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

I had a horrible time in elementary and junior high school, too. I was locked in a locker in the elementary school gym locker room. It just made me more intraverted. I never told anyone since no one did anything when I was raped at 7, so didn't think anything would happen. (long story there)

Now, I always think about those things and the mean things kids did and said to me. It made me a much stronger adult...after I was able to get some self-esteem. No one would ever think that happened to me or would "allow" it. I'm lucky that my dad always gave me love and made me feel important at home. If I didn't have that, I don't know what would have happened.

The unfortunate thing is that most of the people that bullied me were in a "bad" home for those times (this was 40 years ago). These kids only had one parent, alcoholic parents, or neglectful parents. Bullying is a huge societal issue!

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
view in context

I hope that this happens. First, I think if the military has its high standards, this will not be a problem. Second, this could help deal with other issues in the military such as some of the treatment of women. They are doing a a job and that should be the focus. The military does not have to "lower" their standards if gays are in the military; this is so odd to think this would happen.

People should be able to love who ever they want and the military already has "rules" that would apply to specific conduct. If two people are in the same troupe, fractionalization shouldn't be happening no matter your sexual orientation. It could actually help with the homophobic attitude in this country. The gay people I work with and are friends with... are people!!! People want to serve their country and if you do, you should.

I think people think it would turn into the Village People and if the military doesn't know how train soldiers, this would happen. As I've seen, this is not the case. I think this gets to a deeper issue in this country--when hatred of people is honored, it goes deep into society. It would be nice to have people be treated as people first!!!

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
view in context

He does have substance. It's just hard for some to listen!!! Many people just wait to hear what they want to hear rather than listen. I did not agree with everything he said but I understand it. Bush could barely speak (correct spelling) English and being president was always a joke to him.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
view in context

I appreciate what Karol said about not being able to turn around 8 years in just one. I think many people want change to happen immediately and it's just not possible. Our country was in extreme debt and extreme downward spiral.

I liked the state of the union, mostly. Basically, it is nice to have a president that can speak eliquently and make sense. We spent the last 8 years in a cloud of secrecy and unclear speaches.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
view in context

My husband and I have chosen to be childless. I have never wanted to have children either. I got a lot of pressure from my mother for years until she read an article of childless women. It made her realize that children are not the only thing that makes a women whole. She has never said anything again.

There are two main reason. First, as a child, I was raped and even after therapy, I do not believe that I could ever leave my child with a babysitter. I do not want to bring a child into this world that would have to have restrictions that are a result of my insecurities. (In addition, I would have a hard time carrying a child due to medical issues.) Second, I have a wonderful life with my husband and we enjoy our friends, our friends kids and our family. We are a bit selfish and do not want to change our lifestyle as would be needed to have children. We're able to travel anywhere at anytime; we are not waiting for retirement to enjoy life. (Who knows if we'll make it...)

I do believe it is rude for people to ask why you do not have children. It is a very personal decision. And especially for a stranger to ask or say you are missing out, it utterly rude and inconsiderate. I tell people I'm unable to have children and that stops them the conversation. Also, I sometime just let people know that it's none of their business. People should be able to have children or not, adopt or not, without judgement from society.

One comment made to me about not having children was "so who will take care of you when you get older." I thought to myself if that's the reason to have children, she will be extremely disappointed. No one knows, first, if your child will out live you or where in life your children will go.

I do hope that people do not put down childless women/couples. We have so much to contribute to society in different ways. We should be allowed to have the diversity in our society to assure that people learn from many persectives. I look forward to tomorrows conversation.

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
view in context

I actually get sick of east coasters here complaining. This is Oregon and the hills are very different. Of course, I cannot speak to the entire east coast. Put salt on anything and it makes it easier! I do think those east coasters should go back and let us relax, miss some work and enjoy winter our way.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
view in context

I grew up in the snow belt in Ohio but I do not think any of the snow we get here can compare to the east. There are so many different factors. For example, we do not use salt on the road, making icy conditions very dangerous. Also, the type of snow and fluctuations of temperatures is vastly different.

I do get tired of east coaster saying they can't believe things get shut down. There are not these types of hills on the east and I don't ever recall the ice storms like Oregon gets. Where I grew up (not as much now), there was constant snow and freezing temperatures. With constant freezing temperatures and not the ups and downs as here, it makes for very different conditions.

I'm glad Oregonians are cautious and salt is not used. I love this weather and enjoy having my work all messed up every now and then. It really makes us remember that we are in the NW and weather still happens! Enjoy it!

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
view in context

I have family members that homesteaded near Silver Falls State Parks in the Pioneer Cemetery off of SE Stark in Portland. I think it really gives a good picture of Oregon's history. My great-grandfather helped the Portland school districts think bigger by buying up land so that when Portland got bigger, they'd be able to have land to build those schools on. Today, that land is used for the Portland schools.

I think that cemetery (Pioneer) and many others have that rich history of Oregon that many people do not know or, unfortunately, do not appreciate.
Thanks for your show,
CJ Webb

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
view in context

I know for some people the deposit motivates them to recycle but for me, I've recycled my whole life (36 years) and just do it. It's unfortunate that most stores do not have people counting anymore and I only recycle at a transfer station now, so I never get my nickel back. People who recycle seem to get penalized for "doing the right thing" so if the amount of the deposit goes up, it's just more money out of my pocket to pay for a product that I will recycle anyways.

I do think using less (reduce) and reusing should be a priority, too. We live in such a consumption society and sometimes, recycling doesn't make people think about our earth as a whole. I will continue to recycle everything that can be recycled, buy less and reuse what I can.

I really enjoyed listening the the show at 9pm last night. I don't live in Portland but it is nice to know that New Season's still has a person counting bottles. When people look at cutting costs, if people recycle, use less and reuse items, garbage bills will be reduced substantially. I currently pay approximately $50/year for taking my non-recyclables (trash) to the transfer station. Thanks for the show!!!

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context