By Christian Messer
I sat down with Troy West and Jill Nelson, owners of Empower Fitness, a untypical gym in downtown Portland. I wanted to get their professional and personal opinions and experiences with weight, and …

By Christian Messer
Jim Wilburn, a colleague and friend contacted me when he found out what our topic was for this issue. He volunteered to share his experience and story with all of you, in hopes …

y Judy Devine
Photgraphy by Rosemary Ragusa
Portland has a unique arts community; it is diverse, wide open and very different from other cities. The city supports the performing and visual arts, and in this column I …

y Christian Messer
Photography by Rosemary Ragusa
Could you give me a little bit about your background – I know you grew up in Hawaii, and how you came to Portland.
I was born and raised in beautiful …