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Suggest a Show
This is your place to point us in the direction of good guests, juicy topics, feisty conversations, and books or news events that might turn into shows.
We don't have the people-power to respond to each suggestion but we do take each one seriously. So if you've read read a fascinating article, or had a great debate over dinner, or observed a Northwest trend, let us know. We're always hungry for more ideas!
Thank you, in advance, for your suggestions.
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I really love to read articles that have good information and ideas to share to each reader. I hope to read more from you guys and continue that good work that is really inspiring to us.
Health Review
Software Review
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I suggest doing a show about bullying in school and the new legislation that is designed to prevent bullying. The Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition (Oregon non-profit) is eager to assist schools to implement the new legislation, and we also work with GLBTQ youth who have great stories to tell about being bullied in school.
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Your show featuring Shaindel Beers was outstanding. The interviewers' questions were right on the mark and Ms. Beers was charming.
http://edta-eddha.weebly.com/ http://edtaeddha.webs.com/ http://helpgodme.nettisivu.org/ -
I completely agree with the above, bullying both in schools and online are becoming a major issue and the media is all over it cause people tune it to hear about it. - Smart Carpet
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Dear TOL,
Your show featuring Shaindel Beers was outstanding. The interviewers' questions were right on the mark and Ms. Beers was charming. Your listeners were treated to a wonderful reading, one that I could listen to again and again.
I would like you to feature more writers and poets like Ms. Beers. I hope you will seek out other emerging poets for this series on Oregon's regional writers.
Sincerely,
Scot Siegel
Lake Oswego, OR
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I wonder if you could get a show out of the problem of outdoor cats devastating the songbirds and small animals.
I'd bet it would generate a lot of heat so you'd get lots of callers, and it would provide some attention and light to a problem that some of us are very concerned about.
There is a naturalist in Sisters who writes columns in our Bend newspaper The Source Weekly and has written many columns about it, Jim Anderson. I have not asked him about participating in TOL so I don't know if he is into talking as well as writing but you might try.
The Source Weekly:
www.tsweekly.com
email:
info@tsweekly.com
The American Bird Conservancy has a page about it:
www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/index.html
I don't know if they would provide a speaker but I kind of bet they would, they are pretty well versed in the problem.
Cornell University has an Ornithology Lab that is highly regarded but I don't know if they talk about the outdoor cat problems.
www.birds.cornell.edu/
And I'd like for The Humane Society to defend their policy in Eugene of trapping and spaying feral cats but then returning them to where they were trapped, because feral cats are a real problem to songbirds and small animals, most of which are Federally and State protected species.
For that matter, I'd like to hear from the ODFW, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, about their views on it.
I have no idea of the Federal Wildlife guys thoughts about it but maybe someone could ask them, and then, of course there is also the local Federal DA or prosecutor, what are their thoughts about enforcing the Federal Laws on the books against hunting federally protected songbirds and small animals with domestic cats?
I quit feeding birds because it just leads to their death from so many local outdoor cats and Jim Anderson has written that he quit feeding too. I have not heard any songbirds this year and I am really bummed about it.
I know that some cat owners keep their cats indoors and some have even trained their cats to not hunt birds and I respect them for that. The other solution seems to be a leash law, but cat owners that I have talked to about leashing their cat are adamant that they won't even consider it.
So. Big problem with lots of heat on both sides. Care to jump in?
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I'm curious about this topic as well, but perhaps from a slightly different perspective. We have quite a few birds that are invasive to North America. How are these birds impacting the songbird population? Are domestic cats preying on the invasive species as well, or do they show a preference for the native songbirds? When predation becomes detrimental to an ecosystem, then surely steps should be taken to manage the predator, whether wild or domestic. But it would be a mistake to discriminate against a predator just because it doesn't fit our image of what is either wild or natural, especially in a tame place like Bend.
Ed Putnam
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The Northwest trend of sustainability has been connected to the way we build, the transportation we use, the energy we choose, and the food we eat. It must extend to the way private landowners choose to care for their land.
95% of the Willamette Valley is in private landownership. The ability of our children to have clean air, drink clean water, eat healthy food and see nature close to home is in the hands of private landowners. The decisions these landowners make matters to all of us.
We simply must have programs that provide landowners with information options about how to sustainably manage their land. Three Rivers Land Conservancy and Portland Audubon Society have teamed up to create a Backyard Habitat Certification that invest, involve, inspire landowners in the City of Portland to begin take care of their land in a way that benefits us all. And, the process is really fun. It includes a site visit to your home to help get you started!
If you want to learn more or do a story on this innovative program go to http://www.trlc.org/BYHCP/
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Cornell U has sound recordings of birds so maybe you could play clips of the songbirds we used to have around here to remind people of what they are missing, of what outdoor cats have killed off.
So you would have heat, light, and sound; heated discussion, enlightenment about a problem, and bird sounds.
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I would like to hear a show about how many people in the Northwest don't care at all about sustainability, I bet the vast majority are like me, I won't dump my used motor oil in the sewer drain, but I won't seperate the recyling if my garbage can is only half full.
I think you would be astonished with how the vast silent Majority of Portlanders think about the direction we are heading. Personally I would like the city to focus on providing essential services, and not feel good sustainable projects that prevent money from going to pothole repair, police cars, and schools.
I am sure I am not the only person who looks at the Art all over the Interstate MAX line and thinks about all of the good that money could have been used for.
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Sustainability is a most critical direction that we Oregonians must be involved with and concerned about. Global warming is increasing much more quickly than almost anyone can imagine. I believe that most Oregonians are into conservation, sustainability, ecological stewardship, and care of the earth. It is who we are, it is in our blood, it is what makes us Oregonians.
Wes Taylor
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Well Mr. Taylor,
Thats why I think this would be such a great show, I honestly contend for every "Steward of ecology" like yourself there are 2 people like me in Oregon. Right now having a job and eating is the most critical decision Oregonians are concerned about. OPB's target audience may overwhelmingly have an urge to conserve, but when no one is looking sustainability, convservation, and care of the earth takes a back seat to comfort and convienence.
I really think you would be surprised how many people in our area don't care for the Green movement and the groups that have hijacked it as there calling card, I am only interested in how green technology can make me money.
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I think the City of Portland is planning to review the off-leash dog parks starting in September.
I know dog owners are very passionate about having a place for their dogs to play.
I am not a dog owners and I live downtown near a park that has an off leash dog area that is shared use. This mean that dogs are supposed to use the area part of the day, and people are supposed to use it another part of the day. While dog owners are supposed to pick up after their dog, this doesn't always happen. Thus, people are supposed to play in a park field that likely has dog poop in it. I think this is gross, as well as a possible health hazard.
I am passionate about this, dog owners are passionate about this, it would definitely make a great show.
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I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a year ago January. I would be very interested in you doing a program on the disease, how persons cope with the disease, role of spouses and care givers, effects on family. Thank you for your consideration.
Wes Taylor
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Can I suggest the Alzheimer Family caregivers alliance as a good resource .THey have a lot of information about common problems that can occur later and they do talk about caregivers as well as victims
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/home.
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What a difficult task.
HOW WE WORK
A series on occupations or jobs. Some of us spend a lot of time working, even if it doesn't define us, it can be a large part of our life. What do we do? How do we do it? What is it like? Not necessarily just esoteric or extreme occupations, but even the ordinary.
How to run a bakery? How early do you start? Where does the yeast come from? How do you decide what to bake? Do you think all the products are as good as each other? Do you come home covered in flour and smelling like cookies?
How do you sell a house? How do you sell a car? What is it like to be a nurse? Is it like the television shows? Is it emotionally taxing? Is there something that makes a good patient? Do you cut yourself off from feeling? Do you just not care? How do patients die? Do you sometimes wish they did?
How do you repair a power outage? Does a mechanic really understand the car? Is it trial and error? How do you run a radio show? Who arranges the guests? How far in advance? Does someone screen their conversational skills? Do things not work out? Guest rejection.
Maid---housekeeping? How many rooms do you clean? How do you clean them? How long does it take? How do you design a car? How many people does it take? How much is engineering or function versus aesthetics? How many prototypes are made? Do you cut a client's hair and feel like it sucks? It didn't come out right? You made a mess of things?
An everyday in depth study of how people do things, or simply what they do in detail, could be very interesting. I suppose I feel like I really don't understand how much of the world works and how things actually get done. And mainly what it feels like to spend your day doing A or B or W.
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Good idea!
I once made a comment to a guy restocking frozen groceries, "never ending job, isn't it?", thinking I was showing some sympathy for his plight but he replied "Yes, and I'm glad it is, it's what I do". It stopped me in my tracks and turned me right around, to respecting people who enjoy their jobs even if I don't think I would want to do that.
Stocking groceries, who'd'a thought.
And ever since, I have treated the people who do what are usually considered menial jobs with the utmost respect, they raise families and feed their kids with those jobs, and they are doing the best they can with what they've got to work with and I am humbled by their work.
So, yes, I second Scottmil on that idea.
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THis is an old post, but this sounds like a GREAT show . I vote for the jobs we wanted as kids -firefighter, police officer, ballet dancer, candy maker, baker, gardener (my childhood dream), elementary school teacher or principal and superhero.
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My name is Justin Zimmerman, and I'm a member of OPB and serve two neighborhood associations.
I'm concerned about the massive layoffs in the Bureau of Development Services and its ramifications on the city at large.
3 housing inspectors for the ENTIRE city?
No Chapter 13 inspections for apartments?
No more complaints taken by the worst and even most at-risk homes if they are occupied by their owners?
150 complaint homes stuck in the system currently?
Decreased reaction time - if any reaction time at all - for sewer issues, drug labs, ratss, open or vacant structure complaints, disabled vehicles, over growth, etc.?
Nuisance abatement funds decreased from $300,000 the less than $40,000?
Increased pressure on law enforcement?
ETC.
The BDS has helped tremendously in my neighborhood. I've seen it act as a link between public issues and enforcement issues on several occasions. The gutting of the program is a devastating blow to our forward thinking city and our city's livability. Yet there has been little in the way of discussion regarding these cuts as they've happened so quickly. Please consider looking into this issue.
Justin Zimmerman
503-545-1409
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October is National Disabilities Awareness Month, and it would be great to mark that with a show about the state of disabilities services in Oregon.
There are some exciting new developments happening in the field, including the formation of a coalition of disabilities services organizations and advocates called Connecting Communities, as well as the formation of a Commission on Disabilities at the City of Portland. Both will be launched at a free public event on 10/15: http://www.phcnw.com/cc09/index.html
Thank you,
Ben Moorad
Returning Veterans Project
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On the front page of Sunday Sep 06 Oregonian's business section is a article a intriguing energy possibilty. Sound like a company may have a competitive means of making ethanol from forest waste.
There is another article that I read once and heard no follow up on in the Oregonian. It is dated Dec 11 08 and speaks to a joint project between NW Natural Gas and the Bonneville Enviromental Foundation to develop a manure digester.
Energy independce will not come from one magic bullet solution bot rather a list of options. Could these be quality choices that are regionally appropriate?
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i found your show about people who are unemployed due to having lost their jobs very interesting. However, i have a suggestion for a future show. Perhaps you can locate retirees in Oregon who have lost all their retirement savings due to Madoff, Stanford, or just the decline in the stock market and interview them as to how they feel, how they are getting by, what they suggest for other people re retirement investments, etc. This will be somewhat different than your series Hard Times as these folks will probably be too old to return to the work force, even if they were able to find a job. Many people worked their entire lives, saving up and investing for their retirement, only to lose it all due to falling stocks or the deceptions of Madoff and/or Stanford. If you have not already aired a program such as this, their stories need to be told.
Michael D. Linick
Redmond, Oregon
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Classic Greek Theatre of Oregon is beginning 3 weeks of performances of "The Trojan Women" at a wonderful outdoor amphitheatre on the Reed College campus. "Trojan Women" is a very powerful play about "collateral damage" in war and the nature of human survival in crisis, and I wonder if a great chat could be built around themes presented in the play and/or how art connects us with core human issues. The Greek Classics are always a rich source of enduring human themes! I'm on the Classic Greek steering committee and would be happy to suggest great anchoring experts for a discussion. More info at http://classicgreektheatre.tripod.com/
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Environmentalism in "The Greatest Generation"
It is often said that we inherited global warming from these people. But they grew up in the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt the greatest environmental president; like generation X to JFK. Their families worked for the WPA and helped to expand the national parks directly. Their voices founded the EPA, raised awareness of fragile ecosystems, the show "Our Vanishing Wilderness" comes to mind. The co-founders of Greenpeace were of this generation. Perhaps they loved the environment too exuberantly and quickly lost faith in diplomacy, villainizing and making enemies of the politicians and corporations that they needed cooperation from, a trend that continues today.
At the same time they did witness and promulgate the rapid expansion of earth’s exploitation, with nuclear bomb testing, strip mining and the advent of industrial farms. I have seen in historical references both astute predictions of global warming and asinine predictions of using A-bombs to loosen the oil from Canadian tar sands. (that was from popular mechanics I beleive)
What is the true environmental legacy of "The Greatest Generation" did they throw us in the hole or give us a rope?
You can find both former captains of industry and possibly former/current activists that might have things to say at Terwilliger Plaza or other retirement clubs.
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THE FUTURE OF MAX...A SLOW ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVING OR EXPRESS TRAINS!
With the addition of the green line to the family of light rail service throughout the city I think it is high time we start discussing the sometimes agonizingly slow service offered on MAX and some major bus lines thoughout the city. Every well utilized train system in major cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London offer express service trains and busses to fastly and effecienctly move large volumes of people from the burbs to the central city and business districts. As I peer into my magic mass transit crystal ball I forsee and uncertain future for the new greenline. I fear a future for the green line that is similar to its older east side siblings of a service utilized not by the communters that pay for it with their taxes but by crimanals, the car-less, and kids headed for the mall. MAX greenline will not be a silver bullet to the looming problems and traffic jams and long commutes on the east side until non-stop express trains are running full speed to downtown and the west side.
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Dr. Celine Parrenas Shimizu will be in town on October 14th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at PSU in the Multicultural Center (Smith Union 228) showing her new documentary, Birhtright: Mothering across difference. A discussion will follow the film and the event is free.
She would be an excellent guest for the show, particularly given all the mother centered activities, groups and services that exits in Portland.
Through interviews with approximately 50 mother in Santa Barbara, the film offers a mutli-class and multi-racial account of mothering through the film medium. Santa Barbara epitomizes the stratified society of the United States, where the extremely rich and extremely poor live side-by-side in the "new economy." In the context of this disparity how is mothering experienced?
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Guy Laliberte, the owner of Cirque Soleil (sp?) is launching on a Russian Soyuz to the ISS on 30 Sep and is going to do a worldwide media event sometime after that from ISS. He is taking up his red clown nose.
I don't know if there is a show in it for TOL but just the idea of highly educated and physically well trained PhD Scientists, Medical Doctors and Engineers (read athletic nerds) on ISS being visited by one of the great and inventive circus entertainers of our time is just intriguing and exciting to me. What a contrast.
Nasa.gov is the website and Dishnet channel 213 is the NASA tv that I get, I don't know what NASA tv is on other suppliers.
And I wonder what he will create out of this visit for a future Cirque show.
So brainstorm on this and see what might get people talking from it.
Frankly, NASA is the best reality TV I know of, some of the best suspense and problem solving there is. PhDs fixing toilets, are you kidding me? And intelligent people talking with high respect and gratitude for teamwork, wow, what inspiration for restoring respect for human potential.
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I've noticed that the health care reform debate got side-tracked, partly by comments about "racism". Many of those opposed to the idea claim that the proponents are using allegations of racism to stifle the debate.
I'm wondering what the different sides mean when they talk about "racism".
If you'll indulge me, I'd like to make a couple of points with a personal anecdote:
A number of years ago, I had a bad relationship with my boss. One evening, as I was waiting for my wife to come and join me to head home, I was feeling frustrated, angry, and resentful.
Hardly noticing it, there was a young African-american man walking down the street by the parking lot, and my stew of emotions somehow latched onto him and I started thinking a whole series of nasty, racially charged things about him. When I noticed the subtext of my thoughts I was horrified to find that I was racist, something I would never have suspected of myself before that day.I wanted this to illustrate two points: One is that racism is largely an irrational, subconsious attitude, which manifests in ways that may have nothing overtly to do with race.
The second point is that according to the "common wisdom" among those who study these things, a substantial portion of the American public has at least a bit of racism hiding under the floorboards of their minds. Having it there, and acknowledging it doesn't make you a Skinhead, or a Klansman, or even an Archie Bunker.It's well past time to inject a little honesty with ourselves, and with each other on this subject.
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Hi--
I think it is about time to talk about climate change again. Carol Browner, the President's top aid on environmental issues came out last week and said that we shouldn't expcect action on climate change until next year.
A delay has signifigance for the Northwest, which would benefit greatly from a cap-and-trade system.
It also has ethical implications that folks in the Northwest are thinking about. This weekend three Lutheran Pastor spoke out in the Oregonian: http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/10/supporting_clean_energy_bill_i_1.html.And UO has brought in renowned ethicist Dale Jamieson think about issues around cliamte change.http://www.uoregon.edu/~morse/_pages/professors_scholars/current_professors.html
I think a show about what delay means ethically and for the Northwest would be interesting.
Thanks,
Nate
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Please consider continuing this intriging discussion on social networking to Non profit and NGO's ... would LOVE to hear it!
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THANKS for covering climate change. It was a very timely episode. I think, however, that a follow up might be useful. Many folks on your blog wanted to hear a discussion about the cost of inaction, rather the the cost to a household.
Climate change is a moral issue. What does inaction now mean for future generations and what obligation do we have to them? What does it mean to us as humans to care for the Earth? Who is most affected (currently) by climate change and should we care that it is the poor?
I've suggest several guest, but one set of folks uniquely qualified to address the issue of the cost of inaction (to Oregon in particular) are at the UO's Climate Leadership Initiative (http://climlead.uoregon.edu/). One of their studies looked at the impact on the Rogue River Valley and determined that wine country won't survive climate change. It said that Southern Oregon will end up looking more like CALIFORNIA (that will get your listeners' blood pumping).
Cheers,
Nate Stice
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How bout the folks at www.350.com, Bill McKebben et al.
Is time running out? Will industrial society as we know it be gone in 50 years? 20 years?
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We thought the same thing. You can listen to our conversation with Bill McKibben from September here:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/conversation-bill-mckibben/
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Could you schedule a show (if you haven't already) that discuses the amount of strip clubs in portland. Has it been normalized here? Do people just except it? What is the industry really like? Is it dangerous? Is it a age old womanizing, abusive, direspectful industry? Is it a harmless novelty? Does it provide jobs? Would you let your daughter do it?
I'm sure there are plenty of people who would chime in on this one.
Looking forward to it!
Thanks for the show
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I believe that the current Referendum 71 campaign and the broader issue of domestic partnerships in Washington state would make a good show. Referendum 71 would affirm the domestic partnership law passed by the legislature in 2009 and there are a lot of great resources. In addition to the two camps at http://Approve71.org and http://ProtectMarriageWA.com, there are public opinion pollsters at http://www.WashingtonPoll.org, the Washington Seniors Lobby and groups such as http://ACLU-WA.org
One particular heart-wrenching story of SRDP's in Washington has also been recently told in the documentary "For My Wife" as per http://www.formywife.info
One of the interesting things about the Washington situation is that the legislature explicitly tried to avoid the marriage issue by restricting SRDP's to seniors over 62 and same-sex partners. There have been a few stories on this at http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=18532 and http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009814434_r71seniors06m.html with many local angles available from Clark County couples and politicians reachable through http://Approve71Vancouver.org
If you would like exact contact details I have many local contacts who could make it into the studio, including a gay man who lost his partner, a committed lesbian couple, a state senator, a state representative and perhaps a few other mayors, city council folk or a county commissioner.
With mail-in ballots going out this coming week, the topic seems timely and relevant, in advance of future political campaigns all up and down the west coast.
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How about a show on WA's Referendum 71: the expanded Domestic Partnership law. Passed last spring, and signed by the governor, many people still aren't sure what it's about. A little light might go far in educating the listenership! Thanks.
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We did talk about this — in a roundabout way — on this show. And I think we'll dig a little deeper this coming Friday.
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Let's talk about trees. They were the subject of a recent City Club of Portland Friday Forum. They provide shade, help to absorb rainwater run-off, and offer a sense of peace and serenity. For many people, and for cities, they are an asset. For others they are not so much an asset: they drop leaves which must be raked, clog the gutters, and can create a slippery surface underfoot This is the time of year when Friends of Trees, an organization that works with neighborhoods to plant trees and provides follow-up to be sure they are growing as they should, does most of their planting projects. More information and discussion about trees would be timely just now....s
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I just heard a story that sounds like age discrimiation in the health insurance industry.
An employer is not allowed to discriminate against an applicant due to age. However, if and older person is hired, or is kept on staff, the insurance rate for the business and the individual could be increased due to age.
1) Why, if the older community pays longer into the insurance industry, should the insurance rate go up?
2) Dosn't this encourage age discrimination?
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Hi,
I've been listing to the shows about the health care debate. One of the things I hear mentioned quite a bit is taking personal responsibility for your health. My suggestion is a show talking about how our schools don't give us adequate knowledge about nutrition to make it possible for us to take personal responsibility in the first place. To really understand your bodies nutritional needs you have to seek out books or classes at colleges or go online. So maybe congress should mandate more nutritional classes in our schools to help people make better food choices through out their life, and thus helping improve the health of our nation.
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I think we just switched over to the winter blend for gasoline- and did everyone notice their MPG plummet??
I know i did.
Just like i noticed it rise for no reason (until i remembered ‘summer blend’) earlier in the year.
Sure, the price just dropped a wee bit because of this, but it rose quite a bit more with the summer blend - but how well are we served by paying less to use more for the winter season? - No one wins with this, it seems to me, but the oil producers/petroleum product manufacturers, nor is any environmental purpose well served.
I’ll bet your reporters can’t get two true sentences from any contact with the industry, but the public will have a lot of strong but uninformed opinion about it -
How about it, then - some research and a show real soon, while it’s fresh on our minds - maybe the show can raise some ruckus and get these too well off industrialists on the defensive
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We know the government is behind on the supply of H1N1 vaccines. Given the limited supply, are our local health officials doing a good job on the delivery of vaccines? I am pregnant and has been calling my OB for weeks. But they have no vaccine. I saw the chaotic scene of people waiting to get vaccinated outside of public vaccination clinics. I heard that in some states, people from low-risks groups are accutually getting vaccinated ahead of some people from high-risk groups. How many percentage of pregnant women and children under 2, etc., have gotten vaccinated so far? Are our health officials doing enough to ensure an orderly and fair distribution of the vaccine?
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I would like to hear a show on composting, worm composting, etc. to reduce the waste that each household sends to the dump.
Another idea, taken from oregon field guide, would be the gap between rural and urban people. In a recent episode some portland kids went to a rural city for a week or so to understand the people. I would like to hear about rural people coming to the city to understand urbanites.
Thanks-Curtis
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Also could you guys start archiving your shows online, or podcasting them? I hate missing the show and I often do, so it would be awesome if i could download it. At the vary least keep a weeks worth of shows downloadable if your tight for disk space.
Thanks! Curtis
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All of our shows are available online for download, but the server was down for a while a few weeks ago. Hopefully it's working for you now.
Thanks,
Dave
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Just read in the Oregonian that Portland's second marijuana site has opened, where people can smoke openly. Having just returned from a class at a dispensary in California, I think it would offer insight to compare the models that we use here to the way in which medical marijuana is "dispensed" there, as smoking is not the preferred route of delivery. The dispensary sells vaporizers, tinctures, edibles and topical medications, which are sealed and transported by the patient to their own home. There is a very professional atmosphere and obvious concern for each patient; none of the "nod, nod, wink, wink" attitude that so many seem to have in Oregon. The only thing lacking in the California model is the participation of medical professionals on site to assess patients for their conditions and appropriate treatments, which we do seem to have in Oregon, although marijuana is not "dispensed at these Oregon sites, as far as I know. These "clubs", such as those which have just opened, seem to be a relatively unsophisticated approach to a real need. I would be interested in other's thoughts on these opening doors. Loved the chicken show!!
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Mythn,
Sorry that we didn't see this is time to credit you on the air — we actually jumped on this new the day after you wrote this — but I'm glad that we did the show you pitched!
In case you missed it, here it is:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/cannabis-clubs
Thanks again,
Dave
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What about a show on the leap in elementary school class size due to the recession and budget crisis? Some parents who otherwise like the public school system are fleeing to private schools as a result.
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Show Suggestion:
Serious Social Worker Allegations Languish in Bureaucratic and Budgetary Limbo
With the current budget crisis, previously backed-up State agencies have only gotten worse.
An important case in this regard is the Oregon Board of Clinical Social Workers. This is the agency to which one complains if social workers in the state violate ethical or sexual codes of conduct.
Given the fragile populations served by social workers, and the issues at stake, the process of complaint adjudication is crucial in ensuring public trust.
It's social workers, often, who decide the fate of children, and even whole families. And when social workers are accused of violating their own codes of conduct, a timely investigation of the matter is crucial in order to determine a)what really happened; and b)what, if anything, should be done about it.
Which brings us to the heart of the problem. Currently, a compliant under investigation by the Board is taking over a year to be decided. Because the process of investigation is secret, in order to protect (primarily) the social worker, it's never clear whether the investigation has even begun within that year.
Due to this lengthy delay, key memories can fade. Cases can languish interminably, or fade into obscurity.
Is this the way Oregon wants to pursue accountability for those who work with the least powerful among us?
To begin researching a possible show, contact:
Martin Pittioni
Executive Director, Oregon State Board of Social Workers
503-378-5735, ext. 4
Background: California just had a full-blown scandal over similar complaint processing delays with its Nursing Board. As a result, the entire Board was fired.
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OPB is running a teaser right now where a person says Oregon used to be a great state, but now it's only a good state. I agree, but why is this true & what can be done.
I suggest a series of shows where people make concrete sugesstions about where they see weaknesses. Maybe these screening shows would not allow solutions to be discussed, the goal would be to pull together a comprehensive list of what keeps us from being great.
The moderator would need to be ruthless in squelching vague suggestions like "taxes are too high" or "politicians are corrupt". The goal is to identify specific problems that could be topics for future discussions and to get people thinking. Maybe each caller has a time limit of 1 minute to encourage conciseness & clarity?
So, instead of running a teaser on how we used to be great, lets try to work to becoming great again.
Thanks for the good program.... if only it was great :)
John Providenza
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The 10th anniversary of the WTO protest in Seattle is coming up.
How about a show looking at the legacy of that protest? What is the WTO up to now? What about the Eugene anarchists? What is the status of the issues the protesters were talking about? How have the issues changed? How are they the same? Have any of the protesters, or the officials, changed their minds on the issues? How have street protests changed since Seattle? Are they even relevant?
Is there even any legacy of the Seattle WTO protests at all, after 9/11, Iraq, 8 years of Bush, housing crisis and recession, global warming, and now Obama?
Thanks!
Joe
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I think Keith Rosson would be a great topic for Think out loud.
He is an painter, graphic designer, writer and teacher who has very limited eyesight. He went to the Oregon school for the blind as a child and continues to make his living in visual arts, even with a severe visual impairment. He shows art throughout Oregon and the rest of the U.S. and has done album covers/t-shirts/posters for many prominent bands. He also has one of the longest running zines featuring his life and art published through Microcosm publishing. The zine is called "Avow."
info can be found at: keithrosson.com
I think it would be interesting to explore his experience and other visual artists experience with limited and/or degrading eyesight and the artistic process. How is their experience reflected in their work?
Alternatively, I think a show on zines and zine culture would be fascinating since Oregon and specifically Portland has nurtured this area for so long.
Thanks for listening.
-Justin
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I'd like to suggest a program on the LNG palomar pipeline. I am unclear as to the details and truth of the situation. I find your program extreamly helpful when presenting multiple views on a subject. I believe this subject to have a direct effect on us as Oregonians.
I have the link for the activists organizing against the LNG, they are also on twitter and facebook. http://www.heynwnatural.org/
Hopefully your team can help research for 'Us' things that matter
thankyou
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The film "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" was directed by Wes Anderson BUT the animation director (director of animation.... it is an animated film after all) was by Mark Gustafson a Portland native.... many of the animators also have Portland roots (Will Vinton Studios / Lika Studios) connections.
Thought it might be interesting.
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Our 19 year old son came home for University break and asked us,"what if there is a draft?". It was difficult to answer. We voted for Obama, hated going to war in the first place and in the impetuous manner Bush dictated but dislike immensely the idea of leaving Afghanistan to the Taliban. He followed this question with "which is better for the economy, war or peace?". It is a different world economy than we had as 19 year olds....
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Oregon has the highest per capita use in the country of methadone according to the DEA .
I would appreciate a show about prescription drug diversion and abuse . There were 700 deaths in Oregon 2003-2007 from prescription opioids.
Some victims had a prescription, some got the drugs in other ways. I wonder how many babies are born to moms on chronic ,legal, opioids , I would bet that it is substantial.
There will be a prescription monitoring program begining in late 2010 to protect the public, I don't know how fleshed out it is .
The CD summary from October 26, 2009 (which is listed as September 29 on their website) has a lot of information. http://oregon.gov/dhs/ph/cdsummary (vol 58, number 20)
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Many school districts across the state want to provide full-day kindergarten options to parents, but lack state funding to provide such programs.
Within the state's funding model, students in kindergarten count as half whereas students in other grades count as one. The legislature is moving to assess these programs at the state level and perhaps will provide more funding in 2-3 years, but in the meantime programs are at risk of being cut locally due to lack of funding.
Debate has been heating up in school districts across the state, with many parents attending school board meetings for the first time.
Here is a small sampling of how this debate is shaping up in one community -
Kindergarten Quandry published in the Gazette Times
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/education/article_728bf07e-d1b3-11de-a60f-001cc4c03286.html
It seems like an appropriate time for a state-wide discussion about how each school district is grappling with the issue. -
I just listened to the Think Out Loud show from
Tuesday 01 Dec 09.
I am a multiple victim of the PPB
and I don't commit ANY crimes I don't even J-Walk.
I filed a complaint but that went nowhere the complaint system is a joke.
During the complaint process I was stalked by the officer that I complained about.
So I complained about that also.
I spoke to Sgt. Spainbrook of the SE precinct.
He told me the officers can do whatever they like!
He also told me that the PPB is creating a database of cyclists in Portland.
He claims they have the right to stop any cyclist (for no reason at all) and take down the personal info of the cyclist and the info on the bicycle their riding.
Since that phone call I have been stopped three times (for no reason at all). I am treated like crap and all three times they searched me and flipped my bicycle and took the info.
I would like you to do a show on WHY the PPB is creating a database of cyclists.
What possible excuse could they have ?
Can this be legal ?
I reported all of this to Mr.Saltzman and nothing has changed.
You should contact Mr.Leonard about this issue. He seems to be the only councilperson that gives a dam.
The foul treatment I have received at the hands of Public Employees (PPB) was the reason that I ran for city council.
I know the Police have a hard job, but there is no excuse for abuse and there is no reason to be secretly creating a database of cyclists.
Jerry Edward Kill. -
There is a silent but deadly epidemic in our society. Domestic violence killed seventeen people, including children, in November in the Portland area. Service providers are doing all we can to let survivors know there is a way out, but we can't do it alone. It is important to get people thinking about the violence in the homes in our community that affects 1 in 3 women and countless children. Chiquita Rollins, the Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordinator and Commisioner Dan Salzman, both play vital roles battling this epidmic and could provide and insightful discussion on the causes of domestic violence and what we can do as a community to start saving victims' lives. Thank you for your consideration of this topic.
Karen Janes
Program Manager Project UNICA
Catholic Charities El Programa Hispano
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Look People...
Being here from the Uk since 1993, I am amazed at the amount of tax dollars spent on Mt. Hood Rescue/Recover missions every year?
Hey, here's a plan, not unlike the UK. If you are going to climb a tall mountain or engage in a sport that 99% of the gen pop do not engage in....you have to pay a premium for risk/adrenalin.
I think if you are going to climb/explore/off piste snow shoe on Mt. Hood in Oregon once you need chains and a snow permit, then you need to pay a bond to cover the recovery costs that drain my freakin income taxes from the State of Oregon should you become lost/need assistance to save your bottom! Should you descend the mountain in good health, then you have a no use no fee clause and and you are elligible for a 90% back perhaps of the bond?
I love to watch racing motorcycles. Should I choose to race a motorcycle at PIR in 2010, I will have to purchase additional medical insurance as the insurance from my small business employer will not pay for my off road racing accident costs. 99% of the population choose not to race motorcyles....nor climb a snow covered mountain in the winter months!
See where I am coming from?
Fail to plan, plan to fail, REME.
Regards,
ME
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Dear David Miller
If measures 66 and 67 don't pass this coming January, the affect on more than 10,000 Developmentally Disabled persons state wide will be nothing short of devestating. From the loss of day programs to transportation to basic in-home support, the threat is real and present. It's troubling that the misinformation campaign brought on by opponents is profoundly simplistic, ignores the cause/effect on neighbors and is utterly wrong. They use the "tax killing jobs" slogan, but the support of those persons is an industry of its own. Hundreds of Oregonians will be out of work in addition to the thousands that will be left without supports. Even local business owners and leaders are coming out in opposition because they can see the danger that simplistic sloganeering can have.
I work in the field as a targeted case manager and administrator. My office is taking up a letter writing/newsletter/mailing campaign on behalf of our customers and the threat to their supports. Other support services Brokerages are doing something similar but I feel the biggest trouble Developmentally Disabled Oregonians encounter and why they end up constantly in the firing line is that they are ignored and invisible. They're someone else's neighbor or son or daughter: I hear those things all the time. A forum that introduces a majority of Oregonians who don't know their neighbors and affords them that chance to see that simple platitudes, simple sloganeering around "job killing taxes" is crucial right now.
We all know someone with a disability. People need to see that's who they're affecting now and later. Visibility is important to an underclass looking for equality. Right now we're at something of a crossroads. If this vulnerable underclass of Oregonians isn't brought to light, the damage to their standing in the community could be damaged irrevocably.
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TOL, I have a lot of suggestions of hot topics:
- Unemployment is 11.1%, but true unemployment is somewhere around 20%. People over 55, according to the US Dept. of Labor, take at least a month longer to find work than their younger counterparts. Also according to the US Dept. of Labor, people over 55 are also more likely to be in mass lay-offs. Problem!
- Intergenerational workforce. Gen Y, Gen X, Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation are all working together. Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation are going to retire. Are the Xers and Yers ready? Right now, X Gen is only middle management. (I'm an Xer, and I'm not ready to take over.) And what are the consequences as our older workforce starts to retire in the civic, public and private sectors? Is Portland ready?
- OMG - my parents are online d8ng. There's a new fad with people over 50, online dating and sexting (according to the AARP). What's it like to be back on the dating scene in the digital age?
- Green jobs. Where are they? We're a city that is bursting with innovation, but it seems an easy job market for us is falling out of grasp.
- What's happening with the interesting idea of having Portlanders comment on the Portland development plan.
- Oregon for the holidays. What do people do for traditions here, especially in a not very traditional place.
- Portland vs. Oregon. Portland politics swing liberal, but the majority of the state is conservative (excluding Eugene and perhaps Ashland). Are Oregonians mad when we elect liberals?
- Day care in Oregon. There aren't enough places to hold our children in the Portland area (waiting lists everywhere) and the day cares themselves are expensive for the quality of service. What gives?!
- Portland Business Journal does a 40 under 40, what if TOL did a 50 over 50 -- the 50 most influential people in the Portland area that are over 50.
- Media. Okay, let's have it out: newspapers vs. social media vs. radio vs. television. What do people think? And who do people turn to with ideas?
- Monthly feature: nonprofit of the month. We have tons of nonprofits in the area, more than just about any other city. (Portland is the second most active city in volunteering per capita, too.) Why not celebrate that?
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California is setting up to vote on legalizing marijuana soon. How does this effect Oregon? What about a topic on drug legalization in general? Parallels to the alcohol prohibition?
A group I find personally stimulating with lots of facts and a very unique point of view on this topic: L.E.A.P. (Law Enforcement Against Drug Prohibition) - they have guests available from the police community to speak on the show, I'd imagine. -
I'd like to hear a show about driving habits, and how they, along with respect on the road, have diminished in recent years.
Every time I travel to Portland, I am struck by how rude the drivers are- and those habits are starting to show up in Eastern Oregon. People following too close, hogging the left lane, failing to use turn signals, chatting on their cell phones, and driving about with their fog lights on are just a few of the rude, inconsiderate and downright dangerous habits that I see more and more, all across the state.
If everyone would take driving more seriously- read the rules, be courteous, and take more pride in driving, we would all find driving a lot less stressful.
I doubt many of those yakking on their cell phones realize how little attention they are paying to the road, or how many times they didn't use their turn signals. I doubt many of those who drive about with their fog lights on all the time realize it is illegal.
So what can we do to stop things from getting worse, and actually get back to where driving is a pleasurable experience?
I'd like to hear everyone's views on the subject.
Respectfully,
Paul.
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I listened to your show -last week-on homelessness -and was quite struck by calls from family members of those who are homeless due to alcohol and addiction problems. I tuned in near the end, so maybe you covered this. There is a very active recovery community(AA) in Portland and Vancouver - and also a very active program -Al-Anon- for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts. I wish you would do a show on this topic -unless you already have.
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Some Oregonians have been out of work more than 6 months - some have given up even looking for a job now. What's the experience of job hunters out there? Have their lost health care? Are they afraid of going bankrupt? Will they lose their home??
When can we expect job growth in Oregon to start again? Are people still moving to Portland looking for work and how does that impact people who are living here?
AARP, Life by Design, Easter Seals and Metropolitan Family services have been working with the 50+ population, but there are lots of organizations helping younger workers as well.
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Hello,
I am a local author. My name is Mahi Hawronsky. If you would be interested in having me on your monthly Northwest passages I would be honored. You can see what I write about at booksbymahi.com
My primary focus is guiding others to live from their Heart rather than from their ego. Until we become consious of our ego based identity and how to shift beyond that and create an identity that is heart based, we cannot solve the ongoing problems of conflict, poverty and injustice in the world.
Even during times of economic prosperity one third of the world still lives in poverty. I would like to discuss why this is and how our ecomomic system is not so much capitalistic as ego based....based on rewarding the false identity of the ego. Any solution to this raises the defenses of the ego and the ego labels these solutions as evil. Until we understand what a heart based economy of sharing is, we cannot heal the poverty and inequality in the world.
We have all the tools to create ENOUGH for all. God does not cuase us to suffer. It is our ego identity which creates an economic heirarchy that creates the poverty in the world. I would like to discuss this topic with you. The topic of how we can create true community and end poverty by moving beyond ego and into heart based identity.
Thank you,
Mahi
mahi@jeffnet.org
cell number 541-324-7908
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Are you planning a show regarding the ramifications of revenue reductions to governments concerning real estate investment trusts and the business energy tax credits?
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Very much enjoyed listening to the recent broadcast with Shaindel Beers. I would appreciate it if when interviewing someone with a rather unusual name e.g., Shiandel Beers, you would spell their name for your listeners. I didn't at first catch the name of Ms Beers' book, and was unable to find her with an internet search. Then, when I did get the title, A Brief History of Time, I was of course lead to Hawkings. After twenty frustrating minutes I finally realized all I had to do was go to OPB. I am a little slow sometimes. Anyway, thanks for the great programs, Cathy Steadman Cox
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In the State of Oregon, in the case of divorce, if one parent does not wish to agree to joint custody of minor children, the case must go to trial. Oregon is one of only eight (my last information) states in the country which DO NOT presume joint custody unless there are mitigating circumstances. This, in most cases, results in fathers being limited to something like an every-other-weekend and half of vacations schedule. If a mother is not drug or alcohol dependent, abusive, or morally unfit, mom gets the kids in most cases. This is unfair to good dads who wish to remain fully involved in the lives of their children, to the benefit of all. The law needs to be changed.
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For your Finding Solutions series, I have a number of ideas.
How do we fix our local news media to truthfully explain our economic and political situation? (I think we need more citizen and non-profit media, less for-profit corporate bleck).
How do we fix our seemingly intractable political issues? (I think we need more truth telling from people like Bill Moyers and Terry Gross, seeking the truth from sources, instead of political fireworks, like Meet The Press or Fox News.) Our politics is not so divided. There is just a minority yelling very loudly.
Why is our economy so cyclical? Can we ever imagine an economy that does not harm so many people every few years? Do we really want so much Wall Street Derivative-driven economic "growth", if it means that so many in our society are harmed so badly every half dozen years?
Why does our medical system not work? Why do we pay so much and get treated so poorly by the "system"? We all individually have "good doctors", but we get bad outcomes. Do we need to focus more aggressively on non-pharmaceutical, preventative lifestyles? Do we need to completely change how we insure the health of our bodies?
Just a few thoughts.
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Howdy,
I want to suggest a guess for your NW Passages series. Dana Haynes is a mystery writer living in Portland. He was a journalist for a number of years and is now Public Affairs Manager for Portland Community College. Dana wrote three novels under a pen name (Conrad Haynes) and is now experiencing new success with one novel coming out this year and a sequel already completed. Dana is smart and funny and wicked talented. He's also been a guest on your show in his capacity as Public Affairs Manager. I'd love to hear him talk about his writing.
Thanks,
adam
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Would you be interested in doing a show about cell towers and health effects? I am part of a neighborhood group in NE Portland that is opposing a cell tower installation in a residential area. Our opposition arises from health concerns,especially for our children, aesthetics, noise concerns, and decline in property values.
The European Union has taken action and passed legislation to limit cell towers. The International Association of Firefighters opposes their placement on firehouses. In Portland and other cities all over the world small groups have formed to oppose these towers in their communities.
City officials in Portland have taken some action, requiring cellular providers to notify nearby residents. But the FCC rules say that local municipalities cannot oppose these towers and cannot use health effects as a reason, so our political reps say their hands are tied. In addition there is an entire office of Cable and Franchise Management in the city of Portland government. Fees from the cell towers are a major income generator for the city.
FULL SIGNAL DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR HERE IN PORTLAND
As part of our efforts to educate the public our neighborhood group is bringing the new documentary "Full Signal" to Portland in mid-February. The film's director, Talal Jabari, will be speaking. "Full Signal" is already winning awards at film festivals. Jabari would be available to be on your show, either by phone or in person.Here is our website:
www.respectpdx.org
Thanks,
Anne T
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Students at Southridge High School in Beaverton are reaching out to area high schools to raise awareness about the proposed "Kill the Gays" law soon to be voted on in Uganda. These students are amazing leaders and would love a change to tell what they have learned from this Respect Humanity: Uganda project. The march and rally starts at noon on January 23rd. They need your help! Contact the school and their GSA advisor to arrange the show!
Here are some recent links:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/1/11/823953/-OR:-Plans-solidifying-for-Southridge-High-School-student-clubs-Respect-Humanity-rally-
http://pamshouseblend.com/diary/14780/or-plans-blossoming-for-southridge-high-school-student-clubs-respect-humanity-rally
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November of last year the US Army brought criminal charges against a woman in Georgia refusing deployment to Afghanistan. She has a son and her child care arrangements collapsed. There were new developments in this story this week. Should people with children join the military? Is this a reasonable set of charges?
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Today, the Oregon Solar Code Committee meets in Salem, OR, to hold its latest public hearing on the statewide Solar Code it is developing. The implementation of this statewide code as it has been written thus far can have devastating effects on the growth of the residential solar market.
Committee members claim to represent not only the firefighters but also solar industry installers as a whole. This is not reflected in the profiles of those appointed to the committee. The members mostly represent large, commercial-sized installation interests, not the Energy Trust Trade Allies. According to the ETO, 80% + solar incentives applications received were for systems smaller than 10 kW. Most residential installers are challenged to install systems larger than 3 kW due to shading issues and lack of rooftop capacity.
If the code passes as presently written, with rules that severely restrict rooftop capacity, Oregon's role as a "leading solar manufacturer" and "green jobs" supporter would be greatly compromised. Additionally, this would be detrimental to the success of the feed-in-tariff pilot program. If Oregon is to see continued growth in "green jobs", meet state renewable energy portfolio mandates, and make real progress toward developing sustainable, domestic renewable power sources, this proposed statewide solar code would turn back the clock on progress we as Oregonians have been so proud to talk about. Oregon already suffers from a black eye as regards the BETC. The local solar industry cannot afford to lose ground if it is to be truly viable for residential homeowners and taxpayers, not just large commercial interests.
The committee chair at the last public hearing stated that this would be the first statewide solar code of its kind, that other states are looking to see what OR does in hopes of modeling their own statewide codes. In the same breath, the chair justifies the firefighter access restrictions with the statement that "This is what CA is doing." This is not California, and we cannot afford to inherit their fight. Please look into this.
Thank you!
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i would strongly urge you to do a show on the haitian community in portland in the wake of the earthquake right now. having listened to the BBC show World Have Your Say cover the earthquake from florida for the past three days, versus TOL which has simply been proceeding with its usual shows (today's was on the paper industry in oregon, relevant in a regular news week but likely falling on deaf ears this week), TOL seems really out of touch with the world right now. the oregonian has been covering this story every day in its hard news articles AND with community driven stories -- local gatherings in support of haitian relatives and friends, candlelight vigils that have been held, profiles of individuals with connections to haiti, relief organizations that are sending support. where is your coverage of these local aspects of this international crisis? the world is a village and TOL this week could have helped be oregon's link to that village and i feel like it has failed.
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Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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Doctors' view on our healthcare payment system, Medicare as we know it and the problems it generates. How do we encourage our youth to pursue a medical career with as much derogatory comments, media fostered distrust, popular dismay with medical bills.
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A show on wind power would be much appreciated. Is it really as green as we are lead to believe? Who owns these companies? Is there any local say in where they are placed? I live in La Grande. Across the valley, almost surrounding the town of Union at the base of the Wallowa mountains, a massive wind farm is planned for installation, and the community really knows nothing about it as it has not been discussed on the local level. Thank you.
Kevin March
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The Human Condition?
Series focusing on what it is to be human. Life, death, birth, marriage, sex, adultery, education, love, hate, anger, and on, and on.... Sounds broad, I'm sure. But, what do others feel like out there in this abyss. Not soppy and sentimental, necessarily, but, really, what it is like to be alive, how do you do it, how does it work? What is your experience? What is my experience? What do we think of others' experiences? What do we value and abhor? How do you love and hate? How do recover from the death of a child, the death of a husband, death by divorce. Humiliation, embarrassment, joy, highs, lows. Really, everything about us, perhaps, with a focus on the emotions of the human story---because that is what it is about. Isn't it? What we feel and the way we feel it. Personal stories, psychology, philosophy all those things, and how we feel when all those things are happening. Everything out in the open.
I know this is probably absurd---maybe, naive, too hopeful? But in some ways I think those emotions, our emotions, are really the one thing we all have in common. They are what tie us together. Republicans are angry, Democrats are angry, they may never agree on the issues, but they all might feel angry the same way. So much of life, and discussion is defined by our conclusions, our side---but perhaps, not enough about our emotional experience. How we feel just to live and breathe, to win, to be frustrated. To walk in public. To look in the mirror. We are the same species, on the same planet, and in some ways, marvelously, we have created new layers, through our intellect, to define us, shine us, separate us, but still we all experience those same emotions---that tie us together. If we could understand those more. Perhaps, we could empathize more. Perhaps, we could respect each other a little bit more. Perhaps, we could learn how to live a little bit better.
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Let's have a show which explores how self awareness can lead to a better life. If we help people look within themselves, truthfully acknowledge what they're doing, then they can help themselves understand the causes of their suffering so they can reduce and eliminate them.
Too many people I know are bound by busy, fast-paced lives. They complain they are empty and dissatisfied. Some abuse drugs or mindlessly absorb television to temporarily escape. They seldom discover and explore the causes of suffering they cause themselves and others.
I write in my "anger diary" to discover sources of suffering and work out solutions. Arun Gandhi expressed the "anger diary" concept. He used it when he was a boy in South Africa to counter racism. Rather than beat somebody with his fists, he vented his anger into the diary so that is words and actions wouldn't needlessly hurt others.
My diary isn't about anger per se. "Anger" is an alias that describes one of the diary's numerous purposes.
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TOL Better Living Series: How to do More with Less
This fascinating show recently aired late night on OPB TV. I didn't realize how much water is required to produce a Starbuck's latte. This video made me think about the true cost of a thing when you add all the inputs that comprise it. I didn't realize five liters of water are required to produce a plastic lid for a Starbuck's coffee cup. I'm not picking on Starbucks, Dr. Jason used it as an example of something familiar to everyone.
http://oregonstate.edu/media/ccvbvn
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The USFS is very close to finalizing and drawing maps in preparation for its "Travel Management Rule" to take effect. The rule, issued in 2005 would prohibit motorized travel on National Forest lands, except on designated routes only. This is a 180 degree shift from what is currently allowed, and will dramatically alter how people recreate on FS lands.
Motorized travel on public lands is an emotional and contorversial issue, and would make a very entertaining, and informative show. It's doubful that the majority of Oregonians are aware that the rules governing where they can and cannot take their ATVs are about to change, in spite of the fact that the FS has had nearly five years of public meetings on the issue. A high profile show like TOL would not only go a long way toward informing them, but would help to answer some confusing questions about road closures, and access to campsites.
Information on the Travel Management Rule can be found on the USFS website.
Ed.
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The word “retarded” has become a very, very common slang term. The word seems to have lost a lot of its original meaning, and is used casually by people who would never think of using derogatory terms referring to a person’s race or sexual orientation. And it’s not just kids-- recently, it was revealed that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel used the term “F---ing Retards” during a meeting. See: http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2010/01/27/shriver-to-emanuel-27340/
As the mother of a child with Down syndrome, this word is offensive to me in the same way that the “N” word is offensive to most people today. But I hear it all the time, at least once a week, even at work.
It surprises me that there is debate about this, but there is-- very heated debate. Many people object to being told the word is offensive. They argue that we have become too thin-skinned or "politically correct", that complaining about it constitutes censorship, or that the word has lost its original meaning and so no one should be offended. But I and many others believe that words DO matter- that the way we talk about people has a direct influence on how they are treated.
I’m sure you’d be able to get many local families interested in joining in the discussion on the show. Thanks so much for your consideration!
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Dear David Please consider these authors as Guest on the OPB Think Out Loud Exchange:
Alan Weisman, The World Without Us, 2007. A thought experiment if humans suddenly disappeared from the planet in a post apocalyptic world. Ecological implications. Practical implications to our cats and dogs. Global warming implications. How does a city die?
Larry Rosen, Rewired, Understanding Generation Net. 2010. Cal State Fullerton Professor. How children and adults younger than 20, sucessfully multitask in a gadget filled, mulitmedia, social networking, gaming, text messaging, 24 hour internet caffeinated world. Where these kids fall short--maths and science. And how we can raise them successfully.
Richard Florida, Who is Your City, the Rise of the Creative Class. 2009. Population trends, Hot cities, Hot jobs, and globalism. Why where you live may determine your happiness and financial success. Where Americans are migrating in this post recession world.
Diana Wells. Lives of Trees, An Uncommon History. 2010. Fascinating book on the ecology and centrality of trees. More than half of our objects are tree based or derived. How they shape our landscape, our world, our ecology. We use them for fuel, warmth, shelter, clothing, books, history, ideas, and food. How little most people know about the trees in their own neighbohood. How different our world is without them.
Daniel Menaker. A Good Talk: the Art and Science of Conversation. An underated skill in our electronic based society. How it can be enjoyed and cultivated. How the dinner table shapes our values.
Jarret Brachman. Global Jihadism: Theory and Practice. North Dakota State Professor. Former CIA Analyst. What motivates suicide bombers? How long will the war on terrorism last. Why do normal people become radicalized. What can we do for prevention.
Sincerely, Jacob
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Harvey Araton, The Disappearing Role of the Realty Agent. NY Times 12/19/09. How the realty bubble burst, high foreclosure rates, desperate home owners, lower fees, tighter credit and the internet are reshaping the Real Estate Industry. J
ill Price, The Woman Who Can't Forget. Auto biography of a remarkable woman who is the study of a university hospital who can remember on instant recall every event for the past 30 years plus to the hour and minute. What is a photographic memory. How is life lived when you know th past so intimately? What if we cannot forget?--our mistakes, our errors, our mispeaking.
William Cohan, House of Cards, Tales of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street. The Fall of Bear Stearns and how it deserved it. How the snowball encompassed Wall Street, the Nation and the World. How finance was an oppurtunity and an catastrophe. What have we learned about the Great Recession of 2008?
Steve Knopper. Appetite for Self Destruction, The Crash of the Recording Industry. 2009. How misteps by the big record houses fumbled the digital conversion and lead to the elimination of the recording industry, record labels, and your neighborhood record store. How people get music today. Why Apple Computer has a bigger role than any company in history of recording. Why free music hurts artists but yet empowers them. Where is the future of revenue streams? I
Hope You Consider These Guests, They Could be Enlightening, Keep Up the Good Work,
Jacob
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plastic bag ban...
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I would like to hear a show about earthquake preparedness. I just sat down to try to put together an emergency kit and I realized how many things I don't have-- shut off wrench for natural gas line? Do I need one of those? How many days water supply? What kind of food to put in it?
And then there's insurance-- like many people, I have an older home, and in order to get earthquake insurance I have to strap the house to the foundation. It would be great to hear from contractors about how to get this done and what to look for in a contractor.
I've been thinking about doing this for a while but was encouraged to actually do it by the article in WWeek.
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Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/
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A show about local resources for middle and high schoolers with learning differences could introduce parents of struggling students to resources in their community. In my experience this is the time of year when parents realize their students have needs that aren't currently being met and they begin a search for additional and/or new resources.
A year and a half ago we were living in New Hampshire and realized that we would need to move in order to meet our middle school daughter's educational needs. We searched the internet to find schools in the country that might meet her needs. In the end we found that the best options were in Portland OR and moved here for our daughter to attend Gately Academy and Thomas Edison High School.
As we have spoken with people all over the community during the past year we have found that most people are unaware of Gately and Edison and that they are resources for students with learning differences. It would be a great public service to have these resources and other current community resources for students with learning differences made known in the community.
Please feel free to contact me for further information and resource contacts.
Ann Brayfield
(see OPB member list for contact info)
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I find intriguing at times how newspapers prioritize news. On FEB 03 the Oregonian printed a large photo and long caption about a Portland business. It was on the front page of the short business section. The photo showed Paul Burkhart, owner of SEKO Worldwide's Portland operation standing next to their newly installed photovoltaic solar panels. The projection is that it will provide 80 percent of the facility's power needs. It will allow them to sell excess power to PGE. Buried in the caption is the factor that makes this story important. With the federal and state rebates Burkhart estimates he can make a retun on his investment within three years. This has the sound of a important phase in energy independence and power pricing. If SEKO's experience holds consistent we may have a model that could be used to take all our government offices and schools off the grid. Even if the break even time is twice as long this is great news. This also has the sound of a quick start-up green jobs program for this region.
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I am trying to solicit help from OPB and Think Out Loud to spread the word about Honoring Our River: A Student Anthology (HOR). HOR is a non-profit literary and arts anthology sponsored by Portland General Electric, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Wildwood/Mahonia, the Willamette Partnership and SOLV.
HOR began ten years ago as an effort to stimulate awareness of an important and fragile resource, the Willamette River. Our goal has been to foster basin-wide participation from students of all ages and disciplines. The project is designed to nurture respect and appreciation for the river system that connects all basin dwellers and to provide a showcase for creative student writing and artwork that honors our river.
I would appreciate it if OPB and Think Out Loud could help us by announcing the upcoming submission deadline (Feb. 28th) on air next week (maybe with one or more students reading a published piece from last years anthology?) And, if possible by making HOR a featured story -- or tied to larger story concerning our watershed or nature writing in general -- later in the year to coincide with the publishing of our 10th Anniversary anthology on Earth Day.
Learn more about the anthology and read past submissions by visiting our website: http://www.honoringourriver.org/Thanks so much.
Travis Henry | LEED AP
Vice President
Wildwood, Inc.
503-585-8789 -
Good morning -
If you'd be interested in a show on addiction/alcoholism, I've written a memoir entitled "Hungry Tigers: A Candid Account of Addiction and Recovery." It was published last year. I'm a local author, having lived in the Portland area all my life (56 years). To see more on my book, please visit my website at: www.garyswoboda.com.
The day before I checked into rehab, my lifelong friend died of a heroin overdose. I've been clean and sober since, almost eleven years now. In addition to my own battles, I've lost two stepsons to addiction-related causes. Michael, the oldest, was stabbed to death in a park in Los Angeles fourteen years ago. The youngest, Casey, died of a heroin overdose in our basement four years ago. Finding him like that was the most devastating moment of my life. Both times I was the one who had to relate these tragedies to my wife. And both times I thought she would die in my arms.
Much of the story of my personal addiction involves the pursuit of narcotic pain medication. Alcohol was always a constant in my life, and I spent a number of years abusing cocaine, but the pain pills became my number one drug of choice. (My addiction to heroin was relatively short-lived, just a few months.) I abused pain pills for many years, and went to insane lengths to procure them. This form of addiction has become a virtual epidemic in this country, and as such, is a highly relevant topic these days.
On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to the documentary tonight on Vortex. I was there those many years ago, and speak about the experience in my book...
Please let me know if you're interested. My email is garywillyswo@yahoo.com.
Thanks.
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We are gearing up for community garden reservations out here in Gresham and I thought a program on community gardening would be interesting. After looking around the TOL site I was reminded of all the great shows that have already been done around gardening. But I wonder if this subject matter has legs?
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I suggest a show about earthquake preparedness in the City of Portland and surrounding environs. I am especially conscious of the extremely dangerous Multnomah County Courthouse and the difficulty of getting anyone to seriously consider closing it down as it would "pancake" in an earthquake because of the way it was built and the corrosion to the pieces holding it together. I am sure that there are other buildings that are equally dangerous and everyone should realize that the quake will come sooner or later. Thanks.
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Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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I just suggested a show on earthquake preparedness but I would also like a show about concepts! I think passing the concept of national health insurance is HUGE and the details will get worked out over the years to come. It is getting people to understand and accept over all concepts that is the job of the policy makers and the job of the technocrats is to work out the minutiae. One of the problems we have with legislation is that once the elements start being discussed factions are created all over the place. First, let's just get the CONCEPT accepted. I don't know if you can make a show about that philosphical issue and legislation but I think it is a large part of what is wrong with our legislative process.
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Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff about EQuakes
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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Please consider doing a show on the new power lines that Idaho Power is trying to string across eastern Oregon. It's very controversial out here. Many of us fear that our greatest asset--our landscape--will be ruined. The Blue Mountain Eagle out of John Day has run several lengthy articles about the issue, but opposition is much wider than just Grant County.
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I think a program on The Corporatocracy and the hijacking of democracy is in order. I may be "radical" by some standards, but I believe the Congress of the United States of America to be the biggest bribe taking crime family in the world.
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I'd like to suggest it's a good time for a show about brain injury in Oregon. This is an issue for civilians and military veterans alike.
The Brain Injury Association of Oregon (BIAOR) has sponsored legislation (HB 3692) that will add a general assessment of $5.00 on moving violations, including DUIIs. The money will fund a Brain Injury Trust Fund, to be used for statewide information and referral, support groups, and the creation of an advisory committee at the state level. A high percent of traumatic brain injuries is caused by motor vehicle accidents, and many of those are alcohol related.
BIAOR is holding its annual educational meeting March 4-6 in Portland. (www.biaor.org) Governor Kulongowski and Senator Wyden are two of the elected officials who are supporting the meeting and giving welcome speeches.
March is Brain Injury Awareness month in Oregon.
OHSU has a series of lectures on brain awareness.
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/research-institutes/brain-institute/
Sherry Stock, the Executive Director of BIAOR, would be an excellent speaker.
Please write for more information.
Thank you,
Amy Ream, MD
Board member, BIAOR
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There is a situation at the University of Oregon that would make a very great addition to a story about educational quality at our nation's (and our state's) universities. Ken DeBevoise is a senior instructor in the political science department at the University of Oregon. Professor De Bevoise has been at UO for about 15 years, as a GTF, visiting professor, adjunct professor and most recently senior instructor. Year after year he has been one of the highest rated professors on campus according to student assessments. In a time where universities are becoming like degree factories, and students often skate through their undergraduate coursework without even having stepped foot in the library, DeBevoise's courses are a breath of fresh air. Though the work is grueling, it results in some of the most intelligent dialogue on a diverse range of topics (from the Middle East to urban politics to criminal justice, and much more) that you'll find in the entire state of Oregon, if not in the country. He is also one of very few professors teaching courses that provide a comprehensive study on the Middle East, a region that is clearly of great import to our current and future political discourse. Additionally, Professor De Bevoise, or Ken as his students know him, knows each of his students by name, and he genuinely cares about them, long after they have left his class and the university.
We have recently learned that the university is planning to eliminate his position because the political science department wants to shift funds to strengthen its research capacity. More than 300 current and former UO students and parents around the world have gotten together via facebook and email, trying to stop this terrible move by the U of O.
Andrew Bransford
andrew.bransford@gmail.com
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Recently there have been a number of articles and studies about the state of higher education in the US today which indicate that our university system is broken and must be fixed. Here is an article from the Winter 2010 issue of Democracy: A Journal of Ideas that goes into some depth about the issue of educational quality at universities throughout the country, and what should be done to improve transparency of outcomes. In addition to this, the New York Times ran this story on February 17 about a study which found that the public is not happy with the state of higher education today. From the introduction to the study, Squeeze Play 2010, "Six out of 10 Americans now say that colleges today operate more like a business, focused more on the bottom line than on the educational experience of students. Further, the number of people who feel this way has increased by 5 percentage points in the last year alone, and is up by 8 percentage points since 2007."
To what extent are universities (particularly as publicly funded institutions) responsible for hiring and maintaining a staff of educators, and to what extent should their primary focus be research? While the two ideas are not necessarily mutually exclusive - certainly there are great researchers who are also great teachers, and vice versa - which should be the priority? Is it appropriate to sacrifice teacher quality in the name of carrying out research whose repercussions are often esoteric and scarcely felt outside academic circles? Which priority (teacher quality or research) does the public believe is more important? Which does the university administration think should be the priority? Are the two stances compatible?
Jonna Lynn Mehrens
jonnalynn@gmail.com
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The story of Dr. Ken Debevoise at the U of O would be a great way to address this serious national issue in a local way. The University of Oregon is, in effect, saying that because Instructor Debevoise is not an active researcher, he has no value to the University.
Anyone who believes that public universities serve a valuable purpose as centers of undergraduate education as well as research will find this issue important. Ken Debevoise is probably one of the most inspiring teachers in Oregon, with a true talent for helping undergraduates get the most out of their public education. If the University follows through with the decision to phase out Dr. Debevoise, it will be taking an important step away from undergraduate education as a co-equal priority with research.
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This column from The Oregonian also speaks to this issue.
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/03/a_retired_professor_speaks_out.html
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Please turn your spotlight on John Day. Last week, the Aryan Nations announced that they are looking for property and want to move their national headquarters here. When the AN stayed in a local hotel to check out the area, they frightened the non-white housekeepers and the hotel owners say they are not welcome again though they already have reservations to return. The AN say they find the area attractive because it is remote, has mountains (for training exercises), and because they believe they would be "a good fit with the values here." NOT TRUE! On Saturday, there was a protest organized by word-of-mouth which attracted 75-100 people--not bad for 2 days notice from a population of around 2,000 people including Canyon City. On Friday, Feb. 26, the local newspaper will host meetings featuring Atty. Norm Gissel and human rights activist Tony Stewart who helped sue the AN back in Idaho in order to "talk about ways to meet this threat to our values." Please contact the Blue Mountain Eagle (541) 575-0710 or check out the Eagle's website: MyEagleNews.com for more info. The more people who know about this potential catastrophe, the better chance we have of stopping it.
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Thanks for the tip! Here's the show:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/grant-county-keep-out
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A new wave of emphasis on the importance of Transition in our Public Education system is a very important concept that all educators, community leaders, local business communities, parents, political junkies and most importantly "typical" students/young adults and students/young adults with disabilities need to understand.
Oregon is one of the leaders in this movement with the Youth Transition Program. See ytporegon.org.
The Youth Transition Program (YTP) is a comprehensive transition program for youth with disabilities operated collaboratively by the office of Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the University of Oregon (U of O), and local school districts statewide in Oregon. The purpose of the program is to prepare youth with disabilities for employment or career related post secondary education or training.
YTP was initially developed in seven high schools in 1990 under the auspices of a federal grant. The program currently operates in approximately 120 high schools in Oregon and is funded through a combination of state and local funds from participating education and rehabilitation agencies. OVRS contracts with a team from the U of O to provide training and technical assistance to school and rehabilitation personnel statewide. (ytporegon.org)
I suggest you contact YTP Technical Advisor Peter Fitzgerald, U of O Professor Lorren Lindstrom, and Oregon Vocational Rehab Services representative Clayton Reese. These individuals are the "holy trinity" when it comes to preparing youth for transition.
This needs to be discussed because any positive impact on our youth will show dramatic economic stimulus, increase in community health and well being, and strengthen the future of America.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jim WinklerYouth Transition Specialist
Sherwood High School
Sherwood, OR
jwinkler@sherwood.k12.or.us
503.825.5539
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I think you could do a great show about college and graduate student projects throughout the state and the sort of impact they make on the region and even sometimes the country. I am in the PSU Masters in Urban and Regional Planning program and we are required to do a planning project within the community. These projects can have a long lasting effect in the community and these sort of projects take place at many levels within the Oregon university system. The point is how much unpaid student time is put into real work that has a huge effect on the region and the state. You could have some university chairs and students representing interesting projects. Maybe even Wim Wiewel will come on!
Leah Hyman
leahhyman@gmail.com
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Recently the NW Power and Conservation Council released their "blueprint" for managing the region's energy/environmental issues. Their unanimous recommendations call for aggressive conservation/efficiency solutions, an approach that has received scant attention in the quest to meet our burgeoning energy demands. They project that we can reduce energy demands by 85% thru conservation/efficiency methods with the remaining 15% accommodated with appropriate new technology. This is an astounding and I believe achievable goal. I suggest that you might include spokesmen from the Council, legislators, gov. office etc. to further bring these findings out for public awareness and discussion.
5
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re the comment about the NWPCC here is the link to their website.
<www.nwpcc.org/energy/powerplan/6/default.htm>
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Why aren't the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile being used as "teachable moments" by media that are more "mass" than Willamette Week? (1/27/10) Every time I see coverage on TV or hear stories on radio - even OPB - I shake my head at the lost opportunity to remind us that we too were due for a big one - like - yesterday.
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Hi
I am intersted about 'quakes too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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Given that Oregon and Washington are overdue for a subduction earthquake equal to or greater than the Chile quake, a program on the State's preparedness for this eventuality would be appropriate.
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Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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I'd like to hear a show about PDX earthquake and other disaster relief preparedness. "Water for 72 hours" is not enough. If we have a 'quake, and the roads are broken up, when do you think "someone" will get to you ? The airport will go under, 911 will be over whelmed and landslides. Do you want to wait days or do you want to know how to do something for yourself. And what we as neighbors can do about preparedness and taking care of our selves and neighbors. And what will you do if you aren't at home or work when it happens. We aren't as ready as you think. And Good Sam laws about helping.
You could ask someone from POEM and the PFD and PDX PREPARED. -
Hi
I am intersted too
TOL doesn't seem to respond so here's some stuff
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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After Chip Kelly's response to court appearances of two Oregon football players, I am dismayed and angry at the differences in the team suspensions:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124638036
The player who stole items was suspended for the next season, while the player who committed domestic abuse was suspended for one game. With all of the recent stories and deaths from domestic abuse in this state this frustrates me. I think that the message sent to the community says that its not that bad to be an abuser; but don't steal someone's stuff.
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Google Fiber for Portland
Google has put out a request for information (RFI) for municipaties to compete for a 1 gigabyte fiber test project. This test will be for 50 to 500 thousand homes. Portland is competing for this project.
On March 15th, the City will vote on a resolution to authorise the response to Google's project hoping to get an investment worth hundreds of millions of dollars to test the viablility of high-speed internet access.
Google is interested in how municipalities will respond but also how communities will respond as well.
Should Portland compete for this project?
Why would a 1 gigabyte pipeline be important to a community such as ours?
Isn't our internet connection fast enough? Is there enough competition for market forces to allow better service?
What is Portland's edge in this competition?
Other communites are doing stunts like changing their name to Google. How do we get our community excited by this prospect?
Why should citizens be skeptical of the Portland Fiber Community Project?
What does the tech and business community think about all this?
The players:
David Olsen and Mary Beth Henry of the City of Portland's office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management
Interested citizens:
In Tech:
Sheldon Renan (Tech strategist, consulting with the city)
Ward Cunningham (father of Wikis)
Michael Weinberg (of PDX Community Fiber)
In business:
Jerry Ketel (Creative, President of Portland Advertising Federation)
Jason Glaspey (Web and social media strategist, member of PIE)
links
http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi
http://www.pdxcommunityfiber.com/
http://www.portlandonline.com/cable/index.cfm?c=45468
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Today's show was interesting. I correspond with an inmate on death row, and this show gave me a better idea of what life is like there. For a future show, I think a show exploring the death penalty, why we have it, is it morally right, and related questions. What countries have the death penalty and which countries don't.
Thank you.
Carl Kapocias
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Hello TOL:
I have been exposed to this topic through the work of an intern I am supervising and also met her internship supervisor on site. The organization is SARC- Sexual Assult Resource Center in Washington County. As I listened to the intern and supervisor describe what they have been working on I thought to myself what a great topic for TOL. They are the only program in the US to work with 13-18 year-olds in the sex trafficing industry. SARC is also a comprehensive sexual assault resource center which is quite impressive. I thought you might explore the sex traffic industry for youth in the Portland metro area...causes, services, and solutions as well as related topics. Contact is Liz Jacobsen- 503-626-9100
Thanks for your time and a great show.
Leslie Allen
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I really enjoyed your interview on David Douglas this morning. Another important NW explorer that isn't as well known was Theodore Winthrop who did many interesting explorations in the northwest, especially in the Puget Sound region, the cascades, and the Olympic Penninsula. Timothy Egan, an author living in the Seattle area, has written an excellent book on northwest history titled The Good Rain: Across Tie and Territory in the Pacific Northwest. I have met Mr. Egan (Willamette University gave him an honorary degree last May) and he is an excellent conversationalist and would make an ideal guest on your program. Tim Egan discusses Winthrop quite extensively in that book.
Grant Thorsett
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With historic passage of Healthcare Reform, it would be interesting to tell the story of local political and social activists, including those no longer with us, who had a hand (or forepaw) in advocating for affordable healthcare.
Babe, my service dog for eight years, barked and blogged for healthcare reform. Barked every night until she passed away, just days before the bill was signed.
Babe was good at making her self heard, at defining the issues, drawing attention to the bottom line, and what needed to be addressed. Just as she tirelessly corrected me. Border collies are like that.
I know it's sort of ridiculous; including a dog in the story behind grass roots advocacy for healthcare, but it can't be as crazy as the chaos, the political absurdities we've witnessed in the last year and more.
Maybe it's time for a lighthearted, and sobering look back.
Many thousands of Oregonians gave of their time and resources behind the scenes and on the streets to see this thing through. Their efforts contributed to making a difference for us, our children, and generations to come.
You can visit Babe's blog at http://www.thecolliereport.wordpress.com
or our homeblog at http://www.christopherkliks.wordpress.com
Christopher Kliks
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Saw this article on the BBC News website about "prepper's" (people who are preparing for disasters but aren't as extreme as survivalists). Considering we're in earthquake country, this might be an interesting show.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8587464.stm
MSB
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Hi
We have a PDX thing called NETs. Join it here
http://www.pdxprepared.com/
TOL did a show
listen
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/is-oregon-prepared/
do this
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=3930
or this
http://www.oregonredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2844&OP=2845&IDCapitulo=663B0ID44V
mostly join NETs
http://www.pdxprepared.com/

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Is fibromyalgia a disease?
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This is a website design comment. When entering a comment to respond to an active show, there is a large blue button saying "Add your comment>>" above the editing window. Below is it a smaller gray button saying "submit comment."
More than once I've typed in a comment and clicked the blue button to try to enter it because I didn't notice the smaller "submit comment" button. If I do this, the comment is lost. I'll bet a lot of user comments are lost in this way.
It would be better design to disable or remove the big blue button when the editing window is active for comment entry, or to change its function so that when clicked it submits the comment. The gray "submit comment" button actually isn't needed in that case.
I'm sure frequent posters have this behavior down pat, but for occasional visitors, it would make the site far more usable and bring a larger group of contributors as well.
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Thanks for this feeback. I'll add it to our list of things to consider as we tweak the site.
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An interesting show topic is the sage grouse population decline. It turns out that in Oregon sage grouse can be legally hunted, and 900 birds per year on average are killed. You could invite representatives from Oregon Fish & Wildlife, Audubon, the Sierra Club, biologists, and others to talk about the issues facing the decline of this species. Recently the Obama administration refused to list the bird as endangered so the hunting continues. Should hunting be stopped? Can more habitat be protected? What new threats, such as wind power development, does the species face? There are lots of excellent discussion topics here.
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Children’s Bereavement programs offered by Partner’s in Care, hospice services in Bend. Oregon.
This programs offers services to help children through the grieving process. The program offers individual/family services and ongoing groups within schools (Elementary-High School). Over 100 students served each year in the school program. This year the third summer art camp for students will be offered. It is supported by adult and teen volunteers and local art groups in Bend. It is offered free of charge and has been filled each year.
Eileen Grover, the program director, has just produced and locally published a work booklet for use with families. It has a parent’s pullout section with information and suggested conversation and activity guides to help their child address grieving issues. The children’s section has age appropriate work pages that helps the child express their feelings through this process.
I feel that this is an important service since the unaddressed loss of a significant individual in a young person’s life can profoundly affect their social and emotional development. If this subject has not yet been profiled, I think it would be something of interest.
Partner’s In Care, Children’s Bereavement, Hospice Center
Director: Eileen Grover
541-383-3910
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I believe I heard in the Sunday news(OPB)- a Judge in Pasco Wash. Granted Water Rights to a new cattle feeder lot (30,000 head of cows) over the rights of the local farmers who now draw that water for irrrigration!
This many cows in one location is Abominable! Factory Beef- at the expence of all of us- & an act of ecology be dammed!
How many Chickens, Pigs, Milk Cows and Beef Cows are made to live under these horrible conditions in Oregon? I'd like to know!
What can the average citizen do to have these pratices- condimed and out lawed!
Joanne
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not to mention the water expense. the Judge was following the water law. The law is not up to date. change the water law.
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During the recent round of city of portland plan consultation workshops, the mayor in his slide presentation showed some stats that said that the city of seattle allocates a MUCH larger budget per head of population for arts and culture than does Portland.
This is a very interesting contrast of statistical data, because Portland has such an incredibly renowned and vibrant cultural life DESPITE this apparent disparity in support from the city itself.
It would make a great show to explore why this should be so.
Are - e.g. personal values; the enthusiasm and energy of youth; a willingness to use creative means to create rather than let money alone determine what is possible or not; or other forces - playing a more significant role and one of greater importance in fostering a vibrant and lively, grass roots driven culture? Is money and even 'professionalism' not quite as important to a city's creative outcomes, possibilities and environments, as might be commonly assumed?
Why can (or how can) a smallish city like Portland achieve such an outstanding reputation for its community's cultural life? What really gives here? And what can we and all other cities learn from this?
As a former cultural development officer these questions hit me immediately.
(Maybe Oregon Artbeat could also explore these issues in one of its programs as well.)
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Better education for buyers People who are buying a big ticket item: a house or car, who have not bought within maybe 5 years, should be required to take an independent class on loans (independent from the lender). If we can't/ don't/ won't legislate against predatory lending or if lenders keep finding ways around the laws, then we must educate the buyer. Buyer Beware, not Lender be legitimate.
As long as lobbyists are so strong and Greenspan didn't see the train wreck coming, then "the people" must learn to walk on their own two feet.
This critical thinking education could also be applied in every day life, finding a spouse, rearing children and reading voter's pamplets.
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Howard Wooldridge will be in Portland between May 2 and May 6 on a speaking tour. Howard spent 18 years in law enforcement, many of those working on narcotics. He is a founding member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a colorful character and a great speaker.
This is a good time to talk about drug policy. California has a marijuana tax and regulate initiative going on the fall ballot. A similar initiative effort is underway here in Oregon. There are now 36,000 patients registered in Oregon's medical marijuana program, and a dispensary initiative will likely be on the ballot here this fall. Drug prohibition is the most politically correct position this side of apple pie, but this is breaking down - there will be changes soon. You can check out Howard at
http://leap.cc/cms/index.php?name=Speakers&bio=23
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A new international eco-certification can help revitalize the seafood industry in the Northwest.
A small fleet of Northwest tuna boats has just become the second tuna fishery in the U.S. to be awarded a prestigious eco-certification by the Marine Stewardship Council www.msc.org . The Western Fishboat Owners Association www.pacificalbacore.com now can use MSC's eco-label on its products-indicating that the seafood was caught from a sustainable fish population using environmentally sound methods.
The fleet of family-run boats hopes the international recognition will help revitalize the declining U.S. albacore industry, hit hard by fuel hikes, increasing regulation, and competition from cheap, overseas labor.
Currently about 80% of the U.S. is exported (Asia, Europe) with the remaining sold in the U.S. and Canada markets. The group hopes the certification will attract more local interest from chefs and consumers looking for local, sustainable suppliers.
Oregon, where the majority of the tuna is landed, is fast becoming the U.S. capital of sustainable seafood with four commercial fisheries awarded the certification (hake, pink shrimp, halibut, albacore).
Happy to arrange interviews or provide additional information. Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards,
Valerie Silverman Kerr, valerie@crocmedia.com 914-806-6647
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Lately I have been reading a lot about the idea of unpaid internships and how the President wants to make it illegal for for-profit companies(Companies other than non-profit organizations, government agencies etc) to utilize unpaid interns. The Oregonian even ran a story on April 21st called "Unpaid internships remain thorny issue for students, employers" I want to know are unpaid internships a good idea or is it just a form of exploitation on the behalf of some companies. The Oregonian story referenced some individuals who performed the duties of paid professionals, but received no compensation. Another person was told that her internship was paid only to find out that after the work was done that it was an "Unpaid Internship." I think this topic would make for a great show because unpaid internships are sounding more like scams for some companies to get free labor without providing any real valuable experience for interns. Possible guests could include companies who do provide valuable unpaid internships and believe in the importance of them or interns who have had negative experiences with unpaid internships. My philosophy of a beneficial unpaid internship is whenever the company makes it a priority about what can we do for you rather than what can you do for us.
-Brea-
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Thanks for the suggestion! Here's the show:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/internships-101/
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Tol,
I'm not sure if you're familiar with a proposed wind turbine project scheduled for Middle Mtn. just outside of Hood River, but it has been a pretty decisive issue in our area. There are people here for it and against it, but the biggest concern is that it isn't currently something that will be put out on a ballot for county citizens to vote on it. It's proposed cost is somewhere around $24 mil., twice the county's annual budget. There seem to be alot of questions unanswered about whether or not it is a good choice economically, or if its worth the clearcuts and altering of the views in an area that is largely driven by tourism.
I think it would be a good thing for our area and any other smaller county that is considering wind farms to look into what the real costs are and how the counties in which they are placed benefit.
I'm currently on the fence, and like many others here would like more information on the whole project and its long term effects. I'm not the person to talk to, but there is a citizens group set up called Gorge Forum that has much more information about the project and are currently working on a petition to at least get the issue on a ballot. Their website is at gorgeforum.org.
Thanks for your consideration,
Jake MacDonnell
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It's coming on to summer and another season of farmers markets, but local farmers are in jeopardy.
As we look forward to a bounty of local produce, there is a well-intentioned bill soon coming up for a vote in the Senate that, if left unchanged, could put the small farmers we've purchased from and chatted with each season out of business.
S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, is a necessary bill for creating the transparency, traceability and accountability needed in the industrial agriculture corporations that currently supply most of our country's food.
Problem is, as the bill now stands, small local farmers will be lumped in with these corporations, even though their scale and approach to growing and selling is vastly different. Amendments have been introduced to S. 510 and there is increasing producer and consumer demand that the Senate support and pass an amended bill.
Although TOL had a good show on food safety last December, it didn't examine the issue in terms of how scale of operation and accountability relate, and specifically the effect that the current bill would have on Oregon's small direct market farmers and burgeoning local foods economy.
The question is not whether we should have food safety standards - we should - but how the regulations enforcing these standards are to be applied to ensure accountability and traceability. My take is that since small farms are already regulated by state and local laws, their approach to growing and selling straight to consumers ensures accountability and traceability, and how all of the recent food safety outbreaks have been in the industrial ag sphere - small farms should be exempted from the final federal bill.
It would be great if you revisited the topic and involved small farmers, restaurants that purchase locally, Farm to School program coordinators, and local food buyers; perhaps representatives from Farm Aid, Local Harvest, or Organic Consumers Association; as well as voices from the industrial agriculture sphere (which includes big organic and also even small farms that sell to big food processors) to balance the conversation.
Thanks for giving it some thought,
Shaun -
You ask, and we deliver (admittedly a few weeks late)! Here's the show:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/farmer-market-economy/
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A topic on the future of the internet, how we'll be connected to it and the ramifications.
Verizon has placed their stake in the ground behind wireless connectivity when they sold out Portland FIOS users to Frontier Communications. There's logic behind this as wireless Smartphones and Tablets gain computing power and begin to make serious inroads into traditional laptops in a few years.
Will 'wired' users begin to see the impact as they are relegated to the backwaters of internet performance (end of bandwidth increases, volume caps, etc.)?
Can wireless connectivity infrastructure keep pace as the transition takes place without federal/state/local intervention? Or will we see significant price bumps for connectivity that would threaten to further the digital divide?
Given that our primary media connection (movies, TV, books... OPB) is likely to be streamed via the internet and volume-based pricing becomes very expensive very fast in these scenarios, are our local serive providers willing to pledge support for net-neutrality (defined here as unlimited volume per user for the base price)?
Who can we, as the consumer, lobby to enable a future that promises at least the semblance of equal access for all?
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See my post about the department of homeland security's seizure of 82 websites.
I'm interested your topic too but mostly because other countries such as South Korea have much much faster internet and Estonia is a wifi hotspot.
This is because of a principle in technological anthropology called the limitations of prior accomplishment it simply states that if a country is an early innovator in a technology it might object to tearing out and replacing the first generation infrastructure with upgrades. This often means that the first country becomes a weaker competitor compared to other, originally less innovative countries that have nothing to replace and are free to use the newest versions.
I believe this is the source of the seemingly corrupt or greedy actions, we are paying extra for various psychological attachments to the old infrastructure. Your lobby would confront illusions. Businesses look at how much they've paid to maintain the old technology and believe it still needs to be paid off. They think it will be difficult to train people to handle the new systems. They think the cost of the new system will stack on the old. This is just my speculation based on a book.
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A topic on home-owners associations, CC&R's and the environment.
HOA's and their associated CC&R's are typically all about appearance and not terribly 'green'... I'd love to listen to someone who can outline the resources available (including lobbying at the state/local levels to drive new legislation) to bring HOA's into the 21st century.
Sidebar: I'm less concerned with the color-selection for my home, more concerned about things like landscaping (sustainable or converted to crops), water recovery/storage, grey-water systems, home power generation (solar/wind), etc., etc.
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You've done shows revolving around education, including today's show on art and how cuts in funding have impacted different programs around the state. What about doing a show focused on how the community has stepped-up (and can step-up) to fill those gaps? They say it takes a village and there are doable ways that the community can participate.
As the Art Literacy Program Manager for Hayhurst Elementary, I train parents to teach art in the classrooms. The Art Literacy program is utilized in many schools within PPSD and LO school district. We work with the curriculum to pick well-known artists each year, we bring in the supplies (funded by the PTA), and we gather and train parent-teachers. It provides the students art opportunities, the teachers are provided with the materials, and the parents can experience the joy in seeing the kids in action while teaching. It is a win-win-win situation.
Laura Taylor (laura_d_taylor@integra.net)
Kindergarten parent and Art Literacy Program Manager, Hayhurst Elementary Odyssey Program, Portland Public School District
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Hi !
I visit your site constantly and once I came across the article about Willy Vlautin. I was interested in it 'cause I've heard about Wlly Vlautin and even read one of his novels . I must admit that it impressed me much. I think that he is a great person with high potential and we also should remember him here. I found out some video about him and hope that you'll be interested in it. Check out this video from Willy Vlautin, writer of amazing novels and amazing songs http://www.videorolls.com/watch/Lean-on-Pete-by-Willy-Vlautin
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Melany,
Thanks for the link. Do you know that we did a show with Willy Vlautin? You can listen to it here:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/nw-passages-willy-vlautin
Dave
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- Why OPB is dropping WHYS -
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P.S. I realize many people use it, but it is one-sided to use Facebook to discuss anything relating to OPB. I don't and will not be signing up for Facebook, being creating an account is the only means of commenting on Facebook, it seems inequitable.
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A show about the show. Maybe annually, or more often, like a 'State of the Show' address. Not that you have to get all personal, but just let the audience know what is up, how it is working out, what is new, what is not working, why it was not working, ideas---you could even criticize the audience, the bloggers, or give suggestions.
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Hmm. I can see why some hard-core listeners might find this interesting, but don't we run the risk of either boring the majority of our audience or descending into the worst navel-gazing self-centered talk? Do you really want to hear us talk about ourselves for an hour?
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David Miller,
I guess it just seemed obvious, or matter-of-fact, and the opposite of what you suggest. Like, hey, it is a show and there are people that make it happen, but we don't play any role, we keep our distance to seem professional---I think it turns that traditional idea of professionalism around for a moment and discusses the 'elephants' in the room, and the room itself. Anyway, that is not what professional is, simply keeping your hauteur in-check and following the order, it is about doing all things well and genuinely. It seems, almost, off-kilter and contrived, not to discuss the show. I am not talking about some gossipy thing, so we can all feel like friends---just a show 'thinking' about the show. And, personally, it just seems interesting, because I have no idea how, what you do, works.
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I'm in the same boat as Scottmill. I can imagine how many balls you people keep in the air (and occasionally drop) as you produce TOL daily. I've been to a few of the live broadcasts and, as an observer, the show appears to run so smoothly. I'm impressed by the civility of the TOL community's conversation compared with the comments I see posted elsewhere on the Interweb. Whether guests and participants say anything meaningful is always a challenge and intriguing. Keep doing what you're doing, TOL, I'm still listening.
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With the media saturation about the missing child, how about an interview with a couple of experts on talking to your children about scary news. I suggest the author of Scary News: 12 Ways to Raise Joyful Children When the Headlines are Full of Fear (see http://www.joyfulchildren.com/). She's local. And a child psychologist.
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We'll be talking about some of the effects of the search for Kyron Horman on Monday, and I'll pass this along to Monday's producer.
Although this is only tangentially related, you might want to check out this recent show we did about talking to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/how-talk-kids-about-sexual-offenders/
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I would love to focus the spotlight on North Portland’s Jefferson High School, and examine the real reasons behind its deeply rooted reputation as a “failed school”. Many accept its reputation without question, but a growing number are also uncomfortably aware of the insidious kind of racism that has guided the school district’s treatment of Jefferson for the last several decades. As a resident of a rapidly changing and vibrantly diverse neighborhood, I want to examine whether the school’s past failures really can (as it currently is) be blamed on its neighborhood constitution, or if a continuous and systematic stripping of its resources might be at fault. Whatever the answer, I think we need to take a closer look at the historical facts lining the fall from greatness to despair, and what it needs to become to reflect the - for Portland - unusual diversity of the area it’s in. As part of that discussion, I also want a dialog to attempt finding a satisfactory explanation to the recent and hitherto unexplained sudden removal of its principal.
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Anna,
Thanks for this suggestion. We're definitely keeping an eye on the ongoing PPS redesign, along with the latest news that the board might close Jefferson. Thanks for this prod. We may indeed devote another show to this issue.
Dave
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There is a strong possibility that cannabis will become a legally sold recreational drug in California. If this happens, what should Oregon do? Will pot shops open in Weed (couldn't have a better name!) that cater to cross border shoppers? Will Oregon set up a border crossing checkpoint similar to California's agricultural inspection? Illegal shipments of commercial cannabis out of California are simply going to happen. It will become a simple matter of economic opportunity.
Or, will Oregon follow suit with California? The costs and benefits of illegal or legal cannabis are well overdue a rational reassessment.
Oregon, and other border states, will have to react to legal pot from California. What will that reaction be? We need to sort this out in advance.
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No Name,
Thanks so much for this pitch. We ended up doing a related, if not altogether similar, show about the business of marijuana in southern Oregon. You can listen to it here:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/southern-oregons-green-economy
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Lakeview, Oregon, just above the California/Nevada border, is exploding with activity. Hundreds of employees are flooding into town this summer. A natural gas pipeline, biomass plant, geothermal wells and solar fields are being built as we speak. A new taxpaper funded library is under constuction as is a new hospital wing. We are maxed out on services and housing, and new projects are in the works. A good contact person regarding energy is Ray Simms at the Lakeview town hall. His number is 541-947-2029.
Tourism is hot here too because of the Oregon State gemstone, the Sunstone, and pristine forests, lakes and deserts. Hang gliding off our basalt ridges is a favorite sport, bringing people in from around the world. A good contact person for tourism is Caro Sordorf at the Chamber of Commerce at 541-947-6040.
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This year the police and fire departments decided to crack down on illegal personal fireworks. Governments of all sizes, Federal, States, Counties, Cities, Towns, etc, have been attacking personal use fireworks for decades, trying to limit fireworks to officially government sanctioned displays. Even caps for toy cap guns have been severely reduced in size and noise capability, down to about ten percent of what they used to be.
I have advocated for personal fireworks in years past because the smell of black powder smoke, the bangs, booms, and flashes of light are such a powerful reminder of what our 1776 Revolution smelled and looked like. Scientists say that smell is the most powerful memory inducer, so the smell of smoke from black powder is a great connector for us, to the Founders of our Nation and their Ideas, their Declaration of Independence and the subsequent US Constitution.
Recently the US Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms is a personal right, not just a militia right. Now, historically, blackpowder powdered fireworks were used in wars, for example, the “rockets” red glare, the “bombs” bursting in air (shells launched from mortars, just like on July 4th), “mines” bursting upwards, “smokescreens”, Roman Candles, and all of the other clever black powder powered devices used in battles, like cannons, rifles, pistols, derringers, etc.
Because of the history of fireworks used as “Arms” in battle, I believe that it can be argued that the Ownership, Carrying, and Use of Personal Fireworks is a Second Amendment Right just like the Right to Own, Carry, and Use Guns.
I can understand the arguments for personal safety and especially for fire safety, but I think that over the past decades Personal Fireworks have been far too restricted by Law and I would like to see things loosened up, so that Citizens can Purchase, Own , and Use, Personal Fireworks like bottle rockets, mortar shells, firecrackers, roman candles, mines, and all the rest of what is available.
Personal Fireworks are a Right under the Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms.
I started out writing this with a little bit of “tongue in cheek”, but I ended up giving it serious consideration.
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LOCAL CURRENCY (Microcurrency)
There are several communities in Oregon that have adopted local currency to keep hard earned "dollars" in local economies. One example is in the Columbia River Gorge. (http://www.riverhours.org/) There, local business and community minded residences have developed a currency called RiverHours. Its such a great idea! Read more at their website. There was also a story on NPR's website today that mentioned another local currency that has an even wider acceptance in Germany (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128462416&ft=1&f=1001)
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Worked in Hood River in a sports shop that accepted River Hours currency. I love the idea too. At the time, from a business standpoint, it was challenging to account for the local currency in the financials and tax reporting. There was recently a show on OPB talking about German communities using microcurrency. Oregon will continue to explore opportunities to keep Oregon dollars working in Oregon. Microcurrency is innovative and makes us conscious of doing business locally.
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Hello TOL,
Want to raise some feathers??? Consider this show.
The single biggest asset for most folks is their home. In this very depressed home selling economy, home owners should be able to use realtors who receive a one-time flat rate fee for listing a person's home. Oregon Realtors have done an exceptional job of protecting their market share. Some refuse to show homes that are listed "by owner" and yet others refuse to show homes that are represented by companies such as "Red Fin."
Realtors offer no great benefit to home selling. In depressed markets they offer comfort by stating "It's a great time to buy a home." In robust markets they comfort by stating "It's a great time to sell a home." Either way the realtor NEVER loses.
When a house doesn't sell quickly the only advice they have is to lower the price of the house. This is something that any individual can do on their own. Finding comparables takes no time thanks to Zillow. Homeowners can place their own ads in papers and advertise through Cragislist and send flyers on their own. Realtors do not deserve the percentage of the home sale price they currently receive. They should be paid either a flat rate or an hourly fee. Realtors do not allow for sale by owner an opportunity to list on the RMLS listserv. That is the only benefit of having a realtor list a home.
Realtors do not offer any advantage legally if a consumer buys a home that is moldy or otherwise damaged. Realtors should go the way of travel agents. They offer an obsolete service.
Homeowners should get to keep the money they have invested in their homes. Homeowners are the ones who have spent money into keeping their homes marketable, not realtors.
Ever see a Realtor driving a Ford Escort???
It's time that legislators help homeowners unite!
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Attended the launch of Barge 455-9 at Gunderson Marine on July 17th. Senator Ron Wyden was there bullet listing recent successes and saying he would do everything in his ability to help Gunderson remain successful. Clan McCleay played bagpipes. About 20 minutes of speechifying. Kids (and adults) watched with glee as the barge descend the ramp and splashed into the river.
I was relieved that 400-plus people have work in Portland. I felt a twinge of guilt when I learned that barges like 455-9 are often used to transport oil drilling rig platform modules. I think sadly about Deep Water Horizon disaster.
http://www.gbrx.com/page.php?view=GUNDERSON_MARINE
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A story on the Portland Seed Fund, a city-sponsored entrepreneurial investment fund, would make for a great show -- perhaps timed with the announcement of the seed's fund manager, due to be revealed sometime before August 20th.
It would be interesting to learn the impetus behind this program, if it is unique in the nation, how it will differ from existing private angel and venture capital funds, and what will be the most important criteria in selecting proposals. Of course it should also fuel a good discussion as to (a) whether or not this is an appropriate use of public money, and (b) if this will be the most effective way to support the city's economic strategy.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/siliconforest/2010/06/portland_seed_fund.htmlhttp://www.portlandseedfund.com
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Winston,
We touched on this on this show about entrepreneurs:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/getting-back-work-entrepreneurs/
We had Diane Fraiman, a member of the Portland Development Commission's seed funding group, on to talk about what they'll be doing. I think at this point we're going to wait to see what they actually do.
Dave
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I'd really like to hear a show on the brewing debate between OHSU and local Portland midwives and the midwive's claims of Civil Rights violations.
In the interest of disclosure, my wife had our child through the Andaluz Birth Center and found it to be absolutely first class, both in terms of safety and quality of care. We've never met more informative and attentive caregivers, both medically and personally.
Here's a couple of links outlining the story, one from OPB itself:
http://news.opb.org/article/portland-midwives-patients-sue-licensing-agency-ohsu/
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/homebirth_conflict_escalates_o.html
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Thank you for the idea! We're going to do it tomorrow!
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/midwifery-controversy/
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The American Community Survey (ACS) from the US Census Bureau
Our household received this survey, which according to the ACS website (http://www.census.gov/acs/www/) is ongoing and sent to a sample of households.
We have not yet returned it because my husband and I are really taken aback at the invasive and time consuming questions on it – and we are apparently required by law to return it.
There are 21 questions about the residence (apt, house, type of fuel for heating, etc.) and then 48 questions – some multi-part – that each person in the household is supposed to answer individually. Stuff like how many vehicles are kept at the residence; last week were you laid off, on vacation or otherwise absent from work; what is the rent/mortgage payment; the hour & minute this person usually left for work last week; how much did it cost to heat the residence last month and total for the last 12 months; all kinds of questions about income asking for specific amounts; the physical address of the most recent place of employment; does this person have difficulty walking or climbing stairs or dressing or bathing; what year did you get married; the address where you were living one year ago; and on and on.
I can absolutely see why this information is important for allocating resources, but I object that it is not anonymous. Each person answering these 48, some multi-part, questions must list name, birth date, gender, race, and they even ask your phone number. I feel like it may as well ask for my bank account numbers and PINs while they are at it.
I think it is wrong for this data to be tied to specific individuals. I'm not saying I mistrust the intentions of the Federal Government, but I frankly think it is impossible to keep data secure. There are so many ways for this information to be misused when it is tied to specific individuals - not just problems with identity theft or other financial fraud, but things like potential employers choosing not to hire people from households listing persons with physical or emotional conditions/disabilities.
I would like to hear what others think about this, especially since the survey is ongoing and not just every 10 years like the general Census.
Catherine Woelfle, Corvallis OR
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Catherine,
You raise some good questions. In particular, I really appreciate all the specific examples you cite; I had no idea how nitty-gritty this survey was. But I wonder if this could sustain an hour. Is there some obvious place to go from the ACS in particular?
Thanks,
Dave
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Hi,
My name is Scott and I have 'lived' in Portland, OR for almost 10 years now. I have actually been homeless on the streets for the last 4 months and just recently met a filmmaker who wanted to shoot a movie/documentary about me being homeless.
It was all filmed in the Hollywood District area including spots in Starbucks, Whole Foods, Hollywood Theatre, Saturday Market, selling Streetroots newspaper, etc. It includes commentary regarding the struggles of being homeless on a personal level
and even has splashes of comedy and some outakes at the end.
We just finished the editing and have a good little 55 minute DVD movie to share. It is titled "Homeless in PDX"
We believe this may be a good story line for some sort of news spot/article/publication/showing/discussion etc.
Any ideas, timeslots, thoughts, or referrals would be greatly appreciated !
Thanks, and let me know.
Scott
scottram@gmail.com
503-512-0044 -
Direct to consumer genetic screening... has anyone participated and, if so, did you change your lifestyle? I'm kind of curious as to the value people perceive who have used these services given the recent tirade by the GAO that these reports are mis-leading.
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Rethomas,
This is an interesting pitch. It reminded me of this Oregonian article from April:
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2010/04/genetic_testing_comes_to_intel.html
Can you think of any other Oregon (or Northwest) angle? It's not crucial, but it's something we strive for if possible.
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To my surprise, the State of Oregon covers it in some cases... "The Oregon Health Services Commission has established Practice Guidelines for coverage of genetic testing. There are specific guidelines for genetic testing for inherited breast and ovarian cancer, inherited colorectal cancer, and for infants and children with developmental delay. Coverage for other genetic tests is determined by the Non-prenatal Genetic Testing Algorithm. These guidelines do not apply to prenatal genetic testing." Details on page 101 of the document.
This made me wonder why Oregon would cover it when the GAO thinks the results are generally misleading (my assumption is that the State would out-source to one of several companies offering these services to the general public)...
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hello, I'm interested in suggesting a show about cyclist behavior in Portland. I both cycle through Portland and I also drive about 6 miles a day. Everyday, I have experiences with cyclists who #1 don't wear helmets, #2 are listening to their ipods while riding. Everyday, a cyclist cuts in front of me or pulls out into a busy road in front of me without paying attention. I am a good, courteous driver and since I cycle, as well, I'm more than happy to share the road. but the amount of people not following the rules and not paying attention astounds me and I feel frustrated because there seems nothing I can do to protect myself as a driver or vent my frustration. I'm very concerned. I don't want to hit someone and live the rest of my life with that reality, but it is becoming more and more difficult to control that possibility. can you Dave and Emily, have a discussion about this on your show. maybe it will increase awareness or perhaps there should be mandatory rules for cyclists, like helmets and not cycling with earphone and listening to music or talking on your cell phone. I thank you for listening and contemplating this topic. perhaps the police, or the mayor or Randy Leonard can comments on this topic.
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We talked about this a long time ago (well, in TOL time): May of 2008.
Here's the link:
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/where-bikes-and-cars-intersect/
I'm not sure if anything has changed, or if the tensions between bikes and cars just continue to increase as more bikers take to the streets. Is there some new(ish) angle that you're interested in particular?
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Gay blood ban?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/health/03blood.html?_r=1&8dpc
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OREGON IS ELIMINATING THE PROGRAM THAT ENABLES PARENTS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
The state of Oregon is planning to eradicate the Employee Related Daycare (ERDC) program that enables thousands of parents to work. ERDC ensures that children are in nurturing environments while parents are at work. State budget cuts are set to eliminate funding for the program for half of the families currently in the program. This will affect an estimated TEN THOUSAND children and prevent thousands of parents from working or providing adequate care for their children. Daycare providers and childcare employees will also be affected.
Parents who no longer have the resources for sufficient daycare may be forced to put their children in sub-standard environments where the risk of abuse and neglect is high. Many parents will be forced to quit work and go on welfare, further burdening the exhausted funds of the Oregon budget.
I am a 35 year old single mother who has received ERDC subsidies that have enabled me to work full-time since my child was 2. We have been self-sufficient due to this program. My daughter has thrived in her daycare environment.
I want to make sure that Oregonians are aware that while our state funds for roads, parks, and unemployment benefits are abundant, many families be in a crisis situation on January 1, 2011.
PLEASE let this issue be known. I, and many others, are willing to discuss the issue freely.
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In a time when virtually everyone has a video/camera/audio recorder in their pocket, any audio/video recording of the police in action can put one at risk of arrest regardless current law. There have been incidents I've noted in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Hampshire and Oregon (http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2010/07/beaverton_police_chief_film_officers_at_your_own_slight_risk.html).
Given officers typically have qualified immunity and prosecutors absolute immunity, how are the citizens rights protected when attempting to ensure transparency/accuracy wrt our law enforcement community? How do we ensure that archaic wire-tapping laws and officer training are brought up to 21st century standards? How do we ensure against citizen abuse (editing of media to cast law enforcement in a bad light)?
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Dave,
Good talking to you today and think you for your help with the password.
Farmers and Farmer's Markets have been an interesting topic on OPB's Think Out Loud and NPR. The focus has been for the most part the Farmer and the Market. There are some other areas that might be a point of interest in discussion.
The fact that they are a public gathering on a weekly (and in some cases semiweekly). These gatherings are not just to introduce buyers and sellers but times for educaton, dissemination of pubic news and items needing public awareness. They are a rebirth of the medieval bazaars.
They have and continue to introduce to the public the concepts of environmental awareness and conservation. Many of the Oregon Markets have intoduced biogradable packaging, containers, and flatware. They are leading our cities and communities to the concept of composting edible garbage in a major way.
One Oregon market even instigated the development of software for market management. The software developer is an Oregon based company whose software is managing markets instate and out of State.
The markets have served those who are on food stamps and other support with nutrition training and education.
Then there is the markets that introduce the arts and culture to the communities that they serve.
I would wager that on any weekend during market season that in the Portland Metro area at least 150,000 citizens visit a market. One market that I know of has every Saturday 1/10th of that total. Oregon has a market that has been for years rated one of the top three markets on the west coast.
In our conversation on the phone I mentioned that I am addicted to OPB - Guess what! I am also addicted to the concept and contribution of Oregon Farmer's Market
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With health care costs being what they are, it’s good to know that there are alternative, low cost healing options available. Energy Healing is one of those alternatives, and something that everyone has the ability to do for themselves and their loved ones. Energy Healing is great for preventative care, as well as immediate care for everything from headaches, stress, and injuries to infections and chronic or acute illnesses.
For the past 7 years, Pacific Northwest Pranic Healing (PNWPH), a regional educational and service non-profit, has operated in this community offering free healing clinics in the Portland Metro area to help people receive the healing they need. These healing clinics are staffed by volunteer Pranic Healers who use energy healing techniques to assist with physical and psychological ailments. Healing Clinics are currently operating in Hillsboro, Vancouver, SW Portland and SE Portland on a regular basis. The clinics are open to the public on a walk-in basis and consist of a short meditation and one-hour healing treatment. This program is financed by PNWPH entirely though donations.
In addition, PNWPH offers free Community Education classes on mind/body wellness and self-healing using energy healing techniques. These introductory classes are two to three hours long, and are offered on a monthly basis throughout the Portland Metro area. These Community Education classes are open to the public, taught by volunteer Pranic Healers and are financed by PNWPH entirely through donations.
For general information, www.pnwpranichealing.com
Contact us at info@pnwpranichealing.com
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Dear TOL:
You recently did a show about independent filmmaking in Oregon that was fascinating. Might I suggest that you do a show about independent publishing in Oregon.
I am a self-published writer of a book of novella and three books of poems. After years of being told that my writing didn't have a market and being rejected, I took a different direction and published my work myself.
This was a truly liberating experience and it is indicative of the true independent spirit that we as Oregonians have. It's an important message for would be writers to give them other avenues to share their craft.
Since then, I've adapted my first self published book into a screenplay and filmed it into a full feature length film this past summer in Portland.
I would love to either participate in or hear a program about other self published authors and their experience with the process.
Thank you!
Rae Dawn Pruit
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Hello. I really enjoyed all of your shows that focused on energy and I recently read a few articles in the Oregonian that called for Oregon creating a new energy agency, the Oregon Energy Commission, that would focus on the state's energy future and goals.
Basically developing an energy plan for the state and then considering each action (such as approving a new wind farm or a new major transmission line) as a step towards that goal instead of just having the Energy Facilities Siting Council approve every good renewable energy project that comes its way (not that I am complaining: I love how wind turbines and solar panels look).
It would probably be modeled on the California Energy Commission. Anyway, I think it would make for an interesting show. Thanks for listening.
* http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/05/without_an_energy_game_plan_or.html
* http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/08/its_time_for_oregon_to_create.html
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Energy_Commission -
Wild Horse round-up by the BLM: Slaughter or Salvation?
Are Wild Horse round-ups the smart thing, the right thing, the humaine thing?
I would like to hear some pros as all I know are cons. But someone who says something other than 'bleeding hearts are crazy'
http://rtfitch.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/oregon-wild-horse-herd-next-on-blm-chopping-block/
http://thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/a-visit-to-stinkingwater-an-oregon-herd/
Thanks Emily & Dave
mver
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The problem with the mentally ill is exasperbated by the lack of services available to those that are less fortunate. As a psychologist, I have tried to find a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to prescribe psychotropic medications to clients who have Medicare and/or Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan OHP) as their insurance. After spending about 8 hours telephoning various providers, I could not find a single psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practioner willing to able to take these insurances. Physicians are unwilling to take new Medicare patients becuase of the low payment and complicated paper work required. OHP is unwilling to contract with anyone in Multnomah County except Western Psychological, Cascadia, or Lifeworks. But these 3 agenicies do not have any counselors that can accept Medicare and they require counseling before they will consider prescribing medication. So anyone with Medicare and OHP (which is the vast majority of chronically mentally ill) cannot go anywhere. It is extremely frustrating. OHP will not return my phone calls. --Dr. Charles O'Bannon, Licensed Psychologist 503-618-8041
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Yesterday on KLCCs "Food For Thought" program, they said that as part of making budget cuts in this recession, the Oregon Extension Service is being completely cut by the State of Oregon. Apparently 4-H and FFA are also being cut.
These are just the kinds of programs that I think are needed in these times when people are tightening their belts and starting to grow their own gardens and canning their own produce.
Liberals started these programs many years ago to benefit small farmers and the middle and lower classes to become self sufficient in times of Depressions and Recessions.
So I suggest a show about these cuts, because just like cuts in Public School Education, I think they are going the wrong way, cutting the wrong things.
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This is more of a process suggestion. I've given a few ideas and haven't heard anything. (In other words, I don't know if you're reading the ideas .) I love when David Miller comments to say, "Thanks! We just had a similar show so we can't quite cover that again, but we'll think about it in another year." Having a comment is helpful!
I'm sure it's impossible to cover everyone's ideas (as you indicate on this page), but it might help for:
1. Some criteria for how you select shows. For example, it seems you cover rural communities once every two weeks or so. That might help to know. That way, you're getting suggestions for something you'd like to cover anyway. "Juicy topics" seems to be relative. What is exciting to me may bore someone else and vice versa. I'm sure you're having to weigh that all the time. You may be saying, "We really want to appeal to people 30-ish on topics that are important to Oregon."
2. When an email is sent to you for ideas, some automatic response (no extra time required) that says, "Thanks, we received your email." There you can also give criteria there, so people understand what you're looking for or not looking for. We don't want to waste your time either!
3. I've seen a lot of people, myself included, suggest multiple topics in one post. Is that easier to read than three separate blog posts?
And since David is still reading the blog, thank you!
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May I recommend two NW authors for your show:
Neal Stephenson (Seattle)... whose "Snow Crash", "Diamond Age", "Cryptonomicon" and "Baroque Cycle" novels span science fiction, historical fiction, cyber-punk and post-cyber-punk. I was not only entertained, but I learned a lot as well.
Greg Bear (Seattle)... His "Forge of God" series tore my perspective on the universe and our place in it out by the roots... just as his "Darwin's Radio" series made me rethink evolution. A top-notch hard-SF author.
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I'd like to recommend you do a show about Oregon’s ban on pumping your own gas. As you probably know, Oregon and New Jersey are the only 2 states that ban self-service. I mentioned the ban in one of my previous comments (http://opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/private-vs-public-liquor-sales/#bluewater42-09-13-10-17-30) and the online host suggested (http://opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/private-vs-public-liquor-sales/#julie_sabatier-09-14-10-15-00) I make a suggestion here.
The specific law describing the ban (ORS 480.315) cites 17 different reasons for the ban and can be found at: https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/480.315
I know talking about the people employed doing this and what will happen to them if the ban gets repealed will be an important part of the show. The most recent figure I can find is from 2003 that says 7,600 people were employed as gas pump attendants around the state (http://www.seattlepi.com/virgin/122013_virgin15.html).
Another interesting thing to talk about might be that there was a ballot measure directed at repealing it in the past. Ballot Measure 4 from 1982's November General Election would have repealed the ban, but it failed (http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/elections/elections20.htm).
I think it would make for an interesting show. Thanks for listening.
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DUST & ILLUSIONS. http://dustandillusions.com
I'm a Burning Man regional representative for Portland. There are many people from Portland that go to the festival every year. And on october 14th, there will be a special screening of a documentary that explores 30 years of the Burning Man history. The director will be in attendance for Q&A.
I think this is an opportunity to interview him. I saw the film in Seattle last winter, and was really impressed by the depth of research that was made for the film. It also brings a criticism that most participants at Burning Man are incapable of making, and that criticism shows the obvious human side of the history being told... from a small community event, to a large multi-million dollar business the event has become. The film goes well beyond the event, and the audience can draw many parallels with our societies around the world. It questions our ability to lead without ego/power interest, etc...
Very interesting subject, that again goes well beyond Burning Man, and is a look at our society as it is today.
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I would like to suggest an interview with Tom Atlee, founder of the Eugene based Co-Intelligence Institute. http://www.co-intelligence.org Quoting from the institute's website:
Healthy communities, institutions and societies -- perhaps even our collective survival -- depend on our ability to organize our collective affairs more wisely, in tune with each other and nature. This ability to wisely organize our lives together -- all of us being wiser together than any of us could be alone -- we call co-intelligence. In its broadest sense, co-intelligence involves accessing the wisdom of the whole on behalf of the whole.
Tom networks nationally with a variety of thinkers, groups and institutions whose work seeks to promote wiser, more empowered, shared democracy and collective decision making. His work ties in well with the work of Healthy Democracy Oregon (HDO), represented by Elliot Shuford, a recent guest on your show. The results of HDO's Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) will appear in this November election's voters' information booklet. The CIR is just one example of the kind of work Tom and the Co-Intelligence Institute promote.
Tom has written a couple of books on his work: The Tao of Democracy and Reflections on Evolutionary Activism
I think the ideas of wise group decision making that the Co-Intelligence Institute promote are particularly relevant in the pre-election craziness of campaign spin-doctoring and thoughtless, partisan selective blindness.
Check out the website: http://www.co-intelligence.org
Kennett Payne
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The NY Times had an article about the thing I'm concerned about -- older workers losing security and not sure what to do next. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/business/economy/20older.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
Vashon Island isn't that far away and imagine with a 10.4% Portland unemployment rate (and 10.6% for the state)?
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CBS' 60 Minutes just covered it as well: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/21/60minutes/main6978943.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;1
I'd like to know how this impacts Oregon, which has 31% of people over 50 living in the state and nearly 11% unemployment.
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I would really like to hear from Dr. Micheal Savage abou this being banned from travelling to Brittan and the lack of any media coverage of this on any media inluding fox news.
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when are you going to have oregon author matt love on the program?
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The Hanford Vitrification plant, has a DOE whistleblower case happening currently, as mentioned in OPB news very recently. I researched it online & it appears that the DOE/Bechtel safety review board is rushing to nullify these safety concerns, by having a vested interest review, done quickly to keep this nuclear waste project ontime, without really addressing the safety issues, which would delay start of construction of the project.
This story is not getting much press, yet this is the LARGEST CAPITAL PROJECT in the nation. A nuclear explosion would imperil us all & yet nobody in the government is taking this seriously enough. The whistleblower is having to do all the work himself. Time for the media to take this on, for publicity & public safety.
The nuclear energy & waste storage issue should be an ongoing issue for Think Out Loud, because it's in our territory of SW Washington.
Please follow the whistleblower story. This person is sacrificing his life & career for the issue & no media, save for a small tre-city outlet, is covering this story of importance to the nation & future energy policy.
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One source of joy in these trying times is the unexpected success of the University of Oregon Ducks College Football Team. For the first time in history, the Ducks are ranked Number One in the Nation, surpassing all the Big Midwest, Texas and even Southern Universities. The Western Conference was never taken seriously, since College Football is nearly a religion in the South.
Oregon is leading a pack of newly resurgent Northwest Teams including the undefeated Boise State and University of Utah teams, all in the top five.
Why not do a positive story on the Duck's Success? Their Strengths, Their Hopes and their Prospects. Will Oregon become a "Football School"? Will this drive future recruitment? What is the role of Phil Knight and Nike in the Duck's Success? How is Eugene copng with their new national prominence?
Please consider these authors as Guest on THINK OUT LOUD:Alan Weisman, The World Without Us, 2007. A thought experiment if humans suddenly disappeared from the planet in a post apocalyptic world. Ecological implications. Practical implications to our cats and dogs. Global warming implications. How does a city die?
Larry Rosen, Rewired, Understanding Generation Net. 2010. Cal State Fullerton Professor. How children and adults younger than 20, sucessfully multitask in a gadget filled, mulitmedia, social networking, gaming, text messaging, 24 hour internet caffeinated world. Where these kids fall short--maths and science. And how we can raise them successfully.
Richard Florida, Who is Your City, the Rise of the Creative Class. 2009. Population trends, Hot cities, Hot jobs, and globalism. Why where you live may determine your happiness and financial success. Where Americans are migrating in this post recession world.
Diana Wells. Lives of Trees, An Uncommon History. 2010. Fascinating book on the ecology and centrality of trees. More than half of our objects are tree based or derived. How they shape our landscape, our world, our ecology. We use them for fuel, warmth, shelter, clothing, books, history, ideas, and food. How little most people know about the trees in their own neighbohood. How different our world is without them.
Daniel Menaker. A Good Talk: the Art and Science of Conversation. An underated skill in our electronic based society. How it can be enjoyed and cultivated. How the dinner table shapes our values.CONTNUED
Jacob -
Jarret Brachman. Global Jihadism: Theory and Practice. North Dakota State Professor. Former CIA Analyst. What motivates suicide bombers? How long will the war on terrorism last. Why do normal people become radicalized. What can we do for prevention.
Harvey Araton, The Disappearing Role of the Realty Agent. NY Times 12/19/09. How the realty bubble burst, high foreclosure rates, desperate home owners, lower fees, tighter credit and the internet are reshaping the Real Estate Industry.
Jill Price, The Woman Who Can't Forget. Auto biography of a remarkable woman who is the study of a university hospital who can remember on instant recall every event for the past 30 years plus to the hour and minute. What is a photographic memory. How is life lived when you know th past so intimately? What if we cannot forget?--our mistakes, our errors, our mispeaking.
William Cohan, House of Cards, Tales of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street. The Fall of Bear Stearns and how it deserved it. How the snowball encompassed Wall Street, the Nation and the World. How finance was an oppurtunity and an catastrophe. What have we learned about the Great Recession of 2008?
Steve Knopper. Appetite for Self Destruction, The Crash of the Recording Industry. 2009. How misteps by the big record houses fumbled the digital conversion and lead to the elimination of the recording industry, record labels, and your neighborhood record store. How people get music today. Why Apple Computer has a bigger role than any company in history of recording. Why free music hurts artists but yet empowers them. Where is the future of revenue streams?
I Hope You Consider These Guests, They Could be Enlightening,
Sincerely,
Jacob -
Heard on a local television news channel about the Portland Public Schools plan to ask for $550 million in bonds to rebuild/upgrade schools. This made me angry.
Why hasn't money been set aside in the budget process to provide for new schools in the future? Perhaps our public institutions (schools, libraries, historical societies, fire departments) require endowments that can help offset the cost of future operations.
My duty as a citizen is to help pay for services that benefit the public even if I don't use them. However, without stable employment I'm unwilling to vote for PPS bonds. I can't afford $300/year especially since I haven't found suitable replacement employement since 2007.
The cost of energy, housing, transportation, health and so forth continually increase but my ability to pay decreases. I'm sure many suffer my predicament.
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Recently I was charged in Hood RIver with Child neglect and endangerment after I parked outside my retail store (owner/oporator) to run in and grab my childs life vest, leaving her inside the car for less than 2 miutes, with the AC running because it was above 95 degrees outside. After researching the law, posting the experiece to my email families (more than 500 local families) the letters are coming in. How the Police have interpreted and are using this law in this way is of interest. (I found the police chief of Clackamas county stating a parent should think of the worst case scenario before making a decision" in an article written on the subject). I cannot find a single incident of a child secure in a car seat coming to harm after being left only momentarily while there are numerouse related to people being hit in cross walks. Since, I have learned of Free Range Kids, a topic of similar interest. The local dicsussion is highlighting the huge discrepancy between what the majority of reasonable parents consider as the apropriate responses to a situation and what police are interpreting and enforcing. It is a very important discussion to have among communities and within families. I would welcome the debate.
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On November 20th stand up comic and one of the best working political satirists, Will Durst, will be performing at the Bagdad Theater is Oakland. I think in the wake of the recent GOP/House Takeover, it would be great to bring on Mr. Durst to get his take on the recent elections and the current political environment.
Here's a little more information about the show and Mr. Durst:
*Durst is more than a stand up comic: he's an author, syndicated columnist, radio and TV commentator, stage and screen actor, radio talk show host, and former margarine smuggler. Like a cross between a stand- up journalist and a living editorial cartoon, he's been nominated for 5 Emmys and has been nominated 7 times for the American Comedy Awards Stand Up of the Year, but has yet to win anything (even a toaster for crumb's sake). The highlight of his career is making Bill Clinton laugh so hard he spit water through his nose.*
Joining him on the bill is Keith Lowell Jensen. Jensen best known as the Atheist in the Coexist? Comedy Tour and the writer, star and director of the indie documentary "Why Lie I Need a Drink?". www.AtheistComedian.com
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November is National Caregiver's Month, and lots of folks are caregiving their older parents, children and possibly spouse. The Multnomah County Library has a series on Caregiving even! I think it makes a lot of sense to cover. Great "thank you" message, too.
http://www.multcolib.org/events/lifebydesign.html
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Throughout the year and most often during special times of the year, i get solicitation from what seem to be well meaning fund raisers.
Fire Fighters associations
Disabled Fire Fighters
Campaigns to keep kids off drugs
Sheriff organizations
Police Chief Organizations
National association for Law Enforcement killed in the line of duty
Etc.
All using the name of public security providers in the community, state or nation claiming to be doing something worthy for the community they serve. With checking further I find that they pledges as little as 25% and even less to their good cause. 75% or more goes to the administration of the fund raiser.
I perceive many of these fund r raising efforts to be a scam or close to it. They contribute to a bad name for the public agencies they purport to represent.
I think you need to do a public airing of these efforts. Most recent request was from Washington County Police Officers Association claiming to need money for food for the disadvantaged. Upon check further 25 cents of every dollar goes for food. Their phone number is (503) 642-1452. The State Attorney General has some interesting insight on the WEB to many but not all of these fund raiser.
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I would love a program on the impact of automobiles on the greenhouse effect. Particularly one that would give real life plausible options regarding alternative fuels. An interdisciplinary team of experts talking about the subject live and answering questions would be great.
Ron P.
Repossessed cars for sale information - Repossessed cars for sale news - Repossessed car auctions
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I would love to hear a program on Christmas Trees in the NW. We grow most of them here, and we also have (arguably) the largest population of forest activism and anti-Christmas tree sentiments - all with reasonable points.
A place to discuss "Are Xmas trees sustainable? Is there farming 'bad' or 'harmful'? Are Xmas trees just for ceremonial reasons or do they represent other things nowadays (i.e. seasonal economy)?"
I actually run a (very) small business that delivers Christmas Trees by bike in Portland and am confronted with questions, criticism, and support all the time. I know the answer to some of the questions above, but not all by any means. I would love to hear or even participate in a conversation like this.
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On today's show you featured some shopping areas outside of the usual urban hot spots. I kept listening, hoping you would at least mention St. Johns ! I moved out here a couple of years ago, and I really love this community. We will be having interesting things happening in the near future, that I hope you will cover. We have a new Main St. (Lombard St.) re-design Manager that is awesome - she will be bringing new businesses here and beautifying the area - while keeping the charm of 'Portand's Oldest Neighborhood'. There is a Vision-Planning Meeting this Wednesday December 1st, perhaps you could cover that ? The Manager's name is Holly Heidebrecht, her email address is ; holly@stjohnsmainstreet.org.
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Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics is hosting an upper extremity amputee education clinic in Portland on January 18th 2011. They are trying to spread the word about this free event to try and get amputees to attend.
There is a possibility that Cameron Clapp will attend this event. See: www.cameronclapp.com This kid is an incridible inspiration to amputees everywhere. He lost both of his legs above the knee and one arm at the shoulder after being hit by a train four days after 9/11. He is now a motivational speaker and actor. He speaks to teenagers about the dangers of alcohol abuse and has acted in several TV shows such as "My Name is Earl" and multiple news stations.
Here is a great news clip that briefly covers Camerons experience:
http://video.tvguide.com/The+Early+Show/Teen+Amputees+New+Life/2459723?autoplay=true
If Cameron is able to attend the event on January 18th it would be great to hear his story on the radio before hand to try and inspire other amputees to attend.
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Hi,
I'm a personal agent (read:case manager) at a brokerage that provides services to adults with developmental disabilties. As a personal agent, I see persons with developmental disabilities that are very eager and able to work. I also see hesitant employers who are fearful of taking risks in this economically uncertain time. As a result, I think a discussion around employment for adults with developmental disabilities would make for an excellent Think Out Loud. The state of Oregon is launching a campaign, Employment First, that is designed to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilties. I imagine a panel of employees with disabilities, employers who have hired such employees, business owners who are skeptical about doing so, representatives from Employment First, etc.
I would be happy to contribute any information I am able regarding this idea.
You can reach me at: jettford777@msn.com
I hope that you consider this important subject as a potential topic for your show, Think Out Loud.
Thank you,
Laah Wallace
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I have a daughter who was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She is 22 and it was a long road to this diagnosis which has been confirmed with an endoscopic biopsy. She is finding it common that other people don't take her new way of eating seriously- She like others with her genetic disorder has been surviving but starving for many years because eating gluten makes the villi in her intestines shut down so she can't get the full amount of nutrition from the food she eats. Every child in Ireland is tested for Celiac disease before starting school. I know it would ease the way for her and others like her if there was greater awareness of this disease.
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The Oregon Business Plan 2010
Yesterday the Oregon Business Plan 2010 was presented to the business community, non-profits and state elected leaders. It is a far ranging strategy to get Oregon back on its feet.
The goal of this plan is to create 25,000 jobs by 2020.
This is important because Oregon has been on a 30 year slide in average income per capita. Today we are at 91% of the national average. Below average. In rural areas the number is 75%.
This is hurting schools and important social services which are rising in cost. It is a large part of the reason why the state is in a fiscal crisis.
The plan was developed through meetings across the state with business leaders, community leaders and elected leaders. It has a broad base of support.
Still, the plan will be difficult to implement as it requires not just a strategy for business development but a redesign of government to get greater value from the money we have now. It also requires that we redesign the tax structure. A difficult proposition at best.
All of this deserves the kind of discussion that only Think Out Loud can provide Oregonians. In fact, I would suggest that this could be a recurring series.
The contact for guests would be Jeremy Rogers at the Oregon Business Plan. jrogers@orbusinesscouncil.org 503-484-8678
Thank you for your consideration,
Jerry Ketel
jerry.ketel@gmail.com
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Is Portland a Slacker City?
Is this reputation harmful to gaining new companies to move here and stay here?
The new TV show Portlandia debuts on IFC tomorrow night, Jan. 21, 2010. It satires Portland culture in a way that many people would not like to see broadcast on cable television.
To get a taste of the show watch this music video by Fred Armissen of SNL and costarring Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein. (it's starting to get around Portland).
http://bcove.me/ktrt5nu0
It is a hilarious video but quite damaging to the efforts of Oregon and the city to get more business in Oregon.
Folks to invite to the conversation could be Greenlight Greater Portland, Sam Adams, Carrie Brownstein, etc.
Questions:
Is the reputation Portland has for culture, one that we have been working on for years, damaging to business?
Do we have a slacker culture or is that overblown?
Are 20-30 somethings lazy like the video portrays us?
Is it time to start promoting and working towards a more business friendly culture?
Thank you for your time.
Jerry Ketel
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The Department of Homeland Security is seizing hip-hop blogs and file-sharing websites.
On November 29 ICE seized 82 websites, many sold counterfeit goods but others were file sharing websites. ICE called it the "Cyber Monday Crackdown"
Should intellectual property rights be changed, were all of the websites really criminal,? I think big media no longer has an economic purpose and shouldn't be defended by law.
There have been many critical reactions to ICE‘s actions, some see free speech violation, some see no evidence and invalid warrants, some see unwelcome regulation of the "free internet". Many accept the need to crack down on counterfeit goods but what about the blogs which were supposedly promoting artists; what about the torrent search websites?
Please do a show discussing: what happened during the cyber monday crackdown, how strong is the evidence, what does the new law (COICA) say. Then please consider the complicated blend of ideology surrounding internet piracy.
The second part is very important to me, I'll outline ideological viewpoints because the discussions in the media so far don't recognize that there are many very different points of view.
They either confuse the actions and statements of those holding one belief with those holding others, or they only represent two. I'm asking for a discussion that attempts to define and separate the beliefs and show groups that hold them as they pertain to piracy and internet freedom. The beliefs about the internet are outlined at the very bottom because they are only guide posts to decipher the beliefs behind actions and statements.
Fellow listeners can help the ideological discussion by, responding to my perspective (next post), pointing out bloggers and opinion makers that correspond to each stance I outline at the bottom, fleshing out their own mix of beliefs, or including ones I've missed.
The internet is: a new stronghold of free speech++ a place for anonymity and anarchy (think "anonymous" the wiki-leak hackers)++ a new market place and artistic medium++ an extension of commerce directly to the consumers home++ a common gathering place for socialization++ a great repository of knowledge enabling independence (think Wikipedia and Howcast)++ a corruption of commerce++ a corruption of socialization++ a threat to intellectual property++ enabling people to become radicalized and say things they wouldn't normally++ a dangerous source of misinformation and so large it enables echo chambers
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PC Repairs Perth is a great opportunity for you to learn. If you get some minor problems, you can fix them for yourselves.
The need for going and taking your computer with you to some repair store or calling a technician at your home, both are eliminated with the use of PC Repairs Perth.
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Wolves are crossing the Snake River and setting up shop in Oregon. Will Oregonians tolerate them, or are we still living with the same prejudices from long ago concerning these creatures? Carter Niemeyer was in on the ground floor of wolf reintroduction in the Northern Rockies and has seen it all (and heard it all) when it comes to wolves and the problems they cause - both real and imagined. His recently published memoir, Wolfer, reveals rich lessons about wildlife, people, and the wrecks that occur when fantasies about wolves meet realities on the ground. Niemeyer has been featured twice on Oregon Field Guide's episodes about wolves.
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how bout using those reporting skills of yours to help us understand how our personal information, including SS#, is being databased and sold on the net? I know I am feeling pretty anxious and concerned.
thanks
nomo
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If I were to suggest a shows then might go with reality tv shows the latest venture to discover the young talent. So You think you can dance boosts its TERP's as celebrity presence over the show that hunts for young talent. Michaela is my favorite participaint in the show.
An another very deserving fashion related show America's next Top Model Episodes of Cycle 15 presents the best efforts of Tyra Bank heading the finale right throgh its destination Ann Ward.
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David & Emily, perhaps you could go on the comment section for 1-11-11 to read my undocumented immigrant concerns. I outline 5 or so issues that are vital to this part of our population and to their advocates.
In C.Oregon, there is an organization working peacefully with the local law enforcement re: the ICE policies mentioned in my comments. I am not part of that group, Immigrant Family Advocates, but recommend their spokespersons as Thinking Outloud program participants. Most recently, 1-10-11, I heard 2 of them at the Unitarian-Universalist church in Bend. [the UU national study this year is on immigration reform].
there are several leads herein for these people. I hope you'll follow up. i do not wish to list their contact info.
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Has there been a show recently on K- 12 education and budget cuts? What are school districts across Oregon doing to prepare for more budget shortfalls next year? What changes will save the most money with the least impact/ disruption to students??
Lake Oswego SD is proposing 3 elem. school closures (see website: www.loswego.k12.or.us & go to strategic planning for more info.). Parents (see website: LOunitedforschools.org for more info.) aren't sure the savings (3% of total budget, maybe 15% of budget shortfall) are worth the impact closures would have on the students & neighborhoods. Is the loss of this sense of community (neighborhood schools) & disruption to thousands of students the answer? Is this really the last straw? What else can be done??
Everyone realizes cuts are inevitable but we need to look at the whole picture. What else can be done to save (raise) money? What are other districts doing? What about PPS (they had closures and redisign- K-8's several years ago)- how is this going? Some neighborhood closures were avoided- who decided??
What can we do as a state, nation keep our public education system funded properly? And make it top rated?? After all, education is the key to our future (and savings in other services down the road)
These Q's (and more I'm sure) could be explored on your show w/ a panel of people- administrator(s), school board member(s), teacher(s), parent(s), etc.
Thanks & let me know what you think.
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Maybe for a slow week... Public transport safety... who should we worry about more, fellow passengers or the service providers?
Parallel topic: How can we make it easier to get rid of bad apples in the unionized public services sector (police, transport, education).
"In Portland, Oregon, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District has fired bus driver Lachen Qouchbane after a passenger filmed him apparently reading a Kindle while driving his bus. It's the second time the transportation agency has fired Qouchbane. He was fired in 2006 for pushing a passenger off a bus, but his union appealed the firing and an arbitrator reinstated him"
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Recently in a class at PSU, we studied two reports put out by the Urban league of Portland and the Coalition for Communities of color. These reports basically describe the shocking state of people of color in the State of Oregon and in Multnomah county. Housing, criminal justice, heatlh, and education are all covered and full of statistics. I think a show on this topic would be interesting, especially because it looks pretty bleak right now for communities of color in Oregon. Here are the links to the reports.
http://ulpdx.org/documents.UrbanLeague-StateofBlackOregon.pdf
http://coalitioncommunitiescolor.org/docs/AN%20UNSETTLING%20PROFILE.pdf
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Hello,
Every year for the last 11 years Portland Community College has produced the Vagina Monologues, a internationally proclaimed play that sparked the V-day Movement. The V day Movement is a global effort to end violence against women and girls and has raised millions of dollars and an immeasurable amount of awareness.
This year PCC is proud to announce our special guest star damali ayo, famous anti-racism activist, comedian and performer. We are thrilled that she will be part of our show along with a cast of 23 PCC students.
My show suggestion is to have damali come on the show and share why V-day has become such a global movement and why some people still have struggles with getting behind it- primarily because of the word- vagina.
This could be an awareness raising show and spark some lively discussion…
Please contact me at traci.boyle@pcc.edu if you have any questions.
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I think a great idea for a show would be for Emily Harris to not st stu stu stutter everytime she asks a guest a question. The show could be about how hard it is to listen to a show whose host can't g g g get the words out when it's time for one of her mediocre questions. I'm sure there are lots of folks out there like myself who adore OPB but have to commute in traffic during Think Out Loud's timeslot. Oooh! Another great idea for a show would be for Emily to st st sta stammer through her painfully slow delivery of just one question to her audience: Who should replace her as the host of Think Out Loud? Much better radio hosts could have their interviews live on the air and the audience could call or click to vote for their favorite host who can critically think on the fly and confidently ask their questions without shaming themselves and annoyingly trying to impart some impromptu drama or analysis in the delivery of their speech. Dave Miller is awesome though. Great host.
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What I wouldnt give to have a debate with you about this. You just say so many things that come from nowhere that Im pretty sure Id have a fair shot. Your blog is great visually, I mean people wont be bored. But others who can see past the videos and the layout wont be so impressed with your generic understanding of this topic. software reviews
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I'm a regular volunteer at WebVisions, a local conference that has been going on for 11 years and I think it would be a great topic, especially for people like me that have to run full tilt just to keep up with the changes and challenges in communication technology. So here's my pitch:
WebVisions - three days in May (25, 26, 27)
From the literature in front of me: WebVisions is a nationally recognized event that explores the future of web design, technology, user experience and business strategy. It helps attendees to discover the trends and agents of change that will shatter our assumptions about the web and how we communicate. It is also a place to network, share ideas and be inspired.
From me: Way before they became mainstream, it was the first place I heard about usings phones as mobile devices, twitter, apps, tagging, real life touch screens, Facebook, UTube, wiki-anything, the agile development process, and lots more. Plus, it is a way for ME to sort through the hype and the barage of emerging technology to find what I think will endure and develop.
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How about a session on academic cheating... which apparently is rampant according to the Portland Tribune: http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=129849991904365300
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The second part is very important to me, I'll outline ideological viewpoints because the discussions in the media so far don't recognize that there are many very different points of view.They either confuse the actions and statements of those holding one belief with those holding others, or they only represent two. I'm asking for a discussion that attempts to define and separate the beliefs and show groups that hold them as they pertain to piracy and internet freedom. The beliefs about the internet are outlined at the very bottom because they are only guide posts to decipher the beliefs behind actions and statements.jaktfilmer
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I would like to suggest a show on Autism Health Insurance Reform--State bill SB555 and House bill HB2214. Currently, only a few self-insured plans cover medically necessary treatment of autism (including Intel with a very good coverage). None of the private insurers in Oregon cover autism outside of PacificSource that just lost a federal court case last year regarding coverage of ABA treatment. This is not the case in other states, more than 20 of them have autism insurance mandates and medically necessary treatments are covered there. The latest state to pass this reform is the state of Arkansas (just this week)! Treatments, such as ABA, have a wealth of research behind them showing their success rate--with timely intensive therapy 47% of children on the autism spectrum recover "typical" function, 40% show significant improvement. But intensive therapy is out of reach for most families in Oregon leaving their children untreated even though they have medical insurance. Currently most of the treatment for autism is done by the state of Oregon. In our own experience, when our Kaiser doctor diagnosed our child with Asperger's she gave us a list of books to read and referred us to MESD. The school system has had to fill the gap with providing services to autistic kids (very inadequate and primarily education-based) and paying to make accommodations for children, many of whom are non-verbal and need medical care. If State bill SB555 and House bill HB2214 were to pass as written, schools in Oregon may recover over $10 million in school-provided medical costs each year from private insurance policies. Over the first decade after implementation, as intensive treatment becomes the norm for individuals with autism in Oregon, we could see an annual savings of $65 million in special education costs. And many families may experience the joy of having their non-verbal children start responding to them, showing their affection and saying "I love you".
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House Bill 3067 - requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease will be introduced. It will take place March 9th at 3 p.m. in hearing room D at the state capital. On the surface it sounds like it would be great news for those dealing with Lyme disease. Yet this has become a very hot topic among those who are dealing with Lyme. Some see it as a small step forward while many see all sorts of potential potholes. It is based on bill that was passed in Rhode Island. Surprisingly enough it may be members of the the Lyme support community who may move to stop the bill.
My wife coordinates a support group here in Corvallis. It is about a year old and it has a mailing list of over 30 people. I understand that the Portland support group may have around 250 people on the mailing list... and there are other support groups around the state.
For more information you may contact me or check out www.oregonlyme.org. I also have a website set up for our group, www.mvldsg.info. You will find a copy of the bill there on the Good News page.
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The Children's Relief Nursery (CRN) in North Portland is a truly amazing non-profit unique to Portland. I was reminded of it during the discussion on cracks in the foster care system, because the CRN is aimed at helping families with much younger children as preemptive intervention and help. Families with children up to age 5, as well as women in their third trimester of pregnancy, are eligible to receive help from the Nursery. It is designed to help infants and young children in direct conjuction with their parents, to build and strengthen the vital bonds between parent and child. Their system is incredibly effective, with a very high success rate that is measured by the fact that upwards of 90% of the families that complete the CRN program do not end up in the state's intervention system. Their are multiple facets of their program, including respite care, therapeutic classrooms, and home visits from the staff. Please consider highlighting this program (and others like it) on Think Out Loud. Thank you for your time.
www.crn4kids.org
And volunteers are always needed!
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How about a show discussing the potential fallout coming our way from Japan's troubled nuclear plants?
Japan's meterorological agency is reporting "good news" that the prevailing wind in the affected area's was blowing east into the pacific, which should help carry away the radiation... Gee thanks...
The US carrier and other 7th fleet ships in the area are being moved after one of their relief choppers came back showing low-level radiation exposure.
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Willa Schneberg, Portland poet, artist, and psychotherapist, would make a great guest for Think Out Loud.
Willa has lived in Portland, Oregon since 1993. She moved here from Cambodia where she worked for the UN during the UN-sponsored election period. She wrote about that experience in her third collection Storytelling in Cambodia, Calyx Books, 2006. She is currently working on a autobiographical epistolary novel also about her time in Cambodia. Her second collection of poetry In the Margins of the World received the 2002 Oregon Book Award. She is also a ceramic sculptor and has a private psychotherapist practice in the Pearl District.
You can see more info. up at her site: http://threewayconversation.org/
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like any additional info.
Thanks!
-Deborah Jayne
Publicist
503-515-6402
deborahajayne@gmail.com