PORTLAND, Ore. — We forgot to tell you, readers: We’ll be taking a brief break from blogging to attend a convention here in the City of Roses. We’re here for the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies 30th annual shindig in our capacity as editor of CityLife.

So far, we’ve learned from a couple of activists and a Portland city commissioner that people who live in Oregon are unique and special, primarily because they live in Oregon. But seriously, folks, in this state, you can ask a doctor to help you “die with dignity,” get free rent for 18 months from the city as a way out of homelessness and, with the proper documentation, smoke a lot of pot to relieve the symptoms of your illness.

In short, it’s a progressive paradise, with a real, live light rail system, a civic-minded populace that’s highly educated and literate and the biggest bookstore in the land.

Man, do we have culture shock!

We’ll post again should anything noteworthy happen, but failing that, we’ll be back with all-new posts next week.