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June 13th, 2008
Well, it has come to fruition. A Celtics/Lakers Championship Series. It reminds us of Chuck Klosterman's Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs (buy it) in which he says: "As I have grown older, it's become clear that the Lakers/Celtics rivalry represents absolutely everything: race, religion, politics, mathematics, the reason I'm still not married, the Challenger explosion, Man vs. Beast, and everything else." Not only does CK go on to explain this theory throughout an entire chapter, but he manages to make sense of it as well. Again, do yourself a favor and purchase this book. Do us a favor too: Forward this issue to 10 peeps and cc picks@portlandpicksformen.com, and we'll pick one of you at random to win a $50 gift certificate to McCormick & Schmick’s. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | The Cat’s Meow Here in Oregon we have a longstanding sense of individualism. Most of us feel that we are set apart from the rest of the country. (In fact, Eastern Oregonians are not even sure that they want to be part of the state and are again talking about secession.) So why shouldn't our clothes be unique? Now, thanks to Cat Couture, they can be. Cat Couture specializes in one of a kind and custom-made garments and accessories. This is made possible by the local artists who work with the boutique and in-house designers. You purchase your own clothing article/accessory from their selection (our favorites are their hip, hand-painted ties, hoodies and bags), or bring in your own existing garment and idea, and they embellish the piece however you'd like. Cat Couture also changes their collection every month. This insures that whenever you go in, there's bound to be something new and exciting you gotta have. So, if you don't feel like looking like the rest of the mall-clad clones, stop in and tell 'em PPFM sent you. Couture Cat Design Studio & Boutique |
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| 2 | Summer is Tool Time Aside from the ability to walk upright, what separates man from beast is our ability to use tools. Unfortunately, nowadays most hardware stores are not only located way out in the burbs, they're massive labyrinths in which you're more likely to get lost than to find the items you're looking for. That's why when we feel the need to tool around, we head to Pearl Hardware. Not only is Pearl conveniently located off the 405 loop, it's easily negotiable and full of friendly, knowledgeable staff who are eager to help you find what you’re looking for (unlike at the mega-stores where the employees are hard to find and uninspired). In addition to the usual hardware supplies, which Pearl Hardware offers a full selection of, they also offer a large variety of accessories, like Weber BBQs (delivered free of charge) and cool, retro Radio Flyer wagons and tricycles for our little guys. The next time you're in need of some home-improvement supplies, do yourself a favor and head down to Pearl Hardware. (Grunting is optional.) Pearl Hardware |
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| 3 | I Love Lucy's Across most of the country, "Happy Hour" means $.50 off a Bud Light and some half-priced peanuts; here in Portland, it means heavily discounted gourmet food and brilliantly concocted mixed drinks and delicious pints of microbrew. And one of the best Happy Hour spots in town is Lucy's Table. It's small, unassuming and looks even a little—dare we say it?—fancy. But you haven't known bliss until you've ordered a $4 plate of pomegranate-glazed baby back ribs and watched the meat fall off the bone with just a touch of your fork. Also just $4 is delicious wild boar ravioli, or green curry steamed clams in linguine with pesto sauce, or for a buck less, oysters coated with apple ginger and wasabi. Meanwhile, draft beers are $2.75, well drinks are $3.25, and specialty mixed drinks of the day are priced $4 from 5–6:30 pm every weekday. It's perfect for an early evening date, especially when it comes time to pick up the bill. You get to look generous while your wallet remains plump. Lucy's Table |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Card-Carrying Member of Adulthood We would never sit here and tell you to chuck your wallet altogether. But, as adults, we have to be able to recognize those occasions when the protocol and/or wardrobe calls for something sleeker and a bit more grown up. That's when we reach for a card holder that holds the bare essentials (ID, CC, biz cards). And you don't have to sacrifice style, either. Check these artist-etched numbers by ACME. (Great for Father’s Day, btw.) |
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| 2 | Buzz Kill |
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| 3 | Poolside Service Nothing beats having a few beverages while soaking in the pool on a scorching day. Unfortunately, it's all too often that we have to either swim to the cooler at the edge of the pool (which on a lazy day is a real kill-joy), or worse, drink warm beer. Now with this radio-controlled snack float, all we have to do is press a button and move the joysticks to get a refill. Cheers. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Papa Can You Hear Me? Because we have a tough time picking gifts for Dad, we go with services. But if your old man is anything like ours, he is not stepping foot in any foo-foo spa or salon. HairM, that bastion of masculinity, is offering a Father's Day special that includes their famous Emperor's cut, a hot-towel shave, and a 30-minute massage. What: Great gift: Father’s Day specials at Hair M |
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| 2 | Hip Remember that scene in The Break Up when Vince Vaughn stands Jennifer Aniston up at that music show? Well that band was The Old 97's. The puzzling part (though less puzzling than why VV stood up JA) was how he could miss one of the best displays of sonic-Americana touring today. What: The Old 97s |
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| 3 | Hipper If you have the energy for two school nights in a row, don't miss The Detroit Cobras. We had the pleasure of catching this raucous girl dynamo back in '05, and after years of lamenting the absence of The Stooges and The MC5, we came to learn that gut-busting R&R is alive and well in the Motor City. What: The Detroit Cobras |
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| 4 | Show Some Pride Once again Kimpton does it right—their three Seattle properties are celebrating Seattle's Pride Parade in style. Save 10% off any available rate Friday–Sunday at the Hotel Vintage Park, Hotel Monaco or Alexis Hotel, now through Labor Day! And if you haven't been to Seattle for the Pride Parade, it's a blast—even if you're straight. What: Pride Parade specials at Kimpton Seattle |
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We hope you liked seeing a little more of what you requested this week. Music listings, alternative-lifestyle options, and a clothing store that will customize your gear. You’re welcome. |
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