Last week, developers revealed what's in store for the block that currently houses the Virginia Cafe. I'm not sure when but, eventually, the historic bar will be replaced with a 418 foot tall office/condo tower pictured in a conceptual image here. All things considered, I'd rather keep the Virginia Cafe, warts and all. These days downtown could use a few more places to get a drink than pay an arm and a leg for office space.
There's been a good amount of press and grumbling over the changes that are in store for downtown in the coming years. Last week, WW ran a cover story on the backroom deals that will eventually lead to the demolition of the Jefferson Theater porn house. Is downtown becoming a haven for yuppie retirees, a soulless extension of the Pearl District and the South Waterfront? Yeah, probably. Mark my words, once the bus mall reopens, civic planners, shop owners and editorialists alike will be scratching their heads, wondering "why don't people go downtown anymore?" Well, it'll be because no one who makes under $500k a year will be able to drink, eat, shop or, in the case of the Jefferson, jerk off in the heart of PDX anymore. Still, I don't think we'll be seeing any "Keep Downtown Cheap Enough for Middle and Lower Class Pervs" bumperstickers anytime soon.
After years of hearing about this game and keeping an eye out for it in stores around town, I finally got around to tracking down a copy online. It's supposedly one of the weirdest titles ever made. Here's hoping it will be compatible with the edition of XP running on my laptop.
The Smashing Pumpkins are getting back together but without James Iha or D'arcy, who reportedly keeps busy these days by running a horse farm and a few antiques shops in Michigan. The first single from the "band's" new album, along with cover art, is now up online. The song isn't half bad, in a guilty pleasure, Siamese Dream-throwback kinda way.
I think Shrek is lame and I hope his new movie bombs. There, I said it. Tbbbbbbbt! And the critics, for the most part, seem to agree. Looks like it pulled in $38 million at the box office yesterday alone. Lousy, unfunny ogre...
I've been getting lots of calls from 503-257-1466, sometimes two a day. At first I thought it might be my first stalker (!!!). But, alas, it's some sort of promotional scam orchestrated by a company back east. You can read more about the whole thing here..
Les Schwab died yesterday at the age of 89. Long live Les Schwab! May your legacy of free beef, amphitheaters, quality tires, high school sports invitationals and excellent customer service ring on for centuries to come. Good night, sweet tire tycoon.
All together now, "When you're in the Northwest you're in Les Schwab country, quality tires at a low, low price!"
