Okay, I can't really be sure, but I think Governor Sarah Palin stopped traffic Saturday night.

We took our teenaged children and a friend to the haunted corn maze on Sauvie Island. The place was packed with young people who waited hours to get in.

Our teens were at the back of the line at 9:00 p.m and it was supposed to close at 10:00.

I thought we'd allowed enough time to get home to see Sarah Palin's debut on Saturday Night Live, but when our kids didn't get into the corn maze until after 10, I knew it was going to be close.

It was nice of the maze to stay open to accomodate all the kids who wanted to get scared, but I didn't want to end up watching the best of SNL on Youtube.

The kids came out of the maze thoroughly frightened and we made our way home slowly off Sauvie Island.

There was an accident that night, so we had to go the opposite way around the entire island to get back to the bridge to get back home.

By the time we got to our NE Portland neighborhood, it was almost 11:30 and I noticed the streets were eerily quiet.

My guess is everyone was home to watch "Saturday Night Live."

Saturday night... and not a soul on the streets. Okay, we saw one car pull up to a cross street just before we pulled into our driveway.

Otherwise, I think Sarah Palin cleared the streets and the ratings back me up on that. With Palin and Tina Fey, "Saturday Night Live" scored its highest ratings in 14 years. Not since assaulted figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan, hosted in 1994 have so many people watched SNL. That's 17-million people.

So far this season, ratings for SNL have been up 76 percent.

So, you may be ready for the election to be over,but politics and Palin have been very good for SNL and Tina Fey.

(Oh, and I did make it in time to see the opening skit! Can you believe how much Fey and Palin look alike?!)

Remember to vote... election day is November 4th!

Laural

Despite the beautiful day outside it was another gloomy news day. More bad financial news, a darling little girl hospitalized after a woman drove her car straight into a house, people getting scammed and you know the tone of the election lately.

Then came news that a dog team had tracked down an Oregon climber missing on Mount Adams for five days! And outside of a broken ankle and dehydration he's okay. His family is thrilled and grateful and we are too.

A nice way to end the week.

And as always, thanks for watching.

Tracy Barry

They came streaming into the Rose Garden for a fine harvest dinner.

Thousands of Portland's homeless and critically low income individuals lined up for turkey, gravy, green beans,stuffing, rolls and pumpkin pie.

I had the honor of being one of the many volunteers helping serve up all the fixings at the Portland Trail Blazers 13th annual Harvest dinner.

The people I served were young and old, pregnant moms,dads toting youngsters by the hand, grandmothers and grandfathers, people of many ethnic backgrounds.

What struck me is that our economy is taking a toll on all of us, but these people most of all.

As they came through the line, where I was handing out utensils and napkins, they often commented on the bad economic news they hear me reporting every day on Newschannel 8.

Yet,they didn't complain much, instead most were extremely grateful. Nearly every person I met thanked me for helping out at the dinner.

I'd ask, "How are you?", and many would tell me they are blessed, or I'm good and even better now that I get to have this delicious meal.

They thanked me,yet I am the one who should be so grateful. I am grateful to them for letting me see their grace in these difficult times.

Thank you also to the Trail Blazers for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

In doing so, the most needy among us served me, too. They served a lesson about gratitude and counting my blessings, and not so much the losses in my 401k.

Laural

Lakeridge hasn't hosted a HOME football game -- at their own school field -- in nearly 40 years.  The reason?  Neighbor complaints about noise, lights, and traffic/parking issues.  This dispute has forced the team to play its 'home' games at District Stadium, which is at Lake Oswego High School.  Safe to say, playing on your main rival's field - isn't exactly an advantage.   

But that all changes tonight - at least for one night.  After an enormous community effort to change the policy, Lakeridge got a chance to play a home game -- at home.  Lakeridge will play McNary - at Lakeridge High School, and it should be quite a sight.  The school hosted a parade through town this afternoon.  There is a huge tailgate party.  The Junior High that feeds the school is hosting a picnic and party -- bussing any and all comers up to the High School for the game.  The District is even running the regular MORNING school bus route -- at night -- to ferry students, parents, or anyone else who wants to be part of this event.

It's been a difficult football season for Lakeridge - in many ways.  The school barely had enough players, and at one point this summer - there was talk of actually NOT fielding a team this year.  They have yet to win a game, and in fact - have been on the short end of some lopsided results.  But whatever happens tonight, it will be a night this community will remember for a long time. 

Sure, it's just a football game.  But in this case, it goes much deeper.  It's a reflection of the important role schools play - in bringing a community together. 

It's Homecoming night.  And for Lakeridge - tonight - they mean that literally. 

Have a great weekend.

Joe Donlon

No matter which candidate you back, one thing I think we can all agree on is this election certainly has been interesting and engaging.

Our family sat around the TV eating pizza watching the most recent debate.

I am sure many of your families did the same.

My teenagers were riveted the entire 90 minutes.

It's gratifying to see our young people so interested in what the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates have to say.

They realize our nation is facing an unprecedented crisis and that this election is one of the most important in history.

I have two daughters who will vote for the first time in a Presidential election. My other two teenagers are equally as interested.

Never has it been more critical for our youth to realize the importance of their vote, and to be educated about the issues facing our nation.

What we do about our economy will affect them and quite possibly their children.

So gather around your TV and get out the vote.

And remember, Newschannel 8 is your home for Decision 2008, your only local television station offering a 30 minute news program all about politics... and among the very few in the country.

Join Tracy and me each weeknight at 7pm.

This election is about all of us and our families.

Laural

A newspaper in the UK reports that Starbucks uses 6 million gallons of water a day at its coffee stores around the world.The story indicates that would be enough to end the drought in the small African nation of Namibia!

Turns out in the name of cleanliness Starbucks leaves a stream of cold water running all day long at each of its 10-thousand stores.They call it a dipper well and it's meant to keep bacteria out of the pipes and the utensils clean.

Starbucks is defending itself saying other methods just don't work as well. At the same time it promises to keep looking for alternatives.

In the meantime, at least we know why everything there costs so much. They must have a whopper of a water bill to pay.

We are on at 5 tonight, then the debate starts at six. I'll be watching and I hope you will too.

Tracy Barry

That certainly hasn't stopped critics, who have made the archery tax break - fodder for their criticism -- even mocking the so-called 'sweetner' on the floor of the U.S. House. 

So, how does something like this even end up in the financial bailout package?  Who included it?  And why does this particular industry - get this tax break?  Were there other causes that would have qualified for something like this?   We're looking into this story for our evening news, and hope to answer some questions in this rather interesting 'civics' lesson.

Another interesting story is unfolding tonight.  The Governor is hosting a 'pro choice' event tonight -- two days before a Respect Life mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Normally, that might not be a big deal, but the Governor is Catholic, and Archbishop John Vlazny called it an 'embarrassment for our Church and a scandal for the Catholic community."   Protestors say they will gather at the NARAL function tonight - to let the Governor know how they feel.  He already knows, though - as Archbishop Valzny made his feelings known publically about this - last month.  We're hoping the Governor will talk with us.  We'll see what we get - and have an update on this story - tonight.

And, of course - since it's Friday, we'll have Friday Night Flights! 

See you at 10 and 11.

Joe 

You may remember Oregon Fish and Wildlife took the deer away from the family that rescued it, because it is illegal to keep a deer in Oregon. However you feel that's a lot of money. And the meter is still running as the custody battle went before the Oregon Court of Appeals today. We'll tell you all about it in detail tonight.

I also wanted to ask if you've caught our new Decision 2008 newscast at 7pm weeknights? I didn't think so. C'mon, give it a try. All politics all the time. It's fun and interesting and in-depth on some critical issues. Many of you have voiced your desire for a local newscast focused on issues, not crime. This is it. Watch for your favorite candidate and cheer them on, or yell at your least favorite. J  Its okay, you won't bother us a bit.

And as always thanks for watching.

Tracy Barry

Laural asked me to join her this year, and help with the emcee duties at the Waterfront Park starting line.  I ended up taking my wireless microphone into the middle of the huge crowd - and having a wonderful morning. 

If you have never attended this event, I would highly recommend it next year.  This was my first time, and I can't tell you how emotional - and powerful the experience was. 

It was great fun, spending time with so many of the teams - and interviewing racers and walkers, as they headed onto the course.  We laughed, we cried, we hugged, we took pictures, and ultimately - we shared the essence of what this event is all about. 

Many of the estimated 45,000 people are breast cancer suvivors.  But everyone there - is walking or running for someone close to them. The sea of pink, gives you an idea of how many people have been impacted by breast cancer.

Many of them have pictures of their loved ones, pinned to their shirts.  In fact, for one racer named Anne, pinning that picture onto the shirts of her best friend's children -- proved to be too much.  Julie died in November of last year, and the pain for Anne is still overwhelming.  I didn't realize any of this, as Anne approached me.  I only knew she was having a hard time - and needed a hug.  She walked right into my open arms - and cried for several minutes.  It was a very powerful moment, that put the entire event into perspective for me.  

It truly was - the best kind of party.  There were tears, and cheers -- on a day to be thankful for the joy of friends and family.  For those we've lost -- and those brave people who have beaten this disease, or are in the middle of the fight.

Joe Donlon

So... from this married, soon-to-be Mom who had but a mere taste of going it alone thanks to a biz trip -- Hats Off to all single, working parents out there.

It sure seems colder today.  Oddly enough - this is how it's 'supposed' to feel this time of year.  Our high today, was the typical average.  It's just that it's been so hot lately.  Dave Salesky will discuss that, and the weekend forecast.

There are a number of interesting items - new at 6.  A former Blazer goes to Salem, to make a push for PE funds in schools.  Also, the student inventors down at OSU are at it again.  See what they've come up with - in the form of a 'smaller' nuclear power plant.  Our fears of nuclear power, they say, are over exaggerated.  You'll see what they've come up with.

Also, if you haven't watched our new 7pm newscast - you should give it a spin.  It focuses entirely on politics - both local and national.  It's the kind of newscast people always tell me they wish they could watch.  Well, here it is.  Tonight, Tracy interviews John Harwood from CNBC and The New York Times.  John will talk about a new poll that has some interesting findings.  What does the recent economic news mean for the two candidates running for President?  Which candidate do voters think is better suited to fix it?  And after storming onto the scene after the GOP convention, is the honeymoon over for Sarah Palin?    

Just some of what's ahead tonight.  We hope you can join us.

Joe

It was a volunteer group, doing extremely dangerous work.  Their official job description - was called "forward air control."   They flew into North Vietnam, looking for any military targets moving south.  The pilots would then radio in strike pilots to hit the targets. 

It was a small, tight knit outfit.  In fact, each pilot has a number - based on when they joined the squadron.  There were only 157 of them, flying from 1967 to 1970.  A staggering number of "Misty" pilots were shot down - nearly 25% of them. 

One of those pilots -- was Misty #1, Bud Day.  He was the first commander of the squadron, and was shot down in August of 1967.  His story, in itself - is incredible.  He spent more than 5 years in the so-called Hanoi Hilton.  I don't want to spoil the story, but you've heard of his cellmate.  A now famous pilot, who was also shot down. 

You've probably heard the name of another pilot in the squadron.  General Tony McPeak is "Misty 94."  McPeak is our former military analyst at KGW, and is currently working for the Obama campaign. 

Which is yet another interesting element of this story -- the differing views these pilots share of the political landscape today. 

By any measure, this is a remarkable group of men.  They went on to become highly decorated officers, astronauts, a Medal of Honor winner, and two men who ran the Air Force (including McPeak during the first Gulf war).

They recently gathered for a reunion -- in Oregon, and we were invited to stop by.

I love these stories.  It's always fun to have people take you places - you otherwise couldn't go.  And these men - do just that.

Joe Donlon 

The first tower had already been hit when the phone rang that morning. I was up in time for number two.

Seven years ago my parents were still alive. I called my Mom on the way to work just to make sure they were okay. She seemed disoriented and fragile as she cried on the phone asking me "What's going on sugar? Are there more coming?" Now we know of course there were.

Looking back I think it was especially hard for people like my folks. My parents were married three weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor just before my Dad was shipped out. Seeing an attack on American soil again was almost too much for them.

I don't know what you remember most that day. For me it was the police officers and firefighters rushing into the burning buildings while everyone else ran out. The stories of people who chose to stay with their disabled co-workers who couldn't get down the stairs. The gut wrenching scene of people wandering through ground zero carrying pictures of their loved ones asking if anyone had seen them. My mother's sad voice.

Surrounded by the images and the stories for ten hours a day in the newsroom, we were all pretty overwhelmed those days. Even so far away, it felt so close. I got an email a few days later from a viewer disgusted with me. He said I always looked like I was near tears on the air and it was very unprofessional. He was right. I was close to tears and felt embarrassed. From then on I would try not to look at the video when I read the stories on the air for fear I would come apart. One of our directors would try to warn me what was coming with a simple, "shields up."

Then as fate would have it a month later on a short vacation, we met a New York firefighter and his wife. He had lost so many friends and colleagues on 9-11 that they had been going to funerals nearly everyday for the last month. Sometimes two a day. We sat with them, and cried with them for all they had lost. For what our country lost.

I was thinking about them as I drove in today. I can tell you that he wasn't embarrassed by his tears. And I'm not embarrassed anymore either.

Remembering can be hard, but it seems like the least we can do.

As always, thanks for watching.

Tracy Barry

Tonight, the discussion will continue, and I don't think we'll have trouble with our 'in studio' guests showing up.  One - is radio talk show host Lars Larson, who could probably find an open microphone from 10 miles away!  He has become a popular conservative voice - for the always interesting shouting matches on the cable television networks.  Tonight, he'll join us for a segment with 'Oregonian' columnist David Sarasohn.  The topic: Is there a liberal media bias -- against John McCain?   Should be interesting.. and hopefully - there won't be too much shouting.  

By the way, Laural and Tracy are the anchors of this new show.  I'm just filling in for Laural.  She'll be back tomorrow. 

But in just one night, it was clear to me, that this is exactly the kind of newscast - people always tell me they want to see.  I hope you'll join us, tonight - and beyond, as we draw closer to what should be a fascinating election night.

Then I consider this. Even my longest days on the job have an end. I'm not a mother of five and running a state and running for one of the top offices in the United States. As a soon-to-be Mom I've been watching Senator John McCain's VP pick, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Sure, I'm following the race and the issues. But for the purpose of this blog I'll stick to the 'Mom' angle. I have no idea how she balances Motherhood with all the other titles she wears, but I am inspired by it. If she and her husband can rear five children while she holds office and now travels the Presidential campaign trail, my husband and I should certainly be able to lovingly and responsibly rear our daughter on a Journalist's hours.