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Photo courtesy Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon.
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What 11 moments will you remember from 2011?
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Holiday Quotes “A holiday is when you celebrate something that's all finished up, that happened a long time ago and now there's nothing left to celebrate but the dead.” Abraham Polonsky “A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell.” George Bernard Shaw
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“Now there are more overweight people in America than averageweight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year’s resolution.” Jay Leno “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” Bill Vaughan “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah Winfrey “New Year’s Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” Mark Twain “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.” Author unknown “New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.” Charles Lamb
(Staff) - As the year winds down, the events of 2011 become water cooler conversation. Reflections of what happened in the world beyond one’s front door take the form of “top moments” and “best ofs.”
To mark the end of another exciting year in global, national and local news, AOL, whose mission is to inform, entertain and connect the world, shares the “11 Days That Shaped 2011.” These are the moments that made news that got people talking, sharing and commenting most this year, from the horrific shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her miraculous recovery, to the passing of Steve Jobs and the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. People can visit 11in2011.aol.com to agree, disagree, or add to the moments that helped define the year. The “11 Days that Shaped 2011”: * The shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords: On January 8, a deranged gunman went on a rampage that critically injured Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and killed six others. This brutal act led to an outpouring of support for Giffords and renewed focus on gun control. * Arab Spring: Inspired by their Tunisian neighbors who successfully overthrew their own oppressive government, Egyptians gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square in January to protest the brutal 30-year regime of President Hosni Mubarak, who resigned 18 days later. Demands for freedom soon spread to Libya, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco and Oman, with social media playing a key role in organizing and spreading news about the protests. * The meltdown of Charlie Sheen: TV’s highest paid star went on a tirade on the first day of March against his “Two and a Half Men” producer Chuck Lorre, made a series of bizarre pronouncements across mainstream and social media, went on tour and was ultimately fired from his toprated show. * Japan earthquake: It was March 11 when the quake unleashed a giant tsunami that leveled cities and towns in northern Japan. The resulting nuclear disaster, just 170 miles from Tokyo, affected thousands more and rendered large areas uninhabitable for decades to come. * The Royal Wedding: The fairytale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton captivated people around the world and boasted the largest ever live online audience. In the months leading up to April 29, people breathlessly awaited - and debated - details from the guest list to the reception menu to the top-secret wedding gown design. * Osama bin Laden’s death: Following news of the terror leader’s death at the hands of Navy Seal Team 6, spontaneous celebrations erupted in New York, Washington and beyond on May 1. Learning that Bin Laden lived within sight of a key Pakistani military base further undermined U.S. trust in our ally.
* End of the Oprah Winfrey Show: The highest-rated talk show in American history ended its 25-year domination of daytime television. After decades of influencing and defining culture, Winfrey left her namesake show on May 25 to focus on The Oprah Winfrey Network/OWN. * Debt ceiling crisis: Washington’s inability to provide a long-term resolution to the debt ceiling issue on August 8 contributed to a downgrade of our nation’s credit rating, market volatility and the lowest approval rating for the U.S. congress in modern times. * 10th anniversary of 9/11: America marked the 10th anniversary of our deadliest day, September 11, with respectful
ceremonies honoring victims and their families, who are still struggling to recover from their devastating losses. * The Occupy Movement: In September 2011, the Occupy Movement started on Wall Street and was aimed at the economic disparity and social inequity in the country and quickly spread around the world. * The death of Steve Jobs: When Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs, one of the greatest innovators and businessmen in history passed away in October, people around the globe mourned the man behind the inventions that changed the world.
Avoid these mistakes on your tax return
BUSTED
Kidnapper carjacker sentenced to 25 years in prison On December 6, 2011, Shawn William Griep, 28, pled guilty in Lincoln County Circuit Court before the Honorable Sheryl Bachart to Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, and two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
PARISH GAP
Classy Classic & Art Rock Saturday, Dec. 31. 9 PM. APPLEBEE'S, Corvallis NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY Saturday, Jan. 7. 9 PM. LUMPY'S, Dundee Friday, Jan. 13. 9 PM. THE BOTTLE FACTORY, Stayton Thursday, Jan. 19. 9 PM. APPLEBEE'S, Lancaster Mall, Salem Friday, Jan. 27. 8 PM. EAGLES ON THE GREEN, Eugene (Come and sign in as a guest if you are not an Eagles Member.) Saturday, January 28. 9 PM. APPLBEE's, Corvallis
For booking or info, Phone: 541-829-9740
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(Staff) - The average American spends approximately 12 hours preparing a Form 1040 income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service. With so much time invested, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake on your tax return especially one that delays your refund.
Fortunately, several of the most common mistakes made on tax returns are simple in nature. For instance: * Incorrect Social Security numbers. They must match perfectly with what's on Social Security cards because the IRS compares tax return information with the Social Security Administration's database. * Misspelled names. All names on returns must also match Social Security cards. Pay special attention to dependents' last names, as those tend to be misspelled. * Filing status errors. If you're not sure which of the five statuses you are, see IRS Publication 501.
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* Miscalculations. In addition to math errors, taxpayers often miscalculate amounts related to their taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, the standard deduction for age 65 and older or blind, and taxable amounts of Social Security benefits. * Incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit or payments. Double check the routing and account numbers for your financial institution so that you either receive your refund in a timely fashion or pay your balance on time (thus avoiding penalties and interest). You can prevent a lot of errors like these by simply not rushing, says TaxACT spokesperson Jessi
Dolmage. "Prepare your return when you have the fewest distractions. If you're interrupted, stop and come back to your return later, or even the next day. You don't have to do your taxes in one fell swoop. "Another easy way to avoid these types of errors is to use a tax preparation solution," states Dolmage. "Online and download solutions like TaxACT allow you to import information from last year's return, which reduces the chance of mistyping key information. The programs also provide step-by-step guidance while completing the forms and math for you, and they check your return for errors and missed opportunities." Regardless of how you prepare your taxes, print and review the information on your return before filing. When you're ready to file, efile your return. Unlike paper filers, you'll receive confirmation when the IRS receives and processes your return. Combined with direct deposit, you can have your refund in as few as seven days. Dolmage adds that the IRS won't send you a notice for overlooked tax breaks. Software solutions like TaxACT help you take advantage of all your tax breaks. If you're not using software, watch out for these tax credits (a direct reduction of your tax liability): the Child Tax Credit; the Child and Dependent Care Credit; higher education credits; the Saver's Credit; and energysaving credits. For tax return information, visit www.irs.gov. Learn about TaxACT products, including its Free Edition that allows everyone to prepare and e-file their federal return free at www. taxact.com.
The convictions stem from events in Lincoln City on July 3, 2011. The first series of events occurred at the Inn at Wecoma. Griep commandeered two female employees, temporarily confining them to a room at knifepoint, but then fled. The second series of events involved the kidnapping and assault of a young woman as she walked to her car in the garage of the Tanger Outlet Mall. Griep pulled a knife on the woman. Both got into her car, during which Griep cut
her arm with his knife. Griep then drove to a remote area, but the young woman managed to jump out of her car and run to a nearby house for help, where she called 9-1-1. Responding police officers found her car, but did not locate Griep at that time. Griep was later apprehended following an extensive investigation by detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department. Griep was a wanted fugitive from California at the time. Pursuant to plea negotiations, Judge Bachart sentenced Griep to 300 months (25 years) in prison for his crimes. “We’re fortunate that all three victims were able to get away,” said Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Cable, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. “Thanks to the hard work of the police, we are able to show that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated.”
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America’s wackiest laws still on the books (Staff) - In just about every state, city and town in America, there are crazy, weird and outright goofy laws, regulations and ordinances that are still legally valid, but that no one pays attention to, much less enforces, according to FindLaw.com, the nation’s number one online source for free legal information.
cut flowers and ornamental plants. The licensing process includes a 45-minute written exam. In 2010, the Louisiana legislature eliminated the 4-hour, hands-on floral design portion of the process after considerable pressure from unlicensed florists.
Thousands of such laws exist, some dating back to the days of the horse and buggy, which nonetheless remain on the books because nothing has been done to officially repeal them.
* In 1992, New York’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of two female defendants in People v. Ramona Santorelli and Mary Lou Schloss, which established that women could go topless in public in New York State, just like men can.
There are also some laws that remain valid that raise serious questions given the dramatic changes in U.S. society, and what today’s citizens consider right and wrong.
* In University City, Mo., according to city ordinance 9.28.060, it’s unlawful to conduct a yard or garage sale in the front of a building.
Of the thousands of crazy, yet still-official laws, here are some of the wackiest, according to FindLaw.com: * In Wisconsin, serving colored oleomargarine or margarine at a public eating establishment, as a substitute for table butter, is prohibited unless it is ordered by the customer. * Atheists are not allowed to hold public office in Tennessee. Under Tennessee’s Constitution, “no person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.”
There are also some laws that remain valid that raise serious questions given the dramatic changes in U.S. society, and what today’s citizens consider right and wrong. * In South Berwick, Maine, it is illegal to park in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts store located on Main Street West, according to Article III, Section 15 of the town’s ordinances. * It’s illegal to keep, place or store any upholstered couch or chair on the front porch of a house in Boulder, Colo., home of the University of Colorado, according to city ordinance No. 7125, which was enacted in 2002. It’s illegal to keep any upholstered furniture in any part of your yard as well. * Baggy pants are illegal in Collinsville, Ill. In July 2011, this suburb of St. Louis enacted a new law banning baggy pants
in all public areas of this town of 26,000 residents. According to the new law, pants must be secured to waist to prevent the pants from falling more than three inches below the hips, causing exposure of the person’s undergarments. The new law applies only to public property, such as schools and parks. Violators will be fined $100 and be required to perform community service for the first offense, and $300 and community service for subsequent offenses. * Louisiana may have one of the most rigorous processes in the nation to become a...florist. A retail florist license is required to arrange and sell floral designs,
* Under the miscellaneous section of its city code, the town of Dyersburg, Tenn. prohibits giving an animal or bird tobacco, alcohol or another known noxious substance in city parks. * In Kentucky, it’s illegal to sell, exchange, display or possess living baby chicks, ducklings or rabbits that have been dyed or colored. Violating this law can lead to a fine of up to $500. * North Dakota and Wisconsin have banned the forced implantation of microchips in humans. A number of other states are considering similar laws to protect the privacy rights of individuals.
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Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort operates on a special use permit on the Mt. Hood National Forest, offering some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest. The resort is close to Portland - just 90 minutes away - but delivers a big mountain experience you'd expect to travel much farther to enjoy. The resort sprawls across Mt. Hood's southeast flank, the sunny, wind-protected side of Mt. Hood. Meadows' playful terrain welcomes and challenges all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The season usually gets underway by Thanksgiving and extends into May. "Meadows After Dark" night operations get going in mid-December and extend into March. Meadows averages more than 430 inches of snowfall annually, a gift from the endless stream of Pacific moisture.
We’re the only ski area in North America that’s open all 12 months of the year. We’ve got 3,690 vertical feet more than anybody else in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. We’re located near the top of an 11,245-foot volcano the tallest mountain in all of Oregon. Go ahead. Enjoy the stats. But then get up here and enjoy the ride. SEASON Timberline offers the longest ski season in North America. The winter season typically begins early to midNovember and continues through Memorial Day. Our Palmer Express high-speed quad lift allows us to operate later into the summer season than anyone else (usually June 1st through Labor Day). Many years, we’re open for fall skiing as well (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October snow permitting). For up-to-date hours of operation, call our Sno Phone at 503-2222211, or view our conditions page. VERTICAL Timberline boasts the Northwest’s largest vertical terrain with 3,690 vertical feet (from the top of Palmer to the bottom of Still Creek Basin). In the summer, our vertical drop is 2,616′.
ELEVATION Mt. Hood’s elevation is 11,245 feet. Timberline Lodge is located at 6,000 feet. Silcox Hut is at 7,000 feet. The highest operation point is the top of Palmer at 8,540 feet. The lowest operation point is the bottom of Still Creek Basin at 4,850 feet. TRAILS 41 total: 25% beginner 50% intermediate 25% advanced LIFT SYSTEMS 5 High Speed Quads 1 Triple 1 Double 2 Surface 1 Passenger Snowcat
SKIABLE TERRAIN 1,415 acres SNOWFALL Average base: 175-200” per season (measured from opening date until end of winter season in April) INFO Skier Services: 503-272-3158
www.timberlinelodge.com
The variety of Meadows terrain is what makes it so unique and popular. The wideopen terrain off of the Cascade Express (voted most popular cruising terrain in Oregon) offers incredible panoramic views half-way across Oregon from it's 7,300 foot elevation. Advanced skiers and snowboarders seek out the steeps in the front bowls, or drop in to the seemingly endless pitch of powder-filled Heather Canyon. There's an additional 1,700 vertical for hikers who want to drop into the double blacks of Super Bowl above Heather, to bring the total vertical limit available in just one run to almost 4,500 feet. Or explore the double black steeps, gladed tree runs and cliffs through access gates into the Private Reserve and S&R Cliffs. Beginners learn on the gentle slopes of Buttercup, The Northwest's most advanced fleet of grooming machines assures surface conditions are optimal. This specialized equip-
MT. BACHELOR 360 degrees of powder
ment and a creative crew also design and maintain up to four terrain parks including an in-ground SuperPipe. Meadows has introduced the sports of skiing and snowboarding to more Oregonians than any other ski resort. With a separate “fun zone” supported by two WonderCarpets on the snow conveyers, beginners learn technique and to have fun fast. Meadows has the only enclosed on the snow conveyer "The Ballroom Carpet" in the Northwest! Affordable learn to ski and snowboard packages which include beginner lift, two-hour or four-hour lesson and equipment rentals are available with no need for reservations. And the PSIA-Certified adult snow sports and Children's Learning Centers offer private and group lessons daily. There's a certified Day Care center for ages 6 weeks to 4 years. No less than 10 restaurant and bar establishments serve up a range of tantalizing cuisine. Two retail stores offer the largest selection of alpine and snowboard hard goods, equipment, clothing and accessories found in Oregon, and the High Performance Center allows you to demo next year's equipment today.
Mt Bachelor Ski Bus Program 2011-12 Season
Mt. Hood Meadows partners with more than two dozen Hood River area lodging establishments. The properties vary from resort condominiums to hotels to cabins. While each lodge has its own charm and appealing experience, they all offer discounted Meadows adult lift tickets for just $50. Nearby Hood River was named a top five American ski town by Skiing Magazine, offering a youthful zeal and energy with the awesome Columbia River Gorge, peaceful orchards, vineyards and majestic Mt. Hood as the backdrop.
Saturdays Reservations must be made in advance at Peak Sports Bus Ride Only: $25.00
www.skihood.com
Bus Ride and all day lift ticket Teens $53.00 Students/Adults $73.00
FAQs Do I need tickets in advance?
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor Stats With over 3,000 acres of lift-accessible terrain, you won’t want to pass up a trip to the ski resort with the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington! Mt. Bachelor, located on the eastern flanks of Oregon’s Central Cascades, is known for its light, dry snow, diverse terrain, family-friendliness and long seasons. Number of Runs: 71 Max Run Length: 1.5 miles Average Snowbase: 150-200"
Average Snowfall: 387" Alpine Terrain Rating 15% Green-Novice 25% Blue-Intermediate 35% Black-Advanced 25% Double Black-Expert
Lift Facilities 7 Express Quads 3 Triple Chairlifts 1 Wonder Carpet 2 Tubing Lifts
www.mtbachelor.com
Yes, you must make your reservations at Peak sports in advance, we recommend doing so by Wednesday the week you plan on riding the bus. What time do I meet the bus in Corvallis?
What time does the bus leave Mt. Bachelor? 4:00pm What time will the bus get back to Corvallis? Usually by 7:30 Can I sign-up for the whole season? Yes, you may. Remember cancellations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Peak Sports Outdoor Shop
You need to meet the bus at 5:30am at Peak Sports at the corner of Jackson and 2nd Streets.
207 NW 2nd Street
Where do I catch the bus?
135 NW 2nd Street
At Peak Sports at the corner of Jackson and 2nd Streets. What time does the bus get to Mt. Bachelor? Usually by 9:30am
Bike Shop Corvallis, Oregon 97330 541.754.6444 800.427.6442
Super Spices
GOLF 365. WHERE HIGH-TECH AND YOUR CLUB FACE COLLIDE.
Article by Tom Wright
The interface between modern technology and the beloved game of golf has finally reached a point that has become both helpful and fun. I spent a couple of very enjoyable hours with Joe Schwindt, the owner of Owl Creek Golf, which is a custom club fitting and instruction business. He has two similar but different computerized swing and trajectory analysis systems now available for use at Golf 365, the indoor golf practice facility located at 6880 SW West Hills Road in Corvallis. Having been raised by a father whose favorite pastime was playing golf, I and my son naturally inherited appreciation and enjoyment of the game. When I first saw the Sport Vision P3 Pro Swing Analyzer, I knew I wanted an opportunity to try it out. Basically, it is like hitting the golf ball at the indoor driving range with a simulated golf hole projected on a screen in front of you and a system of sensors and cameras plugged into a computer that analyzes an amazingly detailed array of data about the way the club contacts the golf ball, and translates that information into a lifelike version of actually playing the golf hole on the screen. The system goes through each shot from tee off to putting into the hole and then moves on to the next hole on the simulated golf course. It can be set up for one to four players at a time. The amount of information that can be programmed into the computer to customize it to an individual player is incredible. For instance, if you know that you normally hit a five iron one hundred and fifty yards, you can let the computer know that and it will use that to fine tune it’s analysis of your ball’s flight. One of the amazing things about
the system is the number of things it is capable of detecting and translating into its analysis of where the ball would actually go. It displays all of this collected information from each shot in side windows on the screen showing the simulated golf hole. For example, there is a diagram with an X marking the exact spot on the golf club face that impacted the ball. It tells you if the club face was straight on at impact, or gives the exact angle which the club face may have been open or closed. Club speed at impact. Angle of attack (hitting down or up on the ball). Swing coming from the outside in, inside out, or straight through. Launch angle of the ball. Spin on the ball. All of these and more are incorporated into the computer’s simulation of where on the simulated golf hole your ball travels. Here is where it starts to get really interesting. With all of that data, the
golf instructor who is working with you can help you learn how interpret the information and help you adjust your swing technique to correct for the bits and pieces of that data collection that might be detracting from your performance. For example, if your club face is consistently striking the ball too far forward from the center, which would cause the ball to curve off to the right, he can show you how to solve that by setting up for the shot a little differently. Each of the collected bits of data have an effect on the ball’s flight, and the instructor can help you learn to analyze and correct problems they might indicate to help you achieve better results. The system Joe was demonstrating to me was the one which is more focussed on teaching better swing technique. The other system is more focused on the actual enjoyment of simulating playing an actual
golf course indoors when the weather is not cooperating with outdoor play. That system offers a vast array of well known actual golf course simulations to choose from. Imagine being able to play the Pebble Beach or another world class course on a December afternoon when you are in Corvallis. I was just amazed at how much fun this was. In the process, I learned quite a few ways to improve my golf game that there is no possible way I could have discovered without the raw data the machine was collecting and analyzing. The golf swing and contact with the ball occur in such a small fraction of a second and at such literally blinding speed, there is no way you would ever know exactly where the ball was actually striking on the club face without this advanced technological equipment monitoring and displaying the information, or any of the other vast collection of data it is picking up. The number of flaws in technique it can show you and allow you to learn to correct is amazing. The best part is, it’s an extremely enjoyable experience. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, and like playing golf. You’re going to love this! There are two units of the system set up and ready for play at GOLF 365. I think it’s going to be a big hit. GOLF 365 is located at 6880 SW West Hills Road in Corvallis and is open 10 AM to 6 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10 AM to 7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. The facility offers indoor practice for driving, chipping, and putting. You can get more information by going to their website: www.GOLF365.pro or phoning 541929-CHIP (2447).
Veracity Is Raising Spirits
Built on the strong tradition of craft beverages, Oregon now is considered to be one of the most active small batch spirits production areas, boasting over 50 liquor distillery licenses, according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. Although many consider Portland to be the Mecca for craft spirits, the Willamette valley is emerging as a craft brewing capital, with the entree of Veracity Spirits and two other distilleries coupled with the quality wineries and breweries located from Salem to Eugene. It’s worth a trip through the Valley to Corvallis. Veracity Spirits is owned and operated by Caitlin Prueitt and her partner Chris Neumann. Caitlin brings not only her passion for distilled beverages, but extensive knowledge in the fermentation sciences with a degree from OSU and deep experience working in wineries, breweries, and lab settings and her plans are to provide an expanded flavor experience with new and interesting distilled spirits, crafted with locally sourced products.
Veracity’s underlying philosophy in making distilled spirits is to use the finest raw material from Oregon, combined with scientific research, extensive product development, old-world craftsmanship and technology to deliver exceptional spirits of the highest quality. Veracity Spirits is committed to creating the best spirits in Oregon. Veracity’s first spirit is a crisp, pure, super-smooth premium vodka made from organic corn. With Vodka, the quality of the water makes a big difference and Veracity sources their water from a deep well on site and then cold filters the Vodka at least 5 times through natural and organic filtration mediums. The bottle proclaims it a “Fine Vodka”– tasting panels described it as a smooth, perfectly clean Vodka with a soft finish. One thing will be clear, whether you enjoy your Vodka at room temperature, in a martini, or in a cocktail - Veracity has caught the perfect Vodka in a bottle.
www.veracityspirits.com
By Jessica Neal
Spices are aromatic, add flavor to ordinary dishes, and are packed with many health promoting benefits! During the holidays they can bring a sensory nostalgia to seasonal foods as well. Spices are a great way to add flavor to meals while reducing salt, sugar, and fat. Get creative and add them to ordinary recipes! Here are five powerhouse spices to try if you haven’t already.
Photo Credit:Lori Cutrell:OSU ALUMNI GAME
Men’s OSU 2012 RUGBY SCHEDULE Jan. 14/15 PAC 12 Tournament at UCLA Jan. 21 Central Washington Home Jan. 28 Simon Fraser University Burnaby, Canada Feb. 4 University of British Columbia Home Feb. 10/11 Las Vegas Invitational Tournament Las Vegas, NV Feb 18 BYE Feb. 25 Western Washington University Home Side game vs. Willamette University, Seaside Mar. 3 University of Idaho Home Mar. 10 Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA Mar. 17 University of Oregon Home April 7 University of Washington Away April 14 Washington State University Pullman, WA April 21 TBA May 5/6 Sweet 16 National Tournament TBA May. 18/19 Final 4 National Tournament Stanford University
50 YEARS OF OSU RUGBY
Cayenne. This hot red pepper can boost feelings of fullness. The phytonutritent called Capsaicin that gives cayenne a kick, may help stimulate certain fatburning proteins. Capsaicin also can reduce excessive stomach acid production, lowering the risk for ulcers, and improve blood vessel function to lower blood pressure. Add to: chocolate baked-good batters, winter squash soups, hot cocoa, scrambled eggs, sautéed winter greens, stews, vinaigrettes, and steamed edamame. Cinnamon: This mildly sweet inner bark of a Southeast Asian tree, can improve insulin sensitivity, reducing type 2 diabetes risks. Cinnamon compounds also exert antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Add to: oatmeal, pancake batter, squash or lentil soups, fruit crisps, tomato sauce, and ground coffee. Stir in to almond butter along with honey. Add cinnamon sticks to stews while cooking; use to stir hot cocoa or warm apple cider. Cloves. These pungent dried flower buds are antioxidant overachievers. Clove extract combats oxidative stress in the brain and may help dispel brain fog. Also, research indicates that it may block glycation, a process in which protein or fat molecules bond to simple sugar molecules, creating advanced
glycation end produces (AGEs), which are implicated in aging, heart disease, and diabetes. Add to: breads, smoothies, oatmeal, chili, bean soups, roasted sweet potatoes, applesauce and French toast. Add whole cloves to poaching liquid, or when cooking whole grains. A clove-studded onion spices up stock. Ginger. Traditionally used to boost immunity and sooth digestive upset, spicy-hot fresh ginger contains components called gingerols that may lessen arthritis pain and inflammation by protecting against free radical damage and suppressing pro-inflammatory compounds. After tough workouts, eating ginger can also lessen muscle soreness by as much as 25 percent. Some studies show it can help with motion sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy and chemotherapy. Get more: Grate fresh to marinades, stirfries, salad dressings, vegetable soups. Sprinkle ground in to batters, granola, smoothies, and green tea. Nutmeg. The seed of an apricot-like fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia and the West Indies, nutmeg contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties that may suppress cancerous cells. It has been traditionally used to reduce symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and stomach upset, and applied topically as an analgesic to reduce tooth and mouth pain. Add to: Burgers, meatballs, quiches, casseroles, hummus, cream-based soups, and brown rice. Grate it onto smoothies or whipped cream. Sources: deliciousliving/December 2011 pg. 39 & 40
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Photo courtesy Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon.
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