[scottmandue]

This is kind of a dark subject but we seem to have a lot of heavy talk on PPOT today so I will throw this out there.

About ten years ago my work sent me to Portland OR. for a two week installation, worked with a great crew of guys and we all went out for beers after work (it is Portland after all). In casual conversation it comes up that many of the guys know one or more people that have committed suicide. At the time it seemed a little odd but I wrote it off as luck of the draw.

About six years ago I go up to Portland to visit an old high school buddy... he introduces me to a lady he knows... the lady and I hit it off... we do the long distance relationship for a couple years then we got married and she moved down to SoCal.
Last night she gets a text that a friends spouse killed themselves... she looks at me and says "that is seven people I know that have killed themselves." my wife is 50 years old.

I'm 57 and sort of know three people (my bother and a close friend that past away prematurely due to drugs/alcohol) and one of my brothers friends who flat out killed himself (gun).

I will limit my observation's to the two cities, Portland seems to be full of happy friendly people. I'm sure it has its dark side but generally seems to be a upbeat town

I have lived my whole life in Los Angeles, we have our share of nice people but it is a big hard city that will crush you like a bug.

Obviously a big factor between the two is weather, SoCal has sunshine 3/4 of the time Vs Portlandia gets sunshine 1/3 of the time.

Makes me wonder...