How many years have gone by where your New Year's resolution was to exercise and get in shape, but by the end of the year you've found yourself having to renew that promise?If you aren't a hardcore athlete, and don't plan to be, then yoga lessons may be the genie in a bottle that makes your New Year's wishes come true in 2009.Creative Commons | judepicsEspecially if you have prior joint and bone injuries, doing plyometrics, more...

I thought everyone might enjoy reminiscing about Snowpocalypse 2008, so I put together this video from the bits I shot during the storm.  I've been experimenting with the FlipVideo camera and the storm provided the perfect reason for further experimentation.  As I reviewed what I shot, I thought it would be fun to piece the segments together.  Here's the result.  I hope you enjoy more...

Thank you for reading Neighborhood Notes!  We appreciate your support, feedback and, most of all, conversation. Your participation has been a real gift. We'll be taking some time off for the holidays, though we may post a story from time-to-time.  Happy Holidays and we'll see you in the New Year!! Shooter & Pearlgirl more...

I spent a bit of time out in the snow shooting photos and had a ton of fun. Call me crazy, but I enjoyed going out in the worst of it.  Here, for you, are the results of my excursion.  Enjoy them in the warmth of your home, that is, if you're not sick of seeing more...

A special invitation from Sam Adams...Neighborhood, business, and other community-based organizations play an integral part in assuring community and neighborhood livability. I continue to be committed to working with Portland neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations to provide services and information to assist in empowering residents to identify and support issues that benefit Portland. One way we can support each others more...

Commissioner Randy Leonard challenged two of the bureaus he oversees to do something different this holiday season. He didn't challenge them to boost morale or work harder during these stressful economic times. Leonard challenged the Portland Water Bureau and the city's Bureau of Development Services to a friendly holiday competition; a competition to fill barrels for the needy.The Water Bureau allied with Portland Fire and Rescue's Toy more...

Macy's did something very clever this year. A few of their Christmas windows feature vintage photos from the fifties that stir up lots of old feelings and memories. The best window is the one that shows an old photograph of the kiddy monorail in Santa Land at the old Meier & Frank department store. It is a dead-ringer for the kiddy monorail I grew up with in Philadelphia at the Wanamakers department store. Of course I more...

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." Library use is up around the country. Here in Multnomah County alone more books, movies, and music are being checked out than a year ago. Haven't discovered your local library yet? Here are a few reasons libraries can help in tough economic times: FREE books, movies, and music to check more...

The City of Portland advises commuters to expect variable road conditions throughout the day Thursday and therefore to take transit. If you have to drive, pre-fit and carry chains in your vehicle. According to the National Weather Service, the system that arrived today may bring more precipitation and freezing temperatures through tonight, the Thursday morning commute, and the evening commute. Portlanders could wake to freezing rain more...

It's supposed to be the busiest time of year for local retailers and restaurants, but Mother Nature has given a swift kick to an already dismal economy. It's time to kick back. If you're getting cabin fever and starting to panic a little about holiday shopping, there are many local businesses that are open today. The following businesses contacted us and confirmed that they're open today. Shop, dine and relax with more...