This is a question for everyone, but mostly for recent arrivals (which is many of you).

Have you ever been to a place with as many drawbridges as Portland? I kind of take them for granted, since of course I end up behind them quite often. But I don't think many cities have quite as many drawbridges in quite as vital of a location as we do. In fact, I think for most people, drawbridges are a little like blimps: a discarded technology that isn't used much, but still has some quaintness value.

And I have to admit also, even after being around them for so long, and even when they inconvenience me, I still get a little bit of a thrill when I see them move.

My dear DP'ers

Boyfriend and I are moving next weekend, and need movers. We've done the rent-a-U-Haul-and-rope-friends-into-helping-move thing twice over and don't want to deal with it again. I'm a bit leery of picking someone at random off of Craigslist, and the Oregon DOT's Guide to Moving is a bit confusing, so I turn to you, damnportlanders, for your opinions and advice and snark.

So, any recommendations for a good mover? We're moving from a 1 bedroom apartment in Hillsboro about 5 miles to a 3 bedroom house in Beaverton. Mostly what I'm looking for is a mover who's honest (won't overcharge us or hold our stuff hostage) and is reasonably priced.

I'm a senior at Reed College (begin the rants now, if you want) and am running a survey for my psychology research thesis. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and you would earn my unending gratitude for helping me graduate. The survey is about police procedures and individual social attitudes. That's right, look at real criminals and make judgments about the police. I am happy to talk with anyone about my research if anyone has further questions, I just request that it not be done on this forum in too much detail so that I don't give away too much and bias my participants. If you have questions, respond here or email me. Thanks!