University of Oregon undergraduate group, Net Impact, conducted a survey fall term which ranked sustainable practices for 16 local Eugene coffee shops. The results compared waste reduction, product impact, water and energy usage, and the business’ social responsibility. Everyday this week the group is presenting their findings in front of the EMU amphitheater from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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This year the University of Oregon paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. with a week full of events to celebrate the life of the leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Saul Williams and Aaron Dixon spoke about Dr. King’s impact while the Black Student Union and Black Women of Achievement hosted a candlelight vigil to honor civil right activists like Dr. King and Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art opened “Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power.”

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A review of the year 2013 for an Oregon Duck.

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Before the 2013 Alamo Bowl against Texas, the Oregon Ducks interact with the animals of Sea World. Sophomore defensive back, Bobby Dunn, had the opportunity to befriend a beluga whale and the Ducks’ freshman defensive linemen, Jason Sloan, beat a 2,000 lbs walrus in a sit-up competition.

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Several Oregon players and coaches talked to the media after Saturday’s morning practice at Alamo Heights High School, and one theme was constant throughout: Nick Aliotti’s retirement.

Players such as linebacker Boseko Lokombo, offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone, wide receiver Bralon Addison and safety Avery Patterson discussed their 59 year-old defensive coordinator, from their favorite memories to the impact he had on them and the program. Linebackers coach Don Pellum — a potential candidate to replace Aliotti — also talked about the affect the retirement will have on Monday’s Alamo Bowl.

Between cramming for that last final and stuffing your suitcase for home, it may be easy to forget about readying your place for your absence. So, here’s some tips you won’t want to forget about protecting and securing your place before you begin your three-week hibernation.

Tip #1 – Remove everything near the windows. Visible valuables near a window can show how valuable the contents of a house or an apartment is to thieves.

Tip #2 – Locked windows protect the property from easy access. Closed blinds eliminate the temptation for invasion by hiding valuables from view.

Tip #3 – By making sure any barbecues or other fire hazards are out now, you can rest easy over break knowing a fire isn’t about to destroy your place while you’re away because you forgot to put out that candle on your desk when rushing to catch that 6 a.m. flight.

Tip #4 – Turn off your lights. Better yet, get yourself a light timer to time a room of lights to turn on for a couple of hours in the evening while you’re away. You can conserve energy and still leave the impression that you’re actively at home over the break. ($7 – $15 at Lowe’s, Fred Meyer, or Wal-Mart).

Tip #5 – Do unplug all those lamps and electronics, though. This will conserve energy and will guarantee that no electrical fire will ensue from that sketchy circuit.

Tip #6 – Clean out the fridge and pantry. Get rid of all your produce and veggies. Check each product to see if it will still be edible come January. Sticking with the holiday spirit, you can always donate your unopened food!

Tip #7 – Do those dishes now or else the smell is going to fester and grow in your place while you’re away. You want to be able to come back to a property that’s habitable, right?

Tip #8 – Don’t remember to take out the trash when you’re two states away. Do it as you leave.

Tip #9 – Turn down your heater, but do not turn it off. Water expands in the cold and can burst your pipes and leak all over your place if you don’t keep the temperature above 50°.

Tip #10 – An easy way for a thief to know if someone is away is by looking at how much mail has accumulated in their mailbox. Pull a fast one and have your mail temporarily redirected back to the Bay Area or wherever you hail from while you’re away. Then it’ll appear that you love checking the mail and that you are indeed still living up the holidays at your college place.

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The market for video rentals has changed over the last decade and video stores, large and small, have had to rebrand or die in the changing industry. Eugene’s Silver Screen owner, Don Flinn, explains why the local video store didn’t suffer the same fate as Blockbuster.

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By 25 years old, one of every two sexually active people will contract a sexually transmitted infection and more than half of all people will get an STI during their lifetime. Yet, less than half of adults ages 15 to 24 have been tested. Both the University of Oregon and Lane County report a rapid increase recently in STI cases compared to previous years. This video illustrates those statics found by Lane County and UO that was presented at a meeting on campus.

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University of Oregon student, Kiara Kashuba, talks about her experience with Project Tomato. The project allowed students like Kiara an opportunity to experience growing sustainable agriculture to produce local food for Oregon students.

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Ten years ago the University of Oregon opened the most sustainable business school in the nation and the most environmentally conscious building on any U.S. college campus. The Lillis Business Complex set the new standard for enviromentally-friendly design and achieved the first ever silver LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, ranking. The design involves sustainable features that maximize the building’s energy efficiency and minimizes negative environmental impacts.

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