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September 5th, 2008

We had to stay in most of last weekend (long story). Of course the weather was near perfect on Saturday, which would usually induce some great swell of bitterness at our situation. There was, however, one saving grace ... college football. In the NFL's age of free agency, the NCAA has about the best chance of getting us emotionally involved in the outcome of a game. Collegiate sports also sadly reminded us of the following joke:

There are three co-eds sitting in a doctor's waiting room.

The first gal walks in and explains to the doctor that she has the indentation of the letter P on her chest. After almost an hour, they figure out it is because her boyfriend, who goes to Penn State, likes to wear his letterman jacket in the sack.

The next gal walks in and shows the doctor the big F on her chest. Amazed, the doctor asks, "Does your boyfriend go to Florida?" To which the grateful woman replies, "Why, yes he does." The third gal walks in next and shows the doc a big W on her chest.

The doctor asks her if her boyfriend attends Wisconsin, to which the girl replies, "Nope, my girlfriend goes to Michigan."

Let the games begin...

       
 

Portland Picks for Men:

 
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Casually Hip
 
A lot of stores in town seem to specialize in "casual wear." Usually this means tees and funky colored jeans. While this is great for outdoor activities, sometimes we want to dress comfortably, while at the same time turning the heads of a few ladies.
 
Blake specializes in casual yet classy apparel. If you're a fan of jeans, Blake will hook you up. They have a huge selection of designer jeans from Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Kicking Mule, and Ksubi to name just a few. If you're in need of a shirt, Blake has a great selection of stylish mod polos and button-ups from Ben Sherman and Fred Perry. With the coming of fall we suggest picking up a handsome Ralph Lauren sweater or a Fred Perry track jacket. And if you're beginning to think about gearing up for winter, Blake offers a killer selection of stylish military-inspired jackets by G-Star Raw and leathers by Obey.
 
So pop into Blake; they'll have you dressing comfortably and looking sharp at the same time. Which may result in you slipping into something even more comfortable with the lady of your choice.
 
Blake
2285 NW Johnson St,
Portland, OR 97210
503.222.4848
www.loveblake.com

       
  2

Go To Healthy
 

If you're thinking about another greasy hamburger or a plate of overcooked noodles dripping with gooey sauce for lunch again, hold it right there. You need something to get you through the workday feeling good, which means it's time your taste buds and your body agree on a meal that's healthy, fresh, and delicious. We know just the place.
 
The Park Bistro is tucked away on a side street downtown and is open every day until 3 pm with great breakfast and lunch options. Whether you're jonesing for a delicious breakfast paella with jasmine saffron rice, shrimp, chicken sausage and onions topped with scrambled eggs or you're leaning toward the chicken breast panini with caramelized onions and a blue-cheese spread, you're in for a treat. Sandwiches, salads, and scrambles are perfection at the Park, and most of the ingredients are fresh, natural, and local. Plus most items come with a cup of green soup, a mixture so scrumptious it will convert veggie haters to lovers, or a choice of roasted potatoes or fresh fruit.
 
Healthy and delicious is a no-brainer, so put down the French fries already!
 
The Park Bistro
615 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503.227.0400
www.thepark-bistro.com

       
  3

Death by Tequila
 
The next time your buddy suggests hitting the dive bar circuit along W. Burnside for cheap drinks and bad service, don't roll your eyes just yet. There's one spot distinguishing itself from the competition with great southwestern food, awesome drinks, and plenty of play space.
 
Tequilas Muertos stocks a solid lineup of microbrewery taps, eighteen different types of tequila and features a couple of rooms with giant flat-screen TVs tuned to ESPN, plus 25-cent pinball machines, arcade games and a pool table. And with two bars at opposite ends of the pub, it's impossible to stray too far from the liquor.
 
Best of all, the food portions are enormous, and the prices uber-cheap. Order the two beef tacos with rice and beans for a gut-busting mass of lip-smacking sustenance that should soak up any alcohol before it reaches your liver. Or check out the street corn on the cob, which is coated in chipotle mayo, cojito cheese, and paprika for the perfect appetizer. Just don't forget the salt and limes when washing it all down.
 
Tequilas Muertos
1650 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
503.222.1507

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week:
   



Who says we don’t take care of you?
Photo courtesy of Jane’s Vanity.

 
       
 

Mandatory Gear:

 
  1

You May Not Notice It's Raining
 
Often in autumn, we mistakenly assume that because it is not technically winter, we can dress a bit lighter than the weather may allow. It is these cold, rainy fall days when we need a little warmth from the inside-out.
 
Briggs is the gold standard in umbrellas, even outfitting royalty. Which is why you can be sure to maintain some semblance of class when you unscrew the handle on this baby to reveal a flask. Fill and enjoy.

The Famous Briggs Umbrella

       
  2

A Convenient Truth

Unlike Al Gore, most of us will not make any filmed presentations that will result in recognition by both the Academy of Film Arts and the Nobel folks.

But for those of us for whom the presentation is something that will be reviewed by the committee in charge of giving raises, this affordable little four-in-one gadget is a worthy investment. Keep control of PowerPoint, Laser Pointer, Wireless Mouse, and PC Multimedia all in the palm of your hand.

4-in-1 Wireless Presenter

       
  3

Digital Old-School
 
We love our vinyl collection. Touching it, looking at it, and most of all, spending an entire afternoon in the basement listening to the warmest, most linear delivery of audio ever.
 
We also love jammin' out while we drive, but, suffice it to say, the needle skips around a bit on our bumpy Portland streets. That's why we got the LP and Cassette to CD Recorder system—easy to use and compact, it has enhanced our summer road trips beyond words.

LP and Cassette to CD Recorder

       
  Cocktail of the Week:
   



We are big fans of this newcomer to the specialty spirits market—Organic Nation Vodka. It’s truly an outstanding effort on its own (helloooo, Martini) but we especially like it in a gentlemanly cocktail.

Gingered Honey Sour:
2 oz. Organic Nation vodka
1 oz. organic lemon juice
1 oz. ginger-honey syrup*

Shake ingredients over cracked ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a thin slice of organic ginger.

*To make ginger-honey syrup, peel and grate 1 ounce (by volume) fresh organic ginger. Add to 8 ounces of organic honey and 8 ounces boiling water. Let steep for at least one hour, strain through cheesecloth, bottle and refrigerate. Recipe by Jeffrey Morganthaler, Mixologist at Bel Ami Restaurant, Eugene, OR.

www.peakvodka.com

 
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Get a Future-Hall of Famer's Autograph

Grateful for the influence mentoring has had on his life, Greg Oden has partnered with Oregon Mentors to raise awareness of the need for more male mentors in Oregon. There will be games, live music, food & beverages, and of course the Blazer Dancers. A celebration of current mentors, it is also an opportunity for potential mentors (hint, hint).
 
What: "Greg's Summer Slam: A Celebration of Team ODEN"
When: Saturday, Sept. 6,  11 am–3 pm
Where:  Rose Garden Arena, One Center Court
Admission: Free
Visit: www.oregonmentors.org

       
  2

 
       
  3

Drink Wine…Get Naked?
 
Join Naked Winery and Burgidala Wine Shop to enjoy a glass of wine, snack on delicious light appetizers, meet new people and listen to live music. The wine will be fine (we're big fans of Naked Winery's "Penetration" Cabernet), the atmosphere appealing (Burgidala is a great spot) and the people quite interesting. 
 
What: Cellar-brate September at Burgidala Wine Shop
& Wine Bar
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 pm
Where: 8317 SE 13th Ave.
Call: 503.309.6297
Visit: www.burgidalawine.com or www.nakedwinery.com

       
  4

Muddy Boot Organic Fest
 
The Muddy Boot Festival returns for its third year to promote sustainable living within our local community. The highlights include a keynote presentation on Friday by agricultural visionary, Dr. Wes Jackson, live music by the Freak Mountain Ramblers, Stolen Sweets, Fernando and more, plus plenty of info about sustainable food and farming.
 
What: Third Annual Muddy Boot Organic Fest
When: Sept. 5, 7 pm; Sept. 6, non–9 pm; Sept. 7, noon–6 pm
Where: St. Philip Neri Church, 2408 SE 16th Ave.
Tickets: $15
Call: 503.231.4955
Visit: www.brownpapertickets.com or www.muddyboot.org

       
 

Here we go again—another week ends and we have nothing of consequence to show for it. But we figure with all the strife and complications in the world, PPFM is a tiny beacon of hope—or at least a way to forget for 10 minutes that bills are due, there’s an energy crisis, and that we should be investing in handbaskets…

       
 
 

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