Memorial Day weekend at the coast (re-updated)

Scott, ma and I had a great time at the coast during the holiday weekend. We stayed at the same little motel, Trollers Lodge, in Depoe Bay my family used to visit when I was a kid. The motel had a lot of kitsch charm such as the beach-themed decorations in the rooms (with price tags in case we decided we HAD to have the lighthouse or seashell lamps). We'll keep the motel in mind for future beach trips.

Saturday: Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport Bayfront

Picture 485 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 497.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
Picture 517 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 478 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
Picture 512 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 513 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
Picture 216.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 305.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

We finally visited the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport. Scott and I tried to see this classic lighthouse in previous trips, but it was either closed due to construction or we arrived too late in the day. The park is now run by BLM and is called the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. I thought the huge, new interpretive center was overkill (it's larger than the lighthouse itself). However, the lighthouse restoration was impressive and it was my first time inside the lighthouse. We then took the new trail to the tidepools. I thought the tidepools were just a colorful as the ones we saw in Hawaii.

Picture 166.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 061 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
Picture 063.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 610 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

We then visited the Newport bayfront and watched the sea lions sleep. The sea lions took over a boat dock in the middle of the fishermen's boat docks and canneries. It was a little too real when we saw one sea lion vomit all over itself and sleeping companions then go back to sleep.

Sunday: Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Dunes, Heceta Head Lighthouse

Picture 932.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Picture 841.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

We drove south to the Sea Lion Caves and the dunes. The Sea Lion Caves is a cheezy tourist trap featuring an elevator that desends 200 feet down to a huge cave that is home to sea lions. Unfortunately the viewpoint in the cave is limited to one angle. Worse, an annoying fence makes for poor pictures. There were a few sea lines on a distant rock; however, most of the sea lions were outside enjoying the sunshine. While the cave itself is impressive, the sea lions on the Newport bayfront were more interesting to watch.

Picture 1041 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 1029 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

We walked the Oregon Dunes Overlook trail in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. I've always wanted to walk this trail through the dunes to the beach, but never had the time during prior visits.

We were all out of shape for the hike. The trail signs said it was a half mile to the beach, but halfway along the trail we ran into another half mile sign so it may have been a mile(?). Either way, hiking in deep sand is hard.

We drove down to Coos Bay just to see what it was like. I was hoping for a tourist-friendly area to have lunch, but I didn't see anything appealing (other than The Mill Casino). Coos Bay looks like an old logging city that had seen better days. We (well, I) were really hungry so we ate at what has to be one of the fanciest Arby's I ever visited.

We then turned around and headed back north stopping at the bridges and viewpoints Scott chided me for not stopping at on the way down. There are so many beautiful bridges along the Oregon Coast Highway that it's impossible to stop at each one.

Picture 1656, originally uploaded by sweber4507.
Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	Picture 1649 Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

The Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge (Wiki) (aka "Coos Bay Bridge" or "North Bend Bridge") from a distant approach looks like an ugly green truss bridge like Astoria's long Astoria-Megler Bridge (Wiki). However, on a closer drive-through, it is a beautiful cathedral-like bridge with many appealing architectual details. It definitely competes with Newport's arch Yaquina Bay Bridge (Wiki) as one of the largest and most visually appealing Oregon coast bridges.

beach at Heceta Head Originally uploaded by sweber4507	me at Heceta Head Originally uploaded by sweber4507

The Heceta Head Lighthouse was an unexpected surprise on our way back north. At first glance from the highway, it seems like just another cute lighthouse. However, the park is spectacular. The Cape Creek Bridge (Wiki) is impressive. Its stacked arches reminded me of the Roman aqueduct (Wiki). The lighthouse was impressive and the lightkeepers house was really cute -- it's now a bed and breakfast. The highlight though was watching the incoming tide surf through a rocky channel below the light house and crash into rocks. Although the park was pretty crowded, Scott and I seemed to be the only couple that ventured onto the rocks.

Monday: Depoe Bay Fleet of Flowers, Whal...Boat Cruise

Fleet of Flowers banner on Depoe Bay Bridge Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Coast Guard boats leads Memorial Day Fleet of Flowers out of the Depoe Bay. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

On Memorial Day we watched Depoe Bay's Fleet of Flowers from the bridge. After a lengthy and inaudible ceremony, the Coast Guard led a fleet of about two dozen flower-covered boats into the ocean. The boats were supposed to form a circle, but the waters were a little too choppy. A Coast Guard helicopter dropped a wreath into the middle of the boats followed by the boats dropping their flowers. Unfortunately they were too far out too see much and by then we were really cold from the wind.

Whale Cove Bay Originally uploaded by sweber4507	another tour boat races our boat to the harbor Originally uploaded by sweber4507
Depoe Bay Bridge from the dock Originally uploaded by sweber4507	Whale Cove Bay Originally uploaded by sweber4507

After the ceremony, we took a one-hour whale watching tour. We didn't see a whale due to the choppy waters. After his second failed whale watching attempt, Scott is convinced there are no whales and its just a ruse. However, we always enjoy a boat ride.

Over all, it was a nice, relaxing time. I'll post Scott's beautiful pictures soon.

---

UPDATE 1: Added some of Scott's (aka sweber4507) brilliant photos. I'll add more as he uploads the rest.

UPDATE 2: Posted a selection of Scott's photos, re-arranged photos, and edited post.

IKEA Portland opening July 25

IKEA Portland
Originally uploaded by pdxsurreal.

Yes, I'm a dork. I'm really excited about Portland's IKEA opening which was announced today to be July 25! I've looked forward to this since the rumors of IKEA's arrival were confirmed in 2005.

I don't like crowds, so I doubt I'll attend the opening weekend . . . or will I???

(Hat tip: OregonLive.com)

Scott's beautiful Eagle Creek pics

IMG_3513 copy.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

IMG_3797.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	IMG_3783 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
IMG_3815 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	IMG_3766 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
IMG_3658 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	IMG_3600 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.
IMG_3476 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.	IMG_3469.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Eagle Creek Trail

Yesterday, Scott and I finally went on the hike that Sheena had originally planned for us. Somehow I managed to miss hiking the most hiked trail in the Columbia River Gorge, Eagle Creek Trail. I thought the trail would just be a few more small gorge falls, but the entire canyon was amazing.

At several points the trail narrows to just a few feet wide with a deadly drop-off. There's no railing or even caution sign. The only hint of caution is a cable handrail on the rock wall side of the trail.

We didn't make the six mile trek to the Tunnel Falls, but I'm glad we did make it 3.2 miles to Loowit Falls and High Bridge. Loowit Falls looks perfect. It falls into a nearly perfectly round bowl. Nearby, High Bridge crosses the narrow canyon 150 feet above the creek.

The 6.4 round trip was grueling and the walk across the park's parking lot was probably the toughest part. We did the hike unprepared without water or energy food (unless you count the Wendy's lunch before the hike). Next time, we'll plan and prepare better to make it to Tunnel Falls.

28 Weeks Later: C

Scott, Sheena, and I saw 28 Weeks Later (IMDB.com) last night. While the movie was a little more gory, it wasn't as thrilling or shocking as its 2002 predecessor, 28 Days Later (IMDB.com). One of the weak parts of the movie was that it centered on two stupid kids I didn't care about. Unlike the first film in which I actually liked the main characters (and even preferred its happy Hollywood ending), I was rooting for kids' demise a little in this sequel. And Robert Carlyle's super-zombie was unnecessary.

I also missed Danny Boyle's highly-stylized filmmaking like 28 Days. I really liked his cute 2004 movie Millions (IMDB.com). He was an Executive Producer in this film and apparently directed some of the second unit filming, but it didn't feel like one of his movies.

I liked the music and assumed it was a variation of a Muse (Wiki) song. Sheena mentioned that Boyle appears to really like Muse too since their music was featured Millions and their "Shrinking Universe" was used in the 28 Weeks trailer. However, IMDB.com says no Muse music was actually used in the film.

Overall, it wasn't a bad film -- it just seemed like merely an extension of the original film. Like any good sequel film, it did allude to what the next potential sequel will be about. However, what I would like is to see what happened to the characters in the original film.

Pink Martini from 'the nose bleeds'

Last night, Scott, Tammy, David, and I attended the album release concert for Pink Martini's third album, Hey Eugene!. I was a little last-minute in buying the cheap tickets so we ended up at the top row at the top of the balcony of The Schnitz. Even so, the view from 'the nose bleeds' wasn't that bad and we still enjoyed the concert which featured the David York Ensemble and March Fourth Marching Band. Scott liked the David York Ensemble (although their performance was ruined by a loud baby -- WHO BRINGS THEIR BABY TO A CONCERT!?), so we may go to their next concert. March Fourth was crazy and entertaining as always.

Sadly, Thomas Lauderdale mentioned that the Jefferson High School choir that was featured one of Martini's previous albums no longer exists. He urged his hometown to support Portland Public Schools and its music program which, of course, solicited applause.

I like the title track from the album, so I'll probably make my one yearly album purchase.

How I'll Vote: Special Election 05.15.2007 (result update)

It's time to vote in the not-so-special "Special Election". I'll dump endorsements and thoughts here as I contemplate my vote:

MULTNOMAH EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT WWeek (pdf): "Imagine school districts were cities. Education service districts would be like county governments working in conjunction with the cities (i.e., school districts) to provide additional services. These include speical education programs, technology and school health services. And let's not forget outdoor school."
Director, Position 2, At Large
[_]	Federick (Rick) Okamura 22.60%*	JackBog: "On the Multnomah educational service district, we'd like to vote to abolish it, but since that option isn't offered, we're going with Okamura and Gratton."
[X]	John H. Kilian 37.52%*	WWeek (pdf): ". . . Kilian appeared to have the best grasp of the issues." TheO: "John Kilian, a family dentist from Gresham, has worked on community health issues and has a background of civic involvement. He's the best candidate for this open seat." ME: Johnson's mostly union support makes me weary that he will place union interests over students' interests. Kilian's medical background makes sense for MESD. I also like his response to the LWV (pdf): "The MESD Board would be well-served to have a Director who provides patient health care. Its broad scope of Programs includes aspects of social, mental and medical wellbeing. This is my expertise. The need for health education in the community is great. It will show successes and failures. But it is mandatory. As a mentor and health care provider I will closely examine school health services and protect our children."
[_]	Zak Johnson 38.87%* ELECTED	MultDems: "Johnson will work to restore civility to the board and strengthen alternative pathways to success for students throughout Multnomah County."
Director, Position 6, At Large
[_]	Robert R. Weaver 24.15%*
[X]	Janice Gratton 74.94% ELECTED	Incumbent. WWeek (pdf): "Gratton is adept at networking in Salem and has a fine grasp of the ins and outs of MESD's adminstration as well as the district's programs." TheO: "Though incumbents Janice Gratton and Geri Washington face challengers, they deserve re-election. Board Chairwoman Gratton is a child and family services consultant, . . ." JackBog: "On the Multnomah educational service district, we'd like to vote to abolish it, but since that option isn't offered, we're going with Okamura and Gratton." No real contest here. According to her voters' guide statement, Gratton has been on the MESD board for 12 years. The position is unpaid, so I doubt she is doing it for the fame and recognition. Weaver is a CFO and says he has an autistic child. Howver, I don't see an compelling reason to vote out the incumbent.
PORTLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT #1JT
Director, Zone 1
[_]	Ruth Adkins 59.05%* ELECTED	Merc: "The Mercury feels Adkins would bring a more balanced and much needed new approach to the school board." MultDems: "We believe Ruth Adkins will provide the independent community voice that is needed on our Portland School Board at a time when PPS is undergoing sweeping changes." WWeek (pdf): ". . . we're ready for someone else. Fortunately, challenger Adkins' clear-eyed vision of education makes her a candidate who can stir the pot without causing too much sloshing. She's a market researcher and founding member of the Neighborhood Schools Alliance, which formed in 2005 to address inequity in the district." TheO: "Challenger Ruth Adkins, a parent and market research analyst, makes a good case that the district can boost its enrollment by improving school quality, mending relationships with parents, marketing the district's strengths and working with other agencies on housing." Trib: ". . . We are confident, however, that [Adkins] will be a cooperative member of the board while also serving as a leader who appropriately will challenge the status quo. "Frankly, we also give weight to the fact that Adkins has a child at each level in Portland Public Schools — elementary, middle and high school. That means she is vested in a positive outcome for schools and will bring a sense of urgency to the job." JackBog: "In the school board election, we're going with Adkins and Wynde."
[X]	Douglas F. Morgan 40.25%*	Incumbent. ME: This is a tough decision. I'm not sure why everyone is voting Adkins over the incumbent Morgan. There are calls that the Board needs to be changed, but I don't see why Morgan should be voted out while the other incumbent, Wynde, should be retained. Some of the comments I've read imply that Adkins' personality and style are preferable to Morgan, but I haven't seen any specific allegations that Morgan has done anything unsuitable for his office. I did compare Adkins' and Morgan's response in the LWV Portland questionnaire (PDF). Adkins' response sounded great, but Morgan directly answered the questions and had more specifics. I'm concerned that Morgan is being scapegoated for some of the unpopular decision the District was forced to make. As I recall, the District has had too many buildings (i.e. schools), too much administration, and a flat/declining student population for at least the last decade. For years, prior Boards and superindendents were unwilling or unable to make the necessary and unpopular cuts and closures. This board and superindendent finally made the unpopular decision. Unless I can find a reason to vote against Morgan, I think the Board and Morgan should be supported for the difficult work they've done. I'm especially sympathetic when considering that this is an unpaid and completely thankless job.
Director, Zone 2
[X]	David Wynde 56.79%* ELECTED	Incumbent WWeek (pdf): ". . . Wynde is open to listening to even his strongest opponents. And though he often seems overly enamored of the superintendent, he's not punch-drunk in love." TheO: "Incumbent David Wynde, a parent with a background in banking, served as co-chair during much of his term. He is an organized, focused leader who helped the district make tough budget cuts and address long-term facilities issues." Trib: ". . .We believe Schultz, with further seasoning, could be a solid future candidate. But for now, the school board needs Wynde — a highly articulate and effective board member who has helped lead the district through some of its most difficult days. "He understands the urgency of improving — not just stabilizing — Portland Public Schools, and we think he has the tools to continue to get the job done well." Jack Bog: "In the school board election, we're going with Adkins and Wynde. The latter is not a slam-dunk, but like the Double Dub [WWeek], we think he's done an acceptable job and will balance off an Adkins."
[_]	Michele Schultz 42.39%*	Merc: "the Mercury supports [Schultz's] calls for more communication between the school board and its various constituents."
Director, Zone 3
[X]	Bobbie Regan 97.02%* ELECTED
Director, Zone 7
[X]	Dilafruz Williams 97.27* ELECTED
CITY OF PORTLAND
Measure 26-89 Amends Charter: Requires City to periodically review Charter. Merc: "A group of 20 citizens would be appointed every 10 years (with the first group convening in two), to debate and recommend further changes or tweaks to the city charter. They can send ideas straight to the ballot with a supermajority vote; other ideas have to go through the city council."
[_]	Yes 75.80%* PASSED	Merc: "Sure, they might come up with really awful ideas—but we trust that the voters are smart enough to vet those ideas as they arise." WWeek (pdf): "Nobody opposes what's really only a housekeeping measure, designed to keep the charter free of archaic language and provisions." Citizens to Reform City Hall PAC Trib: ". . .Of all the amendments proposed by the 26-member charter review committee, this is the easiest to endorse. . . . "That’s a vast improvement over the status quo. Currently, no review is required." TheO: "Yes. It establishes a much-needed mechanism for citizens to periodically update the city charter."
[X]	No 24.20%*	ME: Contrary to WWeek's assertion, I am against this measure (although maybe I am a nobody). I'm not sold as to why this backdoor way to the ballot is needed. If the charter changes really are non-controversial and only "housekeeping", why can't the elected City Council simply refer charter changes to voters? I really dislike these unelected and unaccountable committees and commissions governments set-up, such as the PDC and the proposed charter review group. The implication is that these will be wise, impartial, upstanding members of the community, but there's no way to gaurantee this. Who are these 20 people who will be appointed in two, 12, 22, 32, or 102 years from now? Won't these 20 people feel compelled to change something every ten years? And contrary to the Merc's reasoning, fighting a bad measure does cost real money, time and effort. There's nothing wrong with the current system of either getting petitions signed or having the majority of the City Council to support a ballot measure -- especially if these really are just non-controversial, housekeeping changes to the City's constitution. Amanda Fritz: "Top Three Reasons to Vote No on 26-89, ongoing Charter Review: "1. Fifteen citizens who have not been elected by a vote of the people, should not have the power to refer Charter (Constitutional) changes to the ballot without approval by elected officials. . . "2. The proposed language allows future Charter Commissions to refer changes to the voters at any primary or general election. To ensure meaningful participation, Charter change ballot measures should be allowed only at the General Election of even years. "3. The ballot measure does not reference gender in selecting the Charter Commission's membership, and there is no mechanism proposed to ensure that allowing each of five Councilors to select four members will result in balanced demographics on the Commission. . . ." JackBog: "As for the other three city measures, they're all pretty crummy ideas, and we're voting no. . . "What we are passing on this time is not a pretty picture. . . And more rounds of charter change nonsense every few years, like clockwork? No thanks."
Measure 26-90 Amends Charter: Updates and clarified civil service provisions. Merc: "Currently, there's a section in the city charter that outlines how the city treats its workers—how people get promoted, what the city values in an employee, and how workers are protected. This measure essentially tosses all of those nitty gritty details out, and replaces it with a more general, constitutional framework. The details—which will be in "administrative rules," instead of the charter—can then be changed as needed. One detail in particular—the city's definition of a temporary worker—is a contentious one, and we hope that the city will hammer out a compromise rule, instead of relying on an outdated city charter."
[X]	Yes 53.67%* PASSED	WWeek (pdf): ". . . This is a good idea because it lets commissioners and bureau chiefs pick their own teams. Supporters of this change estimate it will affect fewer than 50 employees. Opponents disagree, but we're skeptical of their fears about widespread firings, because the proposed language continues protection for the vast majority of employeers." Merc:". . . This measure essentially tosses all of those nitty gritty details out, and replaces it with a more general, constitutional framework. The details—which will be in "administrative rules," instead of the charter—can then be changed as needed. . . . " Citizens to Reform City Hall PAC Trib: "This amendment reforms the charter’s civil service provisions. It is partly a housekeeping measure and partly substantive. "In addition to cleaning up outdated language, the measure will increase accountability among the city’s higher-level employees." ME: It seems like a reasonable measure. It doesn't make sense to me that voters should have to vote on every minute change in civil service regulations. This is why we have an elected city council. I am hesitant about the real consequences of this measure. Is something sleazy being slipped into this change? The other endorsers express concern about how the council will resolve the temporary workers issue. Against my better judgment, I'm going to assume the council will develop some fair rules about temps. TheO: "Yes. It clarifies civil service provisions in the charter and provides more flexibility in hiring and firing top-level policymakers."
[_]	No 46.33%*	JackBog: "As for the other three city measures, they're all pretty crummy ideas, and we're voting no. . . . "What we are passing on this time is not a pretty picture. . . . More backroom hiring and firing of city workers? . . . No thanks."
Measure 26-91 Amends Charter: Changes form of City Government. Merc:"Measure 26-91 would completely reshape Portland's city government, giving the mayor and an appointed chief administrative officer full control of all city bureaus, while city council would have only legislative duties. In short, it would centralize all city functions under the mayor."
[_]	Yes 23.77%*	Citizens to Reform City Hall PAC TheO: "Yes. It would alter the city's antiquated "commission" form of government, which breeds inefficiency. Every other big city has dumped it. Instead, a chief administrative officer would run all city bureaus, under the mayor, and, for the first time, actually coordinate them."
[X]	No 76.23%* DEFEATED	WWeek (pdf): ". . . government's transparency is likely to be greater when power is spread among five officials rather than one. And while the current system can be mesy, this messiness is healthy." Merc: ". . . it doesn't contain much that appeals to either traditional "strong mayor" advocates or defenders of the current form of government. "Instead, the Charter Review Commission attempted to find something right in the middle, to appease Portland's love of process—but the compromise endangers the advantages of the current system, and fails to capitalize on the strengths of a council/mayor government." LWV Portland: "For nearly 100 years, Portland has operated successfully under the current Charter, our Constitution. Changing it should be done carefully and with maximum public participation. ". . . Transfers significant power to the Mayor and an unelected Chief Administrative Officer . . . "Inadequate checks and balances on the power of the Mayor leave him/her with control over all bureaus and staff, yet continuing to vote as a member of Council. . . . "The Mayor would appoint all members of all citizen boards and commissions. . . . "Proponents have not provided a clear explanation of the cost of implementing 26-91 . . . "Little consideration was given to improving our current form of government. . . ." Trib: ". . . The proposal is tempting, because it would allow for unified management of the city and break up individual fiefdoms created by commissioners who presently are given authority over bureaus. "However, there isn’t anything in the current city charter that prevents the mayor from doing most everything that he could under this amendment. "What’s required is better collective — not individual — performance from the commissioners and mayor. And if their cooperation and achievement of collective results doesn’t improve, this particular charter change ought to come back before voters in the future. "For now, vote no." JackBog: "As for the other three city measures, they're all pretty crummy ideas, and we're voting no. It's not that the current system of city government has all that much to be said in its defense. If, for example, somebody came to us with term limits and election by district for the City Council, we'd be all for it. But neither of those ideas are before us, and the Powers That Be would probably kill them if they were. What we are passing on this time is not a pretty picture. More power to people like Vera Katz?. . . No thanks." ME: There are numerous reasons why this is a poor measure. Asking voters to make a HUGE change to the City government in a minor, odd year election is too sneaky and suspicious. Mayor Potter lost much of my respect through this tactic. Setting-up an unelected, unaccountable, and highly paid chief executive is not what voters are asking for. If anything, Portlanders want more say in who leads our city -- not delegation. The unpopular police chiefs we've recently had demonstrate how a popular mayor can appoint an unpopular city executive and voters have few options. Having the Mayor be on the council is frankly stupid. How can the council have oversight of the mayor if the mayor is the council? 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Yes, our current commissioner form of government is odd and imperfect. However, it does have its advantages and is a quirky part of Portland. We don't want to be like other large cities. There are the better ways to tweak the current system (like assigning bureaus before elections). Work groups don't work. This bad idea came from some bad public (and probably backroom) meetings. Of course these meetings recommended an overhaul. People who reluctantly defend the current system aren't going to be motivated to attend a boring, wonky public meeting. Voters will not be motivated to overhaul the current system until there is a major scandal or disaster -- so far current and prior councils have managed to avoid voters' wrath.
Measure 26-92 Amends Charter: Defines mission increases oversight of Portland Development Commission. Merc: "This charter reform measure would give the city council control of the Portland Development Commission (PDC)'s budget."
[X]	Yes 52.99%* PASSED	Merc: ". . . Handing the purse strings over to the city council would change that, bringing a much-needed layer of accountability to the PDC." WWeek (pdf): "PDC has been far too opaque. While it's the city's development agency, for example, it works with only a few developers. The rest often say they cannot understand the arcane way in which the PDC operates. ". . . every other city agency is directly accountable to an elected official who id directly accountable to voters. For the agency with the most spending discretion to be directly accountable to nobody is insanity. Stop the madness. Vote yes." Citizens to Reform City Hall PAC JackBog: ". . . We're voting yes on the PDC budget change -- Measure 26-92 -- because the more sunlight thrown on that pork barrel, the better. It's not that I think that people like Opie and Fireman Randy are going to make a difference when it comes to what the "urban renewal" agency does, but rather that the additional scrutiny mandated by this measure may occasionally alert the public to some new scam in the making -- in time to put a stop to it." ME: Can more oversight be a bad thing? This is far from the ideal solution to reigning-in PDC, but it seems to be good start. Amanda Fritz is following an interesting bill in Salem that may make the this vote irrelevant, but it's hard to see how this bill's passage would not send a message to PDC.
[_]	No 47.01%*	TheO: ". . . Frankly, it would have been more merciful -- and more honest -- if the council had just seized control of the PDC in one swift blow, rather than trying to rob the agency, and kill it slowly. "Far from reforming the city's urban renewal agency, Measure 26-92 would deform it. And crippling the agency would cripple Portland. Vote no." Trib: ". . . We strongly believe that increasing the council’s authority over the PDC will politicize and seriously hamper economic development, housing and job creation opportunities needed in Portland." Fritz: "I'm urging a No vote on 26-92, in part because it hasn't received adequate vetting and discussion in the community. It troubles me to think maybe it doesn't matter what Portland voters know or want, anyway, given this bill [House Bill 3104] is sailing through the Legislature in Salem."

---

UPDATE: * Final Unofficial Results - Update #3 - 12:17 AM 5/16/2007

Chemistry.com challenges eHarmony.com

In 2005, I noted a Fresh Air interview with eHarmony's conservative Christian founder, Neil Clark Warren, who attempted to explain why eHarmony refuses to serve gay and lesbian customers. Now, according to Pam's House Blend, an eHarmony competitor, Chemistry.com, has launched an ad campaign challenging eHarmony's 'no gays' position:

According to a WashingtonPost.com article, eHarmony is demanding that NBC and People remove the ads, but they have either refused or have not responded.

(Hat tip: Pam's House Blend)

megachurch field trip

Scott and I visited my mom's church for Mother's Day. She attends a large suburban megachurch that has several campuses around the metro-area. Scott and I were hesitant about attending because suburban, evangelical mega-churches are typically theologically conservative and anti-gay. The right-to-life event in the church brochure, male-only leadership, and presumptive heterosexual attitude confirmed our suspicions. I actually warned Scott that we were going to walk-out if any anti-gay statements were made or the gay rights laws were mentioned as a concern.

The service was in a rented room at the convention center which even mom said she preferred the services in the churches. It was the typical, glossy multimedia service with light rock that I imagine most consumer-suburban churches strive for. The speaker/preacher gave a simple, repetitive Powerpoint sermon with video clips. Surprisingly, I thought all the visual and audio gimmicks made the sermon even more dull and drawn-out then the simple spoken sermons we are used to.

Admittedly, I probably didn't go into the service with an open mind. After all, the Cathedral of Hope gay megachurch in Dallas I visited had a similar multimedia format. There was a time during my holy roller high school day, I would have loved the soft, rock worship music. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I really do prefer a simple and more intimate church service.