Lane County and the Pacific Northwest saw record-breaking hot weather last week – Eugene Airport recorded 111 degrees at 5 p.m. on June 27. That’s climate change, and it’s ugly.
• What do college students read?: Why Pisces Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by NPR reporter Lulu Miller. This book, which is several years old, is a popular book for freshmen in the summer before entering college – a memoir by Miller, a biography by scientist David Starr Jordan, and an immersion into the complexities of people and science.
• When John Adams wrote a letter to Abigail Adams demanding that Fireworks to celebrate the independence vote of the Continental Congress on July 2nd, he was obviously not thinking of the harm they could do. Since we know Oregon is experiencing a drought and forest fires are mostly human, let’s put off the fireworks. Dogs, wildlife, veterans, and the environment will thank you.
• COVID-19 delayed the 2020 US Olympic Trials for a year, but it will be an unforgettable experience. The multi-day exams had a lot of drama – from Oregon-born and raised Ryan Crouser, who set a world record in the shot put, to Gwen Berry, who turned from the flag while playing the national anthem. What was impressive, however, was that an Olympic trial event was available free of charge: the 20 km race in Springfield, which went off without a hitch. If USA Track and Field really wants to grow the sport, hopefully next time Hayward Field will host free events or offer discounted ticket prices.
• Another name is out there im Political rumor mill for candidates for governor of Oregon in 2022. This is Greg Walden, Republican Congressman for Oregon’s 2nd District from 1999-2020. Why should Walden run? Maybe he’s bored after leaving Congress and the DC scene. He would be an impressive candidate, but we’re still betting on a Democrat in this blue state.
