Metroblogging Portland

Most of us should be used to the overcast-ness and rain-ocity of the great northwest, but holy smokes! The storm last night was fantastic! And forgive me for speaking of weather, because I know that it's the most boring thing ever, but I really truly thought that thunderstorms didn't exist here. Earlier this week, I saw one meager lightning strike just east of Mt. Tabor when I was walking home...

There are only about 10 people in my office today - normally there are about 40. We have tomorrow off as well as Friday - so many people took advantage of using three days of PTO to get nine days off. I decided to work because my husband wouldn't have the time off - nor would any of my friends, so I didn't want to waste even 3 days of PTO to hang out at home alone and bored. A lot of the people...

Holy crap was it hot last weekend. As a person sans air conditioner, and with a slightly crazy side, I forced the boyfriend to help me clean the house (as was previously planned) leading to nearly dying from heat exhaustion. Fortunately for him, I sent him down to Foti's after cleaning for some gyro goodness for dinner - there was just no way I was going to turn on the (now sparkling) stove on...

Photo by Rich Oskin As gas prices are rising local Portlanders are looking for alternate means of commuting around town. Bicycles are a number one as far as this city goes (we all know that!). But have you noticed more mopeds on the road? We're talking small motorized engines with pedals here-not scooters! I certainly have. According to founder and co-owner Patrick Fitzgibbons, local...

Lest you get the wrong idea, I'm a big fan of Willamette Week. I read it religiously, and think they do a bang-up job when it comes to investigative journalism, and getting the news out about the various things that happen in our fair city in any given week. That said, I've read some stuff lately that's raised a minor hackle. First, this article. Specifically, the sentence "So, yuppies who...

Earlier today we watched from our office windows as a parade of policeman clad in what appeared to be full SWAT gear assemble on the roof of the parking garage at 2nd & Jefferson. In the center of the roof is a helipad - that doesn't appear to get much, if any, use any more. One by one they climbed the stairs and over the railing to the center of the helipad. A few even brought their canine...

So I've been staying at a friend's place whilst I find a) a job and b) a place to call my own (our own... I'm willing to share with the boyo, I suppose...) It's a nice little neighborhood that's generally quiet, or so I have to assume. How do I put this? So I lived in the city of Long Beach in California right on Ocean Blvd. (so chosen for being right at the end of the route of the pride...