Maxwell didn't enter any awards ourselves, but we certainly couldn't help but be impressed by all the fantastic creative work that goes on around town. Big winners that night included Borders Perrin Norrander, Leopold Ketel and Nemo Design, among many other worthy agencies.

Other highlights included the length of show (one hour -- pretty dang good in the world of award shows!), genuinely funny announcers (check out this clip in particular) and, seriously, the comraderie among the audience members -- everyone seemed to be rooting for everyone.

Hopefully we'll see everyone again for the next "Showdown in Stumptown."

-Christina Stewart

Set to release this Friday in the U.S., "Twilight" centers around high school, first loves and, naturally, vampires. I won't ruin the plot for you (mainly because I've only read half the first book so far), but like any hald-decent teen creation, drama ensues. And not just your run-of-the-mill "OMG, we're wearing the same prom dress!" drama, we're talking bonified restless eternal soul-type drama.

Suffice to say, it's a nice guilty pleasure with an added bonus -- it was filmed right here in Oregon. Although set in Forks, Wash., due to Washington taxes and Oregon's tax rebates, our fair state won the Pacific Northwest bidding war. According to the Statesman Journal, "Twilight" spent over $20 million here in Oregon, and if this film's a hit, you can bet three more will follow (there are four books in author Stephanie Meyer's saga).

Entrepreneurial Oregonians throughtout the state have already started to cash in on "the next 'Harry Potter.'" A "Movie Sneak Preview Trip" started Monday, Nov. 17 and will run through tomorrow in the Portland area, with visits to the Columbia River Gorge, St. Helens and other locations planned. How much does it cost to get your hands on this Cullen-loving trip? Well they range from $699 to $949 each for privileges such as a talk by the film scout for "Twilight" and a preview of the movie Tuesday. As of Monday, 15 people were signed up. "Passion for Fashion and Prom" is another event scheduled to take place next August at the View Point Inn in Corbett.

-Laura Herbert

Many say the opening party was the social event of the year -- people were literally lined up around the block to get in! Not too many complained however, as we were pampered by the staff who served us hot apple cider, lest we be chilled in the evening air. Entertained by Storm Large and Pink Martini, fed delicious morsels from the Urban Farmer restaurant and surrounded by unique art, I say it was a spectacular soiree the likes of which Portland has not seen for some time.

However, amidst all this luxury, I was struck by the blandness of the vanilla atrium; at first I wondered if I'd wandered into a Grand Hyatt or Embassy Suites hotel by mistake. And while the restaurant cures its own local meats and the hotel emphasizes its sustainability, I was surprised the party featured cheeses from Vermont (when there are many artisan cheeseries nearby) and a tequila bar (when there are 20 Oregon craft spirits from which to choose), so I don't think The Nines has completely embraced the notion of buying local.

That said, we're happy that the old Meier & Frank building has been preserved and that a first-rate tourist destination was created in the space. And I can't wait to have a dinner in the restaurant's private dining area surrounded by preserves.

-Vicky Hastings