It’s hard to believe some of the nervous nellies in the airline business. They are pressuring the Transportation Security Administration to reverse its decision to let passengers keep their small pocket knives starting April 25. From the start of civil aviation until shortly after 9/11, passengers could carry all the knives they wanted and no […]
Once again we have been warned about the devastating effects of a really big earthquake off the Oregon coast. The question is not what we should do about it, but whether we will or can. The Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission has just delivered its latest assessment and plan to the legislature. It says […]
With all this talk about drones, the Oregon legislature may set some ground rules. And it’s about time. Judging by what you read about the increasing popularity of using unmanned aircraft, those things are going to be buzzing overhead any time now. The state Senate Judiciary Committee has a bill that deals with the issue. […]
Now it’s the lawyers’ turn in Albany’s latest romp into the wilds of direct democracy. Voters approved two initiatives written by North Albany resident Tom Cordier. One says the city council will need voter approval of any future urban renewal districts. No question about that one. But the other says the city cannot incur “new […]
I don’t know why we are always urging people to vote no matter what. If an election is in the offing, it is customary for civic-minded voices in public to say things like: “Regardless of which way you decide, be sure to vote.” And yes, there’s great value attached to the act of voting itself, […]
Daylight saving time is here. If we could keep it, I would quit my complaining about it. I’m not against gaining an hour of daylight at the end of the day. What I’m against is the time change twice a year. Judging from the online chatter, lots of you resent the change as well. And […]
No stars at night: Too much light
Ever wish you could see the stars at night without having to travel into the wilderness? Especially the Milky Way, in all its awe-inspiring splendor? In most of our towns, you can’t do that even when it’s not overcast because the night is not really dark. There is light all over the place — from […]
Tags: Bandon, dark sky, light pollution