Yeah, I actually got to ride to Hotel deLuxe in some clear skies and sunshine the other day! The hot hot heat and hilly ride wasn’t as fun going home, but what are you going to do?

Yesterday I was riding over to meet some friends after work and nearly got munched by two cars. Maybe the closest call I’ve had in Portland. So I wanted to tell people about the nasty spot in case they’re riding over there.

Here’s my advice: be very careful riding through the intersection of NE Broadway and N Williams. It’s a total circus of cars and bikes and on ramps. You’ve got to really pay attention or you could get mashed.

I just read on the bikeportland blog that the city is planning to do something about it, but until then, I might say avoid it if you can. Especially if in this crazy Portland weather…;-)

Later,
Keith

Well, I’ve got to say a word about the last few weeks of the absolutely freakiest weather I’ve ever witnessed. It was like a weather buffet. A dose of rain (of course), some sleet, a flurry of hail, snow and even some sun. I’m expecting locusts at anytime.

It all makes me want to have a chat with my neighbor. Not long ago when I told him I’d just seen An Inconvenient Truth, he treated me to his succinct one-word review of the movie, and global warming, by saying simply: “nonsense.”

I guess he would credit this weather schizophrenia to the PR department of the Sierra Club or something. Whatever was behind it, I’m afraid if you’re on your way out to us, I don’t even know what to tell you to pack!

Cheerio,
Emily

I guess I need to get out more often. One of the first places friends took me to in Portland when I moved here was the Virginia Café. It’s just old school hipster cocktail lounge. They aren’t stingy with the pours and have a great happy hour.

The other thing is it was right downtown, but didn’t seem like a downtown place. And it wasn’t too expensive. Key for our group. Get the most for your moolah. So a couple of nights ago we head over and ― what?! ― the place is gone! It was heartbreaking.

Until we got wise. Worry not, VC fans, the place has dragged itself a bit further east to a new location over on 10th and Main. The new digs are now right across from the main library.

All’s well in liquorland.

Later,
Keith

This is a film festival alert. The ever-busy Northwest Film Center, in partnership with the Institute for Judaic Studies, announces the 16th annual Portland Jewish Film Festival.

I’ve never been but I love to support Portland’s film festivals. New York might be the only other place I can think of where you have such an incredible selection. Plus, I just saw “The Band’s Visit” at the Portland International Film Festival so am in a Jewish film mood.

On my list? “Making Trouble,” which is a documentary about Jewish-American female comedians (Gilda Radner? Say no more.). And “My Mexican Shiva.” Don’t know anything about it but love the title.

All festival screenings are at the Whitsell just down the street a piece from your bed at Hotel deLuxe. It runs until April 17.

And by the way, if you haven’t seen “The Band’s Visit,” you should.

Cheers,
Emily

If you know Portland, you know that what is now called the Pearl District used to be an urban blight. It was a graveyard of old warehouses, vacant storefronts and overgrown lots.

What a difference a couple of years and can make. These days it’s a happening neighborhood with some of the city’s best stores and restaurants. Every once in awhile you get a glimpse of how it happened to work out that way.

The NeighborhoodNotes blog mentioned that the Centennial Mill, a century-old former flour mill and longtime waste of space, was destined for the wrecking ball. But here’s what I love about Portland: Apparently, the 12 buildings are going to be converted into a complex of restaurants, shops, entertainment and green space. Bravo, Portland.

So keep an eye on this spot along the Willamette on the northern edge of the Pearl.

Cheerio,
Emily