Popcorn Shorts
Cool stuff that’s too small for a big article
Just like it says, Popcorn Shorts is about the kind of things we think are really interesting, but don’t really need a large article to explain them. From the sublime to the ridiculous, check in here for crunchy bits of info you’ll love to munch. By the way, much (but not necessarily all) of our delicious Popcorn comes from articles we’ve posted on our Facebook page. If you’re on Facebook, please stop by and “Like” us and we’ll keep a fairly-constant-but-not-frequent-enough-to-be-annoying stream of these coming to your virtual door!
Presenting the news that makes us all furious… PROPAGANDA!
Tom’s Tidbits this month is about the propaganda surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but he could only say so much in 600 words. Fortunately, in 2016, we had the chance to dig a lot deeper when our late lamented News To Make You Furious column did an extended article on Propaganda. We looked at it from every aspect we could, from what it is and how it works, to living with propaganda here and abroad, to how to spot it and how to fight back. We even turned the spotlight on ourselves, examining our messaging and the various accusations we’ve faced over the years of being a propaganda outlet. It’s the longest article we’ve ever written, and though you won’t read it all it’s at least worth a look…
Portland Street Response goes citywide!
Portland Street Response is an attempt to lighten the load on Portland Police, and hopefully give options other than shooting when dealing with people in mental health crises. They’ve been operating in limited areas of the city for a little over a year, but they’re about to make a big jump… as of Monday, they’re going citywide. They aren’t 24/7 yet, but that step’s coming. Here are several sources who reported on this big achievement for the Rose City, which will hopefully be coming soon to a city near you. “Portland Street Response expands citywide with new answer for mental health, addiction-related 911 calls” (OPB), “PSR coverage is citywide, but still only 8AM – 10PM” (Street Roots), “Portland Street Response Expands Citywide, With 24/7 Service Still on Hold” (Willamette Week)
The New IPCC Report… Heard of it?
You may be absorbed by the looming threat of World War III in Ukraine, or possibly by the Slap Heard Round The World. Either way, we bet you aren’t paying attention to the latest 3500 page report from the IPCC. It’s just as dire as you might expect, and probably even worse than you might think, but it’s just not getting any eyes in today’s world. We aren’t asking you to read the entire thing, but we’re offering this article from the Washington Post on “5 takeaways from the latest United Nations climate change report” for the Cliff Notes version. If you DO want the full text click here for the PICC’s Sixth Assessment Report, “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability”.
13 Underrated Oregon Getaways
from OnlyInYourState.com- From secluded beaches to amazing state parks, Oregon is full of amazing things to do and places to explore. There’s much more to Oregon than Multnomah Falls and Voodoo Donuts. Get off the beaten path and check out these 13 underrated places in the beautiful Beaver State…
