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

Toggle Comments (13)

comment?

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. ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (5)

comment?

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. ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (11)

comment?

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. ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (2)

comment?

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! ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (4)

comment?

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 ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (4)

comment?

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" ************************

---

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

Toggle Comments (9)

comment?

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!" ************************

---

Lake Swimming

The talk of the town these last few days is all about how hot it is. No, it's not 117� like some places, but mid-eighties is still pretty hot for us wussy Northwesterners. And what is there to do here in Anacortes when the going gets hot? WHISTLE LAKE!!!! We made it to the parking lot before the throngs of cooler-toting, party dudes descended, and made a bee-line for the relative seclusion of the skinny dipping spot (although no skinny dipping occurred.) The water was cold, but it was a refreshing cold. A quick swim across the lake and back was enough to remind me it has been too long since I have been swimming, as my arms were barely keeping me afloat*. Yes it's hot, but if it wasn't for the heat, a dip in Whistle wouldn't feel nearly as good as it does, and for that reason, I'm not going to complain. (Well, okay maybe a little.)

Wednesday July 11 2007

File under: Anacortes, misc

Toggle Comments (5)

comment?

on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 03:59 pm PDT cardboard said: this weather is even to hot for swimming...not really sure what to do but keep complaining ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 06:16 pm PDT gretchen said: you guys are a bunch of wussies. i say that if it is 68 or above, the weather is great for swimming. ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 09:18 pm PDT Wilbur said: i gotta get my ass out there REAL soon. who wants to go thursday!? ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 04:36 am PDT Chris said: I agree with gretchen, what happened to the calibur of Anacortesians who were more than happy to take a jump in the lake in early January will snow was still floating on the surface? Sheesh, you leave for a couple of years and everybody gets all soft! ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 09:06 am PDT Sarah said: Ahhhh....Whistle Lake. Such wonderful memories. ************************

---

A Day in the Couv

(I think popular consensus is that nobody calls Vancouver "the 'Couv". That's quite a pity, if you ask me. Anyhoo, it is a trend I'm looking to start, so I expect to hear you all saying it soon.) Vancouver is a dang cool city. I know, because I've been (although not nearly as often as I should've). I've been reading much about it over the last year or so on Amanda's blog, so I got quite excited when I heard we were planning a family excursion up that way to visit an old* family friend. To make a long story short*, the trip was awesome. We had a great visit with great friends in a great city. High points included an excellent "Malaysian Thai Fusion" meal, gorgeous weather for walking along the beach at English Bay (side note: I found it highly amusing how many folks were out sunbathing or swimming even though the temperature was no more than 74* with a not-so-warm breeze blowing off the water), the Frazier River countryside, and the little difference (we saw 2 smart cars, one of which was a convertible!). Low points included an unpleasantly long wait at the border crossing and our lunch park being closed for construction. (Where were you on that one, google maps?) For further, less tangible musings, click here. Perhaps it is because of my recent travels and the border crossings I did then, but while crossing this border, my thoughts turned towards political borders vs. cultural ones, border security and its current state, and the rights of people to freely cross borders. Part of me is inclined towards a 'world citizen' approach where we should all be free to travel to and fro as we wish and not be questioned, frisked, probed, or forced to sign away our rights. I mean, Vancouver is closer in climate, environment, and probably attitude to Anacortes than, say, Dallas, Texas, but you don't need to subject yourself to drug sniffing dogs to go there. There's another side of me that understands that just because I grew up near the border and receiving Canadian radio and t.v. program where it was no big deal to cross over, we are still talking International Border which means all the logistics therein. And if wasn't for a well-enforced border, we wouldn't have the differences that I found so neat. Okay, that's enough musings for one blog post. We don't want BdW to become one of those touchy-feely blogs.

Monday July 9 2007

File under: travel

Toggle Comments (11)

comment?

on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 05:10 am PDT Chris said: While I may have some issues with certain Canadian people, I got nothing agains their country. I remember the good days of camping across the border with Wren, Sean and Shane; I think we even pretended to be Canadian residents once so that we could get the discoutned rates. I think if we tried that now we might get thrown in Guantanamo. ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 11:12 am PDT Saxtor said: Ehhhh, as a former resident of the 'Couv, that term is most widely and commonly used as a name for the OTHER Vancouver, to the South. I got so sick of people calling it "The 'Couv" that I made a serious effort to get people start calling it "The Vanc'" but in the end, I was the only one. Since both "Vanc'" and "'Couv" are already taken, I guess "'Er" is still available for the Vancouver to the North.... Also, that Geocaching trip we took up there was awesome.... ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 12:34 pm PDT Sean said: Chris, you forgot about Fatty (Brian Ashback). Shane didn't go! Unless you're talking about a time different from the Swimmer's Itch Lake Water slide rec center extravaganza of Memorial Day 97. ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 04:41 pm PDT Go! Turtle said: This isn't a touchy-feely blog? Oh crap, wrong again Gay Guide to Springfield! ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 08:30 pm PDT MOM said: Saxtor, I kinda like WaCouv and CaCouv. Whadda think, eh? ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 09:36 pm PDT Christen said: I prefer thoughtful/sincere (to touchy-feely) ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 12:10 am PDT Saxtor said: WaCouv would work, but CaCouv doesn't have the same ring. How bout CanVan? ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 08:58 am PDT Amanda said: Ah, Vancouver. So nice to visit. I'm glad you enjoyed your time and had nice weather. The rain just stopped a week or two ago. ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 01:07 pm PDT Amanda said: P.S. When we moved up here we called it "Van" as did other Americans and Canadian East Coasters; then we read in Douglas Coupland's City of Glass that calling it anything other than Vancouver (proper) was bad form. ************************ on Wed 11th Jul, 2007 09:23 pm PDT Wilbur said: I think saxtor wins with "CanVan". hehe...i enjoy canvan and other canadian hotspots (harrison hot springs is a nice relaxing time) once i'm up there...but the thought of getting up there keeps me from going most of the time. *shrug* ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 10:34 pm PDT Ryan Walters said: The probable economic benefits of global labor mobility are extremely large. I'd also argue that cultural differences are created more by distance (and access to the same television programs), than by national borders. ************************

---

Quiz Night!

A wise man once said, "If you put your vibe out into the universe, the universe will respond", or something along those lines*. Well, I've been putting out the trivia vibe into the universe recently (reading Ken Jennings's Braniac, watching Jeopardy as often as possible, and composing a little trivia challenge of my own (to be released at the next game night)). The universe did its job and responded brilliantly. The Back Porch Cafe (the cute little cafe/restaurant/food-buying-for-eating* place connected to The Business) held its first monthly (or so they say) Quiz Night. There were 5 teams of four members each. Play consisted of 2 30-minute rounds in written format. Topics included 80s metal*, geography, food additives, the heart, Antarctica, and pictures of dudes (as seen here). While the style of these questions didn't quite suit me, I had a great time nonetheless. After a rout in the first round putting us in the lead by 5.5 points, we got to feeling pretty cocky. Yep, we aced geography and food additives. Round 2, however, we didn't do so hot, getting only 1.5 points on the pictures of dudes category*. In the end, we came in second by a lousy half a point. Oh well, there is always next month. I, for one, will definitely be there.

Friday July 6 2007

File under: Anacortes, games

Toggle Comments (15)

comment?

on Fri 06th Jul, 2007 10:12 pm PDT Wilbur said: so you just show up huh? or do you have to put a team together? ************************ on Fri 06th Jul, 2007 10:13 pm PDT Emilly said: It sounds like you have found your calling.And Bettlejuice (H)! ************************ on Sat 07th Jul, 2007 07:15 am PDT Go! Turtle said: I am wondering the same thing as Joe, is this open to the public? Or by special invite only? ************************ on Sat 07th Jul, 2007 08:39 am PDT Horge said: I'm all up on BDEGH! I know 'em all, if not by name, then by face! Yeeeah-boyeee! :) ************************ on Sat 07th Jul, 2007 10:09 am PDT Wren said: Mr. Turtle and Wilbur, quiz night is open to all! This time around, you had to form your own teams before coming, but motion was made to have draw of the hat team selection for next time (to which I am opposed). Keep an eye out at The Business for flyers advertising next time, or maybe I will try to post about it here. ************************ on Sat 07th Jul, 2007 06:30 pm PDT cardboard said: So wren did people actually know the names of those dudes?? Highly dubious ************************ on Sun 08th Jul, 2007 10:40 am PDT Chris said: hmm... Sounds like a job for Java man - how hard can a multiplayer online jeopardy like game be? I've been jonesing for a game night, and I don't have any friends here yet. come on, I'll even help with the questions and categories ************************ on Sun 08th Jul, 2007 07:37 pm PDT cardboard said: i forgot to mention that i may/may not be a murphmuter ************************ on Mon 09th Jul, 2007 01:19 am PDT Siri said: A.Jake Gyllenhaal B.Johnny Depp C. The Rock D. The Sicilian E. The Doorman of Oz F. Cesar Chavez ('cuz joo don' know wha' Cesar Chavez loook like) G. Marcel Proust H. That guy from Beetlejuice that is not Michael Keaton.How'd I do? ************************ on Mon 09th Jul, 2007 08:27 pm PDT Wren said: To learn of the identities of these mystery men, hover of appropriate letter: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. ************************ on Tue 10th Jul, 2007 12:12 pm PDT Saxtor said: That sounds like it would be SUPER cool*!! ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 12:28 am PDT Siri said: Um. . . I hovered & all I got was "click to close" (for all of them). For some reason, I don't think that's right. ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 12:31 pm PDT Siri said: Oh, and by "Marcel Proust" I meant "Nikola Tesla". . . I'm still hovering & nothing happens. ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 04:41 pm PDT cardboard said: well i saw something about hovering but it dont seem to work for me and apparently it dont work for others either...wren whats the story here? ************************ on Thu 12th Jul, 2007 05:31 pm PDT Wren said: For the hovering action, hover over the letter in the comments where I posted the answer. So, if you want to know the real name of Vicini, hover over the "D" in the comment I posted, not on the picture. If it still doesn't work, it means your browser sucks and you should use firefox. ************************

---

< Previous Page  Next Page >

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 .............25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112

Recent Comments:
*rus on This is 41
*Chris on This is 41
*Horge on Minor Media Mentions - AMPulance Tour

Recent Content:
*Money Map
*This is 41
*Sleeping Around 2019-2020
*Sunday Universal Crossword By Me!
*Minor Media Mentions - AMPulance Tour
*Walking Every Trail in ACFL
*My Homemade Quilt
*Best Extra-ing Ever - Three Busy Debras
*Ghostbusters Halloween Circus Act

Websites du Friends:
* Wren and Della
Della and my juggling website
* The Real Food Show
A circus-inspired elementary assembly show to teach kids about healthy eating
* Della Moustachella
Della's performance website
* The Fun Bags
Della and Sadye's Performance Troupe


Tags
Anacortes (39)
Cambodia (5)
China (14)
Korea (1)
Macau (1)
Mexico (13)
New Zealand (1)
Seattle (2)
Thailand (18)
USA (11)
Vietnam (5)
beard (5)
blog (8)
books (1)
coding (15)
comic (45)
contest (4)
environment (9)
events (12)
food (22)
games (15)
geocaching (4)
holidays (13)
juggling (8)
links (9)
meet-ups (1)
mexico (1)
misc (54)
movies (5)
open letter (2)
participation (1)
pics (39)
poetry (6)
poll (1)
quote (6)
road trip (25)
stats (1)
transportation (14)
travel (136)
video (6)
work (8)