Get Rich Quick (or Gambling By Proxy)

I once again find myself in the Las Vegas area. "Who goes to Las Vegas in July on purpose?", you ask. Good question. In its defense, the weather has been quite exciting with thunder storms, flash floods, and temperatures that have more or less stayed below the 100 degree mark. But enough pleasantries; let's get down to business. Last time I passed this way, I talked to a few people about my idea of gambling by proxy. This time, I want to make that dream a reality for us all. The concept is this: for all of you who aren't able to make it to casinos, whether because of time, geography, or overbearing spousal reasons, I offer you my time and location* so that together we might both become rich. The rules go like this. You name the amount, game, and bet (e.g. $10 on roulette 15) and I will go place it. I'm thinking the games that lend themselves to this would be roulette, craps, slots (please be as specific as you like with the type of machine), and blackjack (although you would have to accept my decisions*. If you lose, you pay me the amount lost. Kind of like if you were here, but without having to deal with the crowds, stress, and heat. If you win, we split the winnings 75/25 (yes, the bigger amount is for you*). The concept here is to allow anyone to be a part of the BdW experience, to participate in this adventure that I am on, to have a little innocent fun while on your government-mandated 15-minute coffee break at the office. The action and outcome will be documented here. And besides the excitement and fun this will create, you will be helping to support BdW (web hosting ain't free, ya know.) So get your bets in by Friday night and then leave the rest to me.

Wednesday July 25 2007

File under: travel, misc

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on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 09:50 pm PDT MOM said: Okay, so not being a Casino junkie, I need more direction here but I'm not willing to cast my bet in the presence of all these bloggy eyes. How do we, the faithful, let you, the bookie, know our $$ desires? ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 08:49 am PDT Condiment Sandwich said: 20 bux on a spring wedding to a blond with an intriguing laugh ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 08:52 am PDT Saxtor said: Good idea, Wren. But the colorblind shouldn't bet on red... ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 11:50 am PDT whuppin stick said: your take is way more than the casino's, which makes my odds a bit out of favor. ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 12:29 pm PDT Wren said: Condiment Sandwich, you're on! ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 05:44 pm PDT Sarah F said: Come on people!! This is our chance at the big bucks!! I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas and I’m so happy I can now live vicariously through you. I’d like to bet just $10 on the quarter slots and can you wear your luckiest clothes that you have? If you win, you can take someone out for a drink or desert on me too before you send me my cut. (good karma for next time) Thanks buddy! If we lose, I’ll send you cash so that Dragan doesn’t know about my “habit”. ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 06:23 pm PDT Ryan said: $10 on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl. ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 06:52 pm PDT Andrew said: Alright. $10 on Black w/ $10 on the corner of 4,5,7,8. If you loose, send me a bill. If you win anything, take half and put it on Black. Put the other half in between 20/23. Take whatever you win from that and put it all on Red. Then walk away. ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 09:38 pm PDT MOM said: Wait a minute...Condiment Sandwich--are you the blond with the intriguing laugh and did you just propose to my son? ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 09:54 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: How about $1 in quarters in a quarter slot machine with Hearts on it?! ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 09:57 pm PDT Saxtor said: Off topic: Marg, congratulations on getting mentioned on one of my favorite blogs! ************************ on Thu 26th Jul, 2007 10:15 pm PDT MOM said: Saxtor,Thanks for the head's up. WOW, I'm famous! Someone actually uses my library! Who does this blog? I want to check and see if they have any overdue books. ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 05:19 am PDT Ryan said: make it $20, and the checks in the mail ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 07:24 am PDT MOM said: That comment about overdue books...I was just kidding, librarians aren't like that, really. ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 08:06 am PDT Saxtor said: I'm seeing $71 bux here. Chris, how'd that PayPal button work out on IHJ?! ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 11:28 am PDT Chris said: Being egocentric as I am, I've always wanted to be the craps shooter in the hopes that my roll would win some high roller a ton of cash and yell "Yee-ha!" and give me his cowboy hat for good luck. Unfortunately I'm in Ohio, so you're going to have to live the dream. I realize the instructions may be a bit long, but I figured half a paragraph shouldn't be too much for a guy who memorized pi out to over a hundred places just for fun! Alright, I want $10 on the Pass Line. If you crap out (2, 3, 12), walk away and put $10 on double zero at the roulette table. If it's 7 or 11 let it ride once, starting over with $20. If a point is set (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) then bet an additional (one-time) $10 High Horn Yo ($2 on 2, $2 on 3, $2 on 12 and $4 on 12). Ater you finish making your point or seven-out (your turn finishes) if you've got less than $20, bet it in whatever manner you feel is fun and let me know if we win; if you walk away with more than $20 though, then hold on to it so that I can put up a poll on IHJ to decide what my official high-roller nickname is going to be, I'm leaning towards "f(g)-Money", but I'm accepting suggestions. Let me know if you have PayPal (the button is for settling debts mostly Saxtor, I'm not expecting too many random contributions), otherwise I'll send the $20 to Anacortes. I can feel the anticipation already! ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 11:35 am PDT Chris said: I forgot to say, you can have an extra 5% of the winnings if you promise to say "Baby needs a new graphing calculator!" when you throw the dice the first time. ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 07:52 pm PDT Chris said: Man, I really need to read what I write. Hope it's not too late, but High Horn Yo puts the last $4 on 11, not 12; sorry. ************************ on Fri 27th Jul, 2007 11:18 pm PDT Joe said: well, i think it's a dumb idea but here's what you can do for me...you have to get your video camera ready tho or i'm not paying. put $20 down on the bar, order a jack and coke (and whatever you want). Pick up the jack and coke, breathe a sigh of desire, then pour it out on the carpet right in front of the bartender while saying, "one for my homies". then immediately grab your drink and take a drink, a single drink, if it's a shot then just a sip and say "and one for me." then...pour the rest out on the carpet and say, "another one for my homies, cuz they be good homies." do it just like this on video and another $20 is yours...i feel like i would win this way. ************************ on Thu 02nd Aug, 2007 02:03 pm PDT mandy said: i really like joe's idea. i'll give you $20 if you do this, but it doesn't have to be on video. you could do a slideshow instead with some sort of rap music in the background. another $20 if you dress up like flava flav ************************ on Sun 05th Aug, 2007 06:15 am PDT Sean said: I'll throw down $50 for you to do your little turn on the catwalk on ameture night at a strip club. ************************

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On Open Letter to Greyhound

Dear Greyhound Inc., I've been a customer of yours for several years. You always come through in a pinch, even if it isn't the best deal or the most convenient travel experience. But a bad options is often better than no optional at all, and I appreciate the service you provide. In my years traveling, I've noticed a few things that I wanted to ask about and a few possible suggestions. I would love to see you become a viable travel option for everyone, not just the bums and winos. My first question is this: How do you manager to get at least one crazy person or drunk on every bus? Do you focus your advertising campaigns at half-way houses and mental facilities? Is there some sort of discount that you don't offer the general public? Or maybe it is just the camaraderie they feel with the Greyhound employees. Do you keep a staff of these folks on call in case a legitimate crazy doesn't show up? If so, where can I find the application for this position. I do a great crazy. That brings me to my next question: Do you offer performance benefits on an inversely proportional basis? There must be some incentive that gets your employees to be so indifferent. I've never seen people on duty be so unconcerned with getting the job done properly and in a timely fashion (besides road construction crews, of course). I know this may sound like a new idea, but it is actually well accepted in the business world today: reward employees for performance rather than the lack thereof. With this simple change in policy, you might find that buses will start being on time, facilities will start to resemble a place you wouldn't be afraid to take your mother, and people won't be so horribly belligerent from having been treated so poorly. Who knows, you might even become a company your stock holders wouldn't avoid like the plague. With a little work and thought, I'm confident that you can be a company with the value and reliability that will compare with, say, Guatemala's bus transit systems. But I will say this: I've never seen a live chicken on any of your buses.

Tuesday July 24 2007

File under: transportation, open letter

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on Tue 24th Jul, 2007 07:10 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: Wrenny, Wren, Wren... is there something you would like to share about a 'greyhound experience'? Were you only a 'homeless person' (we don't call them bums) when collecting cans? Hmmmm.... So did you make it to Vegas?! ************************ on Tue 24th Jul, 2007 08:13 pm PDT MOM said: Ouch, Wren! Isn't this a wee bit harsh? What other affordable options are there for travel? I'm with you on the state of the bus stations comment (I am the mother you would take there, after all). But I have to say I'd pack me a flask of single malt to make it through one of those diesel-fumed rides--so I guess I'd likely be one of those folks you're complaining about. ************************ on Tue 24th Jul, 2007 11:11 pm PDT Saxtor said: I'm with Julie, there is definitely a story behind this....DISH DISH DISH*! ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 06:24 am PDT Chris said: Having spent a couple 30 hour bus rides with the good people of Greyhound, I heartily agree. Plus, the problem with no assigned seating and nowhere else to go like on a train is that there is nothing you can do when four truckers with about 5 teeth between them corner you and want to tell you all their life stories. This happened last time ( a long time ago I'll add) and I almost just said "You know what, please stop talking, you're not intersting and you smell", but then I realized the only thing worse than being stuck on a bus with drunk, unintelligible, beligerent hill-billies is being stuck on a bus with drunk, unintelligibale, beligerent hillbillies with a grudge and plenty of stops out in the desert in the middle of nowhere. God bless Guttenberg, never would have made it otherwise. ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 10:45 am PDT Antonella said: I was truly shocked when I read this blog, Wren. I though you were accepting of everything, even the stinky and hairy. I am proud to say, I know a few of these "crazy people" who gratefully ride the Hound. Hey, maybe I am one of THEM! I have taken a trip or two on the rolling ride... not in my right mind... not knowing or caring who I was, where I was, or where I got off. I admit this wild ride to break the STIGMA that "those people" are real people, like me- your friend. They are not from another planet and deserve respect, even if they get on your nerves! It is time to throw away the judgment and righteousness. You think this blog is funny, but it doesn't feel good to me! ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 11:56 am PDT mandy said: this is exactly why i like to ride the bus! haven't you read haunted by palahniuk? didn't you know the new clean is dirty? the new social climb is the social dive? who wants to be perfect when you could instead provide spice to the life of a fellow public transportation rider? i like hanging around crazy or drunk people, it's sort of a reality check. but seriously, if you are going to send a letter to greyhound, maybe you should wait a couple of days after writing this one and re-think your approach cuz if you really want it received well & have your complaints addressed, try a little less scathe, you've done it before ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 03:06 pm PDT little adiantum said: perfect. you are not rackin on the bums... you are celebrating them... while just happening to mention that if greyhound would change their "marketing approach" they may actually create the growing customer base they are looking for. Then we would have more crazies as well as more options.... and eventually maybe even a chicken! ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 05:10 pm PDT Nesbitt said: So Greyhound stinks...we have the Chinese bus in the east...it has its own quirks. Could we discuss Amtrak? I have beefs with them. ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 07:05 pm PDT Emily said: I'm wondering if maybe arriving in a city like Las Vegas at 3 AM maybe, just maybe, had something to do with your busmates this time around..... ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 08:59 pm PDT MOM said: Thank you Antonella and mandy. I was afraid this was turning into an Elitist blog hang out but you both have given me hope. So I ask all of you...who is the PUBLIC in public transportation? The mix is what it is all about, celebrate it! ************************

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Bike Portland!

Portland likes bikes. Or at least they recognize the value in accommodating and encouraging them. I've never seen a city that is as bike friendly as Portland is. There are bikes racks in front of most establishments, often overfilled. I even saw a neighborhood that blocked off a parallel parking spot and filled it with bike racks so the sidewalk wouldn't be clogged. In the space it takes to park one car, there was space for over a dozen bikes. There is space for bikes on the buses and the MAX (the light rail public transportation), also often filled. But what has impressed me most about the biking scene in Portland is the number and quality of bike routes. In my short time in Portland, I've probably ridden over 50 miles. The difference riding on designated bike routes makes is huge. Often these routes are on lesser traveled residential streets so you don't have to contend with traffic. When the routes do follow major roads, there is a lane set aside for you, painted and everything. Every time the route makes a turn, there are signs pointing the way and updating the distance (and estimated time) to the major landmarks. And for people not terribly familiar with the area, there is even a route planner. All the encouragement and accommodation seems to be working. You see bikers everywhere you go, ranging all the way from spandex clad aerodynamic racer types to little old ladies with their groceries. Seeing all these cyclists is so inspiring to me. Whether it is their intention or not, the positive environmental impact of pedaling across town instead of pedal-to-the-metalling across town is huge. I count my miles bicycling among my favorite experiences here in Portland. It kept me in shape, showed me the city, and saved the planet all at the same time. Yes, I agree with sentiment often heard around the city, on billboards, bumber stickers, and store windows: Bike Portland!

Sunday July 22 2007

File under: travel, transportation

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on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 07:55 pm PDT Jule said: I once biked the Portland marathon on a single speed beach cruiser. Everyone else was running and I do believe they were a little jealous! Actually, I biked the side streets shouting encouragement to a running friend. And I agree, Bike Portland. ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 05:08 am PDT Chris said: Yeah, they've got some good routes here, but none of them go where I need to get to. I've biked to work pretty much every day for the last two years and I've got to say the main depressing thing I see is the lack of helmets. I just don't understand the mentality, unless you have the good fortune of running into a corner marshmellow outlet, pretty much anything you hit is taking you down. My favorite is this guy who said they were too expensive - as he was sitting on what had to be a $1,000 bike. I give up, I don't get people. ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 10:42 am PDT gretchen said: i'm with you chris. the no helmet thing kills me. another awesome pdx bike trick the kids like to play is the 10 p.m. bike ride with no helmet, no light, no hands! so frustrating. i don't want to name any names, but somehow some of our friends have fallen in with this crowd(ANDREW and PER!!)...very disappointing. ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 03:46 pm PDT per said: some oblivious little old lady opened her taxi cab door directly into my ring finger the other week. helmets make sense cuz that's where our precious grey matter resides, but man, I've had the need for gloves, and a harnessed dive n' roll, far more than the need for a brain bucket. screw helmets, car owners should be arrested and tried for raping the environment and destroying our cities. peace. ************************ on Tue 24th Jul, 2007 08:27 pm PDT Andrew said: seatbelts? seatbelts are for nerds lady! and this ain't no nerd taxi! ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 08:22 am PDT whuppin stick said: does this mean you aren't in anacortes and don't want to help me make a photo collage of the island today? ************************

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Harry Potter Mania

One of the big goals for my time in Portland was to visit the oft extolled Powell's Book. For some, this isn't just a must see when you visit Portland, but reason enough to make the trip in the first place. I chose to combine my required literary pilgrimage with the circus I knew would be taking place around the release of the new Harry Potter book. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the spectacle that awaited me. The party was slated to start at 10pm with the books going on sale at 12:01am. I arrived at about 9:15 with the thought of grabbing a bite to eat and maybe finding myself a good used paperback before I gawked. From a block away, I could hear the festivities and see the commotion. The street was blocked off with t.v. vans with satellite dishes raised to the sky. There was a smoke machine and face painting tables. Then there was the line: hundreds of cape-clade, striped scarf wearing fans with their lawn chairs and coolers zigzagging and doubling back Disney-style to fully occupy the closed off street. Although I didn't ask, I'm sure many of them had been there all day. While I don't consider myself a fan*, I've read a few of the books and know of the characters, many of whom I saw running around with wands, etc. Besides the slew of Harrys and Hermoines dressed in Hogwarts' attire, I saw a Dumbledore, a Prof. Sybill Trelawney*, and, my favorite, Hagrid, true to form towering 2 feet above everyone else. Among the non-Potter related, there were all manner of stilt walkers, a fire juggler, and some Scottish/Irish song and dance troupe that clacked sticks as they do-si-doed. As I waited for transportation home (unfortunately the bus came before the magical train), the book-purchasing line overflowed its bounds of the block off street and wound halfway around the block, this at only 10:30. I can't only imagine how long the line got by midnight. The poor kids who had gone home to nap before the big event were relegated far from the excitement not to mention prolly not getting their copy until well after midnight. I guess that goes to show what it takes to be a true fan in this day and age.

Saturday July 21 2007

File under: travel, events

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on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 02:26 pm PDT MOM said: Now you know what we poor librarians go through every day without the profit motive! Go books! ************************ on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 09:45 pm PDT Wilbur said: omg....that Hagrid was cool tho. tim was in line somewhere in seattle...i'll wait for the movie ;-)...j/k i'll read it sometime. good stories i think. ************************ on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 10:01 pm PDT K said: That looks way cooler than the line I waited in... Too bad I can't start reading it till after the bar :( ************************ on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 03:09 am PDT Saxtor said: Sounds like a blast. What a strange cultural phenomenon the waiting in line to purchase the latest consumer artifact/experience has become. Lets say you were a hardcore fan about all the latest Hollywood blockbusters, Apple gadgets and children's novels and opted to wait in line for each one of these. I bet in the Summer of 2007, you'd be looking at over ten nights spent on the street, in line waiting until midnight, tomorrow or a day or two from now. I just find it all rather bizarre*. That said, if there is a place that needs no excuse to throw a super-fun party, it is most certainly PDX. ************************ on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 10:34 am PDT Saxtor said: I should note, this does not necessarily originate from a tide-shift in consumer habits (although I think that's what we're seeing here in part). This article about a dust-up over a Starbucks store "releasing" a new flavor syrup (???) ahead of its "release date" suggests that there are strong economic forces involved, too. ************************ on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 01:27 pm PDT Emilly said: It would have been awesome to be in a city like Portland for the release of the book. There is something about a shared experience like this that gets exponentially larger and more exciting as the number of participants grow. While our release at the library was quite a bit smaller (about 100 people) it was still a big event for us Potter fans. For more about our midnight release event check out my blog post And although it seems some of y'all out there are put off by the commercial aspect of the event just remember this phenomenon that is Harry Potter has gotten millions of kids to Put Down the Video Games! and actually read a book. I'll take that trade. ************************ on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 02:50 pm PDT Sara said: I didn't stay out until midnight (I got the book yesterday), but I went downtown on Friday night to "The Party that Shall Not be Named" and watched all of the people. I got a t-shirt, mostly because of the 7/20 date. They expected about 70,000 people to show up...two streets were blocked off, they had costume contests, people dressed up as characters posing in portraits, the stores had Hogwarts banners, sample things from Harry Potter, etc. I was amazed. - Oh yeah, I still want to go to Portland someday. ************************ on Sun 22nd Jul, 2007 08:00 pm PDT Jule said: Katy got the book Sat. morning and I haven't gotten a normal conversation out of her since. Thank goodness she is almost done! then we can have some quality time together in front of the XBox! oh, wait, I mean, then I GET to read it! ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 01:04 pm PDT mandy said: our love of books rivals our love of festivals! wouldn't it be awesome to be the author of such a loved series? btw, her site & blog, www.jkrowling.com, is quite entertaining ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 09:33 pm PDT MOM said: Hey Jule, Is this the same "K" that said "Too bad I can't start reading it till after the bar :(?" Ahhh, the lure of a good book... ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 11:28 pm PDT Wilbur said: Is "K" still at the bar? ************************ on Wed 25th Jul, 2007 07:07 pm PDT Emily said: Hey Jule....this Katy you speak of sounds awesome! I didn't talk to anyone -or leave the house really- until I had my book finished- Monday/Tues at 2:35AM. I'll miss those guys.....sigh ************************ on Sun 05th Aug, 2007 05:54 am PDT Sean said: I got it in the mail last week and just finished today. I TOTALLY blew off my Marines and responsibilities as a platoon commander so I could focus on Harry.I was the only one dressed up when I went to the PX to buy my copy. A Navy Seal punched me in the stomach. ************************

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PDX Ultimate Examined

I've been playing a little thing called Ultimate Frisbee* for a number for years. Back in college, it was a serious affair with practice daily, jerseys, and tournaments. Since college, it has been with friends in the park once a week. In that time, our group has developed its own nuances, rules, etc. Within the bubble that is Anacortes Ultimate, I've somewhat lost touch with how our skill level compares, common styles of play, etc. One of my big goals for my time here in Portland is to get a few games in. While my first attempt was thwarted by an improperly updated website, I got one in this evening. The whole time I kept noticing differences about the games here compared to the games up there. And for your viewing convenience, I offer you this chart.   Portland Anacortes Advantage Location 6 miles to playfields 6 blocks to the playfields Anacortes Frequency 6-8 games a week 1 game a week Portland Numbers 7s with subs 5s, maybe 6s if we're lucky Portland Force 1x: "Force home!" 6x: "OK" 1x: "Force home!" 1x: "OK" 2x: "What's a force?" Todd: "Which way is home again?" Portland Punctuality Starts over an hour late Starts more or less on time (except for Sherlock and Russ, of course) Anacortes Skill level Really good Pretty good Portland Group of folks Inconsistent strangers with a few regulars Fairly consistant regulars (except Herff, of course) with the occasional new comer Anacortes Otter Pops Nothing yet There was that one time... Anacortes It looks like it is too close to call. Higher level of play, but without the comforts of playing with friends using well adapted rules*. I had a great time and hope to get at least one more game in before I leave town, but I will be anxious for Tuesday night when I get home.

Thursday July 19 2007

File under: Anacortes, events

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on Fri 20th Jul, 2007 04:54 am PDT Chris said: Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm not a professional or anything but I just about had to kill a few commanding officers when I organized a game with my old office for our PT one day! You want organized rules though, play with security forces-no one questions rulings and it's an immeadiate drop and fifteen pushups if a thrower touches you with the 'bee. ************************ on Fri 20th Jul, 2007 05:23 pm PDT Go! Turtle said: Last Tuesday was great, about 15 minutes of 3v3, then a half-hour of 2v2. *Sigh* I wish we had some better turnouts... ************************ on Fri 20th Jul, 2007 11:03 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: Oh Wrenny! You always do find fun things to do! I really admire that about you! I rode my by the Vons recycling center yesterday and thought of you! ************************ on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 09:51 pm PDT Wilbur said: I knew you'd find a way to make a tie out of it. haha...yea please come back...tuesday was terrible. ************************ on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 12:56 pm PDT mandy said: i would attribute the differences to: population portland 562,690 vs population anacortes 16,300. no advantage or disadvantage, just different. ************************

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Peoples Guide to Anacortes

The People's Guide to Anacortes (originally named Anacortes for CheapOs) has been a project that I've been thinking about for quite some time now. The idea sprung from this post and the wonderful comments that it spawned. The more I thought about it, the more I wished this kind of thing existed for the places I travel to; a simple guide to the free, non-commercial activities a location has to offer. Anyone that has been to Anacortes knows that free activities abound here (hiking, swimming, parks, beaches, etc.) My intended audience is essentially the younger, more adventurous, less affluent crowd (think heckers (my* oh so clever name for the folks that descend on Anacortes for the What The Heck Fest)), but there are activities for everyone, simply categorized with some fancy technology for syncing up the map with the description. Also available is a printable PDF. I assume once some of my fellow Anacortians (Anacortisian?) have a look over the list, there will be suggestions for what I missed, etc. and I welcome that. Please pass those along via the comments or the contact page. I'll try to keep the list updated. Another thing you, dear readers, can do to help is to encourage people to check it out. If you have a friend that is going to be visiting Anacortes or the San Juan Islands, send them a link. Knowing that I've opened people's eyes to some of what Anacortes has to offer is the best form of payment I could get for a project like this*.

Wednesday July 18 2007

File under: Anacortes, travel

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on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 02:11 pm PDT Amanda said: How awesome! No business/eatery recommendations? Are those too expensive for what you're trying to accomplish? ************************ on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 02:36 pm PDT Wren said: Amanda, it only isn't a matter of expense, but of other aspects of commerce; promoting this one over that one (and the ensuing politics), the constant changing business environment (esp. in Anacortes), the vast array of tastes/preferences/values that would need to be taken into account, etc. There are a number of guides/maps to Anacortes that are geared towards promoting the commercial sector. This guide is meant as a counter to that; things to do where you don't need to worry about cost or business hours or getting reservations. ************************ on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 03:37 pm PDT Emily said: What a wonderful guide - It turned out great! I'd be eager to get my hands on one of those puppies as a visitor to the island for sure. So often the non-go-spend-your-money-here places are overlooked. I know it would have been of use to me back in the day, talking/making suggestions/playing mini-tour guide to all the whale-watchers. ************************ on Thu 19th Jul, 2007 06:24 am PDT Chris said: Does WaPa still have a playground? Last time I was there all I saw was construction ************************ on Thu 19th Jul, 2007 09:37 am PDT gretchen said: they have a small sucky playground with now swings or decent slides. humph. ************************ on Thu 19th Jul, 2007 12:43 pm PDT Soreyes said: WA Park has a new playground. Maybe you could add the Pass Lake to Ginnett Orchard trail. ************************ on Fri 20th Jul, 2007 07:47 am PDT cardboard said: WAPA's got a new playground??! hot diggity I am on my way. Whats up with this Pass Lake trail you talking about soreeyes?? ************************ on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 09:56 pm PDT Wilbur said: Today, for the first time i heard somebody refer to "Anacortes" as "Cantaffordus"...i laughed...does this apply at all? ************************ on Sat 21st Jul, 2007 10:00 pm PDT Wilbur said: That's really cool wren...well done. ************************ on Mon 30th Jul, 2007 12:03 am PDT Sean said: Max LOVES the small sucky WaPa playground.Is curb sitting gonna get a mention or what? ************************ on Sat 04th Aug, 2007 11:11 am PDT Mira said: Flippin' brilliant, mate. Might add a t to "brough" in the credits beneath the title. I'll send you my bill.Signed, your editor. ************************

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Angels Rest on the Columbia

Not too long ago, I got to experience the northern shore of the Columbia River courtesy of our friend Scoot Scoot, remember? Well, just this past weekend, I got a taste of the Oregon side of things. I think it is safe to say that the Columbia River from either vantage point is a worthy spectacle. Although the weather was hot and humid beyond my comfort level, I couldn't pass up the chance to get out of the city for a hike with friends. When we reached the top, after significant elevation gain*, I could really see where it got its name from. If I were an angel, I think I would stop here and have a nice picnic. Besides the lovely view, the welcome breeze, the cheese and crackers*, I found this inspiration gem hidden off the trail a ways. After a group shot and more view admiring, we headed back to the city for a BBQ. Good time abound here in Portland, I've decided.

Tuesday July 17 2007

File under: travel, pics

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on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 11:29 am PDT Saxtor said: So where, precisely, was this hike? Looks like a cool spot. ************************ on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 12:22 pm PDT Wren said: This wonderful little hike can be found at latitude:45.55968 longitude:-122.17295 (or for those non-nerds among you, off eastbound I-84 at exit #28 (Bridal Veil))And I forgot to mention the plentiful and varied berries we found along the trail. We couldn't identify them but they sure were tasty! ************************

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Sand in the City

While out meandering around the city the other day, I am came across a neat little exhibit in Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown. While a far cry from the sand castles of my youth, these sand sculptures were pretty neat. I even caught one in the process of being finished. All I know is that back in my days of sand sculpting, trowels, squirt bottles, and wooden frames were not part of the standard issue equipment. Anyhoo, check out these dandy little pictures: Overview of the festivities (did I mention there was music and food going down as well?); Calvin and Hobbes lookalikes; reading brings the world alive unless there is a dragon under your bed unless, of course, he is a smiley dragon; and a Burgerville Display. To check out the official Sand in the City site, click here.

Monday July 16 2007

File under: pics, travel

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on Mon 16th Jul, 2007 06:49 pm PDT Wilbur said: ha! that's cool. never seen anything like that before. ************************ on Mon 16th Jul, 2007 07:43 pm PDT Chris said: Wait, you're not trying to say they rivaled the great Sandcropolis of 2007 are you? ************************ on Tue 17th Jul, 2007 10:28 am PDT Sean said: Ahhh, BdW. My window to culture and neat stuff.The sand out here is not conducive to building neat things, unless you think a cathole is neat. ************************ on Wed 18th Jul, 2007 10:36 pm PDT Cyndi said: Try this world championship sand castle contest at Harrison Hot Springs, CAN. It is fantastic. http://www.harrisand.org/ Sorry Chris, no comparison. We went for two days last year and got to vote for our favorites. Tournament of champions is on display now. http://harrisand.org/toc.html ************************

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Now THAT is a Farmers Market

I don't have anything against the Anacortes Farmers Market; the bounty of the Skagit Valley, and access to it, is important to me; it is neat to see people behind the counter that I recognize; and Samish Bay cheese will always hold a special place in my heart. But compared to the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, it leaves much to be desired. Yesterday, I journeyed downtown via my favorite form of public transportation (non-bus) to bask in all the local foods that NW Oregon has to provide. What did I see? Berries, cherries, buffalo meat, goat cheese, mushrooms, honey, walnuts, veggies, oysters, flowers, bread, and so much more. And there wasn't just one stand for each, but lots to choose from. The fruit stands alone were easily larger than the whole of the Anacortes Farmers Market. Although I ended up only coming away with cherries, a focaccia bread, and some chipotle cheddar, I could have easily spend about $200 dollars and had myself quite the little feast. Speak of feasts, not only was there fresh local produce etc., but there were food stands to beat the band: pizza by the slice, organic breakfast burritos, and plenty more that I would have loved to sampled. I decided on a spicy sausage with grilled onions and green peppers. I sat and enjoyed my lunch while listening to the [local, (I assume)] band rocking out on stage. Yep, the Portland Farmers Market is a good way to spend a day.

Sunday July 15 2007

File under: food, travel

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on Sun 15th Jul, 2007 11:12 am PDT Saxtor said: The last time I was in Portland, I managed to squeeze in about 10 total minutes downtown, and those 10 minutes were spent at said farmer's market. It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Some of the other far-off and smaller farmer's markets (the ones in the Hollywood and Belmont neighborhoods, in particular) have aspects that are better, despite being smaller than the downtown bigboy. ************************ on Sun 15th Jul, 2007 01:08 pm PDT MOM said: Wren, whaddaya say we flex the rules a bit for our local foods party to expand the territory to include Portland? This blog post is making my mouth water. ************************ on Sun 15th Jul, 2007 01:46 pm PDT Chris said: Yeah, I gotta see if I can find something in Ohio, Texas was not the place for bounty or organic unless you want beef. Most of the cities I've been in lately have a groccery store with an "Organic" food section which means they have soy milk and a few pieces of produce they claim to be organic. Someday I shall retrun to the fabled land of the Northwest and take back my birthright of delicious food! ************************ on Sun 15th Jul, 2007 04:43 pm PDT cardboard said: judging by saxtors comment i think its safe to say one could look at the downtown farmers market and say "thats your big boy" ************************

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PDX

(For all you uninitiated, "PDX" is what the cool kids call Portland, OR. Or at least that's what I am told. I sure hope another naming discussion stems from this one*. I'll just stick with it purely for convenience. PDX is easier to type than Portland*.) Portland, Oregon is a city that is held in high regards by many Northwesterners. It isn't too large to be overwhelming. It is large enough to have all the culture you could hope for. And it is a well planned city with public transportation, city parks, and more. I've passed through here a couple of times before, but never really gotten a chance to really immerse myself in all that is PDX. Well, in the continuing vein of the Year of Wren, things just seem to go my way. I've landed a 10 day housesitting gig in a gorgeous home in a lovely part of the city. Within being here only a couple of hours, I get treated to dinner with old friends at the 2007 Restaurant of the Year, Pok Pok*. Now, as a cool breeze flushes the house of the warmth built up through the day, thunder and lightening echo in the background really adding to the sense of adventure I'm anticipating for this lovely visit. So any BdW readers in the area, let's get together! Let's do a movie in one of those famous McMenamin's pub/cinemas. Shall we check out the Farmers' Market? You must know a good swimming hole. Show me your favorite park*. Or if you were here but aren't now, drop a suggestion for what I simply mustn't miss. Three cheers for a PDX adventure!

Thursday July 12 2007

File under: travel, food

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on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 12:56 am PDT Saxtor said: Well, I'm currently strapped for suggestions, but I will tell you, since you mention geocaches, some of the most amazingly clever ones are in that area. Definitely check some of those out. Also, be sure to check out some of the CityRepair sites. There are a few Geocaches associated there too, but the draw is way cooler than the cache. ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 09:01 am PDT gretchen said: if it ever rains while you are there and are running out of slightly more adventurous things to do, omsi is currently hosting the body exhibit. ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 10:09 am PDT Amanda said: I second Gretchen's suggestion. We just went last weekend and it was amazing. Also... Japanese Gardens. It costs $8, but it's worth it. And um... POWELLS. ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 01:47 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: HIP....HIP.....! ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 01:48 pm PDT Strong Beef said: Chicago style for Portland. Italian beef ordered wet with hot peppers. ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 02:06 pm PDT Wren said: Strong Beef's comment is right on the money. Not a truer word has been spoken. ************************ on Fri 13th Jul, 2007 10:19 pm PDT MOM said: Wren, The Japanese Gardens are a true favorite for me but for a real cultural experience from the East visit the amazing Classical Chinese Gardens. Talk about a Great Wall of China! They have summer concerts too--like this coming Tuesday already. ************************ on Sat 14th Jul, 2007 09:06 am PDT cardboard said: HEY Wren, You should check out those city repair sites that saxtor pointed out, I was just looking at the pictures of them and they look like greattimes. You should really have the ROD with you on these adventures. ************************ on Tue 24th Jul, 2007 06:28 am PDT Chris said: Just heard a quote on NPR you might like "Portland is where all NPR announcers want to go when they die. Either that or be turned into compost for growing hemp." Ohio may not be PDX, but I get a lot less grief for listening to NPR than I did in Texas; "Why you listenin' to that commie propaganda boy!" ************************

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