Author: Richard Oxley

Over the phone, Michael Ryan is calm and speaks in an engaging, honest and straightforward manner, much like the style he exhibits within his poetry.

Portland State can boast a fair amount about its sustainability practices and commitment to sustainability in general. How many other places have you been that have waterless urinals? Probably not too many.

It seems that for every election I can remember, it has always been claimed that, “this election is the most important election you will ever vote in.” As Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton ask Oregon Democrats for their support this May, many may not understand what their vote may truly decide.

When the children at Atkinson Elementary School were asked to draw images of themselves in nature, they offered a wide variety of picturesque illustrations that could have been brought forth only from the imagination of a child.

When I was a bit younger, after being released from my high school classes, I commonly wandered the streets of Olympia, Wash. Back then I could enter any number of all-ages venues of my choosing. Olympia has always been great for that.

Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. people all across the country tune in to America’s Next Top Model on the CW television station. Some watch with anticipation for the drama and unfolding excitement. Others watch to laugh and mock the shallow and superficial realm while further losing faith in the human race.

At first glance, the White Studies class taught here at Portland State might appear notorious, maybe even offensive to some. The title strikes hard and controversial, yet gives little insight into the content and context of the course.

Is the sink just far too difficult and advanced for some people to comprehend? Yes, it seems so silly and rather basic, but a surprising number of men do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.

With the news spreading over 18-year-old Stephanie Kuleba’s recent death due to complications after cosmetic breast surgery, it has become a sort of hot topic in the world of infotainment. NBC’s Today Show even got an interview with Kuleba’s parents and attorney. It seems that this story won’t be leaving us soon. It is, of course, a rather sad story, giving much cause for grief and condolence.

Growing up in America, we’ve been told the great and prideful story of how we as a nation abolished slavery–how we fought and how we triumphed, reining in a new age of our nation’s enlightenment. This is a nice, comforting American thought declaring an anthem of freedom and liberty.

When I first moved to Portland about five years ago, I was struck by two significant factors that impressed upon me the image of Portland. One was that there were more Plaid Pantries in this city than in anywhere else I have ever seen or lived. Two, the main industries contributing to Portland’s economy are strip clubs, Thai food and panhandling. Portland may be a city that works, but when it doesn’t, it panhandles. But is giving out your spare change truly helping?