another fiscal year, another email that arts-news budgets got cut and they can't afford me (and I'm a cheap date)

I missed Pride due to airline shenanigans and I had to stop myself from saying some version of "This is terrible, I am being treated so poorly and so unfairly."

wore Ethel Cain merch to Hilary Duff, which is very appropriately in the burbs

What's your song of the summer? Let us know in the replies or fill out our brief survey. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

I finally saw the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and @sinacolad.bsky.social was definitely right that it's an IP onslaught. It feels like we're gearing up for the Super Smash Bros movie? Also who was Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr for? www.portlandmercury.com/movies-and-t...

The kids (8, 4) thought Toy Story 5 was a little too long but they enjoyed it and lit up during the climax

did my phone hear my niece's toddler voice bc now all my served ads are (admittedly cool) couch fort builder sets

Drag queen promo is how I learned about Lindsay Graham, which is exactly what he would have wanted

Hilary Duff giving With Love more stage time than Sparks (2015) is so funny

Wow wow wow! The inaugural Portland's Finest Drag Artists Issue I helmed at Willamette Week won second prize for LGBTQ+ coverage at the AAN Awards. It faced worthy competition in its category, so I'll take silver fox status: aan.org/aan/announci...

applying for Encyclopedia Britannica bc it's 2026 and apparently it's still an option

landing the William Carlos Williams trade

Just saw the Oregon Biennial's last day. Ash Stone's Velveeta bust would have been fun to witness since opening but felt climactic to see at the end.

Drag Me Outside's drag nature walk series brings together queer Portlanders, connects them to the outdoors, and offers natural science education with a touch of flair.

📅 Our July Arts for All calendar is here! Have an Oregon Trail Card? Fill your calendar with affordable arts events this month and find respite in the comfort of an air-conditioned theater, art gallery or concert hall.

fun article; my pick for the most American movie:

🎶 In another life, I would make you stay 🎶

Looking for some gay media to fill your weekend? Check out my arts recommendations in this week’s @streetroots.bsky.social from your local vendor and online here: www.streetroots.org/culture/2026...

Street Roots' Pride issue is out now! Inside you'll find stories on Portland Pride's headlining acts, an LGBTQIA+ nature walking group, recommendations to 'queer your bookshelves' and more. Find a vendor near you to purchase this week's paper: streetroots.org/vendors#locate

Singing "Big Yellow Taxi" to advocate for saving the _Lloyd Center_ is galaxy brain stuff

I asked Debra Porta, Pride Northwest's executive director, to look back on the Portland Pride Festival's best headlining entertainers over the years for @streetroots.bsky.social's LGBTQ+ Pride Issue: www.streetroots.org/culture/2026...

His colleagues, family, friends and sources remember Zane Sparling as a talented reporter with a flair for language and an offbeat sense of humor that kept the job light even on days the work — and his health — were bleak. Read more at theoregonian.visitlink.me/QxR5KI

It should not be understated that Zane was also a karaoke legend.

"terrible gut punch of a loss" doesn't cover it. thinking of Zane's family and loved ones.

therapy is great but sometimes I open my mouth and I'm suddenly writing a report about salmon

I ruined lunch bringing this up

"Despite the horrors of such an embarrassing delay, Juneteenth is above all, a joyous occasion—one that calls us to imagine beyond the confines of impossibility."

Poison Waters Aquatic Center 🙏 if we get around to a living local drag legend

Street Roots' Juneteenth issue is out now! Read about how Oregonians are celebrating Juneteenth throughout the state, the woman who brought the first Juneteenth celebrations to Oregon over 50 years ago and more. Find a vendor near you to purchase this week's paper: streetroots.org/vendors#locate

what do you mean the Tyra Banks hyperpop song is real

I frankly cannot believe how much I’m writing this week. so much writing and I’m excited about it all

albums I've heard live

I've been out for 14 years and a straight relative finally wished me a happy pride ❤️ I've been learning how many people's families still struggle with basic acceptance and tolerance so this feels nice for me

Next month locally-based rap superstar iLoveMakonnen headlines his first Portland Pride concert. For @portlandmercury.com's Queer Issue I got to catch up with him about his relationships to art, queerness, and the Rose City: www.portlandmercury.com/queer-issue-...

Local cable did their version of a @portlandmercury.com story I wrote three years ago, so now it's time to tap the sign: www.portlandmercury.com/queer-guide-...

Pride is all year, but it's doubly true for Pride Northwest, the five people organizing Portland's queer pride parade and festival. Sometimes they're planning two festivals at once. Pride Northwest's staff talked to me for @portlandmercury.com's Pride Issue: www.portlandmercury.com/queer-issue-...

I've been locked out of Bluesky for a few weeks, so I didn't get to tell you about checking out the Criterion Mobile Closet with @sinacolad.bsky.social and @portlandmercury.com 😭 but we're back in the account

therapy is no longer enough. I need a Gia Gunn vs Rachel Leviss soundbath.

OK Omens, Ava Genes and Sad Valley are some of my worst local dining experiences

Now out in downtown Tacoma where striking local journalists have gathered despite it being a cold day with gathering storm clouds to march, chanting "AI SLOP HAS GOT TO STOP," "FAIR WAGES, REAL WAGES," and "WE WRITE EVERY PAGE, PAY US A LIVING WAGE." There are also going to be some speakers shortly.

is anyone remotely curious what Chris Brown's doctoral thesis could possibly be

me: wants to break the cycle also me: still forgets allergy meds

You already know that the Criterion Mobile Closet is pulling up to PAM, but what else is happening during PAM CUT's Cinema Unbound Awards? I broke down @portlandartmuseum.bsky.social's programming for @portlandmercury.com: www.portlandmercury.com/movies-and-t...

Hey remember that time: www.wweek.com/culture/2024...

Anecdotes aren't evidence, but St Johns is PISSED about the proposed fire engine cuts. never heard this many conversations about city budget in casual passing anywhere else in town.

I got to interview Vanderpump Rules alum Billie Lee ahead of her Memorial Day comedy show and was blown away by her candor, perspective, and willingness to educate others: www.wweek.com/performance/...

you: Help, Meta is red-pilling me! me: Help, Meta is showing me every Linda Perry interview ever recorded

It’s extremely funny for a guy who starred in a show where Greece looks like your friend’s backyard to say this

I woke up from a dead sleep bc I remembered this post and I left a really good expensive-ish one burning. posting saves lives!