“Thrill the World” celebrated its 6th anniversary on October 27th. Over one hundred people gathered at Kesey Square to participate in the event “Thrill the World.” People learn the steps and dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at the same time, on the same day, trying to break a world record, dressed as zombies from the original “Thriller” music video. Over 100 cities participate, 96 are in America and it spreads across 18 countries. To check out the “Thrill the World” organization and videos of the events, visit thrilltheworld.com
Category: News
All the latest from the Duck TV news crew.
Over these last few years, the University of Oregon has been building highly sustainable and energy efficient housing. But once students move off campus, sustaining energy efficiency becomes harder to do on their own.
A new group apart of the office of sustainability titled “The Student and Community Outreach for Residential Efficiency” – also known as “S.C.O.R.E.” – is trying to simplify at home energy efficiency by offering a program that provides free energy assessments to all students who live off campus.
James Walton, S.C.O.R.E. Marketing Coordinator, said, “We’re just looking at various ways how they interact with their home’s energy using appliances.” On top of a free home assessment, S.C.O.R.E. also provides free home appliances that’ll help you save money. Walton continues, “We’re also able to provide free conservation materials. Each home gets ten free compact florescent light bulbs and some shower timers.”
To apply for a housing assessment, check out their Facebook under “UO SCORE.”
The blue heron statue that appeared on 13th Avenue has been the topic of conversation for UO students.
Jud Turner, a graduate of the university, worked on the project for over 30 months. He crafted the bird using welded steel, over half of which was from recycled material. The university commissioned the project over a year ago, choosing Turner from multiple candidates. The work was dedicated for Eugene’s 150th birthday, and is intended to be a permanent sculpture. Turner said he decided on a heron because although the birds are no strangers to the northwest, it is still always a treat to see one.
“I wanted to bring one to the university and the downtown community and on a monumental scale. Just to really make you notice it and make people think about not being at the top of the food chain for a second,” Turner said.
The artist’s studio is located in West Eugene, and the statue will be on the corner of 13th Avenue and Alder for years to come.
The Eugene City Council voted to ban single-use plastic bags on October 22nd. Environmentalists asked the council for the plastic bag ban and stated that even though plastic bags can be reused, people don’t reuse them enough to reach a sustainable level.
The ban will take effect in six months, and local grocery stores will begin charging a minimum of five cents per paper bag a customer uses. The state’s grocers association supports the fee as an incentive for shoppers to use reusable bags and to allow retailers to offset the higher cost of paper bags.
The ban contains exemptions, such as the bags used to carry produce, meat, and bulk food. Thicker plastic bags including those given to customers at department stores and those used for carry-out hot food would still be allowed.
Joining Portland and Corvallis, Eugene will become the third Oregon city with a plastic bag ban.
A recent study had some surprising information about student debt across the nation as well as here at the UO. Undergraduate student debt has increased to a national average of over $25,000.
UO’s Office of Strategic Communications Director Phil Weiler calls Oregon a “really good bargain school” with the average student debt coming in at just over $25,000. The Office of Financial Aid takes pride in keeping student debt low.
Kim Brooks, Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, attributes low debt to a close to four year graduation rate, with Ducks finishing at an average of four and a quarter. “Finishing in four years, going through the process, getting your degree and moving on with your life- that’s the best way to save money.”
For more information, set up an appointment with an academic adviser today to keep your student debt at a minimum.