billvon 2,998 #1 November 13, 2004 So here we are at Powell's in Portland. It's a rambling old bookstore (huge now) that has used books, all priced around $5. (They also have new books.) And the people who work here actually read them - the shelves are cluttered with notes like "you have to read this" "this is worth it once you get past the first 100 pages" "not one of Brin's best books." We got here via the streetcar, which goes all over the city and is free most places. Across the street is a McMenamin's, a place that has the world's best beer. I am sending this on some 802.11b network; when I scanned for networks I got seven. Two were free. Why can't more cities be like this? BTW we'll be here until Monday if anyone wants to get together with Amy and I - give us a call at (309971221 * 2) or leave me a PM. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #2 November 13, 2004 Interesting. Why are you in Portland, Bill? mh . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #3 November 13, 2004 >Why are you in Portland, Bill? Plotting world domination, of course! Actually, business meeting up here on Monday so we took the whole weekend. Amy grew up here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #4 November 13, 2004 Going 100 miles south to Eugene? proly not but thats where i'm at. While in P-town Check out the "Portland Underground" It is called the portland underground, also the shanghi tunnels. where back in the day they would drug and trap unsuspecting victems down there, and then would be sold to boats, and by the time they wake up, they are miles out to sea. neat piece of history there. I cannot remember which bar they start out infront of, but i think there is a tour everyday at around 6. If interested you can get more info from the tourist info senter in Pioneer square, or by calling them? And powells is the king of bookstores, _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ahegeman 0 #5 November 13, 2004 If you like used bookstores, come down to North Texas sometime and visit Larry McMurtry's bookstore in Archer City. I've bought some good stuff there. Skydive Dallas isn't too far away, either.--------------------------------------------------------------- There is a fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'. --Dave Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #6 November 13, 2004 Hey Bill If your in the portland without the state/city sales taxMaybe even some bling bling R.I.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #7 November 13, 2004 I used to live there. There was a McMenamin's downstairs from my apartment on SW Park. It's a city that stays up late too. You probably know this, but just 40 miles south on I-5 in Mollala is Skydive Oregon, a fine dropzone (where I learned to jump in fact) with the nicest, jump aircraft you're likely to run into ever. It's a nice city, even with its politics contrary to mine, I liked living there a lot.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmanpilot 0 #8 November 13, 2004 I only have two problems with Portland. 1. The weather. 2. The overwhelming number of able bodied freaks enhabiting the area who will not stop asking me for my hard earned money. I might give you money if you are sick, hungry, homeless, etc., but if you choose to panhandle instead of getting one of the many jobs available to you, that pisses me off. I don't know why the people in Portland put up with that crap. Other than that, Portland is a hip town with great beer._________________________________________ -There's always free cheese in a mouse trap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #9 November 13, 2004 Bill you may want to try Jakes Famous crawfish, for a yummy lunch at a reasonable price, its just a block or so south/southwest of Powells. Portlands a great place to just hang, you can go anywhere without a car. Enjoy your visit. blue skies jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MC208B 0 #10 November 13, 2004 Hi Bill. So, you're in P town. Go check out V town too (Vancouver) I recently moved from there to here (Maui). The riverfront is cool there. Lots of good places to eat (and drink) and there is a long paved path right on the river. Enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #11 November 13, 2004 QuoteCheck out the "Portland Underground" It is called the portland underground, also the shanghi tunnels saw a show on the history chanell about those.....loked very cool... told a stoy onece of a bunch of guys geting drunk and dieing of embalming fluid that was given to them from a group trying to shangi hi them.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #12 November 13, 2004 Quote(309971221 * 2) Geek!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #13 November 13, 2004 I lived in Portland for quite a while and went to school there. I LOVE POWELLS.....They have all kinds of little events there with authors who come and present part of thier work and then discuss motivation and background of their work. Oh you mentioned the MAX.. yup goes from Gresham on the east out to Hillsboro on the west with a line into the airport and up to Jantzen Beach on the Columbia River. It was an investment in moving people by lite rail that although does not do all it was promised yet.. it goes a lot farther than most cities for public transportation and at least gets SOME of the idiots off the few miles of freeways they have there. If you guys want some GOOOOOOD chinese food tonight get out to Xien Hong on 53rd on Sandy BLVD.. I have NEVER had any bad food there. If you are up for MASSIVE quantities of DEAD ANIMAL PARTS... Saylors Old Coutry Kitchen has some very very nice slabs of dead cow. There is one on the east side.. and one across from City Hall in Beaverton). just a couple blocks from the Lite Rail MAX that runs west. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #14 November 14, 2004 yea, so I miss- spelled it I could go on for awhile talking about it... but at times it was cool, times it was creepy. There was a pile of boots that they uncovered, that they think represents the boys that never made it home. There has been reports of supernatural stuff going on down there, dunno about that. But being in p-town I think it's something to explore if your into history like that. It also makes for a good first date (yup that is when I saw it) _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #15 November 14, 2004 Made a few attempts to drunk dial your number, no joy, probably too drunk to dial, try mine. blues jerry edit to add never mind! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyn 0 #16 November 14, 2004 I was in Portland a few weeks ago visiting relatives. Two places they took us to were Coffee People (people in Oregon love their coffee) and Flying Pie Pizza (near the airport, not a great section of town, but very good pizza). Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DickMcMahon 0 #17 November 14, 2004 Stop by Eugene Skydivers on your way back ... a friendly place where I usually go. You wouldn't happen to be passing through Coos Bay on your way back, would you? P.S. The best bookstore is Tattered Cover in Denver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #18 November 14, 2004 >Geek! Well, I'm not about to post a plaintext phone number on the web . . .. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Acensky 0 #19 November 14, 2004 If you have any extra time from all the other attractions people have told you, go up to Pittock Mansion, great views of the city and a lot of history. Nice places to hike along forrest park. The Chinese Garden in China town is worth the entrance fee. HeatherGarbage bags do not make good parachutes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhirledWeb 0 #20 November 14, 2004 Bill and Amy, Thanks for spending time with my family and friends this evening - great to meet you! -Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don't be afraid of death, be afraid of the unlived life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #21 November 14, 2004 very good beer, not so good mexican food. One of the highest per capita violence against women ( but not by me this time ) towns. Is the coin operated 24 hour church of elvis still in operation? Thats fun when yer drunk. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhirledWeb 0 #22 November 14, 2004 QuoteIs the coin operated 24 hour church of elvis still in operation? Thats fun when yer drunk. 24Hr Church of Elvis had to close doors a few years ago as high rent prices and low offering plate returns made it impossible to make ends meet. The lady who ran it (Stephanie Pierce) was the most eccentric freak-show that I've ever ever met. Other Portland and/or Oregon Facts? >> Highest number of strip clubs per capita >> Lowest church attendance per capita >> On the average, less rain annually than Atlanta , Houston , Birmingham , Indianapolis or Seattle >> We have the smallest municipal park (mill ends park... it's about 24 inches across) >> kick-ass microbreweries - yea beer! >> Powells Books is the largest independant bookstore in the nation Visit Portland... and come visit us when you're in the area, we're bored and need more friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don't be afraid of death, be afraid of the unlived life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IB52 0 #23 November 14, 2004 QuoteBill and Amy, Thanks for spending time with my family and friends this evening - great to meet you! -Mark Ditto what Mark said. It was nice to meet you. Thanks for coming over to our side of the river. -- Lois Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #24 November 14, 2004 QuoteMaybe even some bling bling Now that you mention it, I think that's exactly what Bill needs - some bling bling... like a few pounds of gold chains, big diamond earrings, gold teeth and a hot pink fur coat... and of course a big ol' belt buckle like this... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites