We've got issues.
Do you eat almonds? I do — lots of them. But for how long? California almonds are just part of the 70 percent of our food supply that depends on honeybees for pollination. But colony collapse disorder (CCD) has made life tough for bees and for beekeepers, who have struggled in recent years to supply the hives needed to pollinate crops. Continue reading
In this year’s November general election, Oregon voters could be asked to ratify (or not) a new law that would effectively end the Oregon Liqour Control Commission’s role and “privatize” sale of distilled spirits (aka hard liquor). That is, assuming that at least one of eight petitions filed by a group calling itself Oregonians for Competition can garner the required number of voter signatures (87,000) to gain a spot on the ballot. The petitions are backed by the Northwest Grocery Association and agents of various large grocers, acting as petitioners. Continue reading
Tattoo by Chris Jones Gallons of ink will flow through Springfield this weekend, Feb. 21-23, as some of the finest tattoo artists from across the country and around the world etch beauty into flesh at the inaugural Evergreen Tattoo Expo at Willamalane Center. Continue reading
I made a date recently with arborist Alby Thoumsin to chat about how to choose trees. “I bet you called me now because it’s the best time to plant trees,” he volunteered when we met. “You can’t do better.” So which trees do you recommend, I asked. “It depends what people want. They should think about what purpose they want the tree to serve — privacy, shade, fruit, or a striking specimen.” Continue reading
Horny sasquatches are in the Whit. No, I’m not talking about bearded, flannel-clad college guys scoping the scene at Sam Bond’s. There are two horny sasquatches — Leonard and Dale — who have been captured and caged in a “non-descript warehouse in the industrial section of Eugene” for “scientific research.” Continue reading
“Typical is not normal; normal is not typical” is my weather mantra. This year is no exception to the Rule of Exceptionality. I have always believed that Oregon weather was more variable from year to year, each year more likely to be an exception to normal greater than in other parts of the country. The growing season is less predictable as a consequence. Now that climate change is becoming more and more evident across the continent, testing my belief has become more difficult. Continue reading
Emily Aguilera, 26, single What is the best part about being single? Not having to answer to anybody but yourself. What is the worst part about being single? Nobody to split dinner with, half and half. Share portions, get that variety when you go out to eat; you’re stuck to that one dish. Have you ever been cheated on? Not to my knowledge. Have you ever cheated on someone? Continue reading
Local author and real estate investor Bill Syrios has written a new book about relationships that might make his four grown sons blush. “This book may contain more about good old Dad than you wanted to know!” he writes in the dedication to Intimate Conversations for Couples: Turning Your Relationship into a Lifelong Love Affair, published by Crossover Press in Eugene and available in print this Valentine’s Day. Continue reading
It’s a common experience. You’re walking down the street, pleasantly enjoying the scenery, when you look down and almost step on the horror of all horrors: a used condom lying on the sidewalk. We all know that condoms are readily available and people use them all the time (even if we don’t want to see the rubbery aftermath at our feet). The problem is that they’re not using them enough or with any kind of consistency. Continue reading