The blog has been great. I agree. Thanks Emily for asking me to join in and add my two cents. I always think when I’m out these days doing whatever if it would make a good post.

This time I’m not sure it makes a good (or interesting) post but I just have to say a few words about the new Batman movie. And those words are: holy, moly, right on. People are talking about how dark it is, and it is, but that’s what those movies have been missing forever.

And yes, what’s his name is great as the Joker. Creeptastic. But for my money you can’t go wrong with Christian Bale. See “Rescue Dawn” or “American Psycho.” If you want to see something really creepy, see what he did to himself for “The Machinest.”

Later,

Keith

You’ll forgive me if I interrupt this string of captivating communiqués to announce the arrival – cue the fanfare – of Hotel deLuxe’s 200^th post! Release the doves!

It started as a small idea. A germ. A seed. We thought, “Why don’t we do one of those blog things to help visitors to the hotel keep up to speed on what’s happening at the hotel and in town?”

The elegance of the idea still gives me a shiver. Little did I know, and I think I speak for Keith and everyone else that has contributed over the months, that it would be so much blasted fun for us. Plus, I’ve learned a lot about the city that I didn’t know.

So thanks to the hotel for letting us do it, and thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read us along the way. Onward to 400.

Later,

Emily

Ha. You owe me, Keith. I, too, learned a couple of things last week that made me quite happy as well.

1. I don’t know if you remember but I did a post awhile back lamenting the sad passing of Portland’s Nau clothing. Alas, I was not the only one and Nau really announced that they had been purchased. By a company in Santa Barbara. Good news, and good luck, Nau!

2. You know about the first Thursday artwalk downtown and the last Thursday artwalk in Alberta. But did you know there’s a first Friday artwalk? Me either! It’s sponsored by the Central Eastside Arts District and includes over 30 galleries around SE Sandy. See their site for a handy map.

Ta Ta,

Emily

Oh, man, brew fest, right! I got all caught up in the Gorge Games (which were awesome!) and totally forgot! That’s this weekend — I can’t believe I forget. It’s like forgetting Christmas.

Well, I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend. We usually go the first night on Thursday right after work just to sort of get things sussed out. The crowds are lighter than the weekend, too.

I don’t think it’s exaggerating to say it’s maybe the best event in the world. Over 70 brewers from around the country. With every kind of beer you could think of, from IPAs and pilsners to one that says it’s made with apricot and scotch bonnet peppers!

Things goes from noon to 9, 7 on Sunday. You buy a mug for $5 and tasting tokens for $1 each. You’ll appreciate the simplicity by the end of the day.

Later,

Keith

Just when you thought that summer had sort of shown you everything it’s got, it goes and does this: our summer rooftop film series at Hotel deLuxe. The only movies you’re likely to see on top of a garage this year.

The movies were picked by the Northwest Film Center, and so it’s a pretty eclectic mix (see our website for the full schedule). They air every Thursday night through August, starting on July 24 with “Big Time” (1988) written and starring Tom Waits (in my top 5).

Things get started at 8 p.m. with live music and refreshments with movies following at dusk (around 9ish). Order dinner or drinks from Gracie’s. And bring a camp chair or blanket if you want though we do have first-come, first-serve seating. Hey Keith, speaking of summer stuff, what, no going on about the brewer’s festival this year?

Later,

Emily

Ever heard of Michael Curry? Probably not. No, that’s Tim Curry. But unless you completely missed the 90s, you’ve heard of The Lion King, and those are his incredible puppets that really made the show the huge hit that it became.He’s also lent his genius to Walt Disney, the Olympics, Cirque du Soleil and a number of other high-profile clients as part of his company Michael Curry Design. And he lives just up the road in Scappoose.

Well, in a peculiar but much appreciated departure from displaying dusty old things, the Oregon Historical Society is showing an exhibit of Michael’s creations from the Julie Taymor Broadway production of The Lion King.

I haven’t been yet, but I’m going, if only to prove to myself once and for all that those puppets aren’t actually alive.

Ta ta,

Emily

Ever heard of Michael Curry? Probably not. No, that’s Tim Curry. But unless you completely missed the 90s, you’ve heard of The Lion King, and those are his incredible puppets that really made the show the huge hit that it became.He’s also lent his genius to Walt Disney, the Olympics, Cirque du Soleil and a number of other high-profile clients as part of his company Michael Curry Design. And he lives just up the road in Scappoose.

Well, in a peculiar but much appreciated departure from displaying dusty old things, the Oregon Historical Society is showing an exhibit of Michael’s creations from the Julie Taymor Broadway production of The Lion King.

I haven’t been yet, but I’m going, if only to prove to myself once and for all that those puppets aren’t actually alive.

Ta ta,

Emily

The Portland Highland Games! I’m not Irish, but everyone’s is on St. Patrick’s Day, right? So everyone’s a wee bit Scottish this coming weekend at the Highland Games, seriously one of the best events.

It’s two days of “if it’s not Scottish it’s crap”. That means kilts as far as the eye can see, drummers, dancers, bagpipes and lots of throwing heavy things like poles, huge rocks, hammers and the occasional drunk.

There is also music, food, stalls selling various bits of Scottish whatnot and sponsor Mactarnahans’ Amber Ale, which is good because it’s always hot as a mother out there.

So get your brogue on and head out to Mt. Hood Community College July 18 and 19. Look for me. I’ll be the one in the plaid.

Later,

Keith

I guess I must’ve been thinking about the Gorge Games coming up, but five of us decided this past weekend to head out and raft the White Salmon over on the Washington side.

If you haven’t been out to the Gorge, it’s a definite must. You’re not going to drive on prettier stretch of highway anywhere. Water on both sides for stretches, beautiful hillsides, famous Multnomah Falls which is incredible. It’s just a great drive. And Hood River is a very cool town.

We headed over to White Salmon to Wet Planet. Got a boat to ourselves and got soaked plowing into maybe a dozen sets of rapids. Really awesome fun.

But what made me think of it was our guide, who is the only woman competing in riverboarding at the Games. Good luck Liz!

Later,

Keith

Save the Gorge Games! Wait, they’re not going anywhere. Their awesomeness is too awesome to be denied. (Emily, I haven’t seen the checkerboard building, but I love checkers so I’m with you. Hands off, developers!)

Put all that nastiness from your mind with a trip out to the gorge for the 2008 Gorge Games. What the bleep are they, you ask? It’s basically the Olympics for adrenalin junkies. There’s competition in just about every outdoor sport you can think of, including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, skateboarding, riverboarding, mountain biking, running and kiteboarding (no biathlon though).

Events are scheduled for spots from the Cascade Locks to The Dalles on both sides of the Columbia and run from July 17-20. And it will be on Fox News, so we know that the coverage will be fair and balanced…

Cheers,

Keith