Thursday, July 12, 2012

Willamette River Jet Pack Excursions?

Photo: Courtesy of KATU.com

Oh no he didn't! A water-powered jet pack powered by Wes Dawson of Malibu, CA stole the show for a bit during the Waterfront Blues Festival on July 8th. The stunt was a promotion of a new alcoholic beverage called "Air"- which I will now be trying. This particular jet pack can stay in motion for up to 35 minutes. There are only 5 of these in the nation, and the cost is roughly $100,000. Any ideas on how we can implement this into our marketing efforts is greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

WARNING: Exposure to Gas Vapors May Cause Memory Loss


Photo Courtesy: The Bend Bulletin
I love Oregon for many reasons.  One reason is the law that prohibits common people to pump their gas themselves.  No one knows the real reason.  Is it solely to create jobs?  Is it because we need someone smarter and more trained than the common people in the other 48 states that can be allowed to work a gas pump.  (yes I know there are 50 states, but there is one other state with a similar law)

There are 3 things I appreciate about this law despite the drawbacks or backhanded sarcasm.
  1. I never have my phone call interrupted.  I just sit in my car, money hanging out the window, and put my caller on mute while jabbering, "Fillerup with Regular"
  2. If it's cold or wet out, I don't have to leave my comfortable interior, and keep my tush on the heated leather seat.  I just slip the window down about an inch, and slide the cash or card through the slot and whisper, "Regular.  Fill.  Please"  slide button up, end of transaction.
  3. My favorite of all 3.  I definitely appreciate not having to handle the greasy nozzle and having my hands smell like petroleum fuel for the next 4 hours.
But with all these small freedoms I still find a way to complain.  I find one irritating issue with majority of  attendants across the state that makes me want to crawl out of my skin and scream.

Each day, the gas attendant does the same thing, over and over again. 99% of the time the question is exactly the same.  You hand them money in the quantity of gas you desire,and you either request Regular or Premium. Or maybe super premium, if you are super pretentious and aren't in love with your money.Of course they might get thrown off by the occasional question of, "Which way to the interstate?" or "Hey, where can I smoke at the gas station", but overall the task is simple.

How is it possible that each time I disclose my specific preference, in the 30 seconds the attendant walks to the back of my car and puts the nozzle in... they somehow forgot what was just said?  They walk back, and ask, "You wanted regular, right?".

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I think maybe its me.  I will be more clear with my English.  Spit out my gum.  Speak louder.  Write it on the fogged up window.  No matter what I do, the question always is repeated back 30 seconds later.

I begin to suspect this attendant's true motivation. Maybe every time I pull up in my 6 year old Minivan with stickers and scratches throughout, I have impressed the attendant with my choice of premium vehicle and it DEMANDS to be fed with the best gasoline on the market.  Pay no attention to the lack of care to the outside.  This puppy wants the PREMIUM.  Feed me Seymour!!!

It's like there is some conspiracy by the oil companies to upsell the customer every time.  Like at the movie theater.  "Would you like the Massive Size Bathtub of popcorn for an extra $5 sir."  "Would you like to SUPERSIZE that?"  Are these people on commission?

I wouldn't be surprised by oil companies and  conspiracies to coexist, however, most gas stations are franchisee owned, and there are not gas station "shoppers"  who are pulling up and filling out comment cards.  "He didn't try to upsell me"  "His Carhart jacket had oil stains"  "I waited 3 minutes before he came over to help me!".

No way,  the owners are not looking for reasons to fire their employees.  They are just hoping they show up to work each day, sober.  I am too.  And for that... we thank you.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Nike's got a new neighbor...

Exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator, a new neighborhood awaits - 45 Central. The development will include 26 acres of contemporary homes, retail shops, an athletic club, playgrounds, courtyards, as well as miles of pedestrian and bike friendly access connecting the neighborhood to the surrounding area's and amenities.The community itself is striving to remain reminiscent of a simpler time, when neighbors gathered and children rode their bikes in a safe, ecological environment. 

Located in Beaverton, the community is just a few steps from high tech companies like Nike World Headquarters, Tektronix and  Intel. If you are looking for a modern community with a focus on sustainable living, and convenience to all that Portland has to offer, look no further than 45 Central. 


Although it will take several years to complete the project, the first phase is due for completion in Early Fall. The price range for a condominium is $89,900 - $187,900 and single family homes range from $234,900 to $349,900.

Check out the item featured on KGW recently: 
http://www.kgw.com/news/business/New-Neighborhood-In-Beaverton-159660245.html


Cheers to an Excellent Second Quarter in Real Estate


We are excited to be ranked the 9th highest producing team in all of the Northwest for Keller Williams! If you or someone you know is in need of a real estate resource in today's market, we would love to hear from you.

Steve Roesch
Principal Broker
PDX Home Group
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
503-318-6351
steve@ PDXHomeGroup .com

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