Rants & Tidbits of a Guerilla Shopper

Jupiter Hotel in Portland, Oregon - What used to be an old-school motor inn, is now where they would probably film Almost Famous. Average guest age?  24, at a stretch. Refurbished rooms and an impressive-looking bar and restaurant (and venue, which I didn't see) called "The Doug Fir" where you can order yourself a "Fir Burger" kick this joint up a few notches. As do the required ear plugs that are supplied in each room - along with a brightly-colored condom.  But perhaps my favorite feature are the chalkboard guest room doors (see pic. for my inspiration).  Oh and if you are a band, let them know and you'll get the "band rate," which on a Saturday night amounted to $88.88.  Get a room!

Ben & Jerry's - Did anyone notice that the scoop shop in the E. Village is gone?  As is the one over near Times Square.  There are only three left on the Island of Manhattan - and one of them is in Macy's (ugh).

Downtown Dive Bars - Upcoming DOAs include Mars Bar, Max Fish, and Pink Pony.  I realize that downtown was stolen from downtowners years ago, but these casulaties pretty much put the final nail in.  Is there any truly groovy neighborhood left in Manhattan?  Even one block?  I gladly accept your thoughts.

Vote Nov. 4 and Get Free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream!

On Election Day, Ben & Jerry's wants to thank us all for voting by giving voters a free scoop of ice cream! Go to participating scoop shops on November 4th from 5-8pm, show them that you voted and you'll get a free scoop of ice cream.

Show them your "I Voted" sticker, a photo of you in front of your polling station, do the "I Voted dance" or just tell them you voted.

Be honest.

And don't vote Republican.

Hey Punkin

I think I need to eat Ben & Jerry's Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream, which apparently has a Graham Cracker Swirl.

I would like to be eating some right now, in fact.
This flavor can be found in select retail stores for a limited time.

APRIL 17 - FREE BEN & JERRY'S

I felt that this was akin to a national emergency, on par with the Sanjaya crisis, but in a happy way.

Run, don't walk to Ben & Jerry's scoop shops on Tuesday April 17th from 12pm until 8pm to get your free ice cream!

• Here are the NYC locations:
  41 3rd Ave. @ 10th St.
  680 8th Ave. @ 43rd St.
  2722 Broadway @ 104th St.

Here's what B&J has to say regarding this momentous day:
We think someone squealed because our phones have been ringing off the hook with folks wanting to verify the date of Free Cone Day 2007. So without further ado here it is! On Tuesday April 17th from 12pm until 8pm participating Ben& Jerry’s scoop shops around the world will be hosting Ben& Jerry’s Annual Free Cone Day. Is it a time for you to try a new flavor that you’ve been wondering about without commiting your hard earned dollars or is it a time for you to enjoy an old favorite and savor in the deliciousness that is free ice cream? The answer from us at Ben& Jerry’s is yes. Visit our scoop shop locator to find hours and directions to the closest Free Cone Day experience near you, and while you’re there check out our flavor list to see what awaits. So start getting those licking muscles in shape and mark your calendars twice because this is one day you don't want to miss.