AudgePodge

  CORVALLIS – Walking downtown Corvallis always has its charm, especially when stopping in on local businesses. Many stop to gaze at the historical Whiteside Theater , to buy a book in Grass Roots , or to try some decadent coffee at Coffee Culture . But searching for that “groovy” record store is always a struggle. A couple of stores away, nestled at the corner of Monroe and 3rd Street, is Happy Trails Records ; Corvallis’ grooviest record store. The moment you step through their door, you are struck with a serene—yet boisterous—energy, one that makes you feel like dancing. The store is small, yet lined strategically with a variety of records and CDs alike, new and used. Music plays from above…and varies; anything from hard rock to rhythmic funk. Memorabilia, posters, and action figures are also splayed around the perimeter for sale. A sign behind the counter reads: “Beware of Doug.” Who is Doug? At the heart and soul of Happy Trails (specifically, on weekday mornings) is Doug DiC...

ALBANY –  A spicy and sharp aroma filtered through Deluxe Brewing 's industrial building as guests lined up with small bowls in the entryway, eagerly waiting to try a variety of homemade chili. Country music played while the impeccably decorated room buzzed with lively conversation at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, some visitors focused solely on the tables promising palatable samples. Twenty chilis were on full display across multiple tables adorned with pepper-themed napkins, with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, corn chips, jalapenos , and freshly baked cornbread. Around 100 people attended, mostly older guests; an occasional child ran by, syphoning samples, and Coop the cat made his appearance on occasion.  This is the thirteenth chili cook-off that the brewery has organized, as well as their contributions to Fish of Albany , a local organization providing food and clothes to people in need. Chili scorecards were provided for optional evaluation. These cards featu...

Life is always gouda with cheese! LBCC’s Cheese Club met Jan. 21 in room 208 of Madrone Hall. Here, the club leader (or head cheese) Georgie Jensen, provided the other club members with a delectable array of cheeses, crackers, and fruit.  The club was trying something new by meeting in a different building that week, however, typically you can find them in the Student Union at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. Here, you may expect to try a variety of cheeses and snacks, and participate in friendly conversations, as well as educational information about food insecurity and cheese.  On the table that week was: Reypenaer, a Dutch gouda-style cheese with a subtle crunch and strong flavor A sharp yet soft, buttery Irish cheddar cheese aged nine months Caramella, aged 12 months and imported from Holland, with a dry, nutty and sweet taste Beecher’s Jerk Spice cheese, which encompasses full flavor and spice with a smooth texture Baked bread cheese, capable of hot or cold enjoyment A French Br...

The Whiteside Theatre was transformed last Saturday into a lively and chaotic circus, with a cast of 14 transporting their audience to another dimension — one full of tassels, glam, and seductive Dungeon & Dragons flair.  Most performers were dressed as different characters, with some even displaying skills that coincided with the game. The show’s host, Petunia Rufflebottom , promptly greeted the audience inside the downtown Corvallis theatre at the promised time of 8 p.m. Jan. 17. Petunia is a familiar face among the Disco Circus Centerfolds community. Dressed as a cockatrice (bird-lizard crossbreed), they delivered humorous jokes throughout the show, whilst providing information on the performers.  Petunia also encouraged the audience to interact with the performers by making “lots of noise” and contributing dollars; a nurse and a goblin stood at the ready to snatch the cash with nets. The event was produced by Disco Circus Centerfolds and Chaos Kitten Burlesque , an...