight, flaking skin uncomfortable and downright unappealing, but it can make your wrinkles appear more pronounced. What you need is a solid defense against the cold and the sun. A sure bet to hydrate and protect is the face balm (SPF 15) by the award winning URTH line of men’s skin products. This balm is infused with antioxidants and vitamins—the best antiaging defense—and best of all the entire URTH line is 15% off through February at HairM. Trust us and get some after your next haircut. Hair M |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Valentines Day at Blitz Blitz is rockin' it out the un-old fashioned way with DJs Sugar and Jenkins in the Rock vs. Hip Hop M.A.S.H. singles party! They're offering up crazy drinks and an Un-Valentine atmosphere with plenty of amazing singles. If you’re in the mood to mingle on V-Day, Blitz is the place to be. What: Un-Valentine's Day at Blitz bar |
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| 4 | A Perfect Way to Spend V-Day Weekend Vista Hills will be hosting its first winemaker's dinner on Feb. 16, just in time for the Valentine's Day weekend. First at bat is Michael Stevenson, head winemaker at Panther Creek Cellars. And the dinner? Five courses of heaven brought to you by chefs Carmen Peirano and Eric Ferguson of Nick's Italian Café. What: Vista Hills Vineyard Winemakers’ Dinner |
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| 5 | Reach Nirvana Don't forget to get relaxed before your big date this week. Nirvana is offering $15 off any spa service for Valentine's Day! We recommend a 50-minute hot towel facial and a deep tissue massage to get loosened up. And while you're there, get her a gift certificate so she can enjoy some TLC of her own. What: V-Day Specials at Nirvana Spa |
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| 6 | Quince Flowers and Events Overwhelmed by Valentine’s Day ideas? Stick to what works. Quince Flowers & Events is offering floral arrangements that will knock her socks off at 3 different price points: a $65 wrapped bouquet, $85 vase arrangement, and $145 vase arrangement. They’ll deliver … or you can pick them up! What: V-Day bouquets from Quince Flowers & Events |
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| 7 | Half-Price Shoe Sale at TAGG
Shoe sale alert: TAGG is marking down all men's and children's shoes 50% right now! You won't find savings like this anywhere else, and they carry the hottest styles and most-wanted brands. Save big on boots, shoes and kicks for kids in the most wearable styles. Don't procrastinate--and don't say we didn't warn you--it's not often they have a sale like this. What are you waiting for? What: 50% off men's and children's shoes at TAGG |
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