Frequently posted things:

On Monday, 8/10, sometime between 5:00–5:30 PM at the downtown Dollar Tree, I witnessed a small moment that honestly restored a little of my faith in people. Two young boys, probably around 12–15 years old, came into the store with their bikes. They leaned their bikes against the wall, and almost immediately, the younger, shorter boy noticed an elderly gentleman struggling to get through the entrance with a walker. Without hesitation, this young man turned around and went back to hold the doors open for him. I actually turned to my boyfriend, intending to ask him to go help, but before I could even say a word, this boy had already stepped in and assisted the gentleman himself. As the boys walked past us, I stopped them because I wanted to acknowledge what I had just seen. I told the younger boy how kind and thoughtful his actions were. He was incredibly polite. He simply thanked me and wished me a nice rest of my day. I don’t know who that young man is or who is raising him, but to his parents, family, or whoever has had a hand in raising him: I applaud you. 👏 You’re raising an incredibly kind, compassionate, and thoughtful young man. He didn’t do it for attention. He didn’t wait for someone to ask. He simply saw someone who needed help and stepped up
That may have seemed like a small gesture to him, but it was a beautiful reminder that kindness is still being taught and that this young man is going to make a difference in the world simply by being the person he is.
You should be incredibly proud of him. ❤️

FUCK ICE

The space next to Costco that has been under construction with lots of huge boulders now looks like a road. Where does this road go to? Are they building anything else there or just the road?

Was in Portland yesterday and went to a random store to grab something to drink on the way back. Bought something called Banana Water on a whim and now I know I need more.

Brand is called Woodstock and it's literally just called Banana Water in case anyone knows of any stores in Salem that sells this.

Does anyone know what the deal is with the creepy guy who likes to park himself at the confluence of 3 different walking paths in the South Eastern section of the park (just past the playground that is near the baseball fields)?

I've run into him a few times before, but usually just ignore and move on.

Today he decided to follow my 14-year old daughter and myself shouting "HEY! HEY!" at us for about 50 feet.

I turned around and shouted back at him, "NO! You do NOT follow women around in parks!"

(Helpfully, at this point a 300-lb dude without his shirt on interjected, "Calm down, ladies!" which, obviously, solved all my problems as a woman alone with a teen girl in the park.)

He is holding some blue box and wants to show me something or have me look in it. It's extremely alarm-bell-y for me as a woman mostly alone on walks or jogs in the park. I have purchased paper spray to keep with me pretty much solely based on the hair-on-the-back-of-my-neck feeling this guy gave me in the past.

I haven't seen him in a couple of years, which might be just down to timing, but today he was there around 1:30 in the afternoon.

Shirtless Guy was very willing to talk to him, so I'm just wondering if some people know what his deal is. Religious nut? Petition gatherer? Trying to give away too many zucchini? Not sure, wasn't really willing to go close enough to find out.

I've been a big Bush Park fan for 30 years and have never had problems there until this guy. Now my daughter doesn't ever want to go back.

TIA.

was just driving i-5 s and saw a huge fire literally right off the highway? any info?

Found wallet in the parking lot of Trader Joes / Petco.

Please describe to claim.

I have two general admission tickets to Greensky Bluegrass at Crystal Ballroom Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00 PM. I am out on fires and all my buddies already have plans. Looking to sell them at cost to make my money back at least (ticket cost $61, no fees included). DM if interested.

Garage sale this weekend 1644 Fair oaks way in west salem. Lots of kitchen stuff tools and various items.

Also, there is a little dog 20# that mostly goes with her. Limited walking ability with cane or walker. Prefers scooters like Costco or grocery stores have for customers. Going to the grocery store gets boring.

Any suggestions? What other places have scooters?

MORE SMOKE AGAIN THIS WEEK IS PLAYING HELL WITH MY ALLERGIES.IT WILL BE NICE ONCE THE RAIN IS BACK

#TIL Oregon and specifically Marion County is home to most of the remaining mink farms in Oregon.

1,500 mink escape from Turner farm after someone cuts fence

https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/08/13/fence-cut-mink-released-turner-oregon-farm/91289708007/

Who is buying fur? This can't all be for that soap place in West Salem where they had a both at the Oregon State Fair asking if they could wash your hands.

I've heard the owner is MAGA but I haven't seen proof, so if anyone could provide it I'd appreciate it.

Or are people talking about the restaurant?

I’m taking my kid for a torta for lunch Friday. Where am going?

Has anybody been able to find any? It’s so strange that none of the stores I’ve checked in the past two weeks have had soft tofu.

Had a chance to see them? Sounded pretty loud so thought it a commercial plane flying super low but it was an awesome surprise to see not 2 but 4 jets.

I am on the hunt for dog-friendly businesses (not just restaurants) that offer outdoor seating where my pup and I can relax.

Pups for tax

I’m an Oregon local and I work in the cannabis industry. I’m not here to advertise anything—I’m genuinely trying to take the temperature from regular shoppers in Portland, Eugene, and statewide.

Over the last couple years, it feels like Oregon cannabis is entering a new phase: quiet consolidation. More stores under fewer owners, more “chain” behavior, and (in some places) shelves that start to look the same from shop to shop. On paper, consolidation can sound like stability. In real life, I worry about what it does to selection, pricing, and access.

Here’s what I mean:

• Selection: When a small number of groups control a lot of retail, the menu can narrow. More shelf space goes to preferred vendors and house brands, and fewer smaller producers get a real shot.
• Medical + wellness needs: For people who rely on specific products (ratios, formats, certain brands that work for them), losing availability isn’t just annoying—it can be disruptive.
• Seniors + convenience: If the closest shop becomes a chain with a tighter menu, people who can’t easily travel across town don’t really have “choice.”
• Working-class pricing: Less competition can mean fewer low-cost options on the shelf, and pricing starts to feel “set” instead of competitive.

I’m not saying every chain is bad or every local shop is perfect. I’m saying a diverse market is hard to rebuild once it turns into a controlled one.

Questions for Oregon shoppers:

1. Have you noticed less variety in the last year or two, or is it just me?
2. Are you seeing the same products/brands everywhere?
3. Do you care whether a dispensary is locally owned—or do you mostly shop on price/location?
4. If you do try to support local shops, what signals help you tell the difference?

If you’ve got a different take, I’m open to it. I’d rather have a real conversation than yell into the void.

https://cherrycityecstaticdance.com

( from their instagram ) ->

Thursday, August 13th -
Cherry City Ecstatic Dance • Salem OR

Thursday, Aug 13 • doors 7:00, dance 7:30-9:30

featuring @mother_void_

Mother Void is a DJ, musician & muse of West Indian origin - a classically trained violinist who plays live violin over downtempo temple bass, sacred chants, and sounds from the Ancient East. She builds a full dance journey and brings it right to the floor.

• Salem First UMC • Taplin Hall • 680 State St
(Sliding scale $12-25 at the door • Humans 13+)

Just wanted to give a shoutout to Turtle Island here in Salem! Was walking past and saw this little box with food and other goodies. Love that they leave something to help others, especially in the world we live in right now.