Ruben Toledo Tackles the Classics

ACE Hotel Portland

Despite the hype surrounding the recent opening of the ACE Hotel New York, I must admit I'm a sucker for ACE Portland. (Even the New York location hosts parties for people from the Pacific Northwest!) And their recent collaborations and packages have placed Portland on the top of my fall weekend destinations.

TRANSPORT: As of October 1, ACE has teamed with Portland-based Swobo bikes to generate a fleet of six signature "Otis" bikes for their guests (each customized by 6 different local bike shops). Each sturdy bike comes equipped with stylish splash fenders, step-through options and three not-so-hipster speeds.

DRINK: Portland-based House Spirits has teamed with ACE Portland to not only stock their minibars with limited-edition artisan spirits, but also provide an optional cocktail kit fresh citrus, bucket of ice, cocktail shaker, jigger, and martini glasses, plus cocktail recipe cards designed by the master distillers at House Spirits to "take advantage of your minibar offerings." Drinking in the room has never been so cool!

PDX DATE PACKAGE: ACE Portland is offering a "PDX Date Package" that (with your stay) includes a reservation at Ground Control Arcade, sack of quarters, 6-pack of PBR and a map of Portland's best make-out spots.

ACE Hotel Portland

1022 SW Starck St.

Portland, OR 97205

503-228-2277

Zoot Woman "We Won't Break"

Zoot Woman recently released a fantastic new album titled Things are What They Used to Be (Snowhite), and the video for their newest single "We Won't Break" (directed by Mirjam Baker and Michael Kren) is nothing short of beautiful. The mish-mash of well-crafted electro-pop and neo-renaissance clip-art makes for a unique experience that is both infectious and mildly ecclesiastical. Go ahead and party like it's 1542...then get their album here.

Suddenly the motorcycle is the accessory...

Dennis Hopper Photography

Taschen recently released a collection of beautiful images taken by Dennis Hopper between 1961 and 1967, and in honor of the launch I decided to dig up a few of my favorites to share with everyone (especially Paul Newman above). Kind of interesting how he played a photojournalist in Apocalypse Now. If you happen to have $1800 sitting around, I recommend picking up the book. If not, you can flip through the book here.

GRAM AW09

Swedish-based GRAM recently contacted me with details on their Autumn/Winter 09 collection, and I must say I am most impressed with the craftsmanship, fabrics combos and altogether striking silhouettes this time around. I'm nuts about these shoes, and can honestly say that GRAM's designs will make a welcome addition to any fall wardrobe (including my own). Rumor has it that we may even see a unique collaboration this winter/spring. Until then, get yours here.

Beds are Burning

As much as I hate to admit the reality of global warming and climate change, I must say the heat wave over the last couple weeks has not only ruined all hopes for fall outerwear, but also made me realize the importance of the U.N Global Climate Change Conference taking place December 7, 2009 in Copenhagen. In order to raise awareness for this monumental summit (as well as the strangely excessive heat), Kofi Annan has teamed up with record label The:Hours to launch the campaign titled "Tck Tck Tck: Time for Climate Justice." And what better way to raise awareness than to create a song and video (below) that bring together some of today's most influential artists? The song is titles "Beds are Burning", and yes, Mr. Bob Geldof is involved (were you at all surprised?). In an effort to up the "We Are the World" schmaltz, Tck Tck Tck allows you to sign a digital petition by simply downloading the track here. Do your part and let the Midnight Oil references fly!