Portland Auto Show 2010
By: Jedrzej Jonasz
The 2010 Portland Auto Show takes place from January 28th-31st at the Oregon Convention Center, bringing the latest new cars and some great classics to the city of Portland. You won't see any concept cars or new model unveiling, but you will get a chance to browse around most of the major manufacturers, and see some great exotic cars like the Ferrari Enzo.
Even though it was a bit hidden away, I though the biggest attraction was the all-electric Tesla Roadster.
The Tesla Roadster
Ticket price is $10 ($8 online). Find out all the details of the show at: www.portlandautoshow.com
Photo Gallery after the break...
Happy hour in Portland
By: Richard D. Oxley
Portland loves its cheap beer and bites
You name a hot spot or a hole-in-the-wall, chances are they offer a happy hour, a delightful fraction of the day when cocktails and food suddenly become affordable. The time varies, but you can bet on bars offering deals during their non-peak hours to attract extra patrons.
Chopsticks Express is a good example. Sitting off of 26th avenue on East Burnside, it is a favorite among Portland’s hipster crowd, and a karaoke Mecca. Happy hour here runs from 4pm to 7pm, Mondays through Fridays. Cans of PBR will only costs you a buck and their well liquor is only $2.
Or you could take the Virginia Café (820 SW 10th avenue) in the heart of downtown. Here, happy hour is different every day, except on Thursdays and Saturdays when they don’t offer one. From 4pm to 7pm the rest of the week you can count on getting $1 off microbrews and alternating deals on cocktails and food.
However, hands down, the best place in town for happy hour is the Ringside Steakhouse at 2165 West Burnside. By far one of the swankiest establishments in the city, and winner of awards both locally and nationally for being an exceptional steakhouse. Any other time, you would drop at least $100 on a tab. But every night from 9:45pm to close, (from 4pm to 6pm as well on Sundays) you can have their amazing steak bites, oyster shooters, fancy caesar salads, prime rib dip, or a selection of other delights for only $2.25. The happy hour menu is only offered in their humble sized bar, so be there early, or be prepared to wait, secure in the knowledge that it is well worth that wait.
Monthly filmmaker screening in Portland
By: Dusty Mccord
On Tuesday, January 26, I will be running a free short movie screening called SUCK MY FLICK.
SUCK MY FLICK is free to enter and free to watch. People submit their films at 7:00 pm and the showing is at 8:00 pm.
The audience is invited to vote for their favorite movies via text message and the winner of the audience choice will receive a spray painted gold unicorn trophy!
We NEED filmmakers to come and submit Their stuff and hang out and meet other filmmakers.
We NEED people to check out the event and let us know how we can make it better.
There is beer and food as the movies play in a room off of the bar. The event lasts about 2 hours and we usually screens some cool stuff. We invite people to bring music videos, animations, illustrations, really anything that you want to get out there as long as its under 10 minutes. However, we strongly suggest that your movie be no longer than 7 minutes. Details after the break...
Live music venues - Part 2
By: Jolsynn Sloan-Stalheim
The Aladdin
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
Portland OR 97202
(503)234-9694
This venue boasts not only a vast popularity in Portland but a rich and colorful past. Located on SE Milwaukie The Aladdin was originally built in the late 1920's as Geller's Vaudeville House. The building went through several owners and renovations, including a stint as an adult movie theater in the 70's and 80's, before being purchased and re renovated in 1993.
Presently The Aladdin is one of the most well known venues in Portland. Hosting a large variety of musicians, The Aladdin can pride herself in a very impressive cast to have graced the stage. Underneath her Moroccan marquee have been the names of some of music's most talented and well known performers.
Live music venues - Part 1
By: Jolsynn Sloan-Stalheim
Music in Portland is found everywhere, it's nearly impossible to find a street in the town that isn't in someway playing host to song. Maybe a drummer on the corner, a familiar tune hopping out the open door of a coffee shop, or the gentle hum of shopping music from busy stores. When it comes to finding venues Portland is just as diverse. Whether you're looking for a packed show at a big venue or a simple evening with a local band and a cold glass it's a short walk here in the Rose city. This week we explore live music venues both large and small.
The Roseland
8 Northwest 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209-3607
(503) 224-2038
This massive venue can play Host to a crowd of 1400 on both it's main floor and it's balcony. Founded by Oregon's oldest concert company it has drawn in the likes of such super talents as Bob Dylan, Prince, Tina Turner and Jerry Garcia. This sizable venue is centered around it's one large stage and hosts about 150-180 events every year. This not only includes many of today's most popular musical talents but symphonies, dance performances and wrestling rumbles. Whether an underground band or a mainstream artist, care and procession is put into the lighting and set up of each individual show giving you a one of a kind experience no matter how many times you go.
A popular all ages hangout, the venue also includes a first class restaurant and bar in Peter's Room.
Coming Aboard, another new writer
By Joslynn Sloan-Stalheim
When it comes to being a big fan of this city I'm a second generation. I grew up with the first and last names of every Blazer memorized, with roses on my walls, and big dreams of theater.
My father, a native, instilled in his children the love of a city. Which now, at 21 has come full circle for me. Being a person who moved to Portland myself, I can assure anyone considering the same a site like this is nearly a God send. With how much Portland has to offer navigating without any kind of hints or how-to's can get a but overwhelming. Therein however lies the joy of the city, never a dull moment.
Portland's fight against suburban sprawl
Image credit: Good.is
Portland is one of the few cities in the US that has put into place legislation to slow down suburban sprawl and protect farmlands and forests surrounding the city. But it's not an easy fight, as there is a constant battle with suburban towns and their desire for industrial expansion. Good.is examines a fight between the suburb of Hillsboro and the surrounding farmlands in an excellent article in suburban sprawl...
New writer joining the team
By Richard D. Oxley
Hello fellow and future Portlanders, Portlandians, er, Portlandonites?
Even after all these years I am still not sure what to call us. It seems everyone puts their own spin on it. My name is Rich and I am the newest addition to newtopdx.com. I look forward to sharing a few insights into our fair Rose City. Half of the time, I am just learning them myself, which is part of what makes Portland great.
There is always something new happening or some timeless attraction just around the corner, and your principal source for all things Portland is right here at newtopdx.com: the most complete online guide for newcomers, visitors and those considering moving to the city of Portland.
Top five independent theaters
So many theaters, and most serve beer!
By Richard D. Oxley
Living Room Theaters
Portland is known for quite a few unique attributes, such as our beer or avid use of mass transit. But we also have a keen affection for cinema. Any day of the week, Portlanders have their choice of big-screen attractions ranging from classic movies to TV show marathons.
Ah, but which theaters to visit? The short answer is all of them, but to get you started, here are my top five theaters you shouldn’t miss.
1.Laurelhurst Theatre
21+ after 3pm
It’s common to hear people say, “I’ll wait to see it at the Laurelhurst,” because tickets are only $3 at this second-run theater— cheaper than renting a movie! In addition, they generally offer one great classic movie. Grab a beer, a slice of pizza and enjoy.
2. Living Room Theaters
21+ after 4:30pm
Just like it sounds, though a bit more sophisticated than my living room. Sit back on couch-like furnishings and enjoy a cappuccino or a panini while you take in an independent or classic film.
Only one screen, yet it packs a punch. By far the best sounding first-run theater you will find in the city, and dare I say anywhere else. Someone threw some bucks down to make this vintage theater’s experience above par.
4. Mission Theatre
Age restriction varies
Kind of like going to church, if your church showed movies and marathons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and other cult shows). Pub food and beer to boot!
5. The Bagdad Theater
Age restriction varies
Yes, it’s spelled correctly. A very ornate yet laid back cinema with a full bar too go with pizza and popcorn. Settled right in the heart of the Hawthorne neighborhood, the Bagdad makes a nice end to a night out of shops and cafes.
Calling all dog lovers!
By Andrea Schneider
New to PDX? Have a dog? Want to meet other dog people? Easy.
Portland loves dogs, all kinds of dogs. We easily rank in the top 5 American cities to live with your dog. We have parks, vets, stores, dog walkers, dog sitters, groomers, masseuses, water therapy, trainers, camps and everything else you can think up, we have it.
We also have our own social network devoted to dog lovers. pdxdog™.com is the best way to hook-up with other dog lovers, post your pictures and videos, join an interest group, find events, make new friends, find out the inside scoop and discuss every topic under the sun.
The Oregonian calls pdxdog.com the Facebook for dogs. Oregon Public Radio reported we are an excellent example of a social network in action. The New York Times asks us questions about dog policy. Post a question and someone will answer you.
We roll out the welcome mat for you every time. Please join us, it’s free. Welcome to PDX!
Welcome to Portland
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Quick Tips
Transportation
- Major Highways: I-5, I-84, Highway 26 - Well connected but heavily congested at rush hour
- Public Transportation: MAX (light rail lines), Buses, Streetcar - Extremely efficient, easy and fast
- Biking: 300+ miles of bike lanes and trails - Dedicated bike lanes, safe, lots of bike parking
Housing
- Apartment Prices (average): Downtown neighborhoods $700-$1800, Elsewhere $400-$1000
- Home Prices (average): Downtown neighborhoods $250K-$1M, Elsewhere $100K-$500K
Weather
- Temperature Range (average): From 40°F in the winter to 85°F in the summer
- Precipitation: Summers tend to be fairly dry, 150 days of precipitation throughout the year, mostly from November to March, some light snow in the winter.
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