New cart on the block

Bend’s newest food cart, The Brown Owl, hits the streets on May 18.
Their love for food and outgoing personalities inspired Lisandro and Gretchen Ramon to go into the food-cart industry.
“We work together,” Gretchen Ramon said. “We are a serious team not to be messed with.”
The husband and wife duo will be serving up breakfast and lunch daily from their new custom-built food cart in downtown Bend next to Drake Park.
“We’re going to rotate a seasonal menu,” Lisandro Ramon said. “Things will change all the time. If we feel like doing French toast one day, we’ll do that.”
The Brown Owl’s base menu will feature breakfast sandwiches, hash, burritos and rice bowls, explained Lisandro Ramon.
“We like to sit down and plan menus together,” Gretchen Ramon said. “That’s really fun.”
Since Gretchen Ramon doesn’t eat a lot of meats, customers can expect to see some vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. Although there will be vegan options, Gretchen Ramon sees nothing wrong with occasionally cooking with a little rendered bacon fat.
“Bacon grease like my granny did,” Gretchen Ramon said.
Originally from Oklahoma, Lisandro and Gretchen Ramon bring a couple different backgrounds to the table.
“My dad’s from Argentina,” Lisandro Ramon said. “I grew up with a lot of [grilled] meats and chimichurri, so that will definitely play a big influence.”
Gretchen Ramon’s background is centered around southern food.
“I’m really southern. I like a lot of fried stuff.” Gretchen Ramon said. “There’ll be some down-home country-girl style.”
Customers can expect fresh, hearty American food with a fusion, according to Lisandro Ramon, who plans to purchase all the food he can locally.
“We’re trying to primarily source everything as locally as possible,” Lisandro Ramon said. “We’re making everything from scratch.”
Menu items will range from five to nine dollars at The Brown Owl,  which relatively speaking is “very affordable,” according to Lisandro Ramon.
“We don’t want to be pricey,” Gretchen Ramon said, “We want everybody to be able to afford our food.”
Along with their “good quality, local food,” Gretchen and Lisandro Ramon plan to draw customers to The Brown Owl with their southern hospitality and family-friendly vibe.
“We’re going to be crazy, funky, cool,” Gretchen Ramon said. “We dance. Everything’s very fun. We love to keep it light-hearted, real, upbeat and friendly.”

–Anna Quesenberry

The Broadside

(Contact: aquesenberry@cocc.edu)

Just wing it

His love for hot wings inspired Cory Edwards’ to open up a food cart and spread the love of “wings and things” to others.
Johnny’s Wings and Things, located on Bend’s west side, specializes in hot wings and boneless “wing ditties.” The toughest decision for customers is what sauce to choose. Edwards offers eight sauces ranging from hot to honey barbeque.
The boneless “wing ditties” are served with sauce on the side as opposed to traditional wings drenched in sauce. The “skaryaki” sauce is a little on the thin side, but it does pack a punch.
Edwards takes his food cart on the road to sell wings at concerts and events and catches every Phish concert he can.

–Anna Quesenberry

The Broadside

(contact: aquesenberry@cocc.edu)

Confectionary goodness

What started as a joke has now become a lucrative business for “Glazed and Amused” food truck owners Tony Santopolo and Darcie Davis. Originally called “Zombie Donuts,” “Glazed and Amused” has become a hotspot for dessert-seekers in downtown Bend. “Glazed and Amused” features a bevy of sweet treats, including the pulled pork and pineapple-covered “Maui Wowi,” the whiskey-infused “Car Bomb,” and the bacon-wrapped “Rosco.” Bring a friend to help finish these treats–they’re massive.

–Jarred Graham

The Broadside

(contact: jgraham@cocc.edu)

–Molly Svendsen

The Broadside

(contact: msvendsen@cocc.edu)

Students get real life experience in the automotive lab at COCC. Photo by Darwin Ikard | The Broadside

Students are finding a fast track to the workforce without a four-year degree.
At Central Oregon Community College, students are earning technical certificates and two-year degrees that can place them into a growing job market, according to Chris Redgrave, director of manufacturing at COCC.
“In general the number of future jobs that do not require a four-year degree is expected to be very high.” Redgrave said. “If [students] are looking at what can make them money now, the two-year degree makes a lot of sense.”
The demand for many technical careers is forecasted to grow at a higher rate from 2010-2020 than the national average of 14.3 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  This is especially true in the healthcare field, where Emergency Medical technicians and paramedics are likely to see an increase in demand of over 33 percent and registered nurses an increase of 26 percent.

Welding is one of many manufacturing certificates offered on the COCC Redmond campus. Photo by Darwin Ikard | The Broadside

Wages for these jobs are also comparable to state averages. As of May 2012 the average Oregon worker took home just over $45,000 annually.  Comparatively, registered and practical nurses, massage therapists and computer numerical controlled machine operators all earned higher yearly incomes, according to the BLS.
Auto technology instructor Ken Mays sees the value of technical training to his students as more than just monetary.
“Money is not usually the first thing [students look for],” said Mays. “Its passion for what we do. People are coming to get a skill and go to work.”
At the COCC Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center in Redmond, students get hands-on experience in a flexible and team-oriented environment, said welding instructor Dennis Simenson.

Emergency medical technician training at COCC. Jobs in the healthcare field are expected to grow more than the national average over the next ten years. Photo by Darwin Ikard | The Broadside

“The key is that we are self-paced,” Simenson said. “[It] teaches you to be self-directed, which is what manufacture companies want.”
In addition to this flexibility, tech careers are more welcoming to individuals who may have a criminal background and are hoping to better themselves, Simenson said.
This acceptance is echoed in many of the technical programs at COCC.
“We are an industry that works” Ken Mayes said. “College is not necessarily for everybody, but skills are necessary for everybody.”

–Darwin Ikard

The Broadside

(Contact:dikard@cocc.edu)    

Evans believes knowing a second language gives potential employees a “leg up” in comparison to non-bilingual applicants.
“I think it helps students entering today’s workforce,” Evans said. “Especially with Spanish, bilingual candidates will have an advantage.”
Foreign languages such as spanish are important now, and will become increasingly important as immigration continues, Evans said.
“There is an increasingly large number of mainly Spanish speaking citizens,” Evans said. “I feel it is almost a kind of civic responsibility to know Spanish nowadays.”
Along with Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, German and French are also increasing in importance , according to Evans.
“Chinese is going to be huge with regards to commerce in the future,” Evans said.
Kirsten Larwin, instructor of french at COCC, said that French is now being spoken all over the world.
“I think that learning a foreign language is an incredibly rewarding experience, and also one that requires a strong commitment.” Larwin said. “The ability to speak a foreign language absolutely gives a job applicant an advantage over his or her competitors . Prospective employers would almost certainly look favorably upon such a skill.”
Learning a language can help students not only in their career searches, but for those  seeking to “broaden their horizons” and learn about other cultures, Larwin explained.
“You uncover so much rich information about other cultures as you study a foreign language,” Larwin said.
By learning phrases and words of a new language, students are able to learn a little bit of the customs of a different culture, according to Larwin.
“Language is one of the ways a person can truly begin to understand another culture,” Larwin explained. “As students make discoveries about how the language works, it’s wonderful to see their horizons broaden as they gain insight into another part of the world.”
Evans agrees that being bilingual not only helps with career searches, but also with many other aspects of life.
“The phrase ‘being a citizen of the world’…learning second language definitely helps with that,” Evans explained. “Also, I would say language study translates well into certain aspects of being a musician.”
Due to his background in foreign language, Evans chose to raise his two-year-old daughter bilingual.
“I worked so hard to perfect my second language,” Evans said. “If it’s something I can pass on to her, then why not?”
Even though learning a language can be a difficult task, according to Larwin, students should try to focus on the enjoyment of what they are learning.
“It can be difficult at times, but it’s a wonderful challenge and it’s so satisfying for the students to look back [at] where they were on day one,” Larwin said. “It’s always a good idea to step back and see how far you’ve come, it’s encouraging.”

–Molly Svendsen

The Broadside
(Contact: msvendsen@cocc.edu)

If all you want from a movie is to be wowed by special effects, then look no further than Oblivion.
With such an uninspired storyline, one would hope that the visual effects would be well done, and in that regard Oblivion doesn’t disappoint.
The story goes that there was a tribe of aliens who blew up the moon, plunging Earth into seismic chaos. War ensued, in which mankind was victorious, but the planet lay in such disarray that humans had no choice but to abandon Earth.
Tom Cruise plays the one-note protagonist, Jack Harper, who has been assigned to extract Earth’s dwindling resources before heading into space with the rest of the survivors. Shortly before leaving Earth for good, he stumbles upon a mysterious woman on Earth’s surface a woman he has seen in his dreams–leading him to question his mission and his own existence. What follows is standard post-apocalyptic sci-fi fare that drags on until a contrived, predictable ending.
What Oblivion lacks in a compelling story or fully-fleshed characters, it somewhat makes up for in visuals. There are some truly spectacular shots throughout Oblivion. Harper’s recon missions often find him soaring over pristine landscapes and some impressive, futuristic machinery, but there’s nothing stunning enough to forgive the stale second act and eye-roll inducing attempts at humorous one-liners.
Harper spends more time making quips to his dashboard bobble-head than actually interacting with other humans. The result is an agitating doldrum that leaves the audience begging for credits to start rolling.
One redeeming factor of Oblivion is the film’s score, composed by M83’s Anthony Gonzalez. M83’s spacey, atmospheric sound is a perfect match for Oblivion’s sweeping shots of outer space and a vacuous, decimated Earth. The track “StarWaves” in particular imbues M83s signature ambient sound, creating a bright spot in an otherwise dull experience. It might actually be a wiser investment to go buy the soundtrack than pay the price of admission.
Oblivion presents itself as a modern sci-fi epic, but is nothing more than a stylish amalgam of post-apocalyptic cliches. It’s as if the director threw as many sci-fi tropes at the screen as possible to see what would stick. The “villain-strikes-a-match-to-light-a-dark-space” schtick has been done so many times, seeing it in Oblivion was beyond cringe-worthy.
Great music and cool visuals might impress to a certain degree, but a stale plot and insipid dialogue will make moviegoers want to send this movie into oblivion.

–Jarred Graham

The Broadside

• Share music with friends. Snag songs from your buddies’ music library by copying them onto a USB drive.
• Burn your own cd’s. Compile a list of tracks and burn them to a disc that can be played in the car.
• Free iTunes downloads. Check iTunes weekly for their free “single of the week.”
• Public library. Browse and request CDs on the Deschutes Public Library’s website and on their “Freegal Music” site you’ll find many free music downloads.
• Free summer concerts. This summer, spend your Sunday afternoons sprawled out on the grass at the Les Schwab Amphitheater for “Free Summer Sunday Concerts” sponsored by St. Charles. For more information visit: http://www.bendconcerts.com/St-Charles-FREE-Summer-Sunday-Concerts.html
• Local live shows. Catch live shows at local breweries and restaurants. For up to date information go to 92.9’s “Live Music Line-up”
• Online streaming. Stream music for free on Pandora, Spotify, YouTube and Pitchfork.

Summer Concert Essentials

Camera. Capture summer concert memories by snapping photos and recording video.

Easy to carry bag. A small “cross-body” bag is perfect for stashing your phone, keys and cash.

Designated driver. Ask a friend in advance to pick you up after the show or reserve a ride with Sober Dudes.

Sunblock. Count on being in the sun for hours, wear sunblock and bring some along to reapply after you’ve sweat through the first layer. Consider wearing a hat for added protection.

Blanket. You may want to spread a blanket out on the grass to lounge during slow songs.

Cash. Carry cash; you can’t count on the venue accepting credit/debit cards.

Sunglasses. Don’t let sunshine stop you from seeing the band front and center.

Water. Stay hydrated to avoid being escorted from the show on a stretcher.

Second year COCC nursing student Anna Quesenberry is a wife and mother of two who is passionate about saving money.

(Contact: aquesenberry@cocc.edu)

Pancakes

When you think breakfast, what’s the first food that comes to mind? Of course it’s pancakes. Served with a topping of mixed berries or maple syrup, pancakes are food for the soul. They’re quick, easy to make and will appease even the pickiest eaters.

Smoothies

Bananas, blueberries, blackberries, oh my. The varieties are endless; blend together your favorite combination of fruit to start your day off with a tasty, drinkable treat.

French toast

Whether you’re craving a Sunday brunch or a midnight snack, French toast hits the spot any time of day. Plus, it’s so easy anyone can make it. Quality ingredients are the key and thick-sliced bread is best for soaking up the egg. If you’re short on time cut the bread into strips and make french toast sticks you can eat on the go.

Biscuits and Gravy

When you’re in the mood for  something on the savory side, biscuits and gravy can’t be beat. Whip up this down-home diner food yourself for under under $10. While biscuits are baking, cook breakfast sausage and whisk up some country gravy. Take your B-and-G to “heart attack” level by serving it with a fried egg.

Breakfast Burrito

If you need to be out the door quickly, but still want a hearty breakfast, a breakfast burrito is the way to go. Scramble two eggs, add ham, cheese, hash browns and green peppers to a warm tortilla, and you’ve got a convenient and delicious start to your day.

–The Broadside Staff
()contact:
(contact: broadsidemail@cocc.edu)

“Ice cream. If something bad is happening or I’m going through a rough time, just eat some ice cream.” -Breeana Thompson

“Cookies because I’m currently eating a cookie and I’m comfortable.”  -Dylan Carroll

“Ice cream, because it’s cold and soothing and gives me a great feeling.” -Teddy Boles

“Spaghetti, because I like Italian food.” -Noel Yarngo

Eric Spieth’s XCEED program takes business owners from genesis to synthesis. Photo by Scott Greenstone | The Broadside

Eric Spieth was hired to build a world-class business program from scratch in 2011.
Today, that program is XCEED, a 15-week course Spieth teaches at Central Oregon Community College.
“We wanted to create a course that would really serve both our students and the community at large,” Spieth said. “Having those two groups interfacing is very exciting for networking and collaboration.”
XCEED is composed of six classes, two credits each, designed to take a potential business owner through an entrepreneurial journey.
“In 15 weeks, you can go from idea to investment-ready business plan,” Spieth said.
Spieth envisions XCEED giving back primarily to the community.
Small business owner Ned Powers is taking XCEED even though he already has an MBA in hospital administration.
“You need a lot more than being a tinker or an inventor to develop an idea you can sell,” Powers said.
The problem with most startups that fail is the owners don’t know how to get their ideas out of their head and into their product, according to Powers. So, for “would-be business owners” who don’t have years to put into a degree, XCEED is perfect.
“It’s like a mini-MBA,” Powers said.
Powers is currently in the final section of the class, “Presenting to Win,” where he’s learning how to get funding for his business.
Richard Farr, C.E.O. of ConversionMax, a Bend consulting business,  built his startup into a successful business during the course. Farr learned to “look at the big picture” and discovered ways to look at it from “different angles.”
The program is only for people who are serious about building a business, according to Farr.
“If you just want to take a class,” Farr said, “it might not be for you.”
Businesses like Farr’s and Powers’ are why XCEED exists, Spieth explained. He sees XCEED developing businesses that go outside of Central Oregon but bring capital and jobs back locally.
“Twenty percent of new job creation comes from small businesses. If we can create one or two or three viable businesses in Central Oregon a year, that would be a viable outcome.” Spieth said. “The future depends on a startup economy.”

–Scott Greenstone

The Broadside

(contact: sgreenstone@cocc.edu)