[How To Level Electric Stove Coil Burners]

Another approach you might try (I have gas, so I can't double-check the feasability of this...), would be to get some fairly heavy steel wire and try to fasten the burner to the stove-top frame opposite the power connector. This would make it harder to remove the elements for cleaning, but might be worth a try.

Maybe just buy a ceramic-top range? They seem much more user friendly than the coil type.

[Portland Pizza poll]

I like Rocco's Pizza also, and their closeness to Powell's doesn't hurt too much.

[Overkill of recipes]

Hey, if they can make a 'Movie or Fad' X cookbook (Yes, I now have a recipie for Wookie Cookies thanks to the Star Wars Cookbook)....

I find myself looking for 'cookbooks' that lean more towards culinary theory, personally. 'The Joy of Cooking' is pretty universal, if a bit rudimentary in parts. Some recipies just contain ingredients that I would never conceivably have on hand. I own the '30 Minute Meals' and 'Desparation Dinners' cookboks also.

There are plenty of possibilities. Just keep writing, and we'll keep reading!

[Summer Cocktails]

My two faves, old standbys:

Chambord Kamikaze - goes down far too easy... I find myself losing count often when drinking this one

Red Bull & Vodka - A great tired/wired combo for late night dancing and partying

[PBR is Making a Comeback!]

In the PBR epicenter here according to the previously mentioned NY Times article. PBR has been the thing to drink for a few years now. $5ish for a 12-pack, $1.50 for a 40oz, how could you go wrong? ;)

[[PDX] SUSHI BATTLE.... FIGHT!]

The Starbucks conspiracy theory holds a lot of water. I read once that they exclusively use UrbanWorks for development of new sites. And I've seen two other new Starbucks go up in the PDX area under the UrbanWorks banner.

[Sushi Restaurant Recommendations]

Whee, my first post, and on a topic I love, Sushi!!

Here's my short list in PDX. I haven't been to every Sushi place in town, but these are my favorites:

• Obi Sushi - Great atmosphere, lovable older sushi chef (he has his own t-shirt!) - NW 2nd and Couch in downtown PDX
  
• Bush Garden - More traditional Japanese restaurant with semi-private rooms, sushi bar, etc. - SW 9th and Morrison in downtown
  
• Yoko's Japanese Restaurant - Smaller, neighborhood Sushi place. Good stuff. - SE 28th and Gladstone
  
• Kappaya - Another good neighborhood place - SE 33rd and Division
  

There was another place that I would have recommended: Tani's on SE Woodstock. Sadly they closed in the last year due to the owner of the property wanting to redevelop.