Dr. Know
How Much Data Is Transmitted in a Scan of Your ID?
Let’s be real: What is 7-Eleven gonna do with a bunch of random ages and blood types that they’re not even allowed to admit they have?
Why Doesn’t Oregon Offer a Digital Driver’s License for Your Phone?
Nine states allow you to add a digital version of your driver’s license to Apple Wallet.
Why Is Portland Sinking Into the Earth?
Our city’s original sin? Being built on crappy, loose ground.
Will Compostable Coffee Pods Solve Any Problems?
Compostable (or recyclable) coffee pods offer the prospect of guilt-free convenience.
Why Was Salem Chosen as Oregon’s State Capital?
At one point, half of the government was convening in Salem and half in Oregon City.
Are Solicitors Allowed to Ignore My “No Soliciting” Sign?
In general, courts have been pretty deferential to solicitors’ free-speech rights to annoy you—especially when the speech is religious or political, which I think we can all agree are the two most annoying types of free speech.
Are Drug Companies Making Up Bizarre Product Names to Screw With Us?
"You’d think companies would want their products’ names to be memorable, catchy and descriptive: Windex, Duracell, KitchenAid. So why has Big Pharma been doing the exact opposite for the past few years?"
What’s the Risk of Buying a House With an Underground Heating Oil Tank?
You’re responsible for any leaks discovered—regardless of when they happened.
Is There Any Way to Tell Which Political Fundraising Texts Are Legit?
Text-message canvassers come in three flavors: mainstream groups, questionable but still legal PACs, and outright scams.
Why Do Grocers Cover Their Potatoes at Night?
Grocers do cover their potatoes at night, and their reasons for doing so open a window onto the history of agriculture and the weirdness of plants in general.
Are Bars That Serve Hard Liquor Still Required to Serve Hot Food?
Bars need to offer at least five different “meals,” but there’s no rule that says anyone has to eat them.
Can I Flush My Dog’s Feces Down the Toilet So It Gets Treated Properly?
There’s a sense among pet owners that our animals’ organic wastes ought to be easy to reintegrate into the larger environment.