2012 conventions 2012 election 2013 session 2013 special election arts arts and culture author ballot measures bomb books budget bullying business charlie hales children clackamas climate change coal courts crime culture culture club democrats drugs economy education environment family film fluoride food gay rights guns handguns health health care health insurance high school history housing immigration international internet kitzhaber law legislature lgbt literary arts living marijuana medicine mental health military minor parties mohamed mohamud movies music native americans news newspaper obama olympics oregon our town parenting pers photography police politcs politics port portland portland business journal portland mayor president prevention public safety religion republicans rnc romney rural salem sam adams sandy hook schools science shooting sports suicide supreme court taxes television terrorism theater third parties timber payments transportation union university of oregon violence washington water wildfire women

CMNW is truly one of my summer highlights (as it has been since the early 1980's). There are a variety of venues and opportunities to enjoy, I especially make it a point to attend protégé events. Unfortunately, the ticket prices make it inaccessible to the unemployed (5 yrs+).  But I'm on the volunteer 'wait-list' now for for a few yrs, so someday.... I'll be able to enjoy again.

Have a great summer!, enjoy the 'end-of-season'.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
view in context

It is really a city planning issue.  They planted the bomb 20-30 yrs ago. We can't do 'urban sprawl' and expect people to be bike intensive. AND we can't put our mass transit at street level if we want to safely and quickly transport people via transit.

My previous mtn state was far more bike friendly 30 yrs ago than the PNW is even now.  Drivers will never be as alert to bikes in the PNW, as they are in highly bike friendly areas, as PNW is not conducive to the daily grind of biking through all the ages of life. (there were hundreds of bikes at my schools in mtn states). The boomers who want to bike will either deal with it here or more likely move to a bike friendly region (what I'll be doing).  portland is too little too late.  Spend the money to elevate MAX through down town, so you can mass transit Gresham to Hillsboro faster than you can drive.  Same with north interstate, elevate it and only have 3 stops between the "NEW' Columbia Crossing... and downtown Portland, there should be bus 'hubs' at each of the 3 stations, but get to 15 min transit Vancouver to Downtown Portland not 50 (takes 10 to drive...)

Bike THEN can be emphasized AND there will be less cars to deal with, so maybe... just maybe; the bikes could use the very roads that USED to be jammed with gas burners.

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
view in context

It's much more about the teacher then the class size, and results vary.  I have been very happy with edu results from a foreign public school where each teacher  has 50 students from 7AM until noon, and onther 50 from 1PM until 5 pm.  Classes join on Saturdays.

Unfortunately, the USA does not have its act together on teaching for content, and edu WILL be outsourced (sooner than later).  Too bad, I'm from several generations of teachers and have taught as well. My spouse is a teacher too.  We homeschooled while living in PNW and volunteered in public schools as a family. My sisters each homeschooled while they taught in Public Schools themselves (this is VERY common among USA teachers, and for good reason.)

Class size is important, but secondary to the core mission. We need to get that right, but it can't happen with current leadership.

So sad.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
view in context

As a gorge dweller, I'm sorry I missed the program (due to good weather !).

We get to watch the clouds sweep by the Vista House,  they often go too fast, and must go over rather than around. The upper level clouds are move in opposite directions.

Troutdale weather is minor compared to narrower and higher places in the west gorge).  Unique things are:

The refraction issues when high wind and bitter cold cause the horizon to move in a wave in a similar manner as hot pavement.  Landing lights of airplanes jump up and down several thousand feet.

The icicles grow OUT of the ground,  an entire field of  frostie 3-4" icicles form,  pointing away from the wind.

With freezing rain,  the barb wire fences grow to 100mm wide, horizontal bands of ice.

Interesting to witness, but I can no longer afford the price of admission ($33/day property taxes).  I hope I can find a 'weather watcher' to buy this joint.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
view in context

As a previous urban and rural farmer, and one involved with co-housing, I see some merit to this proposal. BUT  this particular model is TOO lopsided toward sprawl / housing / profit.  It would be preferrable to have a cluster of small homes and higher % of cultivated or pasture acreage.

I like the idea of a 'mixed generation community'.  I really wish land use laws would allow me to place a couple small residents (under 1000 Square Feet) on my existing rural farm acreage.  It would be nice to have some help and have additional protection from the theft that is getting out of control with the increasing meth problem.

It was VERY difficult to be an urban fruit farmer. Theft of produce / equipment, vandalism, liability risk, rude and insistant (non-farm) customers, non-farm trained 'u-pick' customers that would do more harm than good to plants, incompatibility of nieghbors (Tractor noise vs. Boomboxes), law and code enforcement mitigation of issues.  It was a major hassle for both the urban and rural residents.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
view in context

The program should NOT be restricted only to 'first time buyers'. they have been subsidized for many yrs, and often buy 'starter homes', which fuels bubbles.

A comprehensive business study should be done on the housing industry / economic sector to determine best way to heal the broken industry AND to avoid additional conditions of 'over-built'.

There are several ways to incentize the economic conditions of the industry. (such as the many senior citizens who desperately need to relocate to higher levels of care, or away from their maintenance obligations (this frees single family homes, without building).

The restriction to first time buyers is too retrictive to the market as a whole. It does not make significant impact on lenders, the majority of buyers, or is the 'best-bang-for-the-buck' advantage to the economy.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
view in context

Oh yes, There are lots of folks making huge life changes, especially prevalent amoungst those in thier late 50's and beyond. (They have little time to recover from investment / equity losses.)

1) Single 'older' folks are choosing to "Marry-for-benefits"

2) Big rise in Co-housing / finding roommates to help with rent.

3) Reverse mortgage, tho VERY expensive and restrictive, many have to do this to eat.

4) Transitional housing - elderly folks typically have most of their assets in a 'paid-off' house, and PREVIOUSLY sold the houses to new families and the elders freed 'single family housing', then moved into communal / assisted living.   NOW - seniors are leaving 'assisted living' and moving to apartments, to free their cash flows.

5) Houses are not selling, seniors are staying put because they cannot sell, or can't loose equity.

6) Senior Centers are having increased vacanies, resulting in foreclosures and lay-offs.

7) More people are dying because they have no healthcare.

8) People are entering hospice early because they cannot self-fund medical care, and are now afraid to drive to Mex for medications.

9) Lots of kids are moving back home, and bringing their family!

10) More Potlucks!!

My suggestion for future employment 'Home Health Care' & financial management (real comprehensive managers, not just a saleperson).

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
view in context

It is very common to train your replacements.

I had a contract person from China and one from India 'shadow' me for one yr before my lay-off.  I needed to make space in my cube for them and introduce them to all my suppliers and train them in CAD software . I got 'laid-off' 6 wks prior to retirement eligibility.  The foreign workers used their training to quit their subcontract positions and get work visas to stay in US! (They are now both employed in USA... I'm starving)

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
view in context

Unemployed for 4.5yrs now.

Definately ran out of benefits a couple yrs ago !

Property taxes = 10x what I spend on food

Health care would cost 10x food also (If I could afford it)

Stimulus $$ and such things as 'Health care benefits' for UNEMPLOYED all escape the person who has extended unemployment beyond what the system allows. You drop into the BLACK HOLE.

This isn't pretty.

Of our household, 50% is unemployed and 50% significantly under-employed. Family income has dropped 80% (as in we now make 20% of what we were earning!!)

My ex-CEO is enjoying living in Monte Carlo and spending my retirement from 32 yrs of service.  I'm on Plan D (desperation - despondency)

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
view in context

Of course 'the signers' may not at all be 'hate-mongers', and only voicing their disapproval of the legislature initiating this burden on taxpayers with allowing a public vote. This is a frequent problem in WA and OR, which has very poor equity in voting / representation for the diversity of their states.

I feel it is not proper to release the names for the opponents of the measure to encourage the harassment of individuals. (Which is what the issue is, and has been stated as such). This does nothing for democracy, and as I mentioned, the signers are likely not bigots, just looking for legislative responsibility.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
view in context

ditto:

The hosts of ToL have some serious 'growing-up' to do.  Pretty pathetic.  It is really evident when they have serious topics such as suicide and death, and you 'hurt' for commentors (callers) who are evident in their need; yet they a 'brushed-off' with a smart quip... sad

posted 3 years, 11 months ago
view in context

Nestle project and other business interests can be done properly and advantageous to Cascade Locks and OR.  There are plenty of existing rules in place, as well as mitigated conditions. (such as using bio-degradable plastics for bottles, and fueling transportation and manufacturing with e-friendly resources)

The need for Economic Development is critical in rural OR, and should be done properly and without the urbanites 'butting in' with their own agenda.  Protections exist (especially in 'the Gorge') so let the process work.  It is highly improbable the Casino is going to come anytime soon, nor will it be beneficial to the sustainable economic benefit of CL.  As mentioned, the required I-84 interchange will divert traffic from the town center of CL, that is not good for business...

Emily !  'Please don't Californicate Oregon.. '  Interstate highways are not designated "THE I-84"  ick.

posted 3 years, 11 months ago
view in context

While this proposal has merit for school kids, it would be wiser to stimulate 'real' business to create permanent jobs. Any gov program will fall short and cost much more than the private sector could do.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
view in context

It is tragic that OR has not taken a leadership position in energy production and conservation, as it has very diverse resources and capable stakeholders.

I've done the alternative energy thing since the 1970's, but I realize Alternative and Green Energy sources can only provide a small percentage of required power. Conservation and efficiency is critical and an open opportunity for the PNW to show leadership.

I'm grateful  there is a united Renewable Energy effort taking place in the Gorge. http://www.cgbrez.org/

Too bad OR doesn't have a nice, clean, functioning nuclear facility, as it is a critical part of the oil / coal free future.  Works great in many counties I have lived, and the longer as we pass this opportunity up, the further into oil / coal dependence and further away from a reasonable solution we get.

As a gorge dweller, I hate to realize I am exposed to a higher level of emission and acid rain that those residents downwind of the entire Midwest USA gray cloud coming from IL, IN, OH, PA. (Which is sickening to see as you fly over the area.)

I feel coal use in Boardman is disgusting, and a disservice to a relatively 'green' region.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
view in context

The hunger / food availability crisis is spreading to middle income people, as gov spending programs increase, and wages decrease.

I pay $30 / day in tax obligations, and feed the family on $3.00 / day.  My current income is $4/day due to a recent layoff and being under employed.

Conservation is key, but irrelevant with large govenrment spending appetite.

We eat only 2 meals per day with no snacks in between, and certainly no coffee purchases. Don't eat (fast) at least one day per week and donate the savings to the homeless.

Be prepared, we haven't seen anything yet.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
view in context

Nice idea, but who makes these burdensome laws?, definately not 'employers' and 'economic developers'. Must be the noisy constituents who are 'employees' and 'unemployed'.

The current Family Leave Law is greatly abused, but does meet need of required care for family.

I have hired employees at foreign locations that have 'entitlements' such as the proposed bill, this are very hindersome to business, and will morph into an entitlement by the time it gets approved (Which of course it will in OR, WA, and CA).

There are ways to encourage responsible family care, outside of government mandates. I did 32 yrs of unexpected elder care, as well as did single income family support for my own family. As your speaker says... "life happens, anyway", deal with it.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
view in context

As a 35 yr participant in renewable energy, I find something missing here....conservation is far more beneficial than renewables and we need to reinvent our energy footprint.

Anytime the gov gets involved, the capitalist vultures come out.  The RES is propagating this, and the utilities get the ‘gimmies’.

The future maint costs are not being brought out in the push for wind.  Can you imagine what is costs to rebuild one of these?

My high wind location is restricted from participating in wind. The ‘friends of the gorge’ have a much more important agenda to espouse.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
view in context

This has merit (Converting Car Space to green and people space).

Intelligent, purposeful planning will create higher density, walkable 'town-centers' at transit hubs. The transit hubs will have satelitte bus service with smaller alternative energy buses.MAX will be taken off street level, so it can actually move people fast and safely.

You can easily visualize the crud of poor planning by driving near the Vista House (Portland Womens overlook) and looking across to Clark County's ridiculous sprawl. From the air, you can see the Portand metro joke (Happy Valley, Damascus, Clackamas, West Linn...).

Having lived in Europe and Asia it is obvious the USA has some learning to do. Having built many homes and commercial developments, the reactive, rather than proactive stance of Gov and residents is not a viable way to effectively plan.

Time for a system 're-boot'. Don't be so 'restrictive' in your vision... look beyond the USA. (1st)  As mentioned on the program and these posts, the development dollar and greed for future revenues drives this growth vehicle down the wrong path.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
view in context

Having been laid off 6 weeks prior to retirement, but after 32 yrs of service, I find myself in the heat of the subject.

I get no medical / no pension.  I returned to grad school and will soon be fighting for a new job.  Gen X and Y are very angry that olders workers are staying in the work force, and blogs promote the idea that 'Boomers got what they deserved' via the economic collapse.  These types of attitudes are brewing a social collapse.

The economic pundits are not proving to be capable to understand and address the crisis, and future taxation will be a huge challenge.

I drive a $35 car that gets 50 mpg (on free grease), and spend less than $200 / month on food and all discretionary spending.  My healthcare is $1,000 per month and my property taxes are $1100/month. My income is Zero and I am 12 yrs away from medicare.  Not pretty.

On to Plan B...  (Living under a bridge)

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
view in context

State laws vary considerably on this, Funeral lobby is second only to Auto dealers in effectively changing laws in their favor.

I ran into some significant struggles when I needed to ship my destitue dad's corpse 2000 miles. The airfare was $300, Funeral home wanted $2000 to take him 20 miles and bury. The state law would not let me pick him up and take to a 'pioneer' cemetary.

So I got a transit permit and 'we' went on a road trip.  I rented the backhoe and the whole burial cost ~ $500, including fuel for 4000 mile RT. (the state did require me to hire a funeral director to accompany us while in the state, and to attend the burial, he was nice and only took $100, as I had driven clear around the state to minimize transit within the state.)

"We" had a great trip, and I'm glad I chose that route, as we'd had a very rough 50 yrs together.

I learned a lot about the the process, and have helped several 'poor' families through this for well under $1000. Cardboard Caskets can be had for under $500.  Or Build your own pine box for under $100.  The kids might like to help !

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
view in context