DAY FOR A KING
Sporting the archetypal pompadour wigs and rhinestone sunglasses, representatives Al King (D-Springfield) and Jeff Kropf (R-Halsey) recently announced their plans to immortalize the late "King of Rock and Roll."
To express their eternal appreciation for gems like "Hound Dog" and "Blue Hawaii," they have proposed that Oregon recognize January 8--the King's birthday--as Elvis Day. No, you won't get the day off from work, but you will finally have a state-sanctioned excuse to come dressed to work in a polyester sequined jumpsuit, or perhaps die on a toilet.
From his musical contributions to the hundreds of posthumous sightings in convenience stores aisles throughout Oregon, Rep. King believes that Elvis is a significant part of the state's culture. Moreover, "We want Oregon to get its share of the billion-dollar Elvis industry," King recently declared.
Although the bill's chances are questionable, the duo has a few tricks left. "You never know when Elvis is going to be in the building." Kropf explained. JOSH WOODARD
BEDTIME FOR PROTESTERS
For more than three decades, minors have had their bedtimes set by a dusty old curfew law that says midnight is lights out for anyone under eighteen. But for the past three years, with a unique and defiant public gathering, Portland teens have challenged the police-as-parents stance.
The protest comes in the form of an all-ages "No Talent Show." Last year attracted about fifty people and showcased bad breakdancing, political puppet spoofs and some questionable impromptu drumming. This year's show is scheduled for this Saturday, March 17, at 11:45 pm on the plaza at SW 6th and Oak. The protest is part of the National Day of Action Against Curfew.
This year, organizers ask those who attend bring a good attitude and a special "untalent" to share--but that they leave their IDs at home.
"We're doing it to show that people can be out after curfew and not just be involved in crime," one organizer said, adding that the curfew is blatant age discrimination. RORY CARROLL
