I thought the "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" thing started, maybe, in the late '90s. Now Wikipedia tells me the infamous "street art campaign" began way back in 1986. Over the past few years, numerous rip-offs and homages have popped up around Portland and the world. I spotted this one featuring Patrick Swayze outside the sushi-go-round on NW 23rd last Sunday. There's also a t-shirt currently on Threadless to go with it.

Like any casual fan of his '80s and early '90s ouvere I'm pulling for the guy as he battles his way through cancer. As either a showing of support or a reason to get together, a few friends and I gathered for a Swayze Film Festival over the weekend. We only managed to get 1/3 of the way through Dirty Dancing (that thing has not aged well) but I'm happy to report that Red Dawn, Road House and Point Break were all well received. I'm convinced that last one is at least the 42nd best movie of all time and the 3rd best partially filmed in Oregon. Point Break's climatic "50 year storm" scene wasn't shot in Australia. Wheeler and Ecola State Park filled in for the land down under.

Lay off the cigarettes, will 'ya, Mr. Swayze? Those things won't help you put cancer in Baby's old spot in the corner. Get healthy, man. Some of us are still holding out for a Point Break sequel.

Labels: movies, Swayze