Oregon

Bend, Oregon

For couples that wish to get away from the heat of the desert and the never-ending hustle and bustle of the big city, a trip to Bend, Oregon is a conveniently nearby haven. Located in the center of the state, Bend is far away from the trappings of civilization, though, due to its popularity with tourists, still retains all the conveniences that one could desire. If you’re there during the winter, the skiing is excellent. If you come during the warmer months, there are endless opportunities to exp

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The man behind the "Exploding Whale Video" has died

In the 1970s, a coastal Oregon town was faced with a stinky, slimy problem: a huge dead whale carcass washed ashore and began rotting. The stench was overpowering. Someone had to do something.

A highway engineer came up with the idea of dynamiting the carcass, so that the smaller chunks would be more easily cleaned up by scavenging crabs and seagulls. And thus, one of the world's first viral videos was born. The explosion blew chunks of slimy rotting whale meat up to a quarter mile away. The feat was legendary, although the man behind it was irritated by his claim to fame.

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Bailey’s Taproom, Portland

For one of the better beer establishments in the city of Portland, head downtown and check out Bailey’s Taproom. With two-dozen different beers on tap that are always rotating, you’ll be able to find some of the best brews in the world - and Oregon in particular - right here. And since it’s located right in the heart of the city, it’s an easy walk to see what else Portland has to offer. If you want a bar that has an impressive selection and doesn’t feel the need to charge you an arm-and-a-leg for a drin

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Hiking the Rogue River

For a look at some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Oregon, grab someone special and take a hiking trip down the Rogue River. You can explore this place on your own, backpacking along and staying where you can, or if you have the money and want a more planned itinerary, check out any number of tour companies that will help you find the best routes (as well as more standard lodging). Make sure to head out during the spring or fall, however, unless you don’t mind the intense heat. Or better yet, combine your hi

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Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 7

October 19 -- Florida State at Clemson

The Seminoles are back in the heat of the conversation after a 63-0 thrashing of Maryland, which was their fifth straight impressive win behind redshirt freshman QB Jameis Winston.

Winston has put himself on the fringes of the Heisman discussion, a location already firmly held by Clemson QB Tajh Boyd.

Florida State has a bye week, so it's a lock to go into this game 5-0, while the Tigers must get past Boston College in order to carry a 6-0 mark into the contest.

Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 5

1. Lane Kiffin is Undefeated!

Three head coaching jobs ... three acrimonious departures!

Losing conference games by 10-7 and then 62-41 at least provided some variety.

The USC brass didn't pull him off the field in the third quarter, but they did pull him off the team bus after the game in order to hand him the pink slip.

2. Sarkisian Intrigue

Joel Palmer House Restaurant

The Joel Palmer House is a great little restaurant in the small city of Dayton, Oregon, a short ways southwest of the big city of Portland. Located within an old historic home, this classy and elegant dining establishment is the perfect place to impress on a first date. It may be a little more expensive than some other places, but the excellent food and exquisite wine selection will leave you wanting more. If you happen to live in the area or find yourself passing through, a visit to the Joel Palmer Ho

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How Big Pharma deliberately supports the meth trade

Mother Jones magazine breaks down the relationship between Big Pharma and the meth epidemic in America, and the conclusions are depressing. Only two states have managed to successfully return pseudoephedrine (the key ingredient in meth) to a prescription-only status. In one of those states (Oregon) the number of meth labs dropped 96% and violent crime fell precipitously.

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Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 4

Instead of where they rank now, this is a projection of where it looks like things might end up.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

I think there will be a fair amount of sentiment to deny a second Heisman to Manziel. Or, maybe more accurately, folks will be happy to find an excuse not to vote for him.

The quarterback of an undefeated team with the nation's top offense would be enough of an excuse. Averaging 17.5 yards per carry rushing, plus 70% completion percentage, won't hurt.

Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 3

1. Alabama 49, Texas A & Manziel 42

Does Nick Saban own college football like it's a family-reunion game of touch being played in his backyard?

Pretty much.

Let's see: passion, money, athletes, much-googled girlfriends? The Tide's got it all.

One thing they didn't have was a victory over Johnny Football. Now they've got that too.

Next checkpoint on the road to the three-peat?

Nov. 9 vs. LSU.

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