New To Portland

  ‘So, what do you like most about Portland so far?’ my friend Greg asked the other day.  ‘Joe’s Burgers’ I said without even thinking.

  When you move to a new city, it’s the little things, like a killer double cheeseburger, that give you comfort. I stumbled across Joe’s while looking for a place to live downtown. I’m a bit of a gym rat, and pretty careful about what I eat, but that day was one of my ‘cheat meal’ days, so I went in and splurged. Needless to say, I’ve been back several times.

  I’m the new guy you hear each weekday afternoon with Lacey Evans on ‘Portland’s Afternoon News.’ I’m still getting my feet wet, and learning my way around Portland. Fortunately, I’m one of those people who think the first couple of weeks you’re in a new city, are often the best. I like to take off on the weekend and just get lost…exploring new neighborhoods or hole in the wall dives without a map or asking  people ‘Where do YOU think I can find the best taco cart?’ The reason ? Well, when you do find that taco cart, cool independent movie theatre or bookstore yourself, it makes it that much more special, and you feel like you’ve discovered someplace you can call you own.

   So if you see me at Joe’s, or riding the Max, or if it’s a rainy day, at Powell’s (no, I don’t own a kindle, I’m ‘old school’ when it comes to my books) say hi. And feel free to reach out and connect with me if you have a story idea for Portland’s Afternoon News my e-mail is dan.mitchinson@kxl.com I look forward to seeing you around Portland.             

Tags: Portland, Dan Mitchinson

Ernest Borgnine's Impact On Us At KXL

Just Trying to Make a Buck

by Dave Paull

When I read that Ernest Borgnine was going to screen his movie “Marty” in early April of this year in Portland, I instantly wanted to be there, but I'm not sure why, since I wasn't a big fan. I'd seen several of his movies and enjoyed the sincerity he brought to playing the average guy – the uncommon common man. There was something of a challenge in trying to get an interview with this iconic movie actor.

Mike Turner, a colleague at KXL, loaned me his little digital audio recorder and I walked the few blocks up to the Portland Art Museum's Whitsell Auditorium, where Marty would be shown that evening. I found the room downstairs where Borgnine was greeting a select group of fans, but the door was locked. After loitering conspicuously and asking repeatedly, I was finally allowed into the inner sanctum and there he was.

Borgnine was alternately sitting and standing with his fans, posing for pictures, laughing and talking with everyone in line. He was a barrel chested man with silver hair and big teeth, wearing a dark navy suit with a tie and sweater.

While waiting for a break in autograph signing, I spoke with Borgnine's press agent, Harry Flynn. From him I learned that Ernest Borgnine was a 33^rd degree Mason and an ex-Navy man who had signed up for active duty in 1935. After being discharged he re-enlisted when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. When he got out of the Navy for good, Borgnine said he didn't know what to do with his life. It was his mother who encouraged him to pursue his interest in acting.

Borgnine told the story filming with Montgomery Clift in “From Here to Eternity.” The two had to stage a realistic looking fight scene, which ran for about 3 minutes in the movie, but took 12 hours to shoot. Ernest said that he and Montgomery Clift were black and blue with bruises after punching and fighting each other for so long.

Then it was my turn to sit down and ask some questions. When I referred to Borgnine as a legendary actor, he wouldn't have it. He said “what's this - legendary? I'm just a guy trying to earn a buck.” He told another story about working on the film “Flight of The Phoenix.” Borgnine said he learned a lot about acting from the star of the film, Jimmy Stewart, who showed up early and left late, always working on the craft of acting. That was Borgnine's style, too.

Then it was picture taking time and we stood up for a snap shot. Borgnine beamed at the camera and laughed. He seemed tireless and always interested in whoever wanted to talk with him. That's what I remember most – the energy and cheerfulness of this 95 year old man. It took me by surprise when I heard of his passing. But, of course, Ernest Borgnine will live on as a legendary Everyman in the vast number of movies he made.

Summer Has Arrived!

Tags: Portland, Hot Weather, Summer

It Was Like Monday Times Ten

Storm In A Port

Ode to Fathers

Tags: Father's Day, Dad