Welcome back! Hope everyone survived their first fortnight back. This week we bring to you a review of the coffee shop that will give Southeast Grind a run for its money (5), paired with a little more coffee in the history of the Paradox (1). DeSastre (7) and Mt. Hood’s weather forecast (9) will help you keep fashionable and warm. Read this year’s book and music wrap-up (10) and if that’s not enough for you, spend a little time with Portland Sleeps (6). And if you know when that hotline blings, check out Miss Lonely Hearts (8).

Love,

Lauren, Jordan, and Vikram

News & Features

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Paradox Regained
Paradox Regained

While the brick-and-mortar institution known as the Paradox seems to have existed since the dawn of time, the history of coffee shops on campus is much stranger than the history books (or in this case student body handbooks) would lead one to believe. To understand that fateful eve, in the summer of ’83, when the idea of the Paradox Café was hatched, one must dig deep into the annals of Reed.

East Portland Coffee Roasters: 79th and Division
East Portland Coffee Roasters: 79th and Division

The most striking thing about East Portland Coffee Roasters is the unusual humidity.  A bubbling fountain in the middle of the shop keeps the windows perpetually foggy, especially during the cold Portland winters. It makes me a little concerned for my laptop, but in reality it is no more humid than any coffee shop one would find 1,000 miles closer to the equator. Adorned with mythical sirens, the gentle stream of water from the fountain can be pleasing, but at times clashes with the slightly-too-loud music playing in the background.

Fiction & Poetry

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Portland Sleeps
Portland Sleeps

Portland sleeps; the city dreams. Eleven bridges cross the Willamette, not necessarily leading to the other side. Streets are reshuffled, entire neighborhoods rearranged, towering redwoods growing beside downtown skyscrapers. Portland’s dreams are full of rain, creating music in the puddles and reflections that refuse to stay still. Portland dreams of you, and you are not yourself.

De Sastre

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So... Thanks, Mom
So... Thanks, Mom

The best style is often inherited. I mean, take a look at Kardashians. Aziza Azfal ’17, theater major, is another perfect example of it. In a nod to her mother's advice that turtlenecks are soft, supple, and stylish; she wore one combined with black trousers and offset the neutral palette with clean white sneakers, giving her a subtle, polished look. Sometimes the best outfits are those that are the least contrived and most comfortable ... and make you look as dope as your madre.

 

hasta la proxima,

aa & muk

 

Miss Lonely Hearts

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Jimmy Brooks

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts,

Before I came to Reed, I had a great girlfriend. I know you have to be close with your gf but we were super close... she used to call me all the time, sometimes even in the middle of the night. I knew when I left to come to Portland things would be different, but I guess I didn’t realize how different they would really be. So many things have changed since I left. We didn’t talk much during last semester, and I think things are pretty weird between us now. Even though I’ve lost contact with her, I’ve been hearing a lot about her from our friends that are still in the city.

Here’s the thing: ever since I left the city, my girl got a reputation for herself. I mean, everybody knows. She’s started wearing less and going out more, and I’ve heard from our mutual friends that she drinks glasses of champagne out on the dance floor. She even hangs out with some girls they’ve never seen before.  

As you can imagine, Miss Lonelyhearts, all of this has got me down. She’s got me stressed out! My mind just goes in circles. I’m constantly thinking about how it was with her and all the things we did together. Most often, I find myself thinking about how she used to call me on my cell phone late in the night when she needed my love. I knew when that hotline bling that could only mean one thing. But now, she doesn’t need my love. I wonder all the time if she’s bending over backwards for someone else, or if she’s getting nasty for someone else. She used to stay at home and be a good girl. Now, she’s never alone! It seems like she’s always with someone else. In my opinion, she doesn’t need nobody else. She should just be herself! But right now, Miss Lonelyhearts, she’s someone else.  

I’m not asking for advice on how to get her back. Ever since I left the city, she and I just don’t get along.  She makes me feel like I did her wrong. Yet, I need help with this break up.  She’s changed for the worse. I still like her; I think about her all the time. I care for her, but she’s not the girl I used to know. How do I go about this??

Much love,

Jimmy Brooks