Is Salem Really "So Lame"?

I took my students on a field trip around downtown Salem last week. It was a beautiful day and we got to walk around and through the streets and alleys, take some pictures, and see what was going on. Afterwards when the students wrote about their little jaunt around town, I noticed something very interesting. Those teens who had grown up in Salem had the "So lame" attitude, while the 4 or 5 students who had recently moved to Salem thought it was a really cool place with pretty buildings, lots to do, and cool shops.

So, where are the kids who live here getting this idea that Salem isn't fun or interesting? Is it just because they know it too well and have grown up around here and don't appreciate it? Or are they hearing it from their parents or older siblings?

Now, I grew up in Salem, and I'm well aware of its issues and shortcomings, but compared to the way it was when I was a teenager, Salem is downright cool. But that's another story and I'll have to save those musings for another post.

An Experiment

I've decided to try posting something remotely from my BlackBerry by using the mobile technology Blogger offers. You may think this is because I am technologically savvy and am a member of a highly evolved species in the blogosphere. Well, maybe.

But mostly I just don't have internet at home currently and at work they actually want me to do my job ( I know, I know. What are they thinking, right?). I guess I could break down and get internet but that not only requires work, but money.

Just imagine. I would have to call Comcast and set up a time for them to come over. Then I'd have to be here to let them in. I'd have to get a wireless router (because some dimwit installed the outlet next to the front door. Who sits next to the door while surfing the net? Hackers who need a quick exit?). Then I'd have to remember to add the new bill onto my bill pay system AND I'd have to spend all my coffee money on the bill each month.

So there you have it. Mostly this experiment is done out of pure laziness. A little financial consideration, but mostly laziness. Hope it works, but if not I have my plan all lined out above. How handy.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Are YOU in the Know?

Do you know what's going on around Salem this weekend? Here are a couple that I'm excited about.

Pub Crawl
Downtown Salem
Mardi Gras theme
More info: http://salemdowntown.net/

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Interactive
High Street Cinema (the old Salem Cinema)
Four showings throughout the weekend
More Info: http://www.salemcinema.com/highstreetcinema.html

I'm sure there are plenty of other things to fit all kinds of entertainment needs. Check out the Salem Pipeline site for some more ideas and then go out and have fun, Salem!

Community Events

There are a couple of things coming up that have gotten a lot of interest from the community. I thought I would pass the information along on this blog in case people hadn't heard about either of these events.

Railroad Quiet Zone Meeting and Demo
The city has started meetings that will try to establish a quiet zone for trains within Salem. Some community members have been working for this for quite awhile, and this is a great step in that direction. There will also be a demonstration of a quieter style whistle for trains that could be a possible solution to a Quiet(er) Zone. If you are interested in a Railroad Quiet Zone for your property values, sleep patterns, etc, please feel free to attend either event. They are open to the public.

Meeting:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
6:30-8:30 PM
Center 50+ (on the corner of Silverton and Portland Rds)

Demo:
Saturday, February 20, 2010
10 AM
Railroad Crossing at D St. near North H.S.
Parking available at the school

Crime Prevention Meeting with Salem Police
This is an open community meeting which will give the public a chance to interact with the police and learn about an online crime statistics site for Salem. There will also be information about how businesses are granted liquor licenses. Unfortunately, this meeting is the same time as the Railroad Quiet Zone meeting.

Meeting:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
6:30 PM
Waldo Middle School (2805 Lansing Ave, off Silverton Rd)

For more info on the Crime Prevention Meeting go to http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=1095.

Newport, Yurts, and Beer

I went over to Newport this weekend to stay in a yurt with my friend at South Beach State Park. The yurt was warm and cozy and I realized I've never actually been to Newport except for a quick visit in the dark a few years ago.

Sunday was beautifully sunny and we spent the day wandering around the old town and chatting with some talkative sea lions. We wandered down to Mo's where I had a crab sandwich special with chowder. I must admit that I don't love Mo's chowder. I did, however, love their crab sandwich. Mmmm.

We also headed up to the Rogue Brewery for a tour and some tastings. It was a really interesting free tour that they do every day at 3 PM. You really should check it out sometime when you're over at the coast.

My First Fondue

I tried to make fondue this weekend for a party. Well, okay, I actually did make it, but it was quite an adventure. The chocolate fondue turned out great! The cheese fondue...well, it tasted good. Apparently, it's quite difficult to get the consistency right. It was difficult for me anyway.

The first part of my fondue adventure was finding the right cheese. I wanted to try making it from scratch. I tried the Fred Meyer in Keizer, but their cheese selection was sadly lacking, although they did have a fondue mix. Then I headed over to the Roth's in West Salem, and they had not only the correct cheeses for fondue, but they also have chocolate fondue mix in case you don't want to do it from scratch (chocolate was actually really easy though).

I think the problem with my cheese fondue was that it was electric and we lost power for a few minutes in the middle (old houses don't like microwaves!) so it wasn't a consistent heat. Oh well. The good thing is that I have good friends who enjoyed it anyway and we all had a fun time! And that's what really counts.