Bigger, bigger and bigger

Portland State, Oregon’s largest university, hopes to expand its student base as well as its physical presence in downtown Southwest Portland. PSU President Wim Wiewel told Oregon Public Broadcasting that one of the things that drives him crazy is when people say they know PSU is at the southern end of downtown but don’t know precisely where it is.

The restrooms are where?


A group of Portland State students recently finished a research project entitled Right to Relief, which focused on the lack of public restrooms in Portland and how it affects the community. I’ve often wondered about the issue.

Who is Pope Francis?

There’s a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi that goes, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Pope Francis appears to be one of a very few religious people I’ve seen who could change Gandhi’s mind.

Brew your own certificate


Portland State’s School of Business Administration has created a beer-brewing certificate program called The Business of Craft Brewing. It’s the first such program in the U.S. and is aimed at helping craft-brewing entrepreneurs navigate the business end of making and selling beer.

The carbon tax debate

Portland State recently welcomed British Columbia’s Environment Minister Terry Lake and local business leaders to discuss the idea of a carbon tax in Oregon. Currently, there are four carbon-tax-related bills being considered by the Oregon Legislature, and the economic potential is drawing attention around the state. Some reports indicate that such legislation could generate $1 billion a year for the state of Oregon.

Nosh, nosh, any time you want 


The witching hour has come and gone. The bars—closed. Food carts—shuttered until morning. Fast food—not unless you have a car. It’s late, you’re drunk and hungry, and lukewarm convenience-store hot dogs sound about as appetizing as uncooked rice. Where can you go, then, when you’ve got insatiable cravings? Here are your destinations.

A black-tie affair

Whether you have a hot date, are pretending you’ve socially ascended or want to know what a Dockers commercial looks like, press your slacks and head to these fine-dining locations.

Watch what you say

The language you speak could make a huge difference in your future. Keith Chen, a behavioral economist at Yale University, has developed a controversial theory linking language to health-related decision-making, spending habits and the ability to save for the future.

Smoke-free by 2016

Portland State has accepted the regional Fresh Air Campus Challenge posed by local, state and federal health authorities. Building on the campus’ current Clean Air Corridor, the challenge is to eliminate all smoking on PSU’s campus by 2016.

Disarming the dangerous

Recently, Sen. John McCain told NBC’s Meet the Press that legislation to increase background checks for gun purchases will get support across party lines. Members on both sides of the aisle advocate the legislation, which aims to close loopholes in the current system. During the interview, McCain said, “Obviously, we want to do everything we can to prevent guns from falling into the hands of people who are mentally unbalanced, or criminals.”