Bacon of the Sea!

This just in from Oregon State University: Seaweed that tastes like bacon.  According to an OSU press release:  Oregon State University researchers have patented a new strain of a succulent red marine algae called dulse that grows extraordinarily quickly, is packed full of protein and has an unusual trait when it is cooked. This seaweed tastes like bacon. Continue reading 

Shake And Bake: High Temps And A Quake

The Fourth of July weekend’s shake and bake of high temperatures and a small earthquake may have caused some short-term fear and consternation, but both events are linked to longer-term causes. On July 2, temperatures at the Eugene airport were a record setting 101 degrees, and temperatures hovered in the 90s through much of the holiday weekend. Then, many of those who managed to sleep late despite the heat were woken at 8:42 am July 4 by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake centered 9 miles east-northeast of Springfield. Continue reading 

Civic Inferno Points To Need To Prevent Youth-Caused Fires

The loss of Civic Stadium to a fast-burning fire June 29 is tragic to those who tried to save it and to those who have rich memories of the historic stadium. But, as Eugene Springfield Fire Operations Deputy Chief Joe Zaludek pointed out at a recent press conference, no one was injured in the fire or fighting it, which he called “amazing” for an incident of this magnitude.  Continue reading 

Landmark Cases On Climate Change Have Ties To Eugene

As Oregonians swelter in the heat and drought, landmark decisions on climate change came down from courts in the U.S. and Europe just hours apart.  Here in the U.S., Oregon-based Our Children’s Trust is celebrating a June 23 decision in Washington state’s King County Superior Court on a climate case against the state brought by eight youth. Meanwhile, the Dutch Urgenda Foundation and 900 co-plaintiffs won a climate case on June 24 that forces the government of the Netherlands to adopt more stringent climate policies.  Continue reading 

Relief Nursery Worries Over Cell Phone Tower

The Relief Nursery’s Springfield location gives aid to at-risk children and families with a multitude of challenges, according to Executive Director Kelly Sutherland. But Sutherland and others at the Relief Nursery are worried that a proposed Verizon cell phone tower might pose a danger to the children and families who come there for the therapeutic nursery school and other classes the Relief Nursery offers. The Springfield City Council will discuss the proposed Verizon cell tower at a July 6 meeting.  Continue reading 

Four Juveniles to be Charged in Civic Stadium Fire

This just in from the Eugene Police: Four Juveniles Charged in Civic Stadium Fire Today, Eugene Police Arson investigators received a tip in the case, leading to the identification of four male juveniles who were involved in the fire at historic Civic Stadium on Monday, June 29. The incident was not fireworks-related. The juveniles, all from Eugene,  range in age from 10 to 12, and will be charged in the case. More information about their specific charges will be available tomorrow. Continue reading 

Group Supports Male Survivors Of Sexual Assault

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) one in six men have been through abusive sexual experiences before reaching adulthood. Males experience the same feelings and reactions as other survivors of sexual assault, RAINN says, but they may also be up against additional challenges “because of social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity.”  Continue reading