Topic: Eugene (Oregon)

Financial aid on a debit card? Students hit with extra fees.

Financial aid can be cheaper to administer when colleges hand it off to debit card companies. But a new study finds students are getting hit with hefty fees.

Why the US teen birthrate hit a record low in 2010

Last year, the teen birthrate dropped to the lowest level ever reported in the US. Increased use of birth control is one reason, and many say that parent-child dialogue is key.

Forest 'roadless rule': environmental victory or US job-killer?

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals moved closer to resolving a battle over a Clinton-era executive rule protecting national forests from new roads. But critics see the 'roadless rule' as a job-killing block on the country's natural resources.

Learning how to listen

As the sound of silence disappears, a mother embarks on a quest to find quiet moments.

Water features play starring role at indoor garden shows

When you attend an indoor garden show this winter, notice how people react to the water features and water gardens. Water can play a starring role in your garden, too.

Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of December 27, 2010

Readers write in about the motivations of suicide terrorists, the term 'conservative,' the price of parenting – and grandparenting, and the victimization of soldiers.

Oregon man changes his name from Douglas Smith to Captain Awesome

Inspired by the nickname of a character on the NBC TV show 'Chuck,' Mr. Awesome also now signs his name with a smiley face and two arrows.

How American Muslims are reacting to Koran burning threat

For American Muslims – already in the eye of a political storm over the proposed mosque near ground zero in New York – a Florida pastor's Koran burning threat is seen as a teachable moment crucial to how the US public views Muslims and Islam.

Usain Bolt figures he'll try something new after 2012 Olympics

Usain Bolt, the world-record-breaking Jamaican sprinter, says that he may switch to the long jump after the 2012 London Olympics.

Top picks: Conan O'Brien, 'The Blind Side,' 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' and other recommendations

Conan O'Brien's comedy tour, 'The Blind Side' out on DVD, 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' and more top picks.

Conan O'Brien tour coming, but will he return to TV?

The Conan O'Brien tour, 'Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television,' will hit 30 cities while the comedian is contractually bound to stay away from TV.

Internet safety: Whose job to teach kids about it?

Debate persists on whose responsibility it is – parents or teachers – to instruct young people in Internet safety.

In Ghana, no one is a stranger for long

An American in Accra finds the local cooperative spirit a stark contrast to his homeland's love of self-reliance.

Deep water thoughts when the well stops working

Water and how we use it in the garden

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about junk mail, whether unions really damaged the Big Three, and what Obama's Cabinet nominees say about his incoming administration.

Where should bailout dollars go?

Demand for aid is rising but federal funds are limited.

Name change for an adopted daughter?

She wanted to name her adopted daughter after her great-grandmother. But the girl had already been named by her birth mother.

Bitten by the love bug for Beetles

There's something so endearing about old VWs.

Not quite the end of 'history'

The presidential race shows history to be both the deeds and the writing about them.

Can states cut carbon? EPA says no.

California's bid to set tougher auto-emissions standards has been stymied by the Bush administration. Now the courts will decide.

Can states cut carbon? EPA says no.

California's bid to set tougher auto-emissions standards has been stymied by the Bush administration. Now the courts will decide.

Ecoterror resurfaces with Seattle arsons

The destruction of four luxury homes Monday suggest the involvement of the extremist Earth Liberation Front.