STUMPTOWNBLOGGER

THE SKYLINER MONORAIL BY CRAIG ADAMS

On October 26, 1959 the "Meier & Frank" department store opened its new "M&F Skyliner Monorail" which was suspended from the Toyland ceiling, 15 feet above the 10th floor.  It took six months of planning and two months to install.  The M&F Skyliner Monorail was the first of its kind West of the Mississippi.  The "Rocket Express" monorail at Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia had been in operation since 1946.  The M&F Skyliner Monorail had three aluminum cars and carried 24 (children) passengers per trip.  The Skyliner circled 300 feet of track around the auditorium every few minutes.  Passengers were bolt locked in for safety.  

Meier & Frank ads publicized the new aerial: "Ride The Exclusive M&F Skyliner Monorail.  For boys and girls under 12.  It's a thrill to see the panorama of the West's greatest Toyland from the fabulous monorail suspended from the ceiling! 10c."  In 1962 Meier & Frank made it possible to "Write to Santa Claus, he will answer your letter or card and send you TICKETS FOR FREE RIDE'S ON THE SKYLINER MONORAIL.  Address him in care of Meier & Frank's -- Downtown, Portland 4, Oregon."

10 QUESTIONS FOR A YOUNG BRIGHT TV STAR ON THE HORIZON-STEPHANIE KRALEVICH

 
A few years ago I was visiting the KPTV studios and met Stephanie Kralevich who was floating around the studios doing a little bit of everything from being on camera to helping produce segments. I told the G.M at the time that Stephanie should be used more on camera and that she had that special spark. Today Stephanie is a meteorologist at Fox 12 and will have a very successful career. Stephanie was born in Gresham and graduated from the University of Oregon. A TV station in Medford was her training ground before joining KPTV.

#1: FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Marino Adriatic Cafe on SE 41st & Division

#2: FAVORITE MOVIE?

I love documentaries. If I had to pick a favorite...It would have to be Grey Gardens (the documentary, not the made for TV movie)

#3: PERSON YOU WOULD LOVE TO MEET?

Any of The Beatles.

#4: FAVORITE MUSIC ARTIST?

I like the oldies. It's a toss up between Kenny Loggins and Steely Dan

#5: WHAT IS ALWAYS IN STEPHANIE'S FRIDGE?

Cheese.

#6: FAVORITE WEB SITE?

Mark Nelsen's Weather Page. I pasted the link below. It has a link to every weather-related website you can imagine, including his blog. If you are all interested in the weather, his blog is a must read.

http://www.cascadeaccess.com/~mnelsen/markswxlinks.html

#7: LAST BOOK READ?

This is kind of embarrassing. I just finished "Brady Brady Brady: The complete story of the Brady Bunch, "by the shows producers, Lloyd & Sherwood Schwartz. I grew up watching all of the Brady Bunch re-runs and I have read every Brady biography out there!

#8: BEST BAR IN TOWN?

Element Restaurant & Bar. It's a brand new place on SW 12th & Morrison. They have a drink called "Blonde Ambition", made with grapefruit-infused Belvedere. I'm not really into martinis...but that drink is so grape fruity and delicious.

#9: STUMPTOWN OR STARBUCKS?

Stumptown, everyday twice on Sunday! Their "Hair Bender Blend" will put lead in your pencil!

#10: YOUR FAVORITE RADIO STATION?

Oldies 106.7FM. If I'm looking for traffic and weather updates, then it's KPAM 860.

 

WELCOME TO STUMPTOWN....MATT BRODE

 
Koin Tv hit the talent jackpot with this young man who is co-hosting with Kacey Montoya on the early morning news show. Matt Brode has that natural gift of being on TV without the staged presentation. Very rare these days! Here are my 10 questions for Matt.

1- Have you found a favorite restaurant in town yet?

So many, this city is an oasis of culinary splendor. Aside from the Beaverton McDonald's (joke) I'd have to say Andina.

#2- Last book read?

I read everything. Last book I read was "The girl with the Dragon Tattoo" - Favorite book "A Confederacy of Dunces"

#3- Most visited web sites:

Facebook, Twitter,mgoblue.com, Koin weather page

#4- Your prediction for the weather in December?

La Nina baby!!! It's a strong one, so run for your lives. Cold and wet!

#5- Favorite movie of all time?

The Big Lebowski. (Anything Coen Brother's)

#6- What is in Matt's fridge?

Expired eggs and milk.

#7- Hobby?

Playing my guitar, listening to music, Tae Kwon Do and Michigan football. Watching snowstorms and studying Great Lake Shipwrecks. I'm obsessed with Northern Michigan and Lake Superior.

#8- Worst on camera moment?

So many. Dropping weather clickers on the floor and kicking them under the desk. Or the time I said "A thin deck of clouds" ...only I didn't say "Deck"

#9: Person you would like to meet?

Jerry Garcia, John Lennon, Albert Einstein, His Holiness Dalai Lama and I would love to ask Moses how he parted the sea- That is some power!

#10- Secret about co-host Kacey Montoya?

Despite her captivating on air prowess and beauty, Kacey Montoya is a genuine journalist who would just as much stay behind the scenes if it meant getting the truth.

 

TEN QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR PHIL STANFORD

The excitement is mounting about the arrival of Phil Stanford's latest true crime book "The Peyton-Allan Files" which is a fascinating story about the double murder that took place in 1960. Portland was slowly changing as a city, Kisn Radio was on every teenagers radio dial, corruption was alive in the police department and city hall and the headlines were big and bold about this story which went on for years. Here are my 10 questions for Phil:

1- Your true-crime book about the double killing on a lovers lane in Stumptown is out soon, from start to finish, how long did the book take you to finish and get to the publisher?

Counting the research, about three years. The writing itself too about six months.

 

2: Any thoughts on your next project?

Already working on it- "Rose City Vice" which will be true cops & robbers stories from the 70's and 80's. What a time it was!

 

#3: Favorite Stumptown restaurant?

Papa Hayden's in Sellwood, also Horse's Brass for great fish & chips.

 

#4: Last book read?

"A man in Full" by Tom Wolfe. Boy, is he good.

 

#5: Your favorite true crime book?

Hard to say, but probably "My Dark Places" by James Ellroy

 

#6: Favorite movie of all time?

Woody Allen's "Bullets over Broadway". I can watch that one again & again.

 

#7: What is always in Phil's fridge?

Celery. Not very exciting, I know.

 

#8: Favorite web site to visit?

www.bojack.org (I consider Jack Bogdanski a great columnist)

 

#9: Person you would enjoy meeting?

Willie Nelson or Muhammad Ali. My two heroes.

 

#10: Favorite place to vacation?

Couldn't say because it's been so long. Whenever I get away, it's usually to visit family in Austin, LA, Philadelphia or DC.

 

 

 

10 QUESTIONS FOR NEWS ANCHOR WAYNE GARCIA

WAYNE & SHAUNA ARE THE ULTIMATE NEWS ANCHOR TEAM IN STUMPTOWN. THIS DUO COULD VERY WELL BE THE BEST CHEMISTRY ON AIR IN THE HISTORY OF PDX TV NEWS. WAYNE STARTED AS A DISC JOCKEY AND SPORTS ANNOUNCER IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA. WAYNE HAS THAT REAL YOUNG LOOK BUT HAS BEEN IN BROADCASTING THIRTY YEARS WINNING EMMYS ALONG THE WAY! HERE ARE MY 10 QUESTIONS FOR WAYNE GARCIA!

#1: Favorite local restaurant?

 

Tough. Rheinlander would be up there but probably Fire on the Mountain. Incredible wings, great beer, who needs more?

 

#2: Last book read?

 

I constantly read travel books.. the last one I read was on Baja California. Or was it Thailand. Lonely Planet are my fav.

 

#3: Favorite TV show (other than the 10:00 news of course!)

 

24.  Boo that it’s over.  College football would be next in line.

 

#4: What is always in Wayne's fridge?

 

Sriracha Sauce, string cheese, Bridgeport IPA.

 

#5: Favorite web site to visit (other than the stump of course!)

 

Steapandcheap.com, twitter

 

#6: Person most interested in meeting dead or alive?

 

That’s easy…  Jimmy Buffett.  I’ve been a Parrothead  since about 1977.

 

#7: What would readers be surprised to know about you Wayne?

 

I was born in a car, can play a little guitar, and can make some mean crepes.

 

#8: Hobby?

 

Working on my VW buses… (yes I have two 1979 buses, don’t call them vans) and watching Timbers soccer and Aztec Football. (As in San Diego State.) And camping.

 

#9: Favorite vacation spot?

 

It’s so unimaginative, but I always have a great time in Hawaii.

 

 

#10: Disappointing celeb encounter?

 

Elton John. Actually Elton was nice, but his people weren’t who scolded me for interviewing him 30 minutes after I’d finished.

 

10 QUESTIONS FOR KEX NEWS LEGEND JIM HOWE

For years Jim Howe was the chief of the KEX news department. When his voice came on 1190 you knew it was Jim Howe! Here are my 10 questions for Mr. Howe.

 FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN STUMPTOWN:  McCormicks

LAST BOOK READ: "Thornridge" by Scott Lynn

BIGGEST STORY YOU EVER COVERED: Death of President Kennedy & Mt St Helens

WHAT WAS BARNEY KEEP LIKE?  Great broadcaster, conservative but very attuned to the community, always thought of listeners first!

Favorite vacation spot?  Cabin on Little North Fork of the Santiam River

Favorite TV show?  Sports

Addiction? Diet Cokes

Favorite Web site? Oregon Media Central

What is always in Jim's fridge? Those Diet Cokes

Do you think newspapers will exist in twenty years?  Daily papers, probably not.

 

10 QUESTIONS FOR KOIN ANCHOR KACEY MONTOYA

Kacey interned at CNN in Los Angeles and started her full time career in Oak Hill West Virginia. From there she became the morning co-anchor at KPSP in Palm Springs where she won an Emmy Award for her show's coverage the day of President Gerald Ford's funeral. I predict we will be seeing Kacey on a national level in the near future. One look at her from Fox News and she will be in New York. Here are my 10 questions for Kacey Montoya:

#1: Favorite Restaurant in Stumptown:

El Gaucho is first on the list. Departure and Urban Farmer are tied in second place.

#2: Last Book Read?

I read a book called "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner (It was about a writer, not sexual) And right now I am reading "Common Sense" by Glenn Beck (roll your eyes and insert comments here!!!!)

#3: Person most interested in meeting?

Mark Sanchez, OB for the New York Jets. (i kinda have a crush on him) and if Ronald Reagan was still alive I would love to have met him.

#4: Favorite all time movie & music artist?

I don't have a real favorite movie. I enjoy movies like "The Departed" that have a great script, and several plots, but I also love a good comedy like "Tommy Boy". My favorite TV show of all time is "The West Wing" (there will never be another show as great as that. As far as music goes I like everything from Britney Spears to Madonna, Journey, Chicago, and have only recently discovered that I am a Rolling Stones fan.

#5: What is always in Kacey's fridge?

More like my freezer. I eat Vanilla Soy Dream ice cream with sprinkles in it EVERY DAY! (more than once a day)

#6: Worst on camera moment?

Do you really think I would actually admit it?

#7: What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am one of 7 kids. I am the only one with a college degree in my family. I am a big nerd, follow politics, very close to my Dad, and I do not give a crap about tabloids and celebrity gossip. Oh yeah, I am smarter than I look!!!

#8: What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Are you ready for some Football?

#9: Obsession?

My Blackberry and Yoga.

#10: Favorite Web Site?

Duh! Stumptownblogger.com When I am not looking at Stumptown I like news websites..and checking, of course, I am always checking email.

 

KACEY MONTOYA ANCHORS THE KOIN LOCAL 6 EARLY NEWS WHICH AIRS BEGINNING AT 5AM WEEKDAYS.

TEN QUESTIONS FOR KPTV ANCHOR SHAUNA PARSONS

 Shauna Parsons teams up with Wayne Garcia as anchors on the 10 O'clock News on KPTV. This duo deserves to have the #1 rated evening news because they have the chemistry and Channel 12's team can't be beat.  Shauna started her career in Salt Lake as an intern at the Fox affiliate, then reporter, weekend anchor and then launched their first morning newscast. Shauna took the KPTV anchor job in 2000. Shauna and her husband Ivan have two children and are thrilled to call Stumptown their home! Here are my ten questions for Shauna.

#1: FAVORITE PORTLAND RESTAURANT:

Way too hard to choose, there are so many amazing restaurants! My head is spinning at the thought of trying to pick just one. One of the things I always mention when talking to my out of town friends about Portland, is how many amazing restaurants there are here!  (Shauna was spotted at one of my favorite haunts - Hall Street Grill in Beaverton)

#2: LAST BOOK READ:

I have a kindle and am obsessed, so I'm usually reading a few books at once. I've been reading "Nutureshock" by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. It is an amazing book about the latest research on children and how they develop. Basically, I've learned that everything I've been doing as a parent is wrong!!!! I'm also reading "the Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. She spent a year testing all these different theories on how to be happier. So far so good. The last book I finished was dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" which was a pretty fun read....and the last REALLY great book I read was "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. 

#3: FAVORITE WEB SITE:

It's not a fun website, but I have to say the calendar feature on Google.com is the one I check the most often. My co-anchor Wayne Garcia recently got me hooked on it and I'm constantly checking it to see what's in store. With two busy kids our schedule is CRAZY, so I'm on that calendar several times a day, adding things, deleting things, analyzing things...It's a great resource. My favorite FUN website is Facebook. I use it mostly to keep up with my old high school and college friends. It's a time stealer, so I try to limit my time on there.

#4: FAVORITE PLACE TO VACATION:

It's a toss up between Hawaii and Mexico. I come back from both destinations and feel like a new person.

#5: FAVORITE MUSIC ARTIST:

Just like restaurants, i don't have a favorite. I love music and enjoy all different kinds. My most recent downloads are "The High Road" by Broken Bells and "Gold Guns Girls" by Metric. I went to see Journey & Heart in concert a couple of years ago and this summer I plan to see Lady Gaga. I also count Metallica and The Scorpions on my list of shows over the last several years. Very eclectic!

#6:  FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME:

I really don't want to say this....again, but I don't have a favorite movie! I use to see movies all the time, but since I had kids most of the movies we see are kid flicks. Different movies have defined me at different times of my life. As a teenager it was "The Breakfast Club" (of course), in college it was "Singles" and as an adult....hmmm...anything by Disney or Pixar? How sad. I need to get to the theater to see "grown up" movies more often!

#7: WHAT IS ALWAYS IN SHAUNA'S FRIDGE?

Organic milk in glass bottles from Noris Dairy. We actually have a real milkman who brings us super fresh milk & eggs every week. I swear, milk from a glass bottle really does taste better. Another staple: Sauvignon Blanc. I know it's kind of a summer wine, but I like it all year round. My favorite is Kim Crawford. Affordable, light, citrusy, it's delish!

#8: CRAZIEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED ON LIVE TV:

Too many things to list! But of course, my most recent blooper comes to mind. I lost my voice mid-read during our newscast and had to have Wayne take it over. But then the camera cut back to me by accident while I was sipping water. But there have been all kinds of adventures, from laughing so hard I was crying, to calling madonna a pop "pooper-star" instead of superstar...any thing can happen on live TV.

#9: BEST CAREER DECISION:

I promise I'm not trying to suck up to my viewers, but moving to Portland was a GREAT career decision! After almost ten years I am still madly in love with this city. I adore my co-workers..I love my job, and love raising my kids in such a wonderful place. I plan to stay here until the powers that be decide to put me out to pasture. Hopefully a LONG time from now!

#10: WHAT WILL WE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU SHAUNA?

People will be surprised to know that: I was Bachelorette #3 on The All New Dating Game when I was a senior in high school...and I got picked! I won a trip to Yugoslavia, It was an amazing, hilarious experience. 

10 QUESTIONS FOR BILL COOPER

 

Bill & I have been pals since we were teenagers getting our start in radio. Without a question, Bill Cooper was the best street reporter that ever worked a mic in Stumptown. He could re-create a scene going on and make it visual via the radio. He was also terrific behind the anchor desk. For many years Bill worked at KEX when their news department was the most dynamic in the northwest. Today Bill is the General Manager on KBPS, a dream for him, as this is the station that snapped his interest at a early age, now Bill is helping youngsters get their start in radio. Here are my 10 questions for Bill Cooper...............

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND COULD HAVE ONE ALBUM, ONE MOVIE AND ONE BOOK...WHICH WOULD THEY BE BILL? – Album: That’s tough…probably George Benson’s “Breezin”.  Movie: Blazing Saddles.  Book: any good biography.

 

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN STUMPTOWN? – The Ringside

 

THE BIGGEST STORY YOU COVERED DURING YOUR CAREER? – Hard to pick just one…three come to mind: The scandal surrounding the end of Senator Bob Packwood’s career; Tonya Harding; and the New Carissa shipwreck….but there are so many others!

 

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IN BILL COOPERS FRIDGE? – Microbrew beer, usually something from the Widmer Brothers! Kurt and Rob make some tasty brews!

 

WORST CELEB YOU EVER ENCOUNTERED & NICEST? – Worst celeb would have to be Larry King.  Met him at the Republican National Convention in 1996.  Very stuck on himself.  Most celebs I have met  have been very nice, the most recent was Timothy Hutton on the set of “Leverage” in Portland.  Very down to earth regular kinda guy.

 

IF YOU COULD BRING BACK ONE RESTAURANT OR BAR IN STUMPTOWN....WHICH ONE? – There are two I’d like to bring back: Yaws and The Carnival.

 

LAST BOOK READ? – “Last Words” By George Carlin

 

BIGGEST MISSED OPPORTUNITY? – Getting a college degree.  It’s worked out ok, but who knows what might have happened if I had finished college.

 

FAVORITE WEB SITE YOU HIT ON A REGULAR BASIS? – Besides Stumptown Blogger?... probably Facebook.  Its helped me reconnect with a lot of old friends.

 

BIGGEST FEAR? – That there won’t be enough time to do all the things I’d like to do!

10 QUESTIONS FOR JOHN WILLIAMS FROM K-103

 John has been so successful during his radio career because he is as nice of a guy in person as he is on the air. Here are my 10 questions for John Williams.

1- Favorite all time hit record?
     Although most anything Beatle would qualify here, I must say Roy  
Orbison Oh Pretty Woman is it.

2- Last book read?
     I'm presently on a history kick, just finished a fascinating book  
called Polio an American Story by David Oshinsky and I've just started  
D Day by Steven Ambrose.

3- Favorite movie of all time?
     American Graffiti?perfect movie, romance, hot cars, great music!

4- Favorite TV show?
     Myth Busters

5- Favorite local restaurant?
     Rib City Vancouver

6- What is always in John's fridge?
      Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen

7- After playing over a month of Christmas music (K103) are you seeing  
a shrink?
      I have always had the ability to tune out what I'm playing,  
afterall I helped make  Heaven On The Seventh Floor by Paul Nicholas  
and The Heywoods Billy Don't Be A Hero million sellers!  No shrink  
necESSARYYYYYYYYYYYYYY...I'm ok!

8- You love classic  cars....if you could own any model which car  
would that be?
      ooo, tough one here...  '63 split window coupe Stingray would  
have to be at the top.

9- Favorite web site that you visit often?
     Radio Online...show prep and lot's of it and a little radio gossip too.

10- Favorite place to vacation?
      Grand Cayman Islands