In high school, one of my best friends moved from Wisconsin to Oslo, Norway. Mind you, this was before the invention of cell phones and cheap long distance rates. It was financially impossible to call him for long conversations–that is, unless I was at someone else’s house for a party. I would sneak into their […]
Phil Busse
Posted inNews
Where Have All The Activists Gone?
Vote to Reauthorize Terrorism Task Force Draws Little Attention
Each year, city council must vote on whether to reauthorize the Joint Terrorism Task Force–an agreement that joins forces between federal and local enforcement agents. Two years ago, that vote was one of the most contentious public hearings this side of the city budget. At the time, the horror and shock from the September 11 […]
Posted inNews
“TRADITIONAL” FAMILY VALUES?
Who’s Who Behind Measure 36
Kelly Clark, attorney representing DOMC (Defense of Marriage Coalition) in their legal battle against same-sex marriage Clark’s first marriage ended when he took up with another woman, who eventually left him. But not ready for that relationship to end, Clark stalked her, ultimately breaking into her home in the middle of the night, cutting her […]
Posted inNews
Was He Doing Field Research?
Crime Prevention Official Busted for Buying Crack!
It’s a story that is both funny and sad at the same time. Brent Canode, deputy director for the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) and in charge of programs designed to help neighborhoods battle drug dealing, was busted two weeks ago for allegedly buying crack cocaine on the street in Old Town. What’s even more […]
Posted inMovies & TV
Flip Flop This!
Going Upriver with John Kerry
Going Upriver: The Long River of John Kerry dir. Butler Opens Fri Oct 1 Fox Tower Although English director George Butler has stated that he doesn’t intend his latest documentary to be political propaganda, it’s nearly impossible not to view Going Upriver as a persuasive advertisement for the moral and intellectual fiber of John Kerry. […]
Posted inNews
How The Mighty Have Fallen!
Questionable Campaign Donation Trips Up Big Time Developer
Six months ago, Tom Moyer and Neil Goldschmidt were two of the highest rollers in downtown Portland. Goldschmidt, the former mayor and ex-Oregon governor, had the city’s political and business community by the short hairs. As one current politico admits, every candidate for elected office salivated for his endorsement. Along with Moyers, who owns Fox […]
Posted inNews
George W. Made Me Do It!
City Attorney Ignores Charges Against Bush Supporter
It’s a chilling photograph, one taken at an anti-Bush protest a month ago and published in the Portland Tribune. A spitting mad Bush supporter appears to be stiff-arming a protester in the face. The protester is arching backwards, attempting to pull her attacker’s hand away. Yet, in spite of the photograph and statements from no […]
Posted inNews
The eBay Way!
City Sells Off Reservoir Caps For Huge Loss
It is possible–but difficult to imagine–that the city could screw up even more. The debacle over the Mt Tabor reservoirs continued last week when the city tried to recoup money from the floating caps intended to protect Portland’s waters from terrorists–by selling them on eBay. According to the eBay listing, the city originally paid $398,000 […]
Posted inNews
Prosecutorz in the Hood
DA Tries To Link Rap Lyrics to Murderous Tendencies
During the final weekend of January, North and Northeast Portland erupted with several drive-by shootings. In two separate incidents, two alleged gang members were shot and killed. Then, late on Saturday night, a group of teenage girls were walking home when a car sped by. A bullet either shot at or from the car accidentally […]
Posted inBooks
The Egyptologist
The Egyptologist by Arthur Phillips, reading at Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside, Wednesday September 22, 7:30 pm In his breakout novel, Prague, Arthur Phillips focused on the mood and attitude of ex-pat Americans in emerging Eastern European nations. At the time of the book’s setting, the early ’90s, those countries were stepping out […]
Posted inUncategorized
Pie in the Sky
Like the Eagle, America’s Dessert Soars On
It is a popular belief that there is a pie behind every diner counter, but that conceit may be waning. According to pie expert and New York Daily News food critic Pascale Le Draoulec, over the past 20 years homemade pies have been vanishing from restaurants. A few calls to local cafés and restaurants found […]
Posted inDestination Fun
The Second Coming of Summer
Labor Day weekend may officially end summer–for SUCKERS, that is! Not here at the Mercury. No sir. Our Summer Action Team is just getting its second wind. Don’t baton down the hatches for the winter rains just yet, ’cuz there’s still plenty of sun and fun to squeeze out of the next few weeks. LAST […]