BEINGS FROM THE SKY? Encounters with aliens? Mysterious sky phenomena? All these are nothing new for the Columbia Pacific Region. Native American (Chinook/Clatsop) legends speak of human creation as occurring when Thunderbird, the mystical spirit being, flew over Saddle Mountain (originally called Swalalahos) and left five eggs that hatched and became the first men, who descended into the valley and found women to be their wives. The Tillamook, as told in Nehalem Tillamook Tales, have a legend of “star husbands” coming to earth. read more-->

Let Oregon RING In A New Year for Education, Healthcare and Public Safety
M66-67
Restore a measure of fairness to Oregon's tax structure
by t.a. barnhart

The former creamery worker stood up to speak. “You know, I’ve had such a good life, any opportunity I wanted, I could do just anything. My children are going to have less choice. They’re going to have to limit their expectations.” In response, Cathie Leuthold, president of the Tillamook County Farm Bureau and accidental spokesperson for those opposing Measures 66 & 67 said, “I’m sympathetic, and I’m sorry about your children, but we just can’t pay any more taxes.” In a nutshell, that’s what the battle over Measures 66 & 67 is about: those who want to maintain basic levels of public services against those who believe any additional taxes are bad. Even when, as in Leu- thold’s case, the tax increase is from $10 a year to $150. Rural Oregonians know better than anyone else how bad things are. Unemployment, hunger, health care, education, public services: all are getting worse, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting dimmer. Reports that the economy has bottomed-out and turning around seem no better than fairy tales to many residents of Oregon’s northwest coastal region. read more-->

NEW COLUMN!!
NEWS FROM THE 101 CORRIDOR
by Bob Goldberg

ROBERTS SURVIVES RECALL; Samuelson replacement appointed; Riverfront Vision Plan goes forward; urban renewal district in Astoria may get new life; more players in the Paradise Lost board game revealed. read more-->

NEW COLUMN!!
Exploits in Dating on Oregon’s North Coast:
Married Men Behaving Badly
by Heather Strang

DATING ON THE OREGON COAST is not as bad as you think. When I first moved here, a little more than seven months ago, I was inundated with negative remarks about the less than fantastic dating scene. Two online dating sites, countless nights out on the town and far too many community events later – I can honestly say (with relief) that there is, in fact, a scene. It’s my intention to report back to you on said scene, reflecting on what works and what does not. read more-->

A Recommendation for your Health in 2010
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
By John J. Ratey. MD with Eric Hagerman Little, Brown and Company $24.95 (2008, hardbound)
by cathy nist

In the spirit of the holiday season, and in support of adopting healthier lifestyles in the New Year, Hipfish asked Chiropractor Ann Goldeen to recommend a book to inspire readers. Goldeen had this to say about the revolutionary book, “Spark:” “After a well-read patient recommended, “Spark”, I purchased it and started on a transformative journey. I now run, walk, and lift weights. I feel terrific. All the aches and pains in my low back and hips have disappeared. (Yes, chiropractors suffer from the same stuff everyone else has). The chapter on stress is amazing. The book has new science of the chemicals in our body that work better when we exercise. I recommend the book as a holiday read for everyone. It is the best present you can give yourself and people you care about.” read more-->

Jennifer Goodenberger: Breathe Peace
a new direction in recording and a new release just in time for a new year
by Lisa Evans

IT’S A FITTING EXPRESSION for the holidays. It’s an spot-on suggestion for our world right now. It also happens to be the title for the latest, and very well perhaps the greatest, CD of local musician and artist, Jennifer Goodenberger. I had the opportunity to attend her presentation, “Music for Health & Healing” at the Performing Arts Center last month and it was both informative and inspirational. I’d heard her play many times before and have always enjoyed her music, but this particular performance was different. It was different because she not only played her passion, she spoke about it in such an uplifting and life-affirming way that one couldn’t help but be moved by the whole experience. read more-->