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June 15th, 2007
Some of us at Portland Picks are not technologically inclined, despite our online presence. We know, we know, this is shocking news, but it’s the truth. Case in point: Just last week, our calling plan expired and our phone needed updating, so we thought we’d “go for it” and get one of those cute new Pearl phones—all white and very light and (we thought) perfect for feeding an email addiction without the bother of a laptop. It arrives in the mail, and while unpacking it, we realize, “Huh, there sure is a lot of stuff with this phone.” A pamphlet, a book and a CD. We’re already in over our heads. But—ever optimistic—we open the in-phone Install Wizard. It takes three attempts before we figure out how to make the key shifts to type “7.@” in the tutorial, and five tries before we figure out how to change the time and date. And since we can’t get the all-important email feature working in the phone, we pop in the CD, which is exactly the same as the in-phone tutorial, just more annoying since it’s loaded with time-consuming animation. Three hours later, we have nothing. Seriously, we spent three hours trying to figure out how to get the stupid thing to make a phone call or recognize our email address…and nothing. You know that scene in the movie “Office Space” where they take the fax machine to the field and demolish it, out of pure hate? That’s how we felt about this phone. Next day, we called up, claimed “buyer’s remorse,” and sent it back. And we kept our old, crappy phone. Lesson learned? We can’t have anything nice. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | No Laughing Matter Back in elementary school, there was this kid who had spiky hair and always wore one white and one black Reebok. In college, that same guy was “discovered” in Paris and participated in a runway fashion show. Today, he’s an architect in Europe and working on projects that we can only dream of. So when he comes home, there’s only one place worth visiting—Stand Up Comedy—a new take on the old general store. Not only are many of the clothes black and white (gray too), they are uber-hip…light years ahead of their time. Traditional sweats by Slow and Steady Wins the Race are deconstructed and literally turned upside down; a white shirt even comes with an extra collar. In the coming months, look for more from cult labels like Rachel Comey, Staerk, April 77 and handcrafted Cerre handbags, which only retail in three places. While there, don’t overlook quirky ceramics, printed matter and Occtone distortion pedals. Stand Up Comedy may not get you discovered, but they’ll certainly get your attention. Stand Up Comedy |
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| 2 | Fun for Dick and Jane We’re not really complaining or anything, but doesn’t it seem like there are about four times as many women’s clothing boutiques than there are men’s fashion outlets in this town? We realize it might have to do with the whole supply-and-demand idea, but we know that there are a lot of fashion-forward guys in this town. With that said, it’s not surprising that we pay extra-close attention to men’s fashion retailers. Which brings us to Finn. Finn has been around for a few years (shameless plug: we wrote them up when they opened) and carries some of the classiest men’s fashions around. On a recent visit we noticed something a little different and definitely worth mentioning. They have just started to carry women’s clothes (yesss!) Just like the men’s wares, the women’s pieces are timeless and simply classic. Gant and Agave were two of our favorite labels—both of which are exclusive to Finn and both of which we could easily see ourselves in. Sorry, guys, looks like we’re taking a piece of your action here, too. But thanks, Finn! Finn Clothing |
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| 3 | You Don’t Know Yoga… We’ve never wondered, “How can one spice up yoga?” We’ve never thought, “Yoga would be oodles better…if we did it on a stripper pole.” But when we found our about the workshops for Pole Yoga Bombshell Style, we immediately blurted, “Why didn’t we think of that?!?” Pole Yoga, led by the inimitable Carla Nomaiia (dancer, yoga therapist, choreographer, performing artist, etc etc!), is three hours of the most amazing stretching you’ll experience—you actually use the poles as a tool for deepening the poses. It’s absolutely brilliant, and it’s a little more exciting than your average mat class, thanks to The Bombshell Ballroom’s sensual atmosphere—it’s the perfect way to get in touch with your inner Goddess. And anyone can do it. Beginners to Advanced students will find this approach innovative and intense (in a good way). Pole Yoga “Bombshell Style” combines Hatha Yoga postures (Asanas) with teachings about how to enliven sensuality in your personal and daily life. It’s all about personal growth—and proper spinal alignment. They promise “blissful physical sensations.” We promise this will be a one-in-a-million experience! The Bombshell Ballroom |
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| 4 | North Star You know the cereal Crispix? Do they still make it? One side was corn and the other wheat. Or rice? Sometimes our hair is like Crispix, when we blow it out—one side straight, the other curly. What does this have to do with anything? Drinking, of course. The North Bar has arrived in SE Portland. One side of the bar is sleek, with dark taupe walls, a polished and stylish salvaged wood bar. The other is even chiller, with a pool table, and, soon, darts. But both rooms come together well in a great tap selection, friendly service, awesome jukebox, and food that hits the spot. Our hummus was nicely garlicky, and a bowl of rice, beans, nachos, and salsa came with crumbled chips that allowed just the right crunch. North is definitely a great addition to a neighborhood that had been lacking in libation locations. When you’re in SE, and Hawthorne is too, well, Hawthorney, and you don’t feel like going down to Clinton Street, let the North Bar guide you. It’s worth a stop on its own—no matter what side you’re on. The North Bar |
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| 5 | The Pleasures of Home-Brew From our first childhood cup of peppermint to our recent obsession with Darjeeling, we can’t turn down a freshly steeped pot of tea. We’re enamored of everything from the drinking of tea to the china cups we serve it in. Seriously, we’re hooked. And we’ve found a haven of tea-drinking, right in our backyard. (Well, Bridgeport Village’s backyard.) Stash Tea has a retail outpost with more than 200 varieties of loose leaf teas, plus bags of iced tea (try the Lemon Blossom with a hint of lemongrass), bagged teas, and a truly lovely selection of tea-related accessories, from Marimekko iced-tea sets to a whimsical teapot with an Alice in Wonderland motif. It’s a tea-drinker’s heaven. You can see, touch and sniff every variety—so it’s a total experience. From exotics like Brazilian Feijoa and Milk Scented Kinsen Oolong to decadent Almond Cream and delicate Jasmine, Stash Tea takes the mysticism out of tea-brewing. Just add water! If you need them, the expert staff can answer any question. Plus, mention Portland Picks and get a free logo tin when you purchase loose-leaf tea! Ahh… Stash Tea Company |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Clear Your Closet, Clear Your Mind! When you go to a party feeling fat, how much fun do you have? There’s a connection between how you feel and how you look…and it affects every aspect of your life. Learn to feel happy and take control of your personal life with Coach To Win. Coach Didi has created a 6-week plan to increase your self-confidence, decrease your insecurities, develop self-motivation, and allow you to walk into any room and feel beautiful. She’s like your own personal “What Not to Wear” episode. And the first step? Cleaning out your closet! |
 coachtowin.com |
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| 2 | My Buddy and Me When we were growing up, everything was all Cabbage Patch Kids and Strawberry Shortcake. And while our parents thought CPKs were ugly, they weren’t ugly. Well, times have changed and ugly is the new adorable. That’s why we’re taken with locally-made Cranky Pals. They’re weird and freaky and totally loveable for kids. They’re also made by hand out of acrylic, which means no allergies. Our favorite? Lulu Heartbreak, who comes with a detachable heart and would stand by you even if a boyfriend didn’t. |
 crankypals.com |
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| 3 | All Aboard for Fashion So take Woodburn Company Stores’ Outlet Express—a plush motorcoach—and leave the driving to them! Shop 90+ name-brand stores (BCBGmaxazria, Columbia Sportswear, Gymboree and more)—there’s plenty of trunk space, plus goody bags, for just $20! With daily round-trips through Labor Day Weekend, you can shop til you drop, without any hassle. Bring in this ad when you take the Outlet Express by July 15 for a free gift! |
 shop-woodburn.com |
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| 4 | Gifts Make a Crafty Home Right around the 2001 mark this town exploded into crafty mayhem. Since then the craft market has tightened; leaving the artisan craft-selling to the pros. Jenn and Jenny of Robot Candy are two of those crafty connoisseurs. They’ve been at it for years, and they’re still doing it for a reason—Robot Candy is perfectly cute. They just started doing cartoon-ish cards, and have been selling crates of vintage-sparkly coasters, light-switch covers and magnets for years. Give your home the gift of Robot Candy! |
 robotcandy.com |
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| 5 | Get a Movie-Star Bod Movie stars have (in addition to personal trainers, personal chefs, personal assistants, nutritionists, accountants, managers and maids, all things that everyone needs), Pilates instructors. Sometimes on call. Most humans can’t afford an in-home fitness guru, but you can afford the body-changing workouts at NW Pilates. We can’t promise you’ll look like Jennifer Aniston, but the superior (and fun) workouts will make you feel like a star (and lift your tush)! Call now—mention Portland Picks to get 1 class free when you buy a package! |
 nwpilates.com |
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| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
| What We're Drinking Now We just uncovered another credit to our fine city—the nation's first magazine of liquid culture, Imbibe, is published right here in our hometown! From coffee to lager to fine wine, the bi-monthly magis packed with recipes, reviews, taste-tests and tips. Here's a recipe from the July/August 2006 issue to tide you over until you get your own copy: Summer of Love (from Sake: A Modern Guide, Chronicle Books) Shake the ingredients with ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail or old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. Melon- and Mint-infused Sake 720 mL bottle of saké (we love SakéOne's Silver) Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Cover, refrigerate and let sit for 12-24 hours. Strain melon and mint and return the saké to the jar or transfer to a pitcher. www.imbibemagazine.com |
 imbibemagazine.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Girls’ Day In at Grand SalonSpa Spend the day indulging in incredible spa services in a lush and luxurious environment…the new Grand SalonSpa will pamper you and your BFFs with 9,000 square feet of amazing treatments—from pedicures to massages to the most incredible water-massage bed we’ve ever seen, this is the place for a grand Girls’ Day In. What: The Grand SalonSpa |
 thegrandsalonspa.com |
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| 3 | Adorable Handbags—in Your Living Room You don’t have to leave the house to shop for great purses! To-die-for handbags can come to you! Call Micah and host a Bejio Bag party in your living room, your fave coffee shop, your church or clubhouse—there are great hostess benefits and discounts for you, plus your friends will love you forever. What: Beijo Bags Hostess Parties |
 beijobags.com |
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| 5 | Delicious New Happy Hour at 23Hoyt Happy hour and Old-World cuisine meet at 23Hoyt! Chef Christopher Israel brings you delicious menu items, now offered between $1 and $5! Grilled Algerian chicken skewers, Panino sandwich with gruyére, and Bruschetta n'Capriata—click here for the full menu!. Plus, enjoy $4 specialty cocktails and wine & beer specials—perhaps al fresco? The best part? Free valet parking! What: Happy Hour at 23Hoyt |
 23hoyt.com |
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| 6 | Souchi’s Big Summer Sale Big Summer Sale at Souchi! Save 15% off the entire store—you read that right—including current collections (summer and fall 2007), plus get 30-80% off spring and previous collections. Designer include: souchi, jovovich hawk, BRUCE, Rachel Mara, Mike and Chris, corey lnn calter, hazel cox, PORTS 1961, and more! What: Souchi’s big summer sale |
 souchi.com |
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Do you have friends who need to know about Portland Picks? Share the love! Forward this email to 5 friends, and cc picks@portlandpicks.com, to receive 2 free passes to a screening of the movie “A Mighty Heart” June 20 at Lloyd Center Cinemas! While supplies last! |
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