It’s no secret that some of the largest environmentalists are college students. So it should be no surprise that college campuses are leading the pack in sustainable practices.

Claire Thompson, a student at Northwestern University ranked the top 20 colleges to determine who was greenest. Some of the factors she considered was the building practices of the physical structures on campus, the sustainable programs that were being practiced at the college, green curriculum and waste disposal.

The University of Colorado ranked highest followed closely by University of Washington. THE Willamette University ranked 17th on this list but it is important to recognize that this list is based on Green practices, not pure awesomeness…

For the complete rankings and descriptions visit Claire Thompson’s article on the Grist.

Looking for a new addition to your family?  Look no further than the Family Dogs New Life Shelter.

Family Dogs is a no kill shelter that is passionate about finding their dogs the perfect adoption match.  Many owners that live in Cyan/PDX have found the perfect owners through Family Dogs New Life Shelter.

Kobe, Charlie, June among others are all alumni of Family Dogs that are currently living in the building.

If you are looking for that special pet to complete you life, there really is no better way to go than providing a rescue dog with a comfortable home.  These pups are so adorable and full of personality, just one look and you’ll never visit another breeder again.

I have to say, the most dangerous thing about Family Dogs New Life Shelter is their website.  I’m not sure what drew me in most.  The awesome pictures of the puppies, the autobiographies of each dog(ok, maybe not autobiographies but the descriptions are told through the dogs voice), or was it the videos they have of the dogs. These three features keep me coming back to the website each week to see which dogs are looking for a home.

Now I haven’t taken the time to visit Family Dogs New Life Shelter yet(mainly because I know I will end up adopting multiple dogs…) but I have been told the adoption process is second to none.  When you arrive, you are welcome to meet any or all of the dogs.  You can play with them, walk them, whatever you need to do to really become comfortable with your future puppy.

The shelter is more than helpful making sure you have a seamless transition with your newest family member.  If you have any issues with your dog, they are more than happy to help you overcome all obstacles so you and your puppy have the best bond possible.

For more information on this shelter, or to just kill some time looking at some awesome potential pets, I strongly suggest you visit the Family Dogs New Life Shelter Website.

Enjoy a bite to eat at Carafe or Murata, shop for a bit, and enjoy the sweet sounds of a different band each Wednesday afternoon.  The band plays in the main entrance courtyard so you can enjoy the sun while you relax and listen.

Next Wednesday, Sam Bamboo will bring his Caribbean influenced music to our Portland neighborhood!

The summer season is filled with many holidays to celebrate: Memorial Day, 4th of July, the occasional wedding and birthday, labor day…  But the biggest and best summer holiday is happening from July 22nd to the 25th: The Oregon Brewers Festival.

Over 80 amazing beers from all over The United States will be on hand to sample this weekend at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

This festival really couldn’t be easier to enjoy.  Show up, buy a mug, buy some tokens, and enjoy beer.  Sure there’s entertainment and food options available, but honestly, the beer is the main event.

The happiness will be flowing from noon to 9pm Thursday to Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sunday.

The Oregon Brewers Festival only comes around once a year.  You DO NOT want to miss out!

The event will take place Saturday, July 24th 2010 from 6-9pm.

This event will have a variety of activities including a live auction, dance party, raffle, drink specials, bake sale and manicures.

The beauty bar is located on 111 SW Ash Street.

Online Donations can be made.  Please donate to “Team Halfen.”

Being a small child trapped in a large man’s body, I am naturally a connoisseur of the animated movie scene.  Lucky for you, I am willing to share my expertise with you and give you the professional low down on the bad, the good and the great.  Because I love my readers so much, I’ll even toss in a free preview.

You’re welcome.

The Bad: Shrek Forever After

Looks like Shrek caught the case of The Lion King Syndrome.  Movie makers really need to learn: sometimes less is more.  This is the perfect case.  They brought back the all star cast that had been so successful for the first three movies which was the high note for the movie.  Then again, it’s not like these individuals had to act, just…uhhh…talk.

The story line was forced.  They used up nearly all the great fairy tale story lines in the first three they were running dry.  Manipulating the Rumpelstiltskin story line to fit with Shrek was mediocre at best.  The story often fell flat and didn’t flow well at all.

As always, they filled the movie with cheap jokes but even these couldn’t save it.  If you have already invested in the first 3, it might be worth the hour and a half of your life to watch it.  But I would Netflix it, not waste your money at the theater like I did.

The Good: How To Train Your Dragon

This movie was an absolute surprise.  When  it first came out, my housemate and his girlfriend said we had to see it.  I was rather hesitant.  I had seen the previews and thought it would be decent, but not great.  Eventually, we went out to see this movie in a second viewing theater(that also served alcohol…).

I will admit, my stubbornness was pointless as this movie was very good.  The story line was original and the characters were all very entertaining.  It had plenty of action to keep you entertained but also had a plot so the story had meaning to it.

Personally, my favorite part of the movie was the dragons.  Each dragon seemed to have a personality of their own to ensure that every audience member had at least one favorite.  You could tell that they modeled the behaviors of the dragons after dogs, which allowed audience members to relate to these beasts.

If you still have the opportunity, go see this movie in theaters.  It is well worth the money and serves as a perfect night out.  If you cannot find it in theaters go out and rent it, you will not regret it.

The Great: Toy Story 3

If you happened to catch me in the lobby after I saw this movie, then you already know my thoughts.  Toy Story 3 was absolutely amazing.  I’m not sure if there is any other animated movie that could compete with it.  It was that good.

Woody, Buzz and the gang all returned for yet another adventure in the land of toys.  In addition to the classic characters, some new ones joined in for the fun.  This combination of new and old came together perfectly to create an amazing new story line.

Disney is just brilliant at the story lines they create and Pixar is the best animator in the world today.  The plot was superb, with the perfect mix of action as well as comedy to keep everyone entertained.

You would think after two successes in the Toy Story franchise, a third good movie would not be possible.  But this movie proved that wrong.  I’ll admit, at the end of the movie, I was in tears.  Toy Story 3 was the perfect conclusion to an amazing trilogy.

Sneak Preview: Despicable Me

Even though this movie has already been out for a week now, I’m still calling it a sneak preview because I have not made it to the theater to watch this movie yet.  But I will be soon.

Not since Toy Story 3 have I been so excited to see a movie.  Despicable Me looks so hilarious I cannot contain it.  With the voices of Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd, you know this movie is going to be hilarious.  Add in my favorite part, the minions, and it clearly is a must see.

I frequently You Tube the previews of this movie just for a smile during my days.  Want a little happiness in your heart?  Check out this film:

Avid cycler? Casual biker?  Somewhere in between? Get out in the sun and enjoy a variety of courses in the Providence Bridge Pedal 2010.

Providence Health and Services has been sponsoring the Bridge Pedal as an event to encourage individuals to get out and move around.  This year there will be 4 cycling courses and one running/walking course.   For complete information on the courses as well as their mapped out routes, visit the Bridge Pedal website.

Registration for the Bridge Pedal will be open until Saturday, August 7th.  You can register online, by mail or by visiting a variety of cycling shops throughout town. 

With all the gorgeous weather we’ve been having, now is the perfect time to grab your bike and helmet and hit the pavement.  No need to wait for the day of the event.  Starting training now and get your heart pumping!

“Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came…”

If you can relate to that song lyric, I know just the place for you.

Located at 1939 SW 6th Avenue is a wonderful bar called The Cheerful Tortoise.  This cozy little bar is an ideal place for all to enjoy a nice break to your day.

The interior is very welcoming and gives off the feeling of a homey bar, much like the one found in the TV show Cheers.  My friends and I gave it the name, “The Ultimate Man Cave,” as it was relaxing but also entertaining at the same time.

There was no shortage of the beverage selection either.  They have a wide variety of beers on tap to choose from and a full bar of hard alcohol for any of your mixed drink desires.

The night I went to The Cheerful Tortoise, I did not try any of their food.  But one of my friends had an order of Chicken Tacos.  He received three tacos for $3, a real steal. 

Not only does this bar have great drinks and an awesome atmosphere, it also provides a wide variety of events sure to entertain everyone.  So next time you are looking for a local bar, check out The Cheerful Tortoise.

Looking for something to do tonight(or any Wednesday for that matter)?  Check out Portland’s First Green Open Mic  Night.

A variety of local artists will perform for all guests at The Great Hall Restaurant located just a few blocks from Cyan/PDX.  If you use sustainable transportation, the restaurant will give you 20% off of your entire tab.  Just bring your bus pass or your helmet and show that to your server.

If you would like to perform, sign ups open at 6:30.  The show itself begins at 7pm and lasts until 10pm.  The Great Hall Restaurant is located at 1406 SW Broadway.

Between the garden out back, our new partner Winter Green Farms and the PSU farmers market you couldn’t ask for more delicious options! Stop and take a look in your own back yard Cyan/PDX residents before that next trip to the market….you just might find what you are looking for growing right under your window.