Some video footage of the 2008 starlight run and parade.

Obama was in town today for a rally at Waterfront Park that ended up drawing 75,000 people according to the Portland Fire and Police. This includes 60,000 inside of the park, past the strict security, and 15,000 outside the park watching and listening on the streets and against the barricades. I was one of those who didn't quite make it in, as I walked in a long line that stretched at least 20 blocks.

The event was in the bowl at the Waterfront, near Columbia & Naito. This is class="externallink" href="http://www.publicpress.org/18183" rel="nofollow" title="External Site: http://www.publ icpress.org/181 83">Ericano's Pics from the rally

Portland class="externallink" href="http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2008/05/waiting_for_obama_a_tragedy_in.php" rel="nofollow" title="External Site: http://blogtown .portlandmercur y.com/2008/05/w aiting_for_obam a_a_tragedy_in. php">2,3,4,5,6-with audio of Obama and Decemberists

Oregonian Liveblog

The Huffington Post

Short Rally Video on YouTube

NY Times Caucus Blog - GREAT photos

Daily Kos with Slideshow great photos

Fox News w/ Video

KGW (underestimatin  g the line at 10 blocks long)

According to posts over on PortlandFood.or  g, both DF in the pearl and Taqueria Nueve on E 28th have both closed. This means two of the best mexican restaurants in Portland, and the only serious one in the Pearl are both gone and will be sorely missed. Not sure why they closed or what is going on.

This is another in quite a line of recent closures. I will be posting an article soon with at least the NW/Pearl restaurant churn that has happened this year ...33 more words Click for full details

Obama was visiting Oregon today, starting with Beaverton. He was at Vernier Software this morning, located at 13979 SW Millikan Way ...134 more words Click for full details

Saw this on the door at Bar Convivium. Looks like they closed up on 4/16/08. Never made it in there, unfortunately. Looked like a fun place, but a very awkward spot.

The text of the letter is:

Thank you all for your support, but I am unable to continue operating the bar. Please come and visit me at Lorenzo's on Mississippi Ave. So very sorry. Thank you, Lorenzo + staff

The popular fan poll called "You be the GM" is already started on OregonLive, one day after the season ends. The first player on the chopping block is Sergio Rodriguez. He had a pretty uneventful season, but didn't get to play very many minutes. Is he going to become the superstart point guard that the Blazers sorely need? Should he stay or go?

http://blog.ore  gonlive.com/bla  zers/2008/04/yo  u_be_the_gm_ser  gio_rodriguez_1  .html

Did anyone watch the Pennsylvania debate? Over 10million Americans did, and although it was less viewers than American Idol, it was the most viewers for a debate so far.

I wasn't able to catch the debate, but have been doing some reading about it and it sounds like it was quite a terrible affair. Little or no policy questions, rehashing of things we have heard about way too much like Hillary's Bosnia Sniper Comments, Obama's Pastor, the VP question, yada, yada yada. Although ...176 more words Click for full details

From race organizers:

Hello Soapboxers!

Quick reminder that signups are this Thursday at 7AM at Beulahland!

Couple of things to be aware of: 1. To sign up you must have a team representative present, and they may only sign up for one (1) car! 2. You must fill out the application to sign up (attached in the Racer Packet) 3. You must pay the $100 entry fee to sign up. If you are writing a check, please make it out to Ground Floor Events 4. Signups are on a first come, ...52 more words Click for full details

on opening night at bar mingo

Turtles race ever so quickly towards the finish line in front of a large and noisy crowd. This was taken 3/24/08 out front of Turtle Kraals restaurant and bar.