Hot Spot

Edited by Jill Spitznass

Fathom This:

A machine so miraculous that it provides 10 percent of the world’s electricity. Weans us from oil. Halts global warming. Saves the planet. Four such devices, designed to harness the energy of ocean waves, may do just that. (And they’re coming to an Oregon shore near you.)

By Rebecca Clarren

Coming to America

This year, inside the ceremony room of Portland’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 10,000 foreign-born residents will take the Oath of Allegiance, becoming in just three short minutes, Americans.

By Ted Katauskas

Top Dentists 2008

From the fluorescent lights in the waiting room to the high-pitched whir of the drill, that twice-yearly visit to the dentist typically isn’t an event that people look forward to. So why not ease your nerves a bit by putting yourself in the capable, latex-gloved hands of a dentist who comes highly recommended by his or her peers?

By Martha Calhoon

Semper Film

Gary Mortensen brings images of wars past and present to life.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Chemical Reaction

Want to unlock the mysteries of science? Start with a beer.

By Jonathan Fine

Key Note

Can guitarist Terry Robb’s new label help revive Portland’s original indie music—blues?

By Tom D'Antoni

Bounty Hunters

Tired of your 9-to-5 gig? The Columbia River is teeming with cash—if you catch the right fish.

By Jason Cohen

Om Sweet Om

Ditch the gym and practice better yoga at a studio. (Your soul will thank you.)

By Stacey Wilson

Picture This

Art isn’t meant only for the wall: Sometimes it’s made for the 
body. Consider the pair of electric-blue flats made from a suedelike, vegan 
material that were recently spied at Olio United.

By Jill Spitznass

Star Power

Western Display Fireworks’ pyro-in-chief Bob Gobet gets fired up about shows for billionaires and the art of making people swoon.

By Ted Katauskas

Perennial Favorites

When lovers of salvias and slime molds crave a good book, they turn to horticultural publisher Timber Press.

By Jill Davis

Swing Blade

At the peak of Little League season, one mother hits a home run all the way to Crazy Town.

By Pam Grimes

Against the Grain

A builder and furniture maker proves you don’t need an architect’s license to create a beautifully designed house.

By Camela Raymond

Grill Seeker

Korean barbecue has it all: It’s salty, spicy, and, with just 
two minutes of cooking time, instantly gratifying.

By Nancy Rommelmann

Vinomatic

By Tom Colligan

Gold Standard

Jacksonville is one town we’re happy is stuck in the past.

By Stacey Wilson

Faulty Fusion

A San Diego chef opens Isabel, her fifth West Coast restaurant in Portland, but is this bastion of healthy cuisine built to last?

By Camas Davis

Keeping His Cool

Legendary punk David Allen trades in his bass for a blog.

By Randy Gragg