A Local Fresh Meal

What's fast, tasty and fresh?

A convenient walk from the Benton Center, the Baja Fresh on 9th Street is not only inviting and clean but is also consistently delicious!

You walk in and are welcomed by a great atmosphere. The building has windows that wrap around the entire restaurant making for great lighting.

From the entrance you can see cooks over the counter and through glass windows preparing assorted meats and vibrantly colored vegetables.

Fun, traditional Mexican style music plays throughout the restaurant while you wait for your order and enjoy Coca-Cola products with their free refillable soda fountains.

"The best part about Baja Fresh are the reusable plastic cups. You only have to pay 99 cents for endless refills every time you go, plus there is less wasting of the paper cups." Serenna Folk states as she waits for her order.

As a person who sometimes worries about the sanitation of restaurants I always feel comfortable in Baja Fresh, this restaurant is always extremely clean. From the spotless tiles to the free salsa bar that a employee is often tending to.

The food at Baja is always so fresh. They don't have any freezers, none of their food comes in a can, and all of their food is MSG free. I guess their is a reason the word "Fresh" is in the restaurants name.

Baja Fresh is very reasonably priced most meals are under $10 and the portion sizes always leave you feeling full. Every time you eat at Baja Fresh you get unlimited chips and salsa. And not just any kind of salsa, Baja Fresh has over six types of salsa to meet everyone's preference, including a seasonal salsa that changes with the months.

According to Keri Gonzalez a cashier at Baja Fresh, she says "Every morning we make fresh salsa, then try it out with a fresh hot chip! That way we know wither to make it a little spicier or milder."

The menu at Baja Fresh is rather diverse and can sometime feel overwhelming. I'll admit to having ordered things and not being fully sure what I was getting, but I have never been disappointed with the consistently delicious food from this restaurant.

I ordered the Chicken Burrito Ultimo this time, it was $6.45 and worth every penny. not only was this burrito rather large and delicious, but the receipt came with a coupon for by one burrito and a drink, get one burrito free! Perfect for a lunch out with a friend for under $10.00.

I highly recommend this restaurant, it will leave you full and not feeling guilty about the amount of food you just ate.



AT A GLANCE

Rating: B+

Who: Baja Fresh Restaurant

What: The Dining experience and fresh food

Where: 845 NW 9th St Corvallis OR

Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Information: Corvallis location 541.452.1010

Look Ma, no hands!

Your driving down the highway on a beautiful warm sunny day. Music blasting from the speakers. Your cell phone starts to ring and itsyour best friend.You answer and tell them how the weather is, when you'll be back home then suddenly red and blue lights are flashing behind you and a police officer is pulling you over.

Oregon has recently passed a law that bans the use of your cell phone while driving. Drivers today have gotten into a rotten habit of chatting while driving. Either by talking on the cell phone while on the highway or texting it's class mates right before school. The truth of the matter is, its just not safe!

Cell phones are becoming more popular and kids as young as 13 will already have their own phone. We are teaching the adults of tomorrow that having a phone on you all the time is appropriate behavior and we all know how distracted a teenager can be on their phone. As cell phones become more accessible to the public, people are becoming attached to their phones making it harder for everyone to not use them at a whim.

The new law says that if you are caught talking or texting on a hand held phone you will have a fine to pay. The traffic ticket for this law could cost drivers up to $90. As of Jan. 1 2010 the House Bill 2377 will take effect.


It is very important to remember that the reason why the Senate passed this law is for the safety of the community. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society states that cell phone distractions are responsible for 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries a year. Anyone else want to still talk/text while driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the greatest number of people distracted while driving are people under the age of 20. Even though all accidents may not be caused do to cell phone use, it still remains that being distracted while operating a vehicle heightens the risk of being in a fatal crash.

Why doesn't the whole country enforce this law? We could lower accidents considerably nation wide if we all agree that talking or texting on a cell phone is distracting. A study by Virgina Tech Transportation Institute reveals that 80% of car crashes and 65% of near car accidents were caused due to drivers being distracted.

I asked high school student Laura Henry how she felt about talking/texting while driving.
"I just got my drivers licenses so I was excited to get around and still communicate with friends. Now that I can't even text I'm going to have to asking my parents for a bluetooth! I don't like this new law they are enforcing."

Oregon is just six of the sates that are reinforcing the ban on cell phone use while driving. New York, Washington, New Jersey, Connecticut and California all share the same law for 'hands free talking.' Many Oregonians believe that our roads will be safer for everyone. There are a few states however, that have laws about driving and being distracted. Utah's law defines cell phone use as a non-related driving activity and is considered a moving violation.


The government isn't trying to ban us from communicating with one another, it is simply a way for drivers to be more aware of distractions we can easily avoid. Luckily, having a Bluetooth device can help you stay safe and satisfy the need to chit chat or even take important business calls while traveling.

Eventually I think we'll see every driver with a little blinking light in their ear, talking, but with two hands on the wheel. Both safe and futuristic!

It may take a few more years for the rest of the country to become 'hands free' but there are signs that show the movement toward the ban of hand held devices. This should be viewed as a good thing. We should support safe driving because no one should suffer the loss of a loved one due to careless driving.

AT A GLANCE:

WHAT?: Huse Bill 2377 driving w/cell phones

WHEN?: Jan. 1 2010

WHY?: Safer roads for Oregon

WHO?: Drivers in Oregon

PROFILE

Having a specific breed of dog can often call for regular bathing, haircuts and brushing out curly, matted or wirer hair.

For all those dog owners who need to keep their Westies and their Lhasas groomed looked no further than Celia Schindler.

Celia Schindler (former manger of PETCO Grooming) has the most request appointments in the Corvallis Salon. With a unique talent and grate salesmanship, this 23 year-old Corvallis native is a portrait of professionalism and leadership.

Celia is full of life and always has a story to share. She is very easy going and can light up a room in an instant. While she is in control of the salon, she keeps everybody motivated and in high spirits especially when its busy.

Co-worker Julie House recalls when she first started at the salon. "I had never worked at a pet store before; I have a degree for environmental science. But when I needed a job I felt very lucky to have such a wonderful manager! She took her time to help me understand the job and also taught me how to trim nails properly. Celia is more than just a boss, we have defiantly developed a friendship while working together."

When she checks in a dog, she always asks what kind of haircut the customer would like. A seasonal spa package is an upgraded service that includes an oatmeal shampoo, moisturizers, a monthly shampoo and tooth brushing. Not every customer takes advantage of this service but Celia's clients know that upgrading for their furry friend helps avoid possible vet bills.

The clients are given an estimated wait time, they leave and Celia gets right to work. First she will wash them in the huge stainless steal tub. Warm water pours over the pup from noes to toes. Soapy suds are massaged into the coat of the pup and wonderful aromas fill the back of the salon.

After the bath the dog is dried off with a huge hair dryer that blows any lose undercoat away that the dog may have. They finish drying in the sona spa dryer until they are ready for the haircut.

While her other dogs are drying she will take one out for the haircut. Depending on the breed a haircut can take between 20 - 40 minutes. When they are finished they are topped off with a spray on coat sheer that comes in a rainbow of flavors.

Most of her work days are fully booked and customers leave satisfied with a happy pet. Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers are just a few of the fun clients that Celia grooms. A full service groom includes the bath, a nail trim, ears cleaned and the haircut. On average she can groom up to nine dogs a day. Her work is fast pace and as she explains it "There can be some difficult ones at times."

Celia has also taught and mentored Ashley Meyer for grooming school. For 15 weeks she showed Ashley all the techniques of breed cuts and mix cuts. Ashley recalls, "I had wanted to be a groomer for as long as I can remember. I couldn't have asked for a better instructor! Celia showed me how to up sell services and gave me confidence while practicing the hair cuts."

I asked Celia how she got into the grooming business.
"I started going to OSU and got a job as a bather. I was doing that for about a year and then PETCO sent me to school to be a groomer. Since then I deiced this is what I want to do, when the manager position opened up I gladly excepted."

She has been working at the grooming salon for almost four years now.
"I have made a lot of friends and met so many nice people, the relationship I have built with my clients has grown so much. Every Christmas I'll come home with a ton of gifts or fudge and sometimes gift cards!"

She plans one day to have her own dog grooming business. Celia has gotten her name around to the community and is a trusted stylist for many dog owners. She has clients that travel from Canby and Newport to get their dogs groomed by her. She is truly successful for her age and has many goals to fulfill in the future.

The last question I had to ask was what is her favorite breed of dog to groom? She answered very proudly, "Shih Tzus', because my dog Freddy is one and I love giving her a haircut! "

You can find the PETCO Grooming Salon at the Timberhill Shopping Center on northwest Kings Boulevard. The salon is open at 7 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Walk In's are always welcomed for a bath or just a nail trim although for a haircut customers are urged to call ahead to make an appointment a few days in advance.


AT A GLANCE:

WHO? Celia Schindler PETCO Groomer

WHERE? PETCO GROOMING

WHY? Keep your dogs clean and cut

WHAT? The pet store where you can find everything you need to pamper your pet

HOURS: Salon: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Store: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

More Information: Salon number: 541.766.8251

Review

From Sunday, Jan. 17 and continuing on Jan.18 the premier of the new season "24" kicked off with four hours of nonstop action! Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is in New York trying to get back home with his daughter Kim, to Los Angeles.

The show “24” first aired 9 years ago and still has 12 million viewers, myself included, counting the days until the next season. This season is especially important because there have been rumors however that this season maybe the last season and that the series will end with a movie in theaters.

Now retired from CTU, Jack Bauer wants to start a less chaotic life and be a grandfather. This is a major change is Jacks character. Jack has always made the sacrifice of duty before family.

While he is on his way, to the airport an informant comes to Jack with information about a terrorist threat. Information about a group that is planning the assassination of a foreign diplomat. This information forces Jack to once again serve his country, something he thought he would never have to do again.

Meanwhile the President of the United States Allison Taylor is having a peace conference with the President of the Islamic Republic Omar Hassan at the United Nations. With the information Jack has about the terrorist threat, he soon realizes that a bomb is set to go off during the peace conference in an attempt to assassinate President Hassan.


As a fan of “24” I am thrilled about this new season! You cannot help but feel for the characters as they are torn between impossible decisions and have to overcome situations that seem to be without a solution. This season is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. You can watch season 8 of “24” every Monday night on Fox! It starts at 9 p.m. Pacific time.

Daemons Media TV Review website states that "the first four episodes of this new “24” season will once again blow your mind, and if they are anything to go by, this season will be another great one."

AT A GLANCE:

What: “24” Season 8 Premiere

When: Fox Monday nights at 9 p.m.

Cast: Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer
Mary Lynn Rajskub as Chloe O'Brian
Anil Kapoor as President Omar Hassan
Freddie Prinze Jr as Cole Ortiz
Cherry Jones as President Allison Taylor

Genre: Action

Warning: May not be suitable for children under the age of 13

First Feature Story

At a glance:

What: Yoga/ relax

When: Any time

Learn More: Check out Linn Benton class listings

Namaste



Today college students are preparing for life by taking classes, working a job to support themselves and figuring out how to pay for daily living. Linn-Benton Community College is a great place to start making your life better. Staying on track with classes and homework can be overwhelming for most students.Linn-Benton can cause stress but what can the college do to help release it? Luckily, not only does LB offer stress management courses, it has a grate yoga program designed for students to learn yoga.

Yoga at LB is for any type of student. While practicing yoga, you will see that it focuses on breathing, balance and posture. Everythingyoga.com states that, "The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root yug meaning to join together and direct one’s attention." You will find yourself to be more flexible and less likely to have any muscle or tendon related injuries. Living a healthy life style now in college matters because it will only help further down the road. Breathing and stretching the muscles by various poses will make you feel relaxed and you can also sleep better at night. After a yoga workout you can just feel the stress melt away. Without a doubt, yoga helps connect your thoughts and your actions as one.

Albany, Benton and Sweet Home campus' all offer yoga throughout the work week (Monday through Friday) and some have a few Saturday classes as well. Linn-Benton offers a PE credit for select yoga classes but that shouldn't discourage anyone from trying it out for a term. There are a number of different yoga classes you can take. Just a few are, power yoga, gentle yoga and Hatha yoga. The classes usually get filled up and they can have around 20 students for each class.

Amy Schneider, a student of LB is enrolled in a yoga class this winter term, she states that,
"I've never tired yoga before," Schneider explains, "so far I love it, I feel so amazing after the class."

When you walk into the room for a yoga session you lay out your mat. You can either sit or lay down, the time before the instructor begins the class is for breathing and relaxing. The instructor will start out with a few breathing poses for the class and then progress into the session. The various posses are done twice and always held for maximum stretching. At the end of the session you lay down and meditate. You let your body relax and let your mind become clear of any thought.

The best solution to relieve the stress of school or bills or the ups and downs that life gives you is simply, yoga. Practicing the poses can help prevent muscle pains, it can also make weak ligaments in the body strong again. Posture is very important because gravity is always pulling down on us.

"Yoga makes you feel like your walking on a cloud" Schneider concludes.

If your one of the many students that have a full schedule this term, try to incorporate a yoga class for the up coming spring term. Brittney McDaniel, a freshmen at Linn Benton this year is wanting to try a yoga class.
McDaniel says " I always see the classes at the Benton center, I want to sign up but my classes right now didn't allow for that particular class, next term for sure though!"

I had a chance to talk with Ms.Baskerfield a yoga instructor at OSU. I asked her why she started doing yoga?

"I studied yoga in India when I was in college. When I went there I didn't notice how poor my posture was. When I came back to the states I was standing up straight and tall."

Yoga is designed for meditation, to connect body and mind together. Taking classes at Linn Benton on top of everything else in life can really make you feel stressed out! When students can learn to put there priorities in place as well as their physically and mental wellness, there will be much to achieve while staying stress free!