The State of the Northwest Economy, mid-August

Hillsboro - all the old shops are turning into discount mattress stores. Even "Just a Buck" couldn't make it, and is now a mattress store. Also the old independent video store on 185th which turned into Blockbuster and is now --- a mattress store. score: -2
Hillsboro 2 - Yahoo parking lot has, maybe for the first time since I've been watching, more cars than the DHS parking lot! It is Sunday too, so they must be logging overtime! score: +1

Highway 101 along Hood Canal - signs of creative destruction as old establishments go by the wayside and do-not sit vacant but have new creative owners (like the restaurant in Hoodsport). score: +1
Highway 101 2 - counted 3 new espresso stands. Well I guess the "Seattle class" is making their mark and the locals are able to make money off them, one double-caramel-macchiato at a time. score: +3

Portland - why when you drive into Portland along I-5 is the billboard announcing "Welcome to Portland" a Bud Lite bill board? Isn't Portland the micro-brew capitol of the free world? Problem with branding here. score: -1

Tally for mid-August: +2. Economic recovery?