Inspired by German illustrator George Grosz, Rick Sealock takes an ornery-manner approach to his art. He distorts the humans and animals he creates in the hopes viewers will draw a social and political message from his work. The Canadian illustrator took both first-place AltWeekly Awards in Illustration this year. This is the 11th in a "How I Got That Story" series highlighting the AltWeekly Awards' first-place winners.

Continue ReadingRick Sealock: Can He Make It Any Uglier?

Restaurant Reviewer Jim Dixon is under fire for his negative review of Portland's Castagna. Dixon summarized his own review thusly: "So what's my problem? In a word: salt." The restaurant owners then sent a 50-pound salt lick and a letter to the editor drawing attention to Dixon's side business importing and selling sea salt. Willamette Week's Nov. 2 issue contains two letters slamming Dixon and editor Kelly Clarke, as well as a lengthy response from Dixon in which he announces that a disclaimer will be added to future reviews. The commotion has been sufficient to draw the attention of the Portland Tribune.

Continue ReadingWillamette Week Columnist Defends Salty Side Business