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October 24th, 2008
We generally like very specific television shows, usually of the funny or edgy variety. But every now and then there is a reality show that is so sublimely tragic that we simply can't look away. This becomes the reality show we watch. (We only allow ourselves one.) This year's winner by a landslide is The Pickup Artist, featuring a (self-described) ladies’ man by the name of “Mystery”—a person so monumentally nerdy that we almost respect the sheer power of his own delusion. When his protégés make it to the next episode they all receive medallions... "nerd runes," if you will. The genesis of this most certainly comes from some serious “Dungeons and Dragons” playing on Mystery's part. To make it extra sweet, this season is set in the clubs of Tempe and Scottsdale, where we used to live. These bars are the kind of place that Steven Hawking could get laid in, and yet we still doubt whether or not the girls he so effortlessly picks up are planted there or not. This guy is a pickup artist in the same way that Britney Spears is a singer, Paul Walker is an actor, or the Knicks are a basketball team. And yet, we can't recommend enough that you devote a Sunday afternoon to marvel at the ridiculousness. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Compound Interest Ah, streetwear—Portland's flooded with it. It seems like every few weeks a new boutique pops up with slick, urban apparel. There's a reason for this, and to figure it out just look around—streetwear is a reflection of our love of art and our (relatively) laid-back way of life. If you too love streetwear, then you undoubtedly frequent Compound, whose selection of hip-hop influenced gear is second to none. One surprise is Stussy, which shed the surfer designs from our high-school days and embraced a sleek, futuristic style of sweaters, tees, jeans, flannel shirts and belts. Another brand to check out is Penfield—they integrate bright colors and intricate designs to create stylish jackets and button-up shirts. Also, seeing as this is Portland, Compound offers the latest limited-edition and hard to find Nike shoes, shirts, hoodies, messenger bags and backpacks. If you're not in the mood for clothes, no problem. Compound offers a huge selection of kooky/fun Japanese toys which are—by themselves—worth the trip. So what are you waiting for? Get down (to Compound) wit'cho bad self. Compound Gallery |
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| 2 | In a…Well, You know. Three culinary facts about Portland: It has become a hub for creativity. It has always been extremely vegan/vegetarian friendly. A recent development is our love for small plates. In fact, pop into a tapas place sometime and you'll find it skirts on obsession. With all of this in mind, Nutshell went about creating a Shangri-la for small plate-lovers. Executive Chef Derek Hanson has put together a menu that is best executed if each guest in your party orders roughly three plates each. The time between ordering the food and when it’s delivered before you is very quick, so your group may be finishing a shared plate of Crispy Rice Fritters with avocado puree & sweet chili sauce when the Pan Fried Padron peppers with peach salsa & cilantro arrives. If you’re curious about origin, there’s a giant chalkboard map of NW Oregon and SW Washington that points out where the ingredients came from. If you haven't been up to North Williams recently, do so. There some interesting stuff going on there, not the least of which is a small culinary revolution. Nutshell3808 N. Williams Ave. Portland, OR 97227 503. 292. 2627 www.nutshellpdx.com |
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| 3 | When the Workday Ends… For some reason, most after-work bars reflect that same corporate model you've noticed at the office: canned smiles, stuffy surroundings, and glossy surfaces too clean to be trusted. After a long day, there's something to be said for a low-key spot without the unnecessary frills. Jax is that place downtown, where the focus is on good drinks, cheap Happy Hour bargains, free WiFi, and plenty of televisions covering whatever game happens to be on. Drinks-wise, it's all the expected stuff plus a few solid microbrew choices and a couple creative cocktails like the Blue Island (vodka, Triple Sec, Blue Caracao) or the Lemon Mellow (Absolut Citron and Watermelon Pucker). Add hot wings, quesadillas and hefty burgers for under $4 each and you've got a can't-miss combination. On nice days, Jax's garage door front opens for exposure to the elements, and during summer, Jax opens its rooftop bar with views of Mt. Hood. But with a cold autumn upon us, you may just have to cozy up to a beer and burger and settle for playoff baseball on their flat screen. Poor you! Jax |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Worth Every Penny We recently were told by the "warden" to streamline our grooming products. We get stuff to review and we procrastinate sometimes in trying new ones out for fear of disappointment… until now. Biogel is formulated with PSP, the most complete protein blend of human growth factors. What does this jargon mean? We don't know. But this Swiss “cosmeceutical” serves as a daily moisturizer, an after-shave, and an anti-aging formula. Our job of streamlining just got easier. |
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| 2 | Lighten Up Here's the thing about guys and candles: We use 'em when the power goes out or to "set the mood." We're generally not into aromatherapy and as such, we like the most utilitarian candle we can find (vs. the best-smelling). We've found the perfect solution in Candela Lights. Put 'em in the charger until a power failure, when they'll turn on automatically. In the case of the romantic dinner, you'll have to turn them (and her) on manually. Candela Lights |
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| 3 | School Pride For university graduates here in the Northwest, there are three things that are essential to have. The first is a diploma, the second is at least one marketable skill, and the third is a way to show off your school pride. We can't help you with the first two, but for the third, nothing beats a fun and functional way to stick it to your other-educated friends or your campus rival with this College Board game. Alternate drinking rules encouraged. www.up2ugames.com |
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| Grooming Tip of the Month: | |||
If the market is giving you sleepless nights and the bags under your eyes are making you look like a hound dog, get some relief with a little eye candy. Not the feline kind—try Eye Treatment from Baxter of California. It's made for us guys and will help you hide your late night by minimizing the bags and dark circles. Check out the entire line of Baxter of California at HairM and get 15% off through Nov. 15. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Miller's Outposts There is absolutely nothing that says "ski season is upon us" like the new Warren Miller film coming through town. There is also nothing that gets us more anxious to get out there. This year's locations include everywhere from Japan to our own Mt. Bachelor. Just don't try this at home. What: Warren Miller's Children of Winter |
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| 3 | Work Out Like a Man Economy got you down? Don’t give up on workouts—they help beat depression, and NW Pilates is offering group classes for just $18 each. Yes—Pilates. Our girlfriend dragged us and we have to say—it was pretty tough—the other guy was a triathlete. It’s targeted core work done on machines—this ain’t no sissy stuff. What: Group Classes Just $18 each at NW Pilates |
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Don’t be the only guy in the office who reads PPFM. The gratuitous photo alone begs to be shared. |
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