Timbers!

Timbers vs. Sounders provides a preview of what's to come

Ramen Book

ramen book

http://www.ramenadventures.com/2010/06/ramen-books-and-magazines.html

Ramen Broth

http://www.japanesefood101.com/index.php/recipes/ramen-broth/

Our ramen shop in Tokyo

I finally found it

福気

Shibadaimon 2-1-1, Minato-ku
http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1314/A131401/13059518/
http://ramendb.supleks.jp/shop/11908

World Cup 2010 schedule

USA
England 6/12 Sat 11:30 ABC
Slovenia 6/18 Fri 07:00 ESPN
Algeria 6/23 Wed 07:00 ESPN

France
Uruguay 6/11 Fri 11:30 ESPN
Mexico 6/17 Thur 11:30 ESPN
RSA 6/22 Tue 07:00 ESPN

Netherlands
Denmark 6/14 Mon 04:30 ESPN
Japan 6/19 Sat 04:30 ESPN
Cameroon 6/24 Thur 11:30 ESPN

Went to the dentist yesterday, again, boo.

Moqueca or Mokeka

Brazilian Shrimp Stew

Gourmet | December 2002

Moqueca de camarão Dendê (palm) oil brings to the cooking of coastal Brazil what drums bring to samba: an insistent underlying sensuality. It transforms the coconut milk with its deep orange-red color and makes the flavor of the shrimp sing. But it is as perishable as it is seductive, so smell it before you use it. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min Yield: Makes 6 servings Active Time: 25 min Total Time: 45 min 1 1/4 lb large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per lb), peeled and deveined 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 (14- to 15-oz) can diced tomatoes including juice 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 5 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup well-stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk 1 tablespoon dendê (palm) oil* Accompaniment: cooked white rice Toss shrimp with black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic, and lemon juice and marinate, covered and chilled, 20 minutes. Purée tomatoes with juice in a blender until smooth. Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add cayenne, 1 tablespoon cilantro, and remaining teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add tomato purée and simmer briskly, stirring, until mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a boil, then add shrimp mixture and cook, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in dendê oil and remaining 4 tablespoons cilantro and season with salt and pepper. * Available at Brazilian and West African markets and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

Our Borscht Recipe

3 slices bacon

1 yellow onion

5 giant bulk beets

2 boxes beef broth

bouquet parsley

3 T red wine vinegar

6 juniper berries

big pinch ~1t cloves

3 finger pinch sugar

salt & pepper

~1 cup chopped cabbage (optional)

First Down MONTANA!

Today I got up and went out to rake and sweep up the leaves while they were still dry. The city leaf collection folks have already come twice so the rest of the leaves from the junk trees had to go into the bins. Unfortunately there are still more leaves left, boooo. After the leaves, I went up to check the intertubes, however the older laptop wasn't seeing the new modem. The new netbook was fine. So, I putzed around, searching for tips on the web and shutting down and restarting computers. Apparently, the fourth or fifth time was a charm. I got both computers working just in time to catch the beginning of the Montana quarter-finals game against Stephen F Austin. The Griz went on to win 51-0, excellent. Also, tried out the speed test with the laptop hardwired to the router, got 30 Mbs!!! Never got higher than 6 with the old ancient modem. After the game we went for two trips up Mt Tabor. It was cool but sunny and a nice ride. On the way home we went to New Seasons to get food for the week. We decided to try a Dungeness crab for the first time. I just read how the season just started, Dec 1st, and the first 8 weeks are the most prolific. We had three stinky cheeses with some rye bread, then had the crab with butter, yummy. They are quite a bit bigger than Maryland Blue Crabs and probably equally tasty. We finished dinner roasting chorizo sausages over the fire in the backyard, more flavor! What a delicious dinner. Now, off to work for three days.

Armadillo Eggs

Armadillo Eggs
Cut jalapenos in half. Stuff with cream cheese. Wrap in loose sausage. Wrap all that in a piece of bacon. Grill!!! From LSU video @ 13:10.

Iowa Fight Song - Skin Kandy

Apparently I'm a little slow on this as it came out in 2007. That's what happens when you live 2000 miles away. A little band from Cedar Rapids called Skin Kandy did this! VERY SWEET!!!

Skin Candy- Iowa Fight Song - Skin Candy (intro by Hawkeye Marching Band)

Porter Playoffs round 4

Kona Pipeline vs MacTarnahan's Black Watch
Both of these entries have what I call a sharp flavor, or maybe in the case of the Black Watch a sharp feel. The Kona's sharpness comes from, I think, their addition of actual coffe, which is not necessary as roasted barley will do the job just fine. The MacTarnahan's problem is its over carbonation and thin feel. Also, while I haven't had a Bud or Miller for quite some time, there was something in the taste of the Black Watch that reminded me of that sort of beer. Oh, well. The Deshutes Black Butte and Butte Creek remain 1 and 2, but not sure of the order. I will have to have showdown this weekend, back to Belmont Station to pick up more! Here's a guess at an order for the rest:
3: Otter Creek Stovepipe
4: Kona Pipeline
5: Rogue Mocha
6: MacTarnahan's Black Watch
7: Dick's Lava Rock
8: Anchor

Porter Playoffs round 3

Rogue Mocha vs Deshutes Black Butte

The Rogue Mocha is a good example of the porter style in every way but one.  As some Oregon breweries are wont to do, and as Oregon is home to many of the States' hops farms, Rogue over hops their Mocha Porter.  The grapefruit flavour of what I'm guessing is cascade hops does not jive well with the coffe flavour of the roasted malt.  The Deschutes on the other hand is a nearly perfectly balanced porter.  Lots of chocolate maltiness, not too sweet, not too much molasses aroma, nice big head, very nice.  I'd have to say at this point its a tie between the Black Butte and the Butte Creek.  All the best porters have the word Butte in them.

Porter Playoffs round 2

Dick's Lava Rock vs Otter Creek Stovepipe

The Dick's entry in this showdown is quite similar to the Anchor beer, although not as big.  It is a little sweet for my tastes.  The Otter Creek, is moving towards the beatuy that is Butte Creek, a little dryer but still has a big coffee taste and molasses nose.  So far the Butte Creek is still in first followed by Otter Creek, maybe I'm just a sucker for beers with the word creek in them.

Porter Playoffs round 1

Butte Creek vs Anchor

Although the Butte Creek feels just a little light in mouth it was the winner of the first round.   The Anchor porter came off a little syruppy with a molasses flavor, it was a little strong and over malted for me.  The Butte Creek has a wonderful typical porter flavor and is easy drinkin!

My Concerts concert gigs shows

1984
Van Halen, Autograph Mar 25, Capital Centre, Largo, MD
Duran Duran Apr 2, Capital Centre, Largo, MD
Beach Boys July 4th The Mall, Washington DC
Yes Sept 6, Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia MD
1985
Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister Jan 28 Capital Centre, Largo, MD
Eric Clapton, Graham Parker Jun 27 Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia MD
Motley Crue, Loudness Aug 11, Civic Center, Baltimore
Ratt, Bon Jovi Oct 15 Capital Centre, Largo, MD
Rush, Steve Morse Dec 16 Capital Centre, Largo, MD
1986
Aerosmith, Ted Nugent Mar 7 Captial Centre, Largo, MD
Judas Priest, Dokken May 31 Capital Centre, Largo, MD
Kix, Obsesion Jun 6 Crystal Skate, Marlow Heights, MD
NYC Fresh Fest III- Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys Jun 7 Civic Center, Baltimore
AC/DC, Queensryche Aug 23 Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB
Metallica, Metal Church Dec 16, Convention Center, Edmonton, AB
Triumph, Kick Axe Dec 31 Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB
1987
The Pretenders, Iggy Pop Mar 8 Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB
Iron Maiden, Wasted Apr 22 Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB
1989
Ratt, Kix, Brittny Fox Feb 8 Rosemont Horizon, Chicago
Metallica, The Cult Jun 2 Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB
Tora Tora, The Hangmen Sept 21, The Metro, Chicago
Dirty Looks, EZO Oct 1 The Metro, Chicago
PiL, Flesh For Lulu, Out of Order Oct 21 The Riv, Chicago
David Byrne Oct 23, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
Testament, WrathChild, Anihilator Oct 27 The Vic, Chicago
1990
I Love You, Feb 17 The Cubby Bear, Chicago
Testament, Savatage, Nuclear Assault Mar 25 The Vic, Chicago
Fates Warning, Sanctuary Apr 8 Medusas, Chicago
Butthole Surfers, Killdozer, Out of Order Apr 21 The Vic, Chicago
Consolidated July 7 The Metro, Chicago
Aerosmith Jul 21, Alpine Valley, WI
Consolidated, MC 900ft Jesus Oct 5 The Metro, Chicago
Skinny Puppy, Babes in Toyland Nov 2 The Riv, Chicago
Jane's Addiction, Henry Rollins Band Nov 30 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
1991
Slayer, Testament Jan 31 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
Buck Pets, Kill City Mar 28 Lounge Ax, Chicago
Pigface, Silverfick May 5 The Metro, Chicago
KMFDM, Brain Dead Sound Machine May 25 The Metro, Chicago
Social Act, Daisy Chain Jun 1 The Vic, Chicago
Clash of the Titans June 14 World Music Theater, Chicago
Sisters of Mercy, Public Enemy, Gang of Four, Warrior Soul Jul 12 Poplar Creek, Chicago
Soul Asylum, Jayhawks, Pearl Jam July 21 The Metro, Chicago
Lollapalooza - Jane's, Buttholes, NIN, Living Colour Aug 3 World Music Theater, Chicago
My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult Aug 31 The Riv, Chicago
Nirvana Oct 12 The Metro, Chicago
1992
Alice Donut, Didjits, Victims Family Jan 31 The Metro, Chicago
Skid Row, Soundgarden Feb 13 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
Kix with D-Generation Oct 18 Limelight, NYC
Mudhoney, Flaming Lips, Eugeneious Oct 29 Roseland, NYC
Neds Atomic Dustbin Nov Roseland, NYC
Pigface, Psychic TV, EBN Dec 18 The Ritz, NYC
King Missile Dec The Continental, NYC
1993
The Smalls Jan 7 Edmonton, AB
Love Battery, Springhouse Mar 9 The Grand, NYC
Buck Pets, Hammer Box Jun 26 China Club, Chicago
Thrill Kill Kult Jul 31 The Metro, Chicago
Love Battery Sept 18 Lounge Ax, Chicago
Nirvana, Mudhoney Oct 25 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
77 Luscious Babes, Molly McGuire Dec 20 Smart Bar Chicago
1994
Stabbing Westward, Local H Apr 28 The Metro, Chicago
Pearl Jam, Urge Overkill Mar 10 Chicago Stadium, Chicago
Loud Lucy, Triple Fast Action Thurston's, Chicago
Eleventh Dream Day, God's Acre Record Release Show, Chicago
Veruca Salt Sept 29 Lounge Ax Chicago
Pop Will Eat Itself Nov 19 The Metro, Chicago
Pigface, Monster Voodoo Machine Dec 2 Double Door, Chicago
1995
Bettie Serveert, Love Battery Mar 30 The Metro, Chicago
Ned's Atomic Dustbin May 14 The Vic, Chicago
The Orb Jun 9 The Riv, Chicago
The Cows, US Maple Aug 19 The Empty Bottle, Chicago
White Zombie, Supersuckers, The Toadies Nov 16 UIC Pavillion, Chicago
Sonic Youth Oct 26 The Riv, Chicago
Urge Overkill, The Geraldine Fibbers Nov 24 The Riv, Chicago
1996
Butthole Surfers, Toadies, Rev Horton Heat July 19 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
1997
The Jesus Lizard, Freakwater Feb 18 Gabe's Iowa City, IA
Liquid Soul April 18 Gunnerz Iowa City, IA
Sweat Lodge Gabe's Iowa City, IA
The Orb, Chemical Brothers Apr 26 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
House of Large Sizes July 29 Gunnerz Iowa City, IA
Lilith Fair Aug 9 World Music Theater, Chicago
1998
Thrill Kill Kult Aug 9, First Ave, Minneapolis
2000
Pearl Jam Nov 2 Rose Garden Portland, OR
2001
Arlo Mar 7 Satyricon, Portland, OR
Arlo, Deathray Davies Jun 3 Satyricon, Portland, OR
2002
Elbow, South Feb 26 Berbatis Pan Portland, OR
David Cross, Arlo Jun 1 Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
The Dandy Warhols Jun 13 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
The Vines, OK Go Aug 3 Dantes Portland, OR
Rilo Kiley, Arlo Aug 8 Blackbird Portland, OR
2003
Ok Go Feb 24 Pete's Room at Roseland Theater, Portland, OR
2004
Skinny Puppy, Tweaker Jun 11 Roseland, Portland, OR
The Libertines Sept 28 Dantes Portland, OR
2005
The Music, Kasabian Mar 9 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Bloc Party May 27 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Kasabian Jun 2 Doug Fir Portland, OR
2006
Elbow Apr 12 Doug Fir Portland, OR
Paul Simon Sep 30 Rose Garden Portland, OR
2011
Korpiklaani, Arkona Dec 5 Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
2012
Korpiklaani, Moonsorrow, Tyr, Metsatoll Sep 10 Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
2013
Enslaved, Pallbearer, Ancient VVisdom Feb10 Branx, Portland, OR
Kvelertak, The Cancer Bats, Black Tusk May 3 Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
2016
Kvelertak, Torche, Wild Throne Apr 29 In The Venue, Salt Lake City,UT
Megadeth, Amon Amarth, Metal Church Sept 20 Events Center, Casper, WY
2017
Amon Amarth, Goat Whore May 17 Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
2018
Architects, Stick to your Guns, Counterparts Mar 10 Metro Music Hall, Salt Lake City, UT
2019
Gojira Aug 2,  House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
2022
Dvne Jun 5,  Le Hangar, Liege, BE
Sports Team, Meltheads Nov 20, Le Botanique, Brussels, BE
2023
Squid, Pega Sept 7, Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, BE
2024
Jane's Addiction, WineMom June 28, Trinity College, Dublin, IE
Elbow, Conchúr White July 1, Trinity College, Dublin, IE
Nada Surf, Bertie Newman Nov 21, The Academy, Dublin, IE
2025
Touche Amore, Trauma Ray, A Burial at Sea Feb 25, Whelan's, Dublin, IE

IOWA HAWKEYES RULE!!!

In Heaven there is no beer
That's why we drink it here
And When we're gone from here
All our friends will be drinking all our beer

Weekend

Sooo tired, wanna go home, sick and tired. Luckily my weekend, as previously mentioned, start on Wednesday. The Blazers take on the Clippers in their 6th preseason game. It starts in a few minutes. The killer Bs are looking pretty good, getting very excited for the season, which starts in 6 days. Sweet! Nuttin big this weekend, now I just wanna sleep, I work out some, do some vacuuming, the standard. I'm really craving a real burger. We ended up at Wendy's last night, but the burger was luke-warm at best and kinda thin and watery and should go to hell.

Weekend

Work's almost over, long weekend is almost here. I really need to buy Hey Mercedes' Our Weekend Starts on Wednesday, cuz it fits my schedule.

Some Are Good, Some Are Terrible

Saw 3 movies this past insanely hot weekend, trying to stay cool is an entertaining job, mostly. 1st up on Thurs was Tropic Thunder, it was hilarious and ridiculous and a great movie. Over the top in the best of possible manners. Robert Downey Jr was excellent. I guess some folks are getting their shorts in a knot over his character, forget about it, its a movie, shut up and be entertained, it was an awesome performance. Apparently, it wasn't fair to the other flicks to watch Tropic first as it set the bar too high.

Next up was Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (finally), ummm, well, it was entertaining, but not close to the first one which is a silver screen classic. I guess over all I'd have to say I was disappointed. Wasn't really into the plot, I mean aliens in an Indiana Jones movie, Jones steps out of a nuked refrigerator without a scratch? Just pushed it a little too much, a little too goofy.

Last up was a doozy, damn thing nearly erased my brain is was so bad, what, oh yeah, Step Brothers, ughhh. Instead of choosing the funniest thing they could do for each bit they chose the dumbist thing. At some points during the movie, I actually felt embarrased for the actors, it was that bad, not to say that I didn't ever laugh, I did, but the few laughs hardly redeemed the rest of the flick.

Up the Timbers!

Have you ever had a tin, have you ever had a tin
Have you ever had a tin of flounder spread
Here comes your mama with a loaf of bread
Flounder, Oh, Flounder
Buy it in a small tin
Buy it in a big tin
Buy it at the Pike Street
OK!!!

Lousy Junuary weather!

Portland food carts

I'm stealing this from the WW to make sure I can find it again... ExtraMSG's taco truck guide seems to have disappeared. My favorites are Samurai Bento, Lindo Michoacan and the Chaat House. mmmm mmm good, street food!

Can’t afford Vindalho? Try: India Chaat House.

In Hindi, “Chaat” are savory snacks, and this van with a rickety-looking but functional closed-in porch serves up Indian chow that’s less greasy, fresher and more authentic than that at most Indian restaurants in town. India Chaat prepares one honkin’ huge $5 combo meal daily with greatest hits of vegetarian curries and bean dishes, and loads of fragrant basmati rice. Don’t forget the fresh naan breads (the garlic is a standout), mango lassi shakes and samosas. Corner of Southwest 12th Avenue and Yamhill Street, 241-7944. Lunch and dinner Monday-Friday, lunch Saturday.

^Can’t afford Castagna? Try: Garden State.

This super-shiny metal trailer makes some of the best Sicilian-inspired mangiare in the city. Owner Kevin Sandri prepares classics like Italian sausage with grilled peppers on a ciabatta roll, a meatball sandwich, a wonderfully moist and smoky grilled chicken Diablo ($12 for a whole bird) big enough to serve two. The real specialty here, though, is the arancine ($6): four racquetball-sized fried orbs infused with heady saffron and stuffed with either molten mozzarella or a meat ragú that would make Nonna proud. Southeast 13th Avenue and Lexington Street, across from the Sellwood Library. 705-5273. Lunch and early dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

^Can’t afford Typhoon? Try: Thai Basil.

A little bit off the beaten food-cart path, Thai Basil sits nearly alone in a parking lot a few blocks from the busy Pod on 5th Avenue. There are plenty of Thai carts downtown, but most offer the same heavy coconut-laden curries, soggy noodles and oily stir-fries. Not so at Thai Basil. The chili-cashew fried rice, spicy asparagus stir fry ($5), and young green coconut or pineapple curries ($5) are filled with crisp veggies and come with white or brown rice or thin rice noodles. Portions are big enough to eat for lunch, dinner and maybe another lunch. What more can you ask for? Southwest 2nd Avenue and Oak Street, 330-1010. Lunch and early dinner Monday-Friday.

^Can’t afford Biwa? Try: Samurai Bento.

Samurai Bento is one of the grander-looking of the city’s carts, but the menu is pure Japanese soul food. All dishes come with a side of rice, veggies and pickles. The yakisoba is a real steal for $5, with plump noodles stir fried with loads of veggies and chicken, tofu or beef. The katsu don (chicken or pork) is panko-crusted and fried pork or chicken served over rice with soy-seasoned soft scrambled egg and onion sauce. Vegetarians rejoice: Everything is available meatless. Southwest 9th Avenue and Alder Street, 757-8802. Lunch Monday-Friday.

^Can’t afford Screen Door? Try: Flavour Spot.

Why someone didn’t think of this sooner is beyond us: Take a 10-inch-round, freshly baked, old-fashioned waffle—the kind with the little holes, not the thick Belgian variety—stuff it with all sorts of goodness, fold it in half and voila! A breakfast sandwich the size of a giant burrito with enough calories to keep you going for at least the next 12 hours. And what a flavorful sandwich it is, crispy on the outside, then warm, soft and tender in the next bite. Standouts include an oozing cheese and Black Forest ham for $4 and a sausage with organic maple syrup ($4). North Fremont Street and Mississippi Avenue. North Lombard Street between Greeley and Denver avenues. 289-9866, flavourspot.com. Breakfast and lunch daily. Lunch only at Mississippi Avenue location.

^Can’t afford Ken’s Artisan Pizza? Try: Al Forno Ferruzza.

Unless you’re a student at Portland State University, you’ll have to go a bit out of your way to try the pizza and Sicilian treats at this “purple people feeder” (their words, not ours). It’s worth the trek: Owner Stephen Ferruzza makes killer hand-tossed artisan pizzas, calzones ($5) and specials ($5 with bread) like eggplant Parmesan that rival some of the best Italian restaurants in town. Ferruzza, an affable dude in his early 20s, learned the dough trade (he also bakes and sells Italian breads for about $3 per loaf) from his Sicilian kinfolk and has some pretty impressive credentials: He cooked at Lake Placid Lodge in upstate New York. Pies are made in the traditional manner, with dough left to proof and mellow overnight and baked in an 800-degree oven. A large slice is $3, a nine-inch “personal pizza” is $6, and a whole pie goes for $14. Southwest 4th Avenue and College Street, 315-523-3407. Lunch and early dinner Monday-Friday.

^Can’t afford Taqueria nueve? Try: La Jarochita.

Taco trucks are by far the most common carts in town, gathering en masse in the cart “pods” and “rows” downtown and going it alone in scattered parking lots from St. Johns to Southeast 82nd Avenue. La Jarochita is not the biggest or flashiest of the bunch, and the small maroon-colored trailer is easy to miss among its companions on Southwest 5th Avenue, but the food here is some of the best and most authentic around. Look a little bit off the menu at the colorful handwritten signs plastered on the truck for regional specialties rarely found at other carts: sopes from Guadalajara ($1.50 each), like tacos with a thick base made from fried cornmeal “bowls” and topped with beans, meat and salsa; huaraches, a beloved Mexican street treat of thick “paddles” of grilled masa piled with a healthy dose of meats, beans and veggies and smothered with sauces; and tamales ($1.50 each) made Veracruz style, wrapped not in the typical corn husks but in banana leaves. Southwest 5th Avenue between Oak and Stark streets, 421-9838. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Monday-Friday, lunch Saturday.

^Can’t afford Wong’s King? Try: Asian Station.

A newcomer to the cart scene, Asian Station is a greatest-hits medley of East-Asian street snacks from Shanghai to Singapore. Owner Cindy Margheim based the menu on favorites from her own childhood in Hong Kong. The menu’s still evolving, but look for the likes of flaky Malaysian roti flatbreads served with a smooth yellow coconut curry ($6), pot stickers and shrimp shumai dumplings, and addictively sweet-and-savory caramelized chicken wings served with rice, pot stickers and green papaya salad ($6.50). The signature dish is Shanghai soup dumplings ($6.50 for six), addictive little balls of steamed dough stuffed with ground pork, cabbage and a magic burst of steaming broth. You can’t get these babies anywhere else. They take a while to prepare, so call ahead. Southwest 10th Avenue and Alder Street, 227-5727. Lunch Monday-Friday.

^Can’t afford Al Amir? Try: Aybla Grill.

You know this isn’t your average greasy gyros stand when the owner comes dressed in an impeccable white chef’s coat with his name embroidered on the chest. Syrian-born and professionally trained chef Saied Samaiel makes some of the best gyros, falafel and other Mediterranean treats in Portland. The super lamb gyro ($6) is stuffed with crisp veggies and garlicky lamb, dressed with tzatziki sauce. The falafel is light, tender and flavorful, and can be ordered either as a sandwich ($4) or as part of the large mixed mezza platter ($6, $8 with meat) with stuffed grape leaves, hummus and baba ghanouj. 925 SW Alder St.. 490-3387. Lunch and early dinner Monday-Friday, lunch Saturday.

^Can’t afford a flight to Rome? Try: Spella Caffe.

Andrea Spella is Portland’s Zen master of espresso. No goofy, syrupy, flavored concoctions; $20,000 robot coffee makers; or “foam art” here—Spella takes the classic approach, making his drinks with single-origin beans he roasts himself, a hand-pulled piston Rancilio machine and gentle delivery. Loyal customers have been known to walk from as far away as PSU to get their daily fix. Southwest Alder Street and 9th Avenue, 421-9723. 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday.

and here is ExtraMSG's taco truck list from August 2007, found it on the PortlandFood board

TACO TRUCKS

Downtown

Chintos
SW 9th & Alder, Portland
some uncovered seating
al pastor, machaca
C-

Jarochita
SW 5th between Stark & Oak, Portland
huaraches, sopes, horchata, tamales, carnitas, al pastor
small covered table
A-

King Burrito
SW 5th & Oak, Portland
carnitas
small covered table
B-

Loco Locos Burritos
SW 5th between Oak & Stark, Portland
large burrito selection
some seating
C+

Loco Locos Burritos
SW 9th & Morrison, Portland
some uncovered seating
carne asada, carnitas
C+

Mr. Taco
SW 5th between Stark & Oak, Portland
can't recommend anything
two seats
D+

Ortiz's/Francisco
SW 3rd & Stark, Portland
can't recommend food, cool painting on the truck
small covered table
D+

Tito's Burritos
SW 3rd & Washington, Portland
carnitas
one covered table
B

Taqueria Villanieva
SW 3rd & Oak, Portland
pastor, asada
one table, plus covered counter for standing
B

North Portland

Cabana Rolling Grill
N Vancouver & MLK, Portland
carne asada
no seating
C-

La Chiquita
(formerly 3 Hermanos)
N Killingsworth & Interstate, Portland
fresh tortillas, birria de chivo, sopes, pollo, salsa verde
covered seating
A

Northeast Portland

La Estacion Express #2
NE Lombard & Killingsworth, Portland
panuchos, huaraches, cochinita, cabeza
covered seating
A-

Taqueria Mendoza
NE Killingsworth & 57th, Portland
carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, beans
some seating
B

Southeast Portland

El Brasero
SE 12th & Hawthorne, Portland
barbacoa de borrego estilo DF, consome, birria de chivo, pollo, tamales
covered seating
A

Los Gorditos
SE Division & 50th, Portland
Carne asada en cebollada, nachos
covered seating
B+

Lindo Michoacan
SE Division & 34th, Portland
fresh tortillas, oversized sopes, tamales de elote
covered seating
B+

Torres de Morelos
SE Powell & 31st, Portland
offal, specials
covered seating
B

Taqueria Pardo
SE 7th & Division, Portland

Eastside

La Catrina (Tortas Gigantes)
9684 SE 82nd, Portland
tortas, torta cubana, carnitas, carne asada
covered seating
A

Dos Amigos
SE Powell & 122nd, Portland
ceviche, pollo, encurtido, champurrado, horchata
covered seating
B+

Morelia
SE 82nd & Lambert, Portland
salsas, champurrado, birria de chivo, deshebrada, carnitas, postres, gorditas, flautas, enchiladas, chicharron en salsa roja
some seating
A

Taqueria El Cazador #2
SE 82nd & Ash, Portland
seafood, encurtido
covered seating
B-

Washington County

Ely's
SE 11th & Walnut, Hillsboro
fresh tortillas, empanadas, sopes, birria de chivo, carnitas
no seating
A

Ely's
Aloha Shopping Center
18565 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy, Aloha
fresh tortillas, birria de chivo, carnitas
some seating
A

Mely's
10th & Maple, Hillsboro
fresh tortillas, huaraches, cabeza
no seating
A

Mexico Lindo
Aloha Shopping Center
18565 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy, Aloha
fresh tortillas, huaraches, carnitas, cabeza, buche, champurrado
some seating
A

Rico's Tacos
Aloha Shopping Center
18565 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy, Aloha
carnitas
some seating
C+

HOT

Rip City Rising!

This is wicked AWESOME
skateboards + explosions + M83 = Sweet!

Pitchfork hates it, must be good! mmm! mmm!

Noticed this little gem on Pitchfork this morning, apparently they don't like it. I guess they don't understand it, that's too bad for them. I suppose thats because Does It Offend You, Yeah? have a sense of humor and like to have fun. Not nearly enough angst and self pity for Pitchfork. Do check DIOY,Y? out. Fun, indie style techno bashing. Definitely a good rollick, some good craic! Recommended if you like: Vive La Fete, Kasabian, upbeat MGMT and Pony Pony Run Run. disclaimer: not that I've heard the whole thing, it's not even out in the States, just checked out what's on their myspace page.

Power Ballad Killed the Metal Star

Something very important and very serious has been bothering me for quite some time. This has been nagging me and eating at my very existence. That it was allowed to continue altered the very course of my being. I am of course talking about the metal power ballad. A musical genre that rallied around high energy chord changes, screaming fast guitar solos, and wailing vocals, reduced to dust by sappy feelings. This comes up now, having grown up in the early Eighties listening to Twisted Sister, Kix, Ratt, Def Leppard, since I decided to dig out some of the golden oldies: Out of the Cellar, Shout at the Devil, L.A. Guns, Long Cold Winter, Pyromania. But as I listened along, and really dug some tunes that I had forgotten about over the last decade (crikey I'm gettin old), every so often, some insipid fluff would spew forth from the speakers, ackk, what the hell was that. Damnit, I wanna rock out, and some jackass is crying about how he lost the girl or is a long way from home... fuggetaboutit, I want my ass kicked! Now in the digital age its easy enough to go through and delete all the ballads, which is exactly what I did, but back in the day, it always seemed that the monster hit was the stupid ballad, at least 1 on every album. So a genre that is 90% wall to wall obnoxiously loud noise got best known by the most mellow, most vapid garbage ever laid to tape? This killed, yes, killed, hard rock or hair metal or glam rock, whatever you wanna call it. Some mellow folks bought rockin albums cuz they heard a ballad they liked but couldn't stand the rest of the beautiful, glorious noise, then folks like myself got tired of fast forwarding past the damn ballad, wouldn't have been so bad if they had just always put them at the end of the record. Like, hey, we know this song sucks but its gonna make us a ton of money, so we'll put it on at the end, and you can pretend that the album finishes one song earlier. Somehow, Ratt got away without having a ballad, and on each of their first 3 albums they got harder and louder, sweet! I'm not sure who to blame for this, now this is America so someone must be at fault. Possibly Zeppelin with Stairway, was that the first power ballad? Motley Crue surely hit the big time with Home Sweet Home in 85, and GnR struck platinum with Sweet Child O' Mine, so I suppose at lot of folks were trying to emulate those bands. So there you have it... Led Zeppelin, Motley Crue and Guns and Roses shall stand guilty for Metal's sins against Rock and paving the way for a buncha whiney babies filled with angst post Nirvana.

March Madness

Go Vikings
Go Ducks
Go Hoyas

Its that time of the decade again! Time to check in on the kids at Punk Voter and see whats up!

Pazz & Jop 2007

Portland
Italy
France
Netherlands
Germany
Switzerland
Belgium

If there was any doubt about the Blazers' legitimacy in the Western Conference - or their newfound superiority over the Warriors - it all dissolved in an opening blur of dunks and three-pointers.

Portland Trail Blazers Playlist

This includes stuff they play at The Rose Garden and some of my own pump ya up style tunes

Young Jeezy - Standing Ovation (The first 3 picked by players during warm-ups)
Birdman - Pop Bottles
Jibbs - King Kong
The Who - Who Are You (who is the visiting team???)
Daft Punk - Harder Faster Better (Deadmau5 Edit) (Pre-intro warming up)
Carl Orff - Carmina Burana - O Fortuna (One of the intros, the other is GNR... boring)
Run DMC - Walk This Way (Def Beats)
Jim Noir - Eanie Meany (Fat Boy Slim Mix) (The World Cup 2006 Adidas Comercial song)
The Game - Compton (Def Beats)
Spoon - I Turn My Camera On (the Blazers cuz they is rollin)
DJ Food - Dark Lady (Def Beats)
Timo Maas - To Get Down (One of my favs)
Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop (Ay Oh, Let's Go)
Junkie XL - A Little Less Conversation (Def Beats)
Republica - Ready To Go (The Blazers are always ready to go)
Randy Newman - I Love LA (When Lamarcus Aldridge scores)
Outkast - Hey Ya (What's cooler than cool??? The Blazers!)
Dubfire - Rib Cage (Def Beats)
Groove Armada - I See you Baby (shaking your a... watch your mouth, I'm just talking bout Blazers)
Modest Mouse - We've Got Everything (NW represent)
Nelly - Hot In Here (Def Beats)
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer (Heard this at an Auburn game)
Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At (I didn't know Kevin Pritchard could get down)
LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing At My House (How come they don't play MY house?)
Black Box - Strike It Up (Dumb early techno/house, but it gets people going)
Dusty Kid - The Cat/The Kitten (Def Beats)
Ennio Morricone - The Good The Bad & The Ugly (When Travis Outlaw scores... The Good!!!)
Gary Glitter - Rock n Roll Part 2 (Necessary at sporting events)
Gorillaz - Re-Hash (Def Beats)
Blur - Song 2 (Loud)
THX (Lets grill, lets grill, lets grill 'em!!!)
Lyrics Born - I Changed My Mind (Def Beats)
Ole Ole Ole (When Sergio Rodriguez scores - He's Spanish, he must like soccer)
Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So (Also loud!)
Marilyn Manson - The Beautiful People (Def Beats)
The Isley Brothers - Shout (A little LOUDER now!!!)
2 Unlimited - Get Ready (dumb lyrics, but not bad if you edit them out)
2 Unlimited - Twilight Zone (see above, plus good riot inducing early techno/house)
AC/DC - Hells Bells (Rock the bells, geetar pumpin)
BTO - Taking Care of Business (The Blazers have done just this 11 out the last 11 games!!!)

NYTimes Baked Eggs

GO BLAZERS!!! 9 in a row!!!

Orange Confit from the NYTimes

I love this quote from Tyson Chandler about the Rose Garden after an ugly Blazer's win, "(The Blazers) are playing great at home. They definitely have home-court advantage because you couldn't hear anything out there."

NYTimes on carving a turkey

The Portland Timbers will host their first-round, home playoff match on Sunday, Sept. 16, at PGE Park at 5 p.m. A first-round opponent will be determined by the United Soccer Leagues at a later date.

USL Division 1 Playoffs 1st round
Portland Timbers vs ???
Sunday Sept 16 5pm @ PGE Park
Timbers Army Chants with video
Timbers Chants with audio
Talk Timbers message board
PortlandTimbers.com

Great Portland rock I'm just getting around to checking out...
Menomena
Boy Eats Drum Machine
The Shaky Hands
Blitzen Trapper

RIYL: Super Furry Animals, Radiohead & The Flaming Lips
ok, the Radiohead part is a bit of a cop out, I don't mean folks like near twins the Muse, but more like like minded, artists who aren't afraid to push boundaries a little. Also, you could say TV On The Radio and maybe (I can't even believe my fingers can type these words) the grateful dead (just a bit on a couple Shaky Hands and Blitzen Trapper songs). Somebody else said acoustic Neil Young, that's much better, but not what came to my mind. Nevertheless, these bands are all quite good and deserve you attention.

Hey Big Ten alumni in Oregon, I know there's a lot of you out here, I work with a buncha ya. Go to the Big Ten Network's site and tell Comcast you want 'em to carry it out here!!!

Blazers widget

Go Blazers!

CNN-SI has its list of top 10 ugliest uniforms in college football, and they are close but missed the Oregon triumvirate... with Portland State. I don't know how such a beautiful state could have such nasty jerseys??? here's my top 3...
3. Portland State
2. Oregon
1. Oregon State

Cleveland High Football 2007

Song from Shrek the Third commercial???
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger, 4th track from their Costello Music album... you know, the one that goes doo doo doo.... doo doo doo.... doo doo doo... doo doo doo doo doo. Sounds kinda like T-Rex meets the Datsuns meets Franz Ferdinand. Great, and extremely catchy tune!

GO TIMBERS!!! Destroy the Flounders!

Timbers have the week off, to keep you in the mood checkout Fuzzball's version of Green Is The Color. Next game May 5th in Seattle, who will be destroyed!!!

Portland Timbers beat the Puerto Rico Islanders 3-1 in their opening game of the 2007 USL season!!! Sweet!!! and the Timbers Army is still growing!!!

Blazers beat the Wizards 100-98 and Gilby doesn't come close to 50, infact he didn't even come close to 50 in the two games, now sit down and shut up Gilby. Blazers' rookies rule!!!

Been checking out the Portland chocolate scene lately. Most recently we went to Alma on NE 28th between Couch & Davis. Had the Manjari truffle, which was excellent, such good rich chocolate flavor!!! Highly recommended.

Then there's the downtown 4:
Teuscher
Moonstruck
Leonidas
See's

Both times Teuscher was our favorite. The triple chocolate truffle is excellent. Leonidas & Moonstruck split 2nd place on our two trips. Quite liked the Mayan truffle (with almond & cinnamon) at Moonstruck but the mostly straight chocolate truffle the first time left something to be desired. See's comes in last, more like candy (think snickers) than chocolates.

BeatPort! Damnit!

http://www.rainydayfitness.com/

Went to see Clint Eastwood's Flag's of Our Fathers last night at the Academy Theater in SE Portland. First off, that was a tough movie to take and also quite moving. But on a Portland bent, the folks at the Academy have done a wonderful job remodeling the old theater. Very comfortable, new seats, new paint, new carpet. They have pizza (from Flying Pie) and numerous beers on tap as well as wine and hot dogs. Looking forward to seeing Letters From Iwo Jima and returning to the Academy!

Finally got to Ken's Artisan Pizza on NE 28th. First off I'll say that Nostrana can rest easy, it retains its crown as Portland's best pizza. Ken's biggest mistake is his odd decision to put fennel seeds in his sauce, making every pizza taste like it has sausage. Plus you can't really call a pizza a Margherita if it has fennel... there are no fennel seeds in a Margherita pizza... A Margherita is a very specific pizza. Besides that not quite enough sauce, and the dough wasn't cooked enough on the bottom, although the edge was blackened. Anyway, Nostrana's pizza is better across the board!!!

THE INTERNET IS DEAD
long live the world wide web

Apparently, Blogger isn't a big fan of tables, they look slightly goofy and are hard to edit, so I'll just update this page from now on. On a fairly rainy night, with many dropped passes, and a slippery pig skin, Cleveland beat the Crescent Valley raiders 15-0!!!

CLEVELAND WARRIORS

Date	Opponent	Time/ Result
9/8	Woodburn Bulldogs	w 27-0
9/15	Crescent Valley Raiders	w 15-0
9/22	@ Willamette Wolverines	7pm
9/29	@ Franklin Quakers	7pm
10/6	Marshall Minutemen	7pm
10/12	Jefferson Democrats	7pm
10/20	@ Roosevelt Roughriders	7pm
10/27	Wilson Trojans	7pm
11/3	@ Madison Senators	7pm

PIL 5A STANDINGS
SCHOOL	LEAGUE	OVERALL
Cleveland	0-0	2-0
Madison	0-0	1-1
Jefferson	0-0	0-2
Marshall	0-0	0-2
Roosevelt	0-0	0-2

Cleveland Community Field Project
Portland Interscholastic League
Oregonian High School Football
Oregon School Activities Association

Listening to The Replacements check out great old footage from 1981 on the TwinTone site! Just bought The Modern Lovers and The Feelies first albums online (none of the local shops had em) hurry hurry hurry. Next up OLD Soul Asylum and old Lemonheads. Also, check Beck's site for two great new songs streamin... Nausea, a beat-a-rific tune and Strange Apparition a Stonesy romp.

drive tunes: The Police, Jim Carroll, Danger Mouse: Jay-Z/Beatles, The Minutemen, Sham 69, Janes Addiction, Tribe Called Quest, Wilco

Eat fish safely and in environmentaly sensitive manner...
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Seafood Watch
The Fish List
Oceans Alive
New York Times

TA_Ajax

TA_Ajax
Originally uploaded by MuddyRavine.

mmmm, vacation!!!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Go Timbers
Allez PSG
Hup Ajax

Best pizza in PDX? Nostrana, hands down. Also, closest to Italian pizza I've had in the US, be sure to spring for the Mozzerella di Bufala... that's fresh mozzerella made with buffalo milk, excellent stuff!!! And, if you like their pizza plates, they are made by Steelite and you can order them from Bargreen Ellingson in the industrial NW area.

"Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" -- Benjamin Franklin

Home brewer? Need a cheap way to control the temp of your fermentation carboy? We went to Boxer (a restaurant supply store) in Portland and bought a big tub (~1.5ftX1.5ftx2ft). Then we went to a local tropical fish shop and bought a submersable water heater (make sure it goes below 70) and a submersable pump to keep the water moving. Threw the pump & heater in the tub, poured ~10 gallons of water in, placed our carboy in the water, and our hefeweizen has been sitting happy at 70.4 degrees ever since. Total cost ~$60!

Went to Kalga Kafe last night, a very nice place. Nice and dark atmosphere, and every table is a window seat. They have a bevy of vegetarian international goodies from Mexican to Japanese, but seem to specialize in Indian and Thai. I had the Thali plate, an Indian sampler with Dal, a potato, pea and cabbage mix, a yogurt and cucumber side and rice pudding. Got it medium and it was plenty hot, and very delicious. Wife got the Pad Thai, which was also wonderful. Service was pleasant and attentive. My only gripes were that the food was served on metal dishes, and some of the food picked up the metal flavor, and that my Oatmeal Stout was served too cold. Maybe that's what you serve bud at, but when the beer has actual flavor you want it a bit warmer so your taste buds can sample all the nuances, ok its a minor gripe. Main dishes topped out at $10. Overall a wonderful evening was had by all. 4147 SE Division St. 503-236-4770

Here's some other brews from around the world that I've enjoyed
Heubacher Hefeweizen (Heubach, Germany)
Brauwerij 't IJ Tripel (Amsterdam, Nederlands)
Belle Vue Geuze (Brussels, Belgium)
A La Becasse Lambic (Brussels, Belgium)
plus a great pale ale at a little brew pub in Florence Italy.

Microbreweries of Portland OR
BridgePort
Portland Brewing
Widmer
Rogue (close enough + they have a pub in PDX)
McMenamins
Lucky Labrador
Full Sail (again see Rogue comments)
Alameda
Laurelwood
Amnesia
Roots Organic
Tugboat
Hair of the Dog
New Old Lompoc
Tuck's
+ a new one is going in on NE Alberta

A couple others from around the state, which I've been to...
Pelican Pub
Bend Brewing
Deschutes

Oregon Brewers Guild
Oregon Brew Crew

there's more, its seems like every Portland neighboorhood has a brewpub, and many of the smaller towns around the state have their own brewpubs. Its exciting to try all wonderful flavors!

Beer Expedition
Real Beer
Beer Hunter

So apparently the NCAA doesn't want schools to have their team names reference Native Americans or their tribes, like Seminoles or Utes. My question is what is the difference between Fighting Illini or Fighting Sioux and Fighting Irish? Seems to me they need to treat all references to races/ethnicities equally or they're headed for a heap of legal problems. Seriously though, if you can explain the difference (legally speaking of course, I think I could point out where Illini and Irish are from on a map) I'd like to know.

2003_0829_113543AA

2003_0829_113543AA
Originally uploaded by MuddyRavine.

upcoming.org for Timbers dates

137LeonsbergSmartTower

137LeonsbergSmartTower
Originally uploaded by MuddyRavine.

I like Smarts!

On the Zen Touch on the way to work today.... Fluke, Placebo, Amon Tobin, Madvillian, Johnny Thunders & Testament. What a great mix.

Also, Portland Timbers tied Seattle in the 85th minute last Saturday to scrounge up 1 pt. 6 more games left, 4 on the road to seal 6th place.

Sunderland AFC plays at home today vs Manchester City.... Allez Black Cats Allez!

Currently listening to a whole bunch of EARLY punk like the Stooges, New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders and the Hearbreakers and Richard Hell and the Voidoids. Also finished reading Please Kill Me an oral history of the early punk scene. will update later.... GO TIMBERS!

So, WOW, the Timbers Army is gettin HUGE!!! Section 107 in PGE Park was packed last Sat for the preseason game against the Seattle Flounders, which we won 2-1! Another BIG preseason game coming up, tomorrow, Wed April 13th vs the LA Galaxy of the MLS @ 7pm. For more info on the Timbers Army check out soccercityusa.com and the Message Board for all the latest news, rants and gossip. The regular season starts April 23rd vs. Toronto at PGE Park @ 7pm. Also, feel free to join the Timbers Army at the Bullpen before and after the games... ya never know, your favorite Timber may even show up!

Currently listening to: The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds. Finally broke down and bought it after almost 40 years (holy crap!) of rave reviews. I really like most of it. Could do without stuff like Lets Go Away For a While. I got the version with the original mono mix and the 1996 stereo mix. The stereo mix is almost too cleaned up. When you have that first drum hit at the beginning of Wouldn't It Be Nice, the original has just a little distortion on it which gives it a nice kick, a little crack. The new undistorted mix with too much reverb on it looses the impact. I love the timpani, there just isn't enough timpani on rock albums these days. Sweet album, I could go over all the highlights but you already know them, and if you don't you should buy this album!

Just got back from Everyday Music (the one on W Burnside) and bought these...
Bob Dylan - Blonde On Blonde
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Primal Scream - XTRMNTR

I'm so tired of music critics and supposed alt-indie-better-than-thou-hipster-rock-fans spewing off about how some new band or album sounds like their favorite band, and how they discovered the most original band first when they were only 12 and everything since is just a rip-off of that. Well, to all those folks, blow it out your ass. I don't care if something sounds vaguely like something else. Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin were just ripping off American Blues which was ripping of traditional African music so this is all a moot point, I just covered the history of pop/rock/rap/R&B/techno/soul/metal/punk in one sentence. Which brings me to Kasabian. I'm tired of people saying they sound like The Stone Roses and Primal Scream and then dismissing their album. Yes, if you look down a couple posts I do the same thing... or do I. Go ahead read it, I can wait a couple minutes.... no really go ahead, its short.... you done yet? ok, So you'll notice I DID NOT do the same thing. I used a little something I borrowed from CMJ: RIYL, that's right Recommended If You Like! Its a quick and easy starting place, lets you know if you like those bands you'll probably like Kasabian and vice versa. I tried to explain their sound before I even got to the RIYL, but used it as a nice little summation. So, does Kasabian's album have some resemblance to those other bands? Yes. But also, does Kasabian's album rock? Yes! Is it good? Yes! Should you buy it? Yes! If you'd rather worry about what your hipster friend thinks, then piss off, if you want a great album, whith great tunes, a swagger, some funk, a little darkness, some in-your-face groove, then go buy Kasabian!

On four.... FOUR! The thumping 4 on the floor rhythm kicks in. Burried layers of guitars and fuzzed synths hide behind Guy's smokey half speed vocals, and thus Fallen Angels by Elbow sucks you in to it's droning haze. You may not even realize for a few listens that there are extremely few chord changes in this song, but when they hit... its oh so rewarding... who's ever heard of a one chord chorus, then bam you get sucked in just as the chorus fades. Mid-way through after one such chord change, a slapped guitar 'solo', more like tasty specially chosen notes, signals an instrumental break with more layers of ooohs and aaahs. I gotta say I really dig this song. It is repetitive but never boring, straight forward but has many hidden angles. There are so many layers of sound in this song, you could listen to it 10 times in a row and find something new each time. Then at the end, you keep thinking you're gonna your reward and they drag you out, no chord change, you get nothing and you'll like, like a big tease, so you hit rewind and start all over and over and over!

Woah, saw Kasabian at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland last Wed. What a great gig! They had lots of energy. The set was a bit short as they were opening for The Music, who I found less exciting. Kasabian is a great mix of high energy rock and roll and techno. So many bands coming out right now are trying to outdo each other in how low-fi they can sound, but Kasabian bask in the technology, use it to their advantage. Pumping basslines, driving guitar, funky beats and catchy vocals, very sweet. Of course that's just the first song, they can slow it down a bit, make things a bit spooky, dramatic, darker, but always with a great beat and an underlying energy. Check out the long intro to ID, then the drums kick in, propelling the song forward. Recommended If You Like:: Pop Will Eat Itself, Primal Scream, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Chemical Brothers, LCD Soundsystem, Junkie XL.

Holy carp, The Poppies are back and are playing 5 gigs in England.... wwwoooooaaarrrgghhhh. First shows in 9 years. If you aren't familiar with Pop Will Eat Itself, think Buzzcocks meet the Beastie Boys meet 808 State. They were one of the first to blend rock/techno/rap. I first came to know them on their classic album This Is The Hour, This Is The Day, This Is This! But didn't get to see them until the Dos Dedos Mis Amigos tour at the Metro in Chicago in like 1993, then they dissapeared up their own asses, Clint doing soundtrack work, the other dude in Bently Rhythm Ace and the rest doing bugger all. Anyway, if you're into Kasabian and wanna know about their influences check out PWEI!!!!

Blogging's kinda dumb. I never read anyone else's blogs, why should anybody read mine?

1st on the lighter side of life.....
Autolux!!!! new album Future Perfect... it rocks!!! Think Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, new Fugazi and later day Beatles. Very sweet, Very Good. Erg Mooi!


This in from the NYTimes... Bush is unConstitutional!!!
Nov. 8 - A federal judge ruled Monday that President Bush had both overstepped his constitutional bounds and improperly brushed aside the Geneva Conventions in establishing military commissions to try detainees at the United States naval base here as war criminals.
Imagine that!!!??!?!?

Just in case you need a refresher here is the Constitution of the United States of America. This is actually some pretty good stuff. The cats who started this country were on to something. Its amazing how well this things holds up over 200 years later. We really should pay more attention to our Constitution! Read it a couple of times, print it out, staple it to your wall, keep a copy in your car. It might come in handy!!!

Here are some more goodies that are handy to know about.....

• Ever wonder where all those pesky laws come from or where the tax rules reside that you run into every April 15th? Check this puppy out: US Code
• Man they go off on the King. Wouldn't want to be in his shoes: Declaration of Independence. National Archives version
• The pre-amble to our current Constitution, not so bad either: Articles of Confederation
• Some good PR for the Constitution: The Federalist Papers, another version
• And don't forget there is a pretty big world out there, too! Here's some thoughts from the Geneva Convention. It gets a bit wordy, but remember, it's the tought that counts! Also see the next link under "Humanitarian Law"
  
• and finally the good folks at the UN are keeping a eye out for ya! International human rights documents
  

and on a lighter note....

This Thursday... Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Portland Timbers A-League soccer! 7pm at PGE Park in beautiful downtown Portland.

So far a most triumphant weekend....
Thurs.... Timbers beat Calgary 2-1 to qualify for the A-League playoffs. Game winning goal came from Fadi Afash in the 89th minute.

Fri..... John Kerry rally in downtown Portland brings 30,000-50,000 people to sweat with the next President of the United States

Fri night.... 2004 Olympic games opening ceremony features a pretty groovy 90 minute set from DJ Tiesto!!!!

sweet, sweet and sweet

OK two more things today....
For good music and good politics go out and buy Rock Against Bush Vol. 2 from the good folks at PunkVoter and Fat Wreck Chords

here's an interesting page... Cost Of War. This site also has many good links to good info... Let's educate ourselves and fight the right-wing conservatives who are mis-representing our country.

Listen up Portland people.....
Thursday August 12th... Portland Timbers Vs. Calgary Mustangs A-League soccer at PGE park 7pm. Come join the fun... hang out with the nutters of the Timbers Army in section 107 behind the north goal post. Join up before and after the game for drinks at the Bullpen (across 18th Ave from PGE).

Friday August 13th.... John Kerry at Portland's Waterfront Park 10am, in the bowl just south of the Hawthorne Bridge. Guests include Theresa Heinz-Kerry, Jon Bon Jovi & Leonardo DiCaprio. For more info... Dems of Oregon. This rally is open to the public, come one come all!!! No tix necessary, just bring a friend and your enthusiasm.

Howdy, I'm back!!!
The Portland Timbers beat the Minnesota Thunder 3-0 last night, way to go boys. Looks like John Kerry will be in the grand state of Oregon next week. He'll be in Medford on the 12th of August and Portland on Friday the 13th. What will make Friday the 13th scary though is that Bush Jr. may be here also.

This just in... seems the number of smog action days may be on the rise for eastern cities in the future. Maybe the Repugnant party will start paying attention to our destruction of the environment once it starts affecting their voters where they live. Lets hope we all wise up before its to late for us or future generations!