The Trump cult is remarkably quiet on the FB feed these days.

I’ve been using Apple products since the early 2000s and I can’t remember a time I was this frustrated by a design change. The blur on all the icons and widgets is unbearable. Even with “reduce transparency” turned on, my eyes feel like they just can’t focus.

Jenna Ortega has 30M more followers than Natalie Portman on Instagram. Ask me yesterday and I wouldn’t have even known who the former was.

Finding it increasingly difficult to watch everyday life go by while we descend into fascism. I’m losing hope that this will be just a brief nightmare.

The frequency with which I see seniors resharing 100% fabricated AI news stories complete with fake images is one of the most alarming things going on in the U.S. today.

Took the lenses out of a pair of glasses I accidentally sat on while in Italy and popped them into some cheap gas station frames. They’re not a perfect fit, but they’ll be good as a backup pair.

My dentist isn’t neutral.

Some sources say that between 50-70% of the population doesn’t have an internal monologue. Terrifying, but also makes sense.

Graham crackers + milk > s’mores

I can always tell when I’m old enough to be the other parents’ dad at soccer practice when their kids are sporting those weird zoomer bowl cuts.

All this chatter about Tylenol has me wondering:

Does that stuff actually work for anyone? Acetaminophen has never worked for me for any kind of pain, not even once.

Three more days to delete 10s of gigs of images from Google Photos before they revoke my email privileges for non-renewal of Google One. And their decision to only allow me to delete 500 at a time solidified my decision to never pay them again, if I can help it.

Y’all: if you’re going to do phone tutorials, please trim those fingernails. It’s shocking how frequently I see talented digital creators with incredible attention to production detail lose me with those gnarly digits.

Son’s school said first graders should be tying their own shoelaces. I did bunny ears until I was in my 20s.

#carbs

End of summer vibes

Something that threw me as a transplant: east coast vs west coast butter dimensions.

Finally getting around to cleaning up the yard after a busy few weeks. Late summer yard work in Oregon always has me dodging giant orb weavers and pulling web out of my hair. I think I’m gonna start naming some of these beasts, maybe charging rent.

Having a daughter come up in the world 3 years behind my son has been eye opening. Acknowledging that boys have their own set of advantages, the facial cues from friends and strangers out in the world has been night and day. It’s all smiles and sunshine out there. He was something to be controlled.

Any other #Ghost users out there having trouble with the Notes ActivityPub feed? Long form seems unaffected, but I haven’t been able to see notes for days.

Currently reading: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 📚

Decade date in Alaska. Checking #50 off the bucket list and celebrating a little early for 11.10

Thank god I don’t live there anymore, but I’ll never forgive Lansing for allowing Gillespie to desecrate much of that town. Like tearing down an entire city block face worth of historic buildings to put up a 5-over-1 when a vacant block existed Nextdoor.

When the Fujifilm X-M5 came out, all I wanted was an X-E5. Now that the X-E5 is out, I think I just want an X-M5.

I’m dreading the change.

The Arrogance of Apple’s Liquid Glass | Mark Stoneman

“Because Cashel Man’s chest was destroyed by the milling machine that uncovered him, the researchers are unable to examine the state of his nipples.”

Can’t say that I ever expected to read a sentence like that in my life.

World’s oldest bog body hints at violent past - BBC News

I swear, every year I think about going to Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA but then talk myself out of it because it’s a 6-hour drive. I think I’d rather just fly to Bavaria.

The rain today (and thunderstorm!) has me thinking about ripping out more grass and planting some new landscaping. I also need to get some garlic in the ground soon.

Having a really off day — one of those ADHD/Anxiety/over-stimulation/stress-induced nervous system hangovers where I’m basically numb with a slow and unstoppable river flowing from the tear ducts. Happens sometimes. In need of a cocoon.

Thinking back to high school when we would blow our lunch money on a Coke and candy from the vending machines before 2nd period. I’m pretty sure the proceeds were used as sports boosters. Crazy to think those machines were even allowed.

Intentional or not, hearing someone say “I love that for you” always lands as crazy passive aggressive or Mean Girl to me.

Nothing quite like getting into your own king size bed after sharing a full on vacation.

A great children’s book that some adults could benefit from reading.

I thought this was dead. 2 years and I’ve definitely lost the plot.

‘More propulsive’: Invasion creator says Apple TV ’s slow-burn sci-fi show is set for big changes in season 3 | TechRadar

When I see farms with houses like this on them outside the Portland UGB, I wonder if they know what they have. Some no doubt have purchase options, or are already corporate owned and leased back to farmers, but all? I hate to see these houses laid to waste in such an environment.

Not sure why it took me so long to realize iCloud email allows + aliases just like Gmail, but it does.

“It’s easier to build strong boys than to rebuild broken men.” -Frederick Douglass

Falling Behind: Do we treat boys like malfunctioning girls? | On Point

Real-time video recorded at anything above 30 fps is intensely jarring. Often it makes me physically ill.

Can confirm:

“Threads might be boring in comparison to its competitors, but its users say it might be the only place on the internet right now where they don’t feel they are screaming into the void.”

Who is actually using Threads?

I took my wife’s Sienna to Costco for new tires yesterday. I hadn’t driven it in a while and I almost forgot that it moves like a land yacht. Squishy steering, tons of body roll, zero power, big blind spots, and I felt like a Flintstone having to touch a brake pedal. At least it’s safe in rain now!

Portlanders: I’ll see you at the coast this weekend.

When you run across one of these but know the property has a recorded public pedestrian and bicycle access easement over its entirety. Perk of the job, I guess.

My first “real” camera was a Nikon D80 I bought in 2007 for my last semester of college, which I spent abroad. APS-C, 10MP sensor, 3 fps, one kit lens. I had no idea what I was doing, but I still enjoy the photos I took with it.

I’m experimenting with self-hosting my photoblog on Ghost again now that ActivityPub is live. There’s a lot to love about Micro.blog, but what’s always appealed to me about Ghost is its privacy settings. If I make a post ‘members only,’ it doesn’t automatically publish to socials.

Afterword

Yesterday was car-free. Ate at Matt’s BBQ and then went and saw NewDad at Polaris Hall last night with my friend Reza. First time ever seeing a show at that venue - I really liked it. Also took an ebike part of the way home with BikeTown bike-share, another first. It was a lot of fun for a Tuesday.

I am still kind of surprised online news sources haven’t moved toward a pay-per-article option. If I hit a subscription paywall I can’t get past, I am 100% going to another source. If you asked me to pay 25 cents to read a great article and frictionlessly implement Apple Pay, I’d likely pay it.

Sometimes I am way too OCD about certain details. #fender

Up to 11 subscribers on my urbanist blog! Probably seems lame, but building readership on niche and nerdy topics has proven difficult. I’m just gonna keep writing for myself and if someone else enjoys it, great. I’ve got some drafts in the queue.

Low Velocity

Bad parenting award 👍: let my 6-year-old watch a few minutes of Jaws because he was begging me because it’s rated PG. Then came the gore, and I shut it off. He got mad because he just thought it was boring. Meanwhile, Harry Potter is PG-13. The movie ratings system is… something else.

“The moment of change is when the pain of your circumstances exceeds the fear of doing something different.” - Rich Roll

Super excited to check out Ghost 6.0. Ghost 6.0

Heavy cooler hack with a wheeled storage tote.

Anyone ever had a seismic retrofit done on their home? If so, can we chat?

When is Ghost 6.0 being released?

A beloved brand that’s been around for decades, I only just decided to see if it’s really worth the price. Pretty good! Maybe my new hide-it-from-the-kids, once-in-awhile sweet treat.

One of the more annoying things about life in Oregon is that you can’t buy liquor at the grocery store. Many liquor stores close at 8 p.m., and some as early as 5 p.m., even on weekends. I don’t drink a lot, but it’s frustrating having to make a special trip or running out of something after hours.

Just called a coworker on the phone instead of first checking to see if they were available on Teams or sending an email. Even though I still had to leave them a voicemail, it felt more human. I wonder if they will return my call or if they’ll email me. We could be phonepals.

My microwave finally got so upset with me for eating veggie bacon that it destroyed a plate.

The Best-Designed Town in the Netherlands…and therefore, the world - YouTube

I was picnicking with my daughter at Pittock Mansion when we suddenly found ourselves on the set of a movie.

I am always so shocked when a person on the other end of a professional video call doesn’t have their background blurred and their bedroom is spotless. While we try to keep a pretty clean house, having two little kids always ensures a certain level of household chaos.

This is absolutely true. I have a 3,000 gallon rain cistern that fills up in winter here in the PNW. It’s enough to water ONE 8x4 raised bed via drip irrigation over the summer. This amount of food is barely supplemental to our dietary needs. The only real benefits are educational.

Our friend, who officiated our wedding, is in town from the Bay Area. We spent some time on Alberta Street this afternoon, shopping the used book stores, eating good food, and enjoying the murals. We made our way down to Kerns afterwards, got some soft serve, and caught a tiny bit of Pride. 🏳️‍🌈

I started a neighborhood-based group on FB for volunteer coordination because I’ve often thought their groups functionality is actually good. But now Meta is inviting all of my friends and coworkers on an ongoing and rolling basis without consent, which can’t be shut off. Abusive tactic.

Progress has been slower lately, but I broke through a plateau and this win feels better than most. #gettingfit

literally me at 4:52 am

My God, I hope Epstein is his Watergate.

Nest Aware is going up from $15 to $20 a month. A 58% increase in less than 2 years is bananas for this service. I’ve been looking for another reason to drop my nest cams and here it is.

I’m always impressed by our park’s community gardens. Much of the neighborhood consists of apartments and attached housing without yards, so it’s all the more meaningful to have these spaces.

I wanted to share the article in The New Yorker, but it was behind a paywall.

The Amount of Electricity Generated From Solar Is Suddenly Unbelievable

It’s been a minute since I thought about this band, which I used to listen to quite a bit. Wonder Ballroom has been on a burn lately with 20-year throwbacks. Maybe that’s their schtick!

Cut Copy I Official Info I Nov 11, 2025 I Wonder Ballroom I Portland

Came downstairs this morning to a photo shoot happening out on the street. Thought it was cute.

Not sure how people live like this in the SW. I’m ready for fall.

Updated my iPad to 26. Still can’t believe Apple ruined their design language at the same time as upgrading the thing into a usable computer. At very least, give us an accessibility setting to turn off liquid glass.

I know it’s been out for a while now, but iOS family passwords is just so nice to have finally, from Netflix logins to legacy planning.

Hi. I’m B, and I’ve recently become addicted to miniature cucumber caprese salads.

One of my hopes for Portland is that we someday cap I-405 in downtown, reroute and underground the Yellow/Orange MAX lines in a parallel alignment, and then top it all off with mixed-use, mixed-income housing and a greenway. A guy can dream.

Y’all ever nuked one of those frozen Uncrustables for like 20 seconds and then proceeded to melt your own face off when the molten jelly shoots out? 15 second, frozen. 20 seconds, lava.

Beaverton, OR has been on a new Trajectory for a minute now. Looking forward to it continuing to become a more walkable, well-connected, vibrant place.

How Beaverton’s long-term bet on its downtown is paying off - OPB

Few people with the means to choose willingly accept living next to such oppressive conditions: relentless noise, visual blight, pollution, constant stress, and the threat of injury or death by simply choosing to walk.

1,047 housing units currently under construction within .75 miles of Elmonica Station in Aloha on the TriMet MAX Blue and Red light rail lines. Once complete, this area will have a higher population density than anywhere in Portland city proper outside of downtown.

Lift someone up today. Put some kindness into the world.

Was looking forward to snapping some photos tonight at the Timbers game but I guess they don’t allow cameras with detachable lenses. This stuff is so dumb.

This one spoke to me.

Grateful I’ve had a lot of head-down design work lately, even if much of it has been pretty mundane. Spatial problem solving is a welcome distraction from the outside world right now.

It’s gotta come with an app or ship with the Mastodon API so we can use existing apps. I’d prefer it have its own app for long posting, but I’d settle for either at this point. #ghost

The longformers

The timing of these messages from two completely unrelated businesses was uncanny.

Few things bring me as much joy as seeing the adult children of conservative parents go no contact once they are old enough to think for themselves.

I’m all lost in the supermarket
I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for that special offer
A guaranteed personality

• The Clash

Nice little Saturday.

Mud Run Day has arrived! Before photo 😉

Heading downtown to tour a large civic project in preparation for leading our own similar effort. I feel privileged and grateful for access to these resources, and to get to meet and work with the public servants who manage major projects. The people cutting ribbons for photo ops don’t do the work.

Over 10 years ago now, but some days I just miss Detroit something fierce.

What will the YIMBYs (aka the Home Builders Association’s propaganda arm) have to complain about once there’s another housing crash?

iOS liquid glass must be for the kids because my 40+ y.o. eyes just cannot.

I’ve been spending a lot of time in Rayon designing floor and site plans lately and it’s just a joy to use.

Rayon - The Fastest Software to Create Perfect Architectural Drawings

I think some of us must be shadow banned from the Micro.blog discover page. I see mostly the same people over and over.

Still the worst possible location conceivable for a MLB stadium in PDX. While I do want a pro team, I’ll go on record as saying this will never be built.

Bill to help fund ballpark in bid to bring MLB to Portland passes House, heads to governor’s desk

Hudson’s Detroit and its moods.

As the only tall glass curtain building in the middle of a sea of historic beauties, Hudson’s in Detroit stands out. The lines feel deliberate and intentional, working with the surrounding structures to heighten the effect. Sure, the Renaissance Center looms off to the side, separate and hulking, looking dark and foreboding. But it always looks like that.

Hudson’s is different. Its appearance shifts with the weather. It’s a chameleon. When the sky is heavy and gray, it’s a moody teenager in the backseat on a road trip with her …

When I look at my own childhood photos, it’s often the Polaroids that fill me with the most joy. So when my wife got me a Polaroid camera for my birthday earlier this year, I got excited. It’s a brick, but I’m trying to get in the habit of taking it out with us more often.

My friend Chris just released his fifth album under the banner of Love Axe. If you like politically and socially conscious acoustic and indie rock, you should check out Optimism Paranoia Desperation Abolition.

Finished reading: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson 📚

Why do I have to talk myself out of buying every enameled cast iron pan that crosses my feed? Le Creuset? Staub? Hell, even Lodge. Be still my heart, your 9-quart cocotte has got you covered, with room to spare…ribs.

Spotted on a leisurely walk this evening: “Trump is a rapist and a racist.”

Rivian emailed me earlier this week about an event they were having at Helvetia Farm Market, so I scheduled a test drive with an R1S this morning. I got a Tri Motor model, which of course was pretty decked out and plenty quick. Nice ride. Kid 1 votes no because they don’t have video games. 😉 💸 🚙

How is GNC still in business? Who is shopping there?

If I didn’t already have an X-T5, I’d probably get this. Too spendy, though.

Fujifilm X-E5

Like so many things that found me later than they should have, Pet Sounds changed me. I don’t think I gave it a real listen until I was deep into my twenties. But I was only seven when Kokomo was all over the radio. Can you blame me? Rest in peace, Brian Wilson.

Wouldn’t it be nice?

I remember how excited I was when I moved to Portland 10 years ago and found out my apartment was on the parade route. Awesome views right from the comfort of my 2nd floor living room. But Rose Festival or Starlight parade now? Nope. I just don’t like dealing with crowds.

Rumor has it Fujifilm is about to drop an X-E5 with IBIS and a 40 MP sensor.

Fujifilm teaser suggests the rumored X-E5 is imminent – and it looks like an affordable X100VI alternative

Of all the footwear I’ve owned through the years, only my Chacos remain. They are indestructible and will outlive me. They are eternal. They are time itself.

“This ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ remake sucks.”

Also, I updated my blog with a modified version of the Microwave theme on Micro.blog. I’m digging it.

Bryan Robb

“There is no housing shortage in the Midwest.” 🙄😑

Currently reading: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson 📚

RSS > Newsletters.

Trying out the latest Reeder app from the maker of Mela, my go-to for saving and organizing recipes.

Are those headshots of the project team in a work proposal really the move?

A kindergarten teacher at my son’s school unexpectedly passed away over the weekend. Being in kindergarten himself, he couldn’t begin to believe or process this. My heart hurts for the family, students and colleagues. Tough last full week of school.

Finally, some good news.

Portland area is getting another Ikea next week — kind of

I can’t believe this album is 10 years old. It came out just as I was moving to Oregon from Michigan, so it holds a special place in my heart.

Carrie and Lowell

Shake Shack and In-N-Out are now competing for territory.

Another Portland suburb is getting the Shake Shack treatment

Not a good time to be a permit tech in Portland.

Wilson, Kotek announce slate of policy changes to accelerate housing development in Portland - OPB

Eleventh multi-day water fast on the books since mid April @ 52 hours. Easing back into eating tonight with some veggies and eggs after volunteering. Deeper into the weight loss and nearly into another BMI band (I know, I know). Empowering.

The consequence of having everything on demand is that I never can remember the name of that show I just watched.

Lilo & Stitch.

That elastic braided golf attire belt my father-in-law gave me for Christmas a couple years ago that I never thought I’d wear? Really coming in handy these days.

You’d think that a company whose business model is newsletters (Substack) could figure out how magins work.

Recreated a memorable CMJ cd I got ahead of my freshman year, summer 1995. Complete minus one song by Circle Jerks I couldn’t find.

CMJ New Music Monthly Volume 23 July 1995

Uh, hey. Guess I’m flying to the east coast this year.

Cap’n Jazz announce 2025 US reunion tour (BV presale for NYC)

Google’s AI is hella bad.

Probably tacky, but this update is for my personal blog. I’ve been pretty focused on a goal to get healthier and proud to have just hit 30 lbs lost since January. Most I’ve ever lost and the lightest I’ve been since early 2020 just before COVID began. Onward.

My fizzy water habit costs 4x more than my commute.

Even as someone who is for continued zoning reform, pro density, pro affordable housing, pro walkable communities — I’m nearly 100% convinced the YIMBY movement has become nothing more than the propaganda arm of the Homebuilders Association.

The Fujifilm X-E5 could be landing in June – will it fix the X-E4’s minimalist mistakes?

I really like the look of the new Land Cruisers. I just wish they offered one with a fully electric powertrain.

Sometimes I check out street view of the places where I used to live. This is across the street from West Circle where I lived freshman year at MSU. So weird how relentlessly East Lansing facilitates the destruction of its fine-grained commercial district despite surface parking almost everywhere.

“Experience the rare opportunity to own an architecturally significant home designed by renowned architect Alden B. Dow, FAIA. Completed in 1952 for Dow’s brother-in-law, Robert Bennett, this extraordinary residence blends mid-century modern artistry with timeless elegance and thoughtful updates.”

1015 W Sugnet Rd, Midland, MI 48640 | MLS #50174558 | Zillow

Whenever I see 🧵🪡 1/x on a post, the likelihood I’m about to read something cringe is near 100%.

Well, I won’t make that mistake again.

One of the most overlooked and least known iOS features: when you select text in a Safari article on iOS and tap “Share” to send it via Messages, the shared link includes the text you selected as a quote.

In the last year, Detroit proper grew more than the central cities of Austin, Denver, San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, or Portland.

Detroit’s population grows for second straight year. Prior estimates revised upward

A Vibrant New “Film District” Is Growing Around Hollywood Theatre

I have been leaning more heavily toward Bluesky lately, primarily because of moderation features. Today I also figured out how to integrate Bluesky replies into my self-hosted Ghost blog, which makes it more appealing. If you want to find me over there, here’s the link.

Submitted without comment.

Deepfake of deceased man gives his own impact statement in court

Peak adulthood is buying a new garage door and acting like spending four figures on something so utterly banal isn’t soul crushing.

This will never stop being funny.

Hit a milestone today with 20 lbs lost over the past 4 months. Feels good to be out of my rut and making progress toward a goal.

Very strange that in 2025, when you hit copy on an email address in any Microsoft product, it still copies the “mailto:”. This includes outlook for iOS.

Requested my high school transcript and found out they calculated my GPA wrong—not in my favor. Appalled and amazed, but honestly, not entirely surprised.

Started another 48-hour fast tonight. Happy I didn’t gain back the weight I’d lost eating tacos in California. All the walking helped. I’m aiming for a 10% loss before a 5k mud run this summer.

Rajneeshees, anyone?

Musk gets his Texas wish. SpaceX launch site is approved as the new city of Starbase

Time for bed 💤😴

Back at SF Caltrain Station, about to head back to SJ, and I’m just struck by how much this system resembles regional service in Italy. It’s obvious they took some cues from them in station design. SF feels a bit like Venice Mestre. SJ feels a little like La Spezia. We need more regional rail!

I love how most other cities with botanical gardens keep their exotic plants in conservatories, but San Francisco’s flex is that their plants from all around the world are just kept in a park outside.

Hint: Oregon isn’t one of them.

Housing market shift: 9 states where buyers are quickly gaining power

Super impressed by Caltrain in the Bay Area! Wish Portland had something similar for certain routes. And no, Wes isn’t the same.

Is In-N-Out’s name intentionally ironic?

So far, San Jose feels a lot like a mix between Lloyd Center and Skidmore Fountain area, if that tells you anything. Looking forward to making larger concentric circles tomorrow in hopes of improveming perceptions.

Finally getting to see the PDX airport renovation in person. #portland

Meeting up with my old college roommate this week who works at Rivian. My six-year-old son made me promise to ask him why their trucks don’t have games in them. Priorities!

Shout out to the neurodivergent folks who make things happen in spite of the world. Sometimes I look back at the gauntlet I just made it through, grateful someone told me it wasn’t possible.

Do you want to know why most affordable housing projects are less than 5 stories? Prevailing wages requirements from DBRA and BOLI. #pdx #oregon

Lawmakers Spar With BOLI Over Wages on Housing Jobs

Picked up a new sling ahead of my trip to California this week. It’s the Pakt 5L Everyday. So far I’m really enjoying it and think it will be the perfect size for a personal item carry-on bag. PS, I have a loose itinerary later this week in Silicon Valley if anyone wants to grab lunch or go hiking.

Terribly saddened to learn of my cousin Garwood’s passing today. I will miss his caring positivity and sense of humor. Rest easy.

Checking out the excellent Lire RSS reader on iOS. Tremendous bargain for $9.99.

Feeling fully myself again after replenishing my pizza stores at Mucca. The North and South is one of our faves. The honey chili bruschetta is decent, too. 🤌

Bold claim, but cute nevertheless.

How Oregon cheese became the best in the world | Superabundant

When the in-mirror lighting at the dermatologist is on point. Felt cute, might delete later lol.

#GhostCMS has got to be working on an iOS app, right? Adding #ActivityPub doesn’t make sense to me otherwise. The social feeds and discoverability in the Wordpress and Substack apps are what set them apart and make them enjoyable to use. PWAs don’t cut it in this sphere.

Kind of want a Land Cruiser 70 series, but I guess they need to be 25 years old before you can import them due to federal motor vehicle safety standards. The design hasn’t changed all that much since then. Love the boxy look.

I breezed by 48 hours so I just kept going. Felt good for the most part, but I was ready to be done by the 70-hour mark. Probably will stick to two days from here on out.

The iOS Books app is desperate for a redesign. Managing your own library is a terrible experience.

Trying this one again. It definitely helps with the insomnia.

Currently reading: A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander 📚

My first chaperone experience.

The current administration wants to give people $5k to have more kids? That would barely cover our fresh fruit bill. Daycare for 2 kids is like $35k per year on the low side.

Suddenly my 1280 sf (119 m²) house doesn’t seem so small by European standards.

Trump’s transportation officials express skepticism about strategy used to slow speeders in Portland, other cities - oregonlive.com

Removing lanes has been a tool numerous cities have used for years to calm traffic, despite resistance from some Republican governors. President Donald Trump’s administration doesn’t like it either.Federal transportation officials once heralded road diets for cutting crashes by 19% to 47%. Portland has implemented the strategy and saw a more than 70% decline in vehicles traveling at least 10 mph over the speed limit But criteria for an upcoming round of federal …

Finished reading: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein 📚

Did the thing. Focused on being decent. Stepped away when I needed to. Walked. Maintained my fast.

My eldest uncle went to a protest today in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan and sent this to me. Might be the best thing I’ve ever seen. Gives me hope.

Lord give me strength to keep my mouth shut with the MAGAs today.

Just got a quote to redo the siding on my very small house. $48k. GFYS.

Finished S3 of White Lotus. Sort of hilarious how it satirizes the Western pursuit of enlightenment through luxury wellness experiences, but hell if I couldn’t use a vacation like that.

Oregon’s Alpacas per capita 🦙 📈

I think a better location would be the soccer fields in Washington Park. Reconfigure Jefferson to serve it. Create a new underground MAX station. No surface parking. Keep as many trees as you can to have a ballpark in the forest.

Oregon Senate passes funding bill for new Portland MLB ballpark

Brother had soccer practice so we headed to the park.

Started my second multi-day fast after dinner yesterday and the most difficult piece of this whole equation has been drinking my coffee black.

Oregon Zoo. 📍

Testing location services.

Yay.

Portland homebuyers rush into combative spring market

Trying something a little bit different. Rounding out my first 36-hour fast. This went shockingly well considering I’ve probably never gone more than half this long without a meal. Charged up with electrolytes and hydrated, I’ve felt calm, focused, and at times semi-euphoric.

Currently reading: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein 📚

When your good buddy is on a different team this season 😂

I was able to secure another $9k in grant funds on Friday for a total of $87k toward the EV charging infrastructure we installed last month. Feeling thankful we live in a state that still supports goals like this despite the fuckery going on at the Fed. #oregon

Being middle age is having an extra ticket to the thing and no one responds to the invite.

Finished reading: Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery 📚

I swear, I feel like Shrek next to my wife sometimes. 🧌

This tariff stuff has got to be investigated and exposed as the biggest financial markets scam in history.

I’ve noticed people spark up conversations with me a lot more often now when I wear my Detroit Lions hat. It’s become a good ice breaker since Dan Campbell took over. Sort of like a cheat code when you’re socially awkward with a severe case of RBF. #DetroitLions

Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day is “apparatchik”

Time to dig out my Zf.

Stylish Nikon Zf Gets its First Major Firmware Update | PetaPixel

Bumble For Friends is one of the stranger corners of the internet. Evidently men and women can’t be friends, so instead we’re going to make the socially desperate straights swipe through what is essentially a PG version of Grindr to meet each other.

Detached housing is subsidized housing.

Why Cities Like Kansas City Are Heading Toward Financial Trouble — And How To Fix It.

FEMA has eliminated the BRIC program. For those of us working to address intractable infrastructure and climate challenges, this is a serious setback.

Trump administration ends key grant program that helps communities prepare for disasters | AP News

Dyeing Easter eggs 🐇 💐

Dropped the kids off with a Girl Scout troop at the parks district last night. They were raising money by watching people’s kids so parents could have a date night. We went to Westgate Bourbon Bar and Taphouse, followed by Goodwill. Kids had fun, too.

Soccer is back. Beautiful day for it, too.

I’ve always wondered about the people who live above the Vista Ridge tunnels, staring out at the highway every day, listening to nonstop highway noises, and people laying on their horns as they pass through.

Beautiful day. I went out on the balcony at PSU Union during a break and loved how happy these kids were to be outside on their field trip downtown.

Nature and climate. Otherwise, I’m over it.

Why do people stay in Portland? For many, it’s all about nature

Flashback Friday (October 9, 2001). #TGIF

Death Cab for Cutie - Why You’d Want to Live Here

S&P down 12% since Feb 18.

I’ve had four friends, family and acquaintances ask me about the Italian citizenship recognition process in the last month. The current state of affairs is making people extremely uncomfortable. It’s been tough to have to tell them that they no longer qualify given the Italian decree on Friday. 🇮🇹

These flowering trees outside my office window 🌺 #pnw

Currently reading: Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery 📚

Worth a listen once they put up today’s episode of On Point.

Next episode | On Point

‘The federal workforce feels tormented’: Federal employees on the consequences of losing their jobs

Currently reading: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson 📚

Thinking about dropping use of Mastodon/ActivityPub. I don’t like that the only moderation tool is to block, which isn’t really effective at stemming hatefulness, trolling, or bullying. Bluesky and Threads both allow limiting interactions after the fact.

Finished reading: The Arsenal of Democracy by Albert J. Baime 📚

If you don’t like the weather in Oregon, wait a minute. Back home now, but our last day at the coast turned out to be a beauty.

Ice cream trucks should be classified as domestic terrorism.

What exactly is the “style” upcharge for a men’s haircut, anyway? Put gel or pomade in it?

The party is over.

Il Consiglio dei Ministri approva modifiche alla legge sulla cittadinanza “ius sanguinis” – Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale

Accidentally snapped a photo of a levitating child.

This ain’t Florida. #oregoncoast

Ah, yes. Spring break on the Oregon coast. High winds, 51°, 95% chance of rain.

California really is on another level with their legalization.

Drove by last Blockbuster in the country. Bend, Oregon.

View of the Sacramento River looking west from the Sundial Bridge on a beautiful day in Redding, CA.

Surprisingly decent family fun at the Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.

86° today in Shasta Lake, March 25.

Bend is the Traverse City of Oregon.

As much Pete Buttigieg as we’re seeing, you have to wonder if he’s plotting a run for president. I’ve never seen a former Secretary of Transportation so visible.

First stop on the 2025 Spring Break Tour. Pilot Butte, Bend.

How very Bend, Oregon of you to take your cat on a hike up Pilot Butte.

Spring in Portlandia. #pdx

Gimme the deets, Trento…I’m coming home.

A mountainous region in Italy is offering €100,000 to move there. But there’s a catch

Four years gone, kid brother. It’s never the easiest week to get through, and every time I struggle to say anything at all because I don’t want sympathy, I just want to send an echo of you back out into the world. Miss you and wish we could’ve gotten closer over the years. Easily my biggest regret.

Looks like I’ll be staying indoors from now until forever.

Multiple cougar sightings reported near Beaverton shopping center

The default architectural design ethos has simply become “fuck it,” hasn’t it? Literally zero fucks given.

Would really like to connect with more middle age dudes on the west side of Portland, preferably not into Joe Rogan, video games, or golf. I do enjoy live music, medium skill band jam sessions, writing meetups, hiking, euchre, hobbyist street photography, zoo meetups with kids (6 and 3). #pdx

Education Department dismantled. What if everyone with student loans just…stopped paying on them all at once?

One of Portland’s best restaurants will open an outpost in Beaverton in a former movie theater this year

Started my second set of clear aligners today and my front gap is already starting to close. Teeth are gross lol.

When I can pop that L5 vertebrae by giving it a little twist 🦴💥 🙌 Sounds like a thud on a hallow log.

There are two types of glass recyclers on my street: those with bins filled with spaghetti sauce jars, and then there are those whose bins are filled with empty wine and liquor bottles.

The cafe in the lobby of our main office building makes their tomato soup with orange zest in it. Surprisingly decent combo.

I vastly underestimated just how much KISS I’d be listening to with two kids under six.

Wild stuff.

Webb telescope just snapped direct image of worlds many light-years away

Having trouble powering through a book someone sent me, which is akin to being held hostage.

Can’t wait for this to come to self-hosted Ghost blogs so I can give it a test drive. #activitypub

The social web beta is here

Did a lot of CSS work on my blog back in January and now Tinylytics thinks I’m averaging over 1,000 hits per month and keeps messaging me to upgrade. Yo, it’s me. I’m the one. No one is reading my blog except my snooping partner. How many more months until the average drops below 1,000?

Saw a posting in Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County) that is exactly equivalent to my job here in Portland and it topped out at only 8% more than I get paid here. Cost of living is 80% higher and housing is 229% higher. Why anyone in their right mind would work under those conditions is beyond me.

Any Italian citizens living in the U.S. have any luck booking an appointment at the San Francisco Consulate for the CIE Electronic Identity Card? Every time I try to use Prenota, there are never any available appointments. 🇮🇹

About 350 units going in next to Elmonica Station along the Red and Blue lines in what will be the second densest census tract on the west side in about a year. #pdx

Someday I will rock this look.

Yo, B9. Who hurt you?

Inflation hurts, but some things are still much cheaper today because of exploitation of foreign labor. A pair of Levi’s was $50 25 years ago. Today they’re also $50.

We went and saw Aziz Ansari last night in Portland at Arlene Schnitzer. It was nice to have a night out.

Food for thought.

Is our universe trapped inside a black hole? This James Webb Space Telescope discovery might blow your mind

This would be pretty interesting for us as it would open up Canada as an actual relocation option. I think I could live in BC.

Brussels is ‘honored’ Canadians want to join the EU — but says it won’t happen

Happy about it still be slightly light out at 7:00 p.m. I walked a couple of miles with the dog while listening to a book, The Arsenal of Democracy. Light rain, lots of flowering trees. I love how early they bloom here.

Mela is easily a top 5 iOS app for me.

I love the simplicity of BIuesky feeds. One of my faves is just ‘Mutuals’. Sure, I like to follow some bigger accounts and news services, but when I need to cut through the noise, there are the real people, there are the topics I’m interested in. 🔵

Feeling pretty okay that I divested myself of equities on February 18. Don’t even mind if I miss any upswing, I can’t stomach this guy’s manipulation of the market.

Probably better served up in a bowl, but the French Onion Pot Roast turned out pretty good served over mashed potatoes. Even the kids liked it.🧑‍🍳 🥘

Giving this recipe a shot tonight.

French Onion Pot Roast

Source: instagram.com

Ingredients

• 3ish lb chuck roast
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried Rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried Thyme
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
• 1 stick Butter
• 2 large Yellow Onions, halved and sliced thin
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Red Wine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 5 cups Beef Broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 French Baguette, thinly sliced
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• Chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Let roast get to room temp before preparing.
2. Preheat oven to 400 F.
3. Coat roast with garlic powder, Rosemary, thyme, salt …

One benefit of having CAD experience is that I can easily concept plan home renovation projects. Rather than move into a larger house and blow up our budget, I’m looking at expanding the kitchen and converting the garage into living space. Much easier to communicate ideas and troubleshoot this way.

Thinking about switching back to my old school barber. It may be a little less convenient, but those dudes take their time and make me feel like a human, unlike the ladies at your average sheering factory, e.g. Great Clips et al.

After a couple week delay, I got my clear aligners today! 😬 Pretty excited to be starting, and I feel grateful to be in a position to get this done, even if later in life.

Definitely don’t envy anyone in education, or the kids about to go off to college, or researchers. We are all the beneficiaries of that knowledge, and entire system collapses without funding, either through Federal funding for research or from student loans.

Russia has nearly the same GDP and population as Mexico. The EU and US could stop the war by next week if we threatened a 100% stop on trade.

I had my doubts there would be demand for the 12 EV chargers I just had installed at work, but since last week we’ve consistently had 8 being used at all times. Cool to see we’re at least meeting underserved demand, and I think it will probably induce more. Glad we bored/wired for expansion.

Some songs just lend themselves to an opening montage to a movie that practically writes itself. Today was I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney.

The market is down 6% since Feb 18.

Portlanders like to complain about Beaverton and Hillsboro being sprawling car centric suburbs, but they both have higher population densities than Portland. They have neighborhoods near MAX stations that are denser than most of Portland’s east side neighborhoods. They are building dense housing.

Imagine discovering The Replacements for the first time at 44 years old thinking people were referring to The Refreshments. I’ve got some catching up to do, and perhaps some repenting.

“These ninja pants have pockets and they are so cozy. They help me calm my body. Is that silly?”

-A, 3

I have so many projects I want to do around the house, but since having a second child, my home improvement work has fallen off in a big way.

Applying for a very large grant atm and I’m shocked…shocked by how I’ve had to correct so many architect and engineering numbers in the proposed budget. I’m a public sector planner and supposed to be doing the narrative and these dudes have me working the weekend on a $20M project.

When I began researching EVs, the Model Y just made the most sense economically for my family’s first electric car. Now the CEO has ratcheted up his insanity to a level I didn’t foresee and I worry for my family’s safety just driving it. Scrolling Rivian daily even though I’d lose my ass selling.

The first question that comes to mind when the average MAGA says they pay too much in Federal taxes is…”aren’t you part of the half who doesn’t even pay taxes?”

We had gotten timed admission tickets to the zoo for this afternoon, but I guess everybody else had the same idea on account of the weather, so we decided to skip it and just go to the playground in Washington Park. A couple small meltdowns, but we had a nice day.

Doing some grocery shopping this morning at a major grocer. One lane open with a human on a Saturday morning. No baggers. When I worked as a bagger in the late 90s, we’d easily have 8-10 lanes open all with baggers on Saturday mornings. Union jobs, lower prices, even inflation adjusted.

My son just turned six a few weeks ago and his reading abilities have exploded in recent months. Yesterday we found out that he’s in an advanced kindergarten reading group. It’s been awesome to see him learn and grow.

I started reading: The Arsenal of Democracy by Albert J. Baime 📚

Roughly 8 out of 10 men who wear black wedding rings give me skin crawly vibes.

A gorgeous end to a false spring day in #PDX

Whew. Lifelong goal complete. ✅ Finished reading: The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro 📚

I think California needs to take one for the team and split into 3 separate states so we can take back the Senate.

As much as I advocate for walkability and transit, I will admit that I’ve always wanted an old school Porsche as a weekend driver.

Do people actually join Instagram Broadcast Channels? Am I just not seeing the appeal or are they really as annoying as they seem?

How cool would it be if all federal workers stood in solidarity and just didn’t go to work today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day.

I really hope Ghost’s ActivityPub integration plan involves a Substack-like app. The web-only interface and lack of social are really my only hang ups.

Nothing in Oregon is “pricey”….it’s “spendy”.

My son just got a high attendance achievement award for 90% or higher attendance and it made me laugh because it seems like a pretty low bar. Imagine allowing kids to miss a day every other week and sending out awards for those who made the cut.

I applied for a grant and was successful in receiving about $80k in funding to go toward 12 new EV charging stations in downtown Hillsboro at my work. After about 9 months since award, I was happy to finally see them installed today!

Daddy daughter trip out to Multnomah Falls for my bday.

About halfway through Robert Caro’s The Power Broker and had the urge to search for an interview of Robert Moses on YouTube to get his voice in my head. Still find it hard to believe there aren’t any series or decent movies on the guy.

Robert Moses interview on Building New York City (1959)

Once again, my timing is impeccable. I have a trip to Yosemite booked for early May.

‘Honestly terrifying’: Yosemite National Park is in chaos

Many of the school playgrounds in Oregon have these structures so kids can stay dry in the winter. I needed some exercise so I spent about 30 minutes getting some of the stuck balls down from the rafters.

While markets are nearing record highs, I’m having a hard time envisioning any future that doesn’t involve some sort of crazy volatility due to uncertainty. Usually I just ride the wave, but I just can’t escape the feeling something dreaded is coming.

Watched The Gorge last night on Apple TV+ after we got the kids to bed. Went into it with zero expectations, wasn’t disappointed. Long, with several large plot holes and sort of goofy idea over all (I like darker movies), but it kept my attention and made me jump a couple times.

I grew up in the Midwest and spent the first part of my career there in public service, in areas that received a lot of Federal assistance. In fact, I’d say most of the good that occurred there was/is funded by outside sources. It’s what propped their mostly dead economies up. Hard times ahead.

Between two snow days this week, a holiday on Monday, and one teacher development day following that, we’re getting 6 straight days with these maniacs. Send backup!

I’m going to start handing out blocks on LinkedIn to market urbanists who post nothing but quipy things about middle housing solving all our housing problems. I’m from the future and I’m afraid it’s not a silver bullet.

Finished reading: Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan 📚

I had to start a different book because I ran out time with Part I of The Power Broker 😂 Back in the holds line.

Currently reading: Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan 📚

Rest in peace, Donald Shoup. Very strange for me that I just finished his book The High Cost of Free Parking a few days before his passing.

If they really want less government, we can start by merging all of their little exurban fiefdoms with the central cities they surround, followed by billing them for the true cost of their horizontal infrastructure the rest of us subsidize.

Man, I am exhausted.

And here we goooo… Currently reading: The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro 📚

Finished reading: Essentialism by Greg McKeown 📚. I don’t think I have what it takes to be an essentialist tbh.

I don’t like the 5 star rating system because there are far too many C- movies, books and restaurants.

Checking out the new #Apple Invites app. Curious how the RSVP process will look for people on other operating systems.

I’m not a praying man, but Portland weather gods: I need a snow day.

Off to see Dog Man with my eldest, then to our THIRD birthday party this weekend.

We’re in for a bumpy ride. I’m not even going to look at my 401k.

AI has its pros and cons, but lately I’ve been using it for mundane tasks that have been making my stressful life a little easier. For example, I’ve been recording long trainings related to a big grant app I’m working. Taking the transcript and having AI summarize notes for me has been huge.

Great Lakes Compact states should be on high alert. At his current pace, he’ll be building a pipeline to feed the deserts of the Southwest.

Currently reading: Essentialism by Greg McKeown 📚

I’m rarely vindicated in my e-junk keeping, cable-hoarding ways—but when I am, it only makes it harder to break the habit.

Finished reading: High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup 📚 Surprisingly enjoyable for an 800+ page book on parking. Essential reading for planners and engineers.

“The first revolution is when you change your mind.”

— Gil Scott-Heron. Illustration by Nina Montenegro.

While I haven’t been keeping up with it as much as I’d like, I wrote another piece for my blog titled The Myth of the Corner Store. Greatly appreciate any feedback as I work to improve my writing in this format. #urbanism

My son turned 6 on Sunday and it got me thinking about my own 6th birthday party where all the parents of my friends just dropped off their kindergartners at our house in a seedier part of town and then left. Their parents had never even met my mom. Man, how times have changed!

20 years ago, ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning’ and ‘Digital Ash in a Digital Urn’ by Bright Eyes came out. Feeling older every day.

At a concert at Mississippi Studios in Portland between sets, and honestly, I’m kind of floored. It hit me earlier that the last time I saw Lady Lamb perform here was back in 2019. That was almost six years ago, but with two kids, COVID, and the general whirlwind of life, time has felt like a strange, elastic blur.

It’s as if part of my life paused when I became a parent. Life hasn’t stopped being fun. I make a point of doing things I love and getting out as much as I can, especially now that my kids are no longer babies. But it sure is different these days. What a trip.

Not my photo. Posted on the Gordie Howe Bridge website. Just a lovely bridge, Detroit.

Trying to work up the energy to make it to this Lady Lamb show at Mississippi Studios tonight. Still wiped out and recovering.

Listening to Backyard Lover by Merce Lemon. #mood

I’ve have had two back-to-back, pretty nasty illnesses this month. This caused me to abandon my photo a day project. I thought that it would encourage me to be creative and get out more, but I decided it wasn’t serving me the way that it would and I didn’t like how it was making me feel.

A little over halfway through the nerdiest book I’ve read in years. Of course I love it.

I have cancelled and deleted my omg.lol account.

Grandma Deb coming through with the clutch Lions themed winter gear for kiddo’s 6th birthday!

What a truly terrible day for America and the world.

“Historically, driving has come with very few costs for the driver — in fact, most of it, from road infrastructure to free parking, is actively subsidized by the government.“

https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24344732/nyc-congestion-pricing-tracker-data-google-maps

What’s the typical life expectancy of a towel? Just realized I bought these from BBB when I first moved here in 2015.

Can’t sleep. Memory lane.

Claire de Lune by …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

On the enshittification of the Internet from CNN:

First, they are good to their users; then they abuse their users to make things better for their business customers; finally, they abuse those business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. Then, they die.

You know, I think life is an embarrassing, soul crushing marathon. But then I remember: (gasp) there’s cinnamon toast!

-Bruce McCulloch

13/365 📷

True story, my wife sleeps with this tattered quilt every night because she likes the way it feels. It was her dad’s when he was a kid.

Glad y’all are having a “normal” winter back in Michigan. After the last couple of years, I was starting to think that maybe the climate had changed enough for me to start thinking about move back, but…I’m good. ☔️

12/365 📷

Same, kid. Happy 3rd birthday. Love, dad.

I had my dentist appointment on Friday to get my teeth scanned in preparation for clear aligners. I’m excited but a little nervous. I have a deep bite, there’s a gap on the top, and crowding on the bottom. The correction of a deep bite can change the face. Should be interesting.

A satellite map compares the areas of the Palisades Fire and the Great Chicago Fire, with color-coded overlays and size measurements.

Source

I’ve always been a late bloomer. I wonder what will bloom next.

11/365 📷

I went to a meetup today and we visited several art galleries around the Pearl District. I found the prayer wheel with the octopus uncanny given the book I just finished. The artist allowed us to place a piece of paper with a prayer inside, which I delighted in doing.

Finished reading: The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler 📚. Brilliant book.

When I lived in Florida over 20 years years ago, gated communities were everywhere. I’ve lived in Oregon for 10 years now and I still haven’t seen one.

10/365 📷

New bed day.

I ask you one thing Do you remember me? I miss you

9/365 📷

To be seen by others is the core of being. Perhaps this is why humans are driven to create minds besides our own: We want to be seen. We want to be found. We want to be discovered by another. In the structured loneliness of this modern world, so many of us are passed over by our fellow humans, never given a second glance.

Excerpt from The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler

What does it mean to be a self? I think, more than anything else, it means the ability to select between different possible outcomes in order to direct oneself toward a desired outcome: to be future-oriented. When every day is the same, when we are not presented with the necessity to choose between different possibilities, we say we don’t “feel alive”—and here I think we guess at what being alive actually is. It is the ability to choose. We live in choices. —Dr. Ha Nguyen, How Oceans Think

Excerpt from The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler

Morning walk.

Photo from a few weeks ago of a dragon made of Christmas lights and spitting flames in downtown Caldwell.

8/365 📷

Kids are under the weather this morning and my wife put on Murder, She Wrote. The kids are actually getting into it 😆

Greenland is about 26% larger than Alaska and 56,000 people live there.

Shocked a younger millennial today by affirming that I, too, am a millennial and turn 44 in about a month.

I needed to get away from my desk today, so I drove out to Metro’s Killen Wetlands near Banks. I’d never been there and sort of stumbled across it by accident. Usually I drive south on my lunch break, but today I decided to go west. Washington County is some of the most beautiful countryside anywhere, dotted with farms and nurseries and awesome vistas. It made me wish I had $5 million to buy a couple acres. The upside and downside of the UGB is the high price of land.

7/365 📷

The sky is on fire this morning. We don’t get many of these this time of year.

Just me and a date with the S3 finale of The Bear.

My wife and I are at the point in our marriage where she intentionally puts the paper towel and TP rolls on backwards just to annoy me.

I’ve discovered that I prefer listening to nonfiction audiobooks over fiction. For me, fiction is for relaxing, nonfiction is just processing information.

We went out to eat last night with a few good friends and their kids. Had a great time. After we put the kids to bed, we watched Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. I’m not one for writing reviews, but it was entertaining. I was skeptical at first, but it was fun and I needed something that wasn’t too serious.

5/365 📷

Currently reading: The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler 📚

Completely forgot, but I recently passed 8 years as a nonsmoker. Unfortunately that’s about the time my weight gain started. Not sure what’s worse, being despised for being a smoker, or being treated so differently as a heavier person. At least I have my lungs, I guess.

From 2007-2015, I worked for the agency that orchestrated the rehab of the Book Cadillac, and I managed the urban revitalization grant programs that invested in the major parks and public spaces in and around downtown Detroit. I love seeing the comeback and miss being there.

The Guardian

Made some UI tweaks to my blog yesterday and have been considering adding a “Now” page. What makes a good one? Have an example to share?