The 4th Annual OktoberFest party at North 45 is going on now until midnight!  All the staff is sporting authentic outfits and they have German food & drink specials all night! Drinking boots and vessels will be available at the door and the live Polka/funk band starts at 7pm on the patio.  Who hoo!  Minors permitted until 9:30pm so go to North45 on NW 21st street.  Oh, and there will be a Best Dressed contest around 11pm, so pull out your lederhosen. 

Have you hugged your U.S. Marshal lately?  If not, today is a great time as Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski signed a proclamation proclaiming September 24^th to be U.S. Marshals Day in Oregon and encouraged all Oregonians to join in this observance!  If you are wondering what U.S. Marshals do (besides look hot in their uniforms) here is an excerpt from the proclamation signed in Salem three years ago:

During 220 years of service, the U.S. Marshals have executed warrants, distributed presidential proclamations, registered enemy aliens in time of war, helped conduct the national censes, protected the President and the Federal courts, provided for the custody and transportation of federal prisoners, maintained and disposed of seized and forfeited properties, ensured the same conduct of judicial proceedings, protected Federal judges and jurors, and other members of the federal judiciary, provided for the security of witnesses and directed and coordinated fugitive task forces to apprehend dangerous fugitives.

I can tell you as the wife of a U.S. Marshal that my husband Cory Cunningham and the people he works with on the task force work very hard to keep us all safe.  It is a great group of hard-working compassionate individuals that work as a team to keep crime off the streets.  So here is to U.S. Marshal’s!!

Deputy Cory Cunningham in Portland, Oregon.

The average family lives in a home for eight years before they move out.  A new study tried to figure out what the house witnesses for those eight years.  Here are the averages it found . . .

–2,000 arguments, or two every three days.

–928 SEX SESSIONS, or about one every three days.

–233 slammed doors, or about two to three a month.

–4,880 kisses, or about three every two days.

–14,016 TV shows, or about five a day.

–957 spills, or about one every three days.

–274 small or large repair projects, or one every 11 or so days.

–1,144 visitors, or about one every three days.

–The purchase of three pets and two cars.

–And the birth of one child.

On the show we talked about four secrets to be a happy couple and the science behind how they talk to each other.  If you want to have a great romantic relationship, here they are:

1.) They share similar speech patterns.  According to a study from the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology”, couples who speak using the same tone, inflection, and phrases are happier than couples with different speech patterns.

2.) They say “we” instead of “me”.  Couples who use words like “we”, “us”, and “our” are more connected than couples who tend to say “I” or “me”.  The thinking is that creating a shared indentity, it is easier to face challenges together.

3.) Their conversations include more substantial topics.  According to research published in “Psychological Science”, couples who spend more time discussing topics with more meaning are more satisfied than couples who mostly make small talk.

4.) They use secret or endearing terms together.  When couples call each other pet names like “honey” or “baby” they’re actually bonding as a couple.

My husband and I call each other “PP” which is short for puzzle piece, so it looks like WE are in on the secret;)

Summer is coming to an end, sadly, shich means cold and flu season is right around the corner.  Often people think the cold weather is what makes them get sick…but not true.  People get sick more often in the winter because they are exposed to each other more in the winter than in the summer and pass the virus more readily.  So it is important to wash your hands but what about once you are sick or in need of advanced medical care?  With the unemployment rate the way it is and people out of work sometimes individual health care suffers because they are not “covered”.  Are you getting the best health care you could be?  That’s the question that the folks behind Care About Your Care are asking people to consider this month.  Oregon is part of this nationwide effort to raise awareness of what YOU can do to get the best possible care for you and your family.  And today a local nonprofit, the Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation, is joining forces with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other health agencies for Care About Your Care events around the country.  The national event in Washington D.C. features TV’s Dr. Oz.  and he believes that helping people understand how to get high-quality health care is a top priority.

To find out how to “care about your care” Oregonians should visit www.PartnerforQualityCare.org.  But for now, here are nine things you can do to get better care, courtesy of www.CareAboutYourCare.org:

1.       Talk with your doctor or nurse.

2.       Learn about the best treatments for your condition.

3.       Have one doctor or nurse coordinate your care.

4.       Ask your doctor or nurse if they use health information technology.

5.       Find and use quality information to make health care decisions (available at PartnerforQualityCare.org).

6.       Create a medication list.

7.       Know the difference between more care and better care.

8.       Take responsibility for your health care.

9.       Don’t go it alone.

Now that I have fallen head over heels in love with our two dogs, Rosie and Mojo I can’t walk by a dog on the street without trying to meet it and tell them they are a good dog.  They follow us from room to room, play with the kids, and help protect our home…and by “they” I mean all dogs.  Dogs are super sweet and special and if your dog is  part of the family you should feed him ByNature.   ByNature has no corn, no wheat, and no soy for a healthier immune system for your best four-legged friend.  And right now you can visit www.ByNature.com and enter to win free dog food for a year!  Food you know they’ll love… that you don’t have to pay for?  S-C-O-R-E!  I trust I am taking care of my little puppy dogs when I feed them because By Nature products help keep your dog feeling young and living longer with a powerful mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support your dog’s natural defenses against the effects of aging, illness and physical and emotional stress.  Nothing beats those cute little faces looking up at you and wagging their tails and we all want our best friends to be around as long as possible.  By Nature, for more dog years, available at Orchards Feed Mill at 6017 NE Avenue in Vancouver and Pet Loft at 6333 SW Macadam Ave in Portland.

Mojo, Rosie & Nicolle

Do you want to be part of the greatest show on Earth?  Pile out of your tiny car because Wednesday clown hopefuls will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition to become part of the World Famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ^® Clown Alley!  No institution has been more intrinsically linked with the preservation and proliferation of American clowning than Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey and the upcoming tour has over 80 cities.  Auditions are at the Rose Garden so find your squirting flower, over-sized shoes and rainbow wig…it is GO TIME!

Requirements: Auditioners will show, in a 3-5 minute routine, their ability to display exaggerated facial expression, athleticism or any unique physical skills, an understanding of comedy, as well as a sense of personality and why they wish to become part of The Greatest Show on Earth^®.

WEDNESDAY, September 14^th

10:00am: Auditioners and media check-in at the will call window

10:30am: Fun and interactive clowning workshop hosted by Clown College Instructor Karen Hoyer and current Ringling Bros. clowns

11:30am: Individual clowning auditions.

Previous professional clowning experience is not required; must be over 18 years old to tour, but younger auditioners are welcome!

Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest is a tribute to the world-renowned celebration in Munich, Germany, which draws more than six million people annually during the 16-day festival.  The Widmer Brothers version, although smaller in scale, is large in Oktoberfest spirit, drawing 5,000 attendees to this annual block party that is in its 7th year . The festival features a variety of craft beers, German-style food, accordion players, and live music throughout the day including Dr. Theopolis, The Quick & Easy Boys, Empty Space Orchestra, Hey Marseilles, and Colin Lake & Wellbottom.  Admission to Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest is free; however, a souvenir stein is required for consuming beer. Attendees can also bring steins from previous years to the event. All beer and food is purchased with tokens, which cost $1 each.  Parking is limited so public transportation is highly encouraged and this is a 21+ event.

The “freshman 15″ is the dreaded weight gain experienced by back-to-schoolers who are hitting the books hard, but not the gym.  But since your brain needs nutrients to function its best not to skip snacks, just make them healthy and low-calorie.    Here is a list of snacks that hit the nutritional targets below:

About 200 calories: This is enough to keep your metabolism humming, says Bethany Thayer, a registered dietitian in Detroit.

At least 3 grams of fiber: Fiber is digested slowly and helps sustain your energy. It also absorbs water and expands in your stomach to keep you full.

At least 5 grams of protein: Protein releases a hormone in the body that increases satiety and it feeds your muscles.

No more than 12 grams of fat: This will help ensure that you don’t get more than 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories from fat, which is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommendation.

Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame (¼ cup)

130 calories, 7g fiber, 14g protein, 5g fat

2 clementines and 7 walnut halves

163 calories, 3g fiber, 3g protein, 9g fat

1 hard-cooked egg sandwich with 1 teaspoon light mayonnaise

plus a pinch of celery salt and 1 slice whole-wheat bread

163 calories, 2g fiber, 10g protein, 8g fat

Soy nuts (¼ cup) plus 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

190 calories, 6g fiber, 12g protein, 9g fat

3 cups popped popcorn with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

plus chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper

136 calories, 4g fiber, 7g protein, 4g fat

Yogi Granola Crisps Mountain Blueberry Flax (½ cup)

110 calories, 2g fiber, 3g protein, 3g fat

Small bowl of Amy’s Organic Lentil Vegetable soup (1 cup)

160 calories, 8g fiber, 7g protein, 4g fat

Kind Peanut Butter & Strawberry bar

190 calories, 4g fiber, 7g protein, 11g fat

Grapes (½ cup) plus 1 stick light mozzarella string cheese

102 calories, 1g fiber, 7g protein, 3g fat

Acoustic Stage at 41st/UPS Store
11 AM James Opie and Walter Cryderman Gospel Duo
12 Noon Pug Bernhard One Man Accordion Band
1 PM Jon Koonce Singer Songwriter
2 PM Lowell John Mitchell Americana
3 PM John DeAndrade 12 String Guitarist
4 PM Reverb Bros Old time Jug Band

Kids Activities at 35th Courtesy of Kids At Heart Toys
- Where the street fair is fun for the little ones! Come get your face painted, play games and more!
11 AM – 3 PM – face painting, bubbles, misting tent, sidewalk sale
11 AM to 3 PM – Dan Freed magic and entertainment
11 AM – Lorna Miller little kid’s jamboree music
12 Noon – Tears of Joy “Who’s in hare’s house” puppet show
1 PM – dan freed magic show
2 PM – Tears of Joy “Who’s in hare’s house” puppet show
3 PM – Dan Freed magic show
4 PM – Mr. Ben ukelele music

Showcase Stage at 34th Avenue
11 AM Sportin’ Lifers Rock and Roll Band
12 Noon) Smilin’ Johns Band
1 PM Ramsey y los Montunos Latin Groove Orchestra
2 PM Jawbone Flats Country Rock Band
3 PM Sonny Hess Blues Band
4 PM the New Iberians Zydeco Blues Band

Find more at HawthorneStreetfair.com