Sunshine Getaways!

Sunshine Getaways! Need a dose of Vitamin D to counteract your Seasonal Affective Disorder? Sunny skies or a sandy beach is just a flight away, and we've got 10 destinations that will warm your soul and revive your spirit. Plus, read about Afropop superstar Thomas Mapfumo and his troubled trip from Zimbabwe to Oregon. And our annual Best Schools report will break down the crucial information you need to send your kids off on the right foot.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Now Hear This

Music Review: Totalwerks Vol 1 by One Model Nation

Dandy Warhols front man branches out on record and in print.

01/26/2012 By Derek Pettie

Now Read This

Blue Thread

Ruth Tenzer Feldman's YA novel goes back in time to a less-enlightened Portland.

01/26/2012 By Eliza Canty-Jones

Culturephile

Dark Star

Former Portlander Mark Rothko is the subject of three different cultural tributes.

01/26/2012 By Randy Gragg

Mudroom

Do This Now! February 2012

This month, there's heroic tales from Sebastian Junger, a hoops homestand with the Blazers, and new album from Y La Bamba.

01/26/2012

Mudroom

Five Questions For… David Wolman

Local writer David Wolman answers questions about the current state of currency.

01/26/2012 By Zach Dundas

Mudroom

The Perfect Party: February 2012

Party invites go out to a homeless advocate, a virtuous vineyard owner, and a wolf that likes to ramble.

01/26/2012

Web Exclusive

Video: The Lion Sings

Revolutionary singer Thomas Mapfumo (a.k.a. "The Lion of Zimbabwe") pays tribute to Bob Marley.

01/20/2012 Edited by Stephen Person

LEGENDARY

The Lion's Song

Singer Thomas Mapfumo is an iconic cultural figure in his native Zimbabwe. How did he end up in Eugene?

01/20/2012 By Eric Hansen

Eat & Drink

Eat Here Now

Review: Boke Bowl

The ramen at Boke Bowl is sensational. But there's a lot more than noodles happening here.

01/26/2012 By Karen Brooks

Pour

Cold Comfort

House Spirits reinvents the White Russian with an artisan coffee liqueur.

01/26/2012 By John Chandler

Cellar Notes

French Connection

Wine writer Conde Cox digs into his own cellar for dinner at new French bistro Noisette.

01/26/2012 By Condé Cox

Restaurant Review

Duane's World

A coffee pioneer sets his sites on the rest of the menu at the Woodsman Tavern.

01/26/2012 By Benjamin Tepler

Long Story [Short]

Queen of Carts

The owner of the most talked-about food cart in town is expanding her culinary reach.

01/26/2012 By Benjamin Tepler

Scene & Heard

Bloody Valentine

Even the doom-and-gloom crowd can look for love at the Lovecraft Bar.

01/26/2012 By Georgia Perry

VIDEO

In the Kitchen with Sarah Hart

Here's a delicious dessert recipe that's perfect for Valentine's Day—and it comes straight from the (Sarah) Hart.

01/20/2012 Edited by Benjamin Tepler

RECIPE

How to Make Alma's Chocolate Bread Pudding

Chocolatier extraordinaire Sarah Hart shares her recipe for a no-hassle dessert.

01/20/2012 By Benjamin Tepler

IN THE KITCHEN

Video: In the Kitchen with Sarah Hart

Watch as the brains behind Alma Chocolates, Sarah Hart, walks us through her Valentine’s Day recipe for no-fuss chocolate bread pudding.

01/20/2012 By Benjamin Tepler

Editor's Note

Editor’s Note

The Long View

There are major changes to our state's educational system in store.

01/26/2012 By Randy Gragg

Health & Wellness

Mudroom

PDX INDEX: Kids & Hospitals

This month we crunch the numbers on children's hospitals.

01/26/2012 By Kate Moening

Home & Real Estate

Plantwise

Terrariums!

So you like the idea of gardening but you want to start out small. Try a terrarium! We've got a video to help you get started.

01/20/2012 By Kate Bryant

News & City Life

Mudroom

Word on the Street: a Portland Glossary, February 2012

Do you have the fortitude to stay relatively sober during the Super Bowl?

01/26/2012

Mudroom

Education Equation

Some of the state's best minds are rethinking the way we do schools.

01/26/2012 By Martin Patail

Features

Progress Report 2012: Our Schools

A decision about your child's schooling is one of the most important you'll ever make. It helps to be educated!

01/20/2012 Edited by Martin Patail

Style & Shopping

Mudroom

Maiden in China

Bridal couture expert Sophie Chang enjoys the best of both worlds—China and the United States, that is.

01/26/2012 By Ashleigh Westmoreland

Web Exclusive

Video: Well Cobbled

Don't throw out those pricey kicks—just get a new sole!

01/20/2012 Edited by Stephen Person

Cornershop

Sole Savior

With the help of JD's Shoe Repair you can firm up your commitment to your current footwear.

01/20/2012 By Eden Dawn

SAVE YOUR SOLES

Video: Well Cobbled

Those boots might be made for walking—but only for so long. See how Julie Derrick, owner of JD’s Shoe Repair, can save your soles.

01/20/2012 Videography by Stephen Person

Travel & Outdoors

Hello, Sunshine! An Appendix

Sunshine Staycations

We've got low-impact warm-weather getaway ideas for all four quadrants of the Portland brain.

01/27/2012

Trail of the Month

EasyClimb Trail

The new bike trail at Cascade Locks is simple and scenic.

01/26/2012 By Brian Barker

Getaways

10 Sunshine Getaway Travel Destinations

Here's a plan to combat our collective vitamin-D deficiency: Ten places where you're just about guaranteed sunshine and blue skies...and they're all just one direct flight away!

01/24/2012 Edited by Kasey Cordell With Rachel Ritchie and Marty Patail