Look, I got no beef with the ladies of "Sex and the City." I don't. They may be somewhat responsible for the term "cougar" becoming socially acceptable. And I know there are plenty of women out there (my lady included) who are probably two cosmos to the wind just waiting to see the movie.

But what about the dudes? Or for that matter, everyone else who did not get on the bandwagon? Sure, I know, I know, many will say that the overwhelming, mind-numbing majority of films produced are for guys. But, with this weekend it seemed like there was an opportunity to do something guy-centric. After all, there are going to be droves of husbands, boyfriends and unattached hetero buddies (UHB's if you will) who will have some time to kill this weekend.

Gonna be a lot of poker, side bets on the Celts/Pistons and grilling this weekend.

Many people like to talk a big game about alternative transportation and greener ways of getting around town. Bicyclist, skateboarders, walkers, bus riders, rider sharers all have their ways of getting around town, but the sad fact remains that for many people using your car remains one of the easiest and most effective ways of getting around.

So what if there was a way to have a car, cut the costs of having a ride, and possibly do a little more to help the environment?

Every once in a while we like to get a little serious here at the NXT Desk (I know, I know, it is hard to believe.).

Today we're going to have a talk about homelessness.

Didn't see that one coming did you?

Time to play the game - fast paced, and only for the steel-hearted and quick-witted. Press Play: Your guide to this week's new releases in DVDs with movie maverick Videoport Jones!

Turn on your grill. Seriously.
If you have not done so already, clean out your trusty old friend and go nuts. I'm a fan of meat myself, but in the spirit of grilling and holiday weekends I'll concede grilled vegetables to the leaf-eaters out there. Take in a parade, head home and enjoy some outdoor kitchen action.

And, you know, since it's a three-day weekend party your hearts out accordingly. (Quick aside - since school I've always thought it was four day weekend, because I always count Friday as the beginning of the weekend. Am I off on that one?)

Kick off your shoes and grab a beverage - it's time for The Scanner: A slice of this week's Interweb delights.

Cheese Racing! Indiana Jones! Naked Alligator Wrestling!

Portland has no shortage of self-love, even though we sometimes may feel like we get no respect from outside Vacationland.

If you've ever supported a local business, band or artist tonight is shaping up to be a big ol' fashioned love fest with the Indie Biz Awards and the release party for the newest album in the "Greetings from Area Code 207" series.

And lucky for all of you both of these shindigs will be taking place within a Portland city block of each other.

It's been a while since we've had news in the ongoing battle over illegal file sharing between the music industry and its fans.

The Recording Industry Association of America has been on course to wipe-out illegal music downloading by suing alleged file traders for large sums of money.

It's worked well so far, but last week things took a turn.

Things must be getting back to normal around the NXT Desk, because it's Tuesday and we actually got the "Press Play" blog out on time!

Sit back and get ready as Videoport Jones runs down this week's new releases on DVD!

With this morning's column I wanted to put myself in the shoes of all the bar and club owners in Portland.

So while we're at it, why don't you put yourself in their shoes as well?

It feels strange to talk about the weekend since I've only been in the office two days. But here it is.

Alas, thanks to a sinus infection I missed two awesome events this week - the showing of "Planet B-Boy" over at SPACE and "The Big Lebowski" over at One Longfellow Square. If ever there was a place to start talk about Lebowski Fest Portland, that was it.

Also, I feel the need to mention that there is a "Star Wars" theme dance party taking place at Bubba's tomorrow night. Now, obviously this is something I could dedicate an entire post to, but if you've received or seen one of the fliers around town (hastily scratched out in what looks like pen, no graphics, not even a lightsaber), you'll know that it does not exactly inspire "A New Hope."

I'm torn on this one. On one hand I could bust out my Lando Calrissian wig and cape. On the other I've got no reassurances it won't be some sort of joke (and a waste of my Lando cape.)

Still, it could end up being the party of the year. Trust the Force on this one.

In our second installment of scenes from a ROFLCon, we bring you Christian Lander, Canadian and would-be authority on things that the White People like.

If you noticed a precipitous lack of blogging from the NXT Desk over the last few days all I have to say is SHAME on you for thinking I'm that lazy.

I'll have you know I was out sick and in a very bad way. But fear not, the NXT Desk is back in fighting form, full of medication, cough drops and hand sanitizer.

What better way to get back into the swing of things other than bacon?

Hey boys and girls. I was out sick yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to get the Scanner up in time. So here it is for your weekend scanning pleasure. Not sure if we'll get a Weekend blog in today, but I'll make no promises.

In the meantime we've got cats that look like Wilford Brimley, Lindsay Lohan's mom, NBA Jam nostalgia and PBR coffins. Yeah, you only get that in The Scanner.

Just like a friendly butcher who provides you with the choices cuts, or the record store stocker with all the rare music, Videoport Jones is here to give you the best of this week's new DVD releases.

He's certified, so you can trust him.

A lot of things happened at ROFLCon a few weeks back. I gained a new understanding for LOLCats, my faith in Rick Astley wavered, I was blinded - and changed forever - by Leslie Hall's gem sweaters and I sat in the back of a science lecture hall and did not fall asleep, just to name a few.

But I also got to meet a lot of cool people.

I knew going into today's column that the comments would start spiking around mid-morning and go through the roof by noon.

Sometimes you just know a combination of certain phrases like "gay," "Michael Heath," "students," or "rights" is likely to get people's attention.

That can be a good thing and a bad thing.

I'm still coming down from seeing a sneak preview of "Iron Man" last night over at Cinemagic Grand.

I'd say that's a pretty sweet way to start a weekend.

The view from up here is good - There's a lot of Internets out there, and only so much time. I guess it's a good thing we've got The Scanner - cherry-picking the best of pop culture, music, technology and more.