Year: 2009

Hey, Wanna Buy a Bridge to Climate Change?

BlogNews

Remember all the talk about Oregon leading the nation in fighting global warming? Well, ODOT must have thought people meant leading the nation in increasing global warming. The state transportation agency, Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Portland’s supposedly green city government is gung ho for a 12-lane, $4 billion, that’s right $4,000,000,000, I-5 freeway bridge across the Columbia River to facilitate urban sprawl. But, grassroots opposition is building. Here’s a mocking shopping channel video from a Portland bike activist: Continue reading →

‘Battlestar Galactica’ Countdown: “Islanded in a Sea of Stars”

ArtsBlog

Previously on Battlestar Galactica: “Someone to Watch Over Me”. What follows, after the break down there, are a few thoughts on “Islanded in a Sea of Stars,” the penultimate episode, if you count both parts of “Daybreak” as the finale — which, for the purpose of live(ish)blogging, I intend to. Comments on those will go up tomorrow, or possibly tonight, once it’s all over. Continue reading →

‘Battlestar Galactica’ Countdown: “Someone to Watch Over Me”

ArtsBlog

“Deadlock” may have been a weak episode, but “Someone to Watch Over Me” is something for any show to be proud of. It’s nearly flawless, a beauty of acting, writing, editing and, so very importantly, composing (composer Bear McCreary’s three-part, incredibly detailed blog on his part of the experience starts here and is definitely recommended reading). Plus, it’s about Starbuck AND the Chief. What more could you ask for? Continue reading →

‘Battlestar Galactica’ Countdown: “No Exit”

ArtsBlog

And we continue (from the mutiny-centric “The Oath” and “Blood on the Scales”) with the info-heavy “No Exit,” which found me mostly just typing, somewhat frantically, in an attempt to keep up with everything Sam Anders says. It’s important, it’s relevant, “It’s the miracle, right here,” as he says to Saul Tigh. So let’s see what the Cylon says… Continue reading →

‘Battlestar Galactica’ Countdown: “The Oath” and “Blood on the Scales”

ArtsBlog

As explained in the last post, I’m watching the last season of Battlestar Galactica and blogging it all day. Why? Because it’s awesome. Because I’m making up for not doing this as the season went on. And because the story is even better when you watch it all at once. As noted before, there are spoilers aplenty, and this is not an intro course; it’s running commentary for geeks. I’m treating “The Oath” and “Blood on the Scales” as one story since the mutiny spans both episodes. Continue reading →

This Is How the World Ends: The last season of ‘Battlestar Galactica’

ArtsBlog

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN ALL OF THESE POSTS. You’ve been warned. It’s 10 in the morning and I’ve been watching TV for two hours. I can’t resist. Battlestar Galactica ends tonight with a two-hour season finale, but the last season is running all day today. And I’m watching. I can’t wait until the season comes out on DVD to see how the story lines up when it’s all watched at once; this season isn’t fussing with standalone episodes, or short-term storylines. It’s for all the marbles. Continue reading →

I Could Have Eaten Another Bite *

BlogChow

Things I learned at this year’s Chef’s Night Out, the annual foodtastic benefit for FOOD for Lane County: • Do not attempt to have a time limit, for lo, you will find yourself cursing the fates, and yourself, on your way out of the Hult Center. • Do not attempt to have a plan, for lo, your plan will be flawed and un-carry-out-able. • Do not forget to refill your beer glass. Continue reading →