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February 13th, 2009
Why do the Grammys suck so bad? Of the myriad answers to this question, here's our biggest gripe: Kenny Chesney and that sort of ilk getting to perform. Bad, popped-up, bubble-gum country music that nary resembles the Americana of Cash and Willie has hijacked the country music business. Tune into the Country Grammys sometime, and you'll see there is nothing resembling real country anywhere. And that's fine. If hicks wanna let crap like Jordin Sparks represent their chosen musical genre, it's their choice. We'll even suffer through it twice a year when SNL has their token "country" acts on. But for the love of god, if they've decided to call these sonic-abortions country… well then fans of it can watch it on the Country Grammys. No need to ruin the regular Grammys for the rest of us. Even the Latin Grammys are good enough to keep Ricky Martin at bay. It makes us so mad we could smack someone. (As long as it's not Rihanna... what? Too soon?) Have something bugging you? Relax with a round of Golf. Forward this issue of PPFM to 10 friends and CC us at picks@portlandpicksformen.com for a chance to win 18 holes for two at Colwood National Golf Club. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Are We Not Men? We Are ECO! Three martinis once told me: "as our perceptions of self change, so do our perceptions of the world." In that spirit (ba dum bum), we've definitely noticed men becoming more eco-conscious as we've come to understand more about our own "footprints" (no, not the poem). But we are men, and there are some sacrifices we will not make—our identities being one of 'em. So where does one go for a lifestyle that is sustainable but also stylish? How about revisiting Sameunderneath? Their seasonal lines include slim and tailored cuts alongside modern tees and jeans, and you'll give up no luxury in their super soft Organic Cotton & Bamboo materials. Their philosophy is sustainability and their practices support local artists and the economy. Sameunderneath is under new management, and is now part of a greater network of eco-commerce called Seven Planet. Through this network, you will also find "Green" energy, food, household items and travel goods. Sameunderneath is currently making room for the spring line, so get into either of their retail outlets now thru February for incredible 50% to 75% savings.
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| 2 | Hash That Smokes You |
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| 3 | A Gift Horse In The Portsmouth |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||||
Photo courtesy of Lille Boutique |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Town to Trail We found the best of both worlds thanks to our outdoor-guru college buddy. We meet annually on the mountain (not Brokeback… we're skiing… with our girlfriends!), and this time he was wearing what he claimed to be the most comfortable après-ski, around-the-lodge shoes ever. Made by Kuru, the line utilizes a midsole chassis and something called HeelKradle. While we have no idea what that means, we took our buddy's advice and even checked out the hiking model. As per usual, we weren't steered wrong. |
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| 2 | FORE! Is the universal "watch out" in golf. Four, however, is about the minimum price you'll pay for a beverage on the course. That is, when the beverage cart finally makes its way to you. Let's face it… drinking on the course is both inconvenient and expensive. Not any more. Kooler Klub is an ingenious device that appears to be just another driver in your bag, but holds 48 ounces of your favorite hot or cold beverage. Pays for itself in 36 holes. |
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| 3 | Stay Warm in Soup Lines OK, the recession hasn't gotten that bad… yet. But it has warranted a little bargain-hunting on our part. One of the best deals we've found is the Price for Life deal from Artificial Flavor. Here's how it works; choose one or more jackets from their stylish line, and not only are they only 50 bucks, but that is the price you'll pay for their jackets for (you guessed it)… life! Remember… old-school windbreakers are set to make a big comeback this spring. |
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| Grooming Tip of the Week: | |||||
Nothing screams "I descended from an ape" like a hairy neckline. While you're grooming your face and your head it's sometimes easy to forget the stuff you don't see in the mirror, but trust us, it looks a billion times sharper when you have a clean neckline. Doing it yourself could leave it uneven, or worse, up too high, like you rode the short bus. HairM clients receive free neckline trims between visits, giving you an excuse to pop in for a beer and ensuring you're in the hands of a pro. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Depression-Era Clothing Actually we're talking about great modern, vintage-inspired, and bike-friendly outfits at Foundation Garments. But with a great store like this shutting its doors, it sure feels depression-era, doesn't it? Not only is everything ridiculously discounted (we're talking like half off), but when you mention PPFM you can take an additional 10% off. What: Going Out of Business Clearence at Foundation Garments |
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| 2 | Street of Eames The fourth annual Street of Eames Modern Home Tour is in April… but we have to warn you… tickets go on sale 10 am Feb. 16 and will sell out! This city-wide tour features a collection of seven mid-century and contemporary modern homes, most of which have never been open to the public before. All proceeds fund after-school enrichment for homeless students at two Portland public schools. What: Street of Eames |
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| 3 | Oscar Night® America at the Hollywood Theatre |
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| 4 | Hit Lower Fremont Tonight! Join Lower Fremont tonight for Baubles and Bubbles—in honor of Valentine's Day—with specials up and down the avenue, plus free bubbly and chocolate truffles. (Your lady will love it.) Take her to Poppy and Ivy, Sofia, and Splurge, and enjoy drink specials at Caffe Destino. Then visit the Backyard Birdshop, have a drink at County Cork or a bite at Acadia! What: Baubles and Bubbles on Lower Fremont |
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| 5 | Alone on V-day? Sign up for Singles CPR and meet the girl of your dreams while meeting OSHA requirements! Enjoy beer, wine and heart-shaped cookies, and walk away with a free two-week membership to the Portland Mercury's Lovelab personals, sweet treats from Pix Patisserie and the skills to save a life. What: Singles CPR |
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| 6 | Pause at Foster & Dobbs Take some time out to relax after a busy day by doing something gourmet. Stop into Foster & Dobbs for a "Pause Plate." Every day from 4 pm on, they pair a glass of wine with tasty snacks, and prices range from $7 –9. Take a friend or just zone out by yourself. Because you're worth it. What: Pause Plates at Foster & Dobbs |
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| 7 | No Valentine? No Problem. Single on Valentine's day? No worries; while the rest of those suckers are out spending their hard-earned money on flowers, you'll be splurging on yourself. And there's no better place to start than the big V-Day sale at all three Haberdashers locations. 30-70% off our favorite brands? Forget about it. What: Haberdashers Valentine's Day Sale |
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The best Grammy performance ever was this tribute to Joe Strummer featuring Grohl, Springsteen & Little Steven, Costello, and the bass player from No Doubt: |
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Be sure to visit www.portlandpicksformen.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicksformen.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicksformen.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Portland Picks for Men! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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