If you believe all the news reports, there are few things in this world that don’t cause cancer. Nearly everything you can touch or put in your mouth will kill you. There’s soda, wine, cellphones, microwaves and now coffee and cancer? It’s a morning ritual for skiers. Come on!!
Coffee drinkers rise up
Starbuck’s is brewing mad over a pending lawsuit in California. If it succeeds, coffee houses there would have to warn their customers and coffee companies could be required to warning label their product. Already, signs are appearing outside café windows. The biggest issue is not the silly papers themselves but stigma, panic and fear it creates.
I refuse to accept that coffee and cancer are detrimentally connected. Lack of sleep, smoking, TVs, stupid people; yes, maybe those things are deadly but not my coffee. Litigants claim that acrylamide, a chemical found in roasted coffee beans causes cancer in rats. However strong evidence from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) shows that drinking coffee actually reduces risk for endometrial and liver cancer. Coffee contains a variety of compounds that can block carcinogens, reduce cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. Coffee is also a source of compounds that cell culture and animal studies suggest may shift estrogen metabolism, growth factors and regulators of cell growth to reduce cancer cell growth. Also, caffeic acid in coffee seems to serve as an antioxidant that increases the pace of self-destruction of cancer cells.
The World Health Organization (WHO) further states that acrylamide is everywhere. It’s found in nearly all foods including bread, corn, breakfast cereals, poultry and fish. Stop singling out coffee! Further, although acrylamide increases risk for lab animals, no connection has been established between acrylamide in food and cancer risk for humans. So take that, you coffee haters. BTW, don’t you just hate when people go after our favorite vices?
Coffee’s possible link to cancer is a well-studied one, with over 1,000 reports on the topic. Relatively large and well-controlled population studies now provide positive evidence that even up to six cups of coffee per day does nothing but give you a sweet buzz. Coffee contains vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and a variety of phytochemicals, many of which have antioxidant properties.
Dr. Ed Giovannucci, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, determined, “We have studied coffee for decades now and have enough evidence from large, well-designed studies to say that coffee is protective for some cancers. We can confidently say that coffee is not harmful and certainly doesn’t have to be labeled the way we label tobacco, which is actually proven to be harmful and causes many cancers.”
Thirteen defendants, including Gloria Jean‘s and 7-11, have settled and agreed to put up the signs rather than fight. But good for Starbucks for not bending over. They are still waging a legal battle, arguing coffee’s health benefits. A decision is expected in the coming months.
Disclaimer- this was written last season when Utah had snow.
Ryan shook his head. “Why would you want to go to Portland when we have great snow in Utah?” he asked. My boyfriend doesn’t get out much and apparently he doesn’t follow the weather. It’s been snowing in Mt Hood Meadows; a lot. The snowpack at the Oregon resort has surpassed 200 percent of normal. You might wager that Hood has gotten snow at least three days a week, every week this season. The reports of massive dumps began rolling in around Christmas time and kept on rolling.
Ryan has a point, though. It is such a challenging choice to travel away from Utah in the winter. It’s often not as sweet someplace else. Utah is known for the driest, lightest snow on the planet and even on a mediocre day it beats skiing “Sierra Cement”. Those coastal resorts usually see a mix of rain and snow which can wreak havoc on a ski slope. Hence, I’ve never gone to the Pacific Northwest for a ski vacation. But there’s something to be said for a change of scenery. As yet another storm moved through the PNW, the timing just seemed right.
I didn’t get the memo.
I landed in the middle of freezing rain and an ice storm that closed the highway to Hood River. As people around me commented about how this was the “worst winter” they’ve seen, my anticipation escalated. Powder in the mountains! But… WTH is freezing rain? I stepped off the MAX lightrail train from PDX to Chinatown wearing my YakTrax for traction and the hipster dude next to me nodded, “You came prepared.” I solidly placed my boot into a pile slush that sat atop black ice. Yep, that’s what freezing rain is.
The Portland rain was heavy and wet and dank as I walked the few blocks from the commuter rail to the hotel. In Utah, we’re good with a down puffy and knit hat; in the PNW, Gore-Tex is king. Nothing is spared without an umbrella. The rain drenched the top of my boot bag and Eagle Creek carry-on as I wheeled it down the few blocks to my hotel.
Staying in Portland
My Utah mind had a hard time wrapping my head around rain in the middle of winter. I was now stranded in Portland at the uber hipster, boutiquey Society Hotel (no TVs in the rooms which are powered by solar, but a public coffee bar in the lobby for live podcasters). The vintage feel of the mahogany floors, vaulted ceiling and single check-in stand created a timeless calm to the chaotic weather outside. The minimalist lodging was built in 1881 to house sailors who stopped into port then later offered shelter to Japanese immigrants, gypsies and the homeless through the years. It eventually became this funky urban spot with a rooftop garden that offered beds to backpackers and honeymooners alike.
After a restful night (courtesy of the provided earplugs), I threw open the curtains. Rain. Then the email from the Mt Hood folks- Just in case you hadn’t heard, all of the roads through the Gorge are shut down. Wait, I came all this way and I’m not going to ski?? I walked myself to a delicious breakfast diner called Fuller’s to contemplate my next move. The communal place consists of two, horseshoe-shaped counters- no tables or booths- that serves up hashbrowns and bacon grilled to perfection. I would find my way to the slopes even if I had to bum a ride off the guy next to me, Craigslist or bus.
The waitress mentioned ODOT operates a carpool resource called drivelessconnect.com. There is also a Facebook Ride Share group. Dave Tragethon to the rescue! The resort’s head of PR picked me up on his way to work and drove us along the old-school ski road (Hwy 26). The rain quickly turned to light snow. A couple of hours later I had my Atomic ski gear from the mountain’s pro shop and was ready to rock the conditions which ranged from soft blower to coral reef, aka dust on corrugated crust.
To Mt Hood Or Bust
The overcast, white-out visibility prevented me from taking in those Willamette River Valley views. Not only that but the clouds socked us in to the point of disorientation and I had no clue where to go. Local ski instructor Katie Kadlub, was my hand holder. The layout of the hill made me feel like I was in different spots but that was due to her guidance. We actually kept circling back around. Funny, I expected a mom and pop place but Mt Hood skis like a big mountain. Though the resort has a base elevation of 3,600 feet, it has a vertical of 3,700 feet, an average base of 100+ inches on mostly intermediate and advanced trails. They’ve got steeps, bowls, tons of PNW trees and gentle groomers back to the base. And when you hit it right, the snow builds and builds.
When Your Day is Over
After a quick lunch inside the South Lodge at the Alpenstube, we were back out for laps in Heather Canyon. The snow accumulated during the morning and through lunch making the hardpack beneath nonexistent. With legs on fire and a Cheshire cat grin, we clinked beer mugs for the ‘Stube apres scene and I waited for Dave to get off work. He was my ride to the “Lodge Suite” at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort just around the bend from Meadows. The pet-friendly, cabin-style room had a giant log bed and flatscreen. All you need after a hard day of lapping empty trails.
I downed a hearty filet and chocolate torte at their Crooked Tree Tavern I rushed to bed. Cooper has its own attractions including a Nordic Center but most residents do their serious alpining at Meadows. There wasn’t a lot going on this evening.
The volcanic Mt Hood itself is home to six ski areas totaling over 4600 acres: Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny, and Summit. Though most are done for the season, Meadows closes on May 6 and you will still be able to ski through the summer at Timberline if you’d rather make turns than paddle in the Columbia River Gorge.
Day 2 Mt Hood Powder Day
The snow continued into the night, clearing by morning so that we had access to the experts only gates into Private Reserve and S&R Cliffs. PNW skiing? Now, we were talking! Nearly a foot swirled around us with no one else to poach it. Interstate 84 was still closed because of the ice storm so we danced among the glades and mini-rockchutes, lapping the empty lift mazes until it was time to fly home.
Ski Season Is Never Over In Oregon
At this point there are only a few resorts still doing winter – Snowbird, Utah, Mammoth Mountain, Calif., Arapahoe Basin, Colo. and Blackcomb, B.C.. There’s enough snow in Mt Hood Meadows to keep you skiing into August but with big plans in the works for their upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration, they’ll let Timberline do the honors.
The anniversary website has already launched. The list of events and deals is growing by the day. Some of the plans include a special 50 time pass (limit 50) as well as special midweek $50 lift ticket and learn to ski or snowboard packages (limit 50 each). There’s no better time than next season to experience Mt Hood, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
You’ve heard the cliche- it’s like putting the Philharmonic in the bathroom?; well, how about putting the rock band in the Tram? But it ain’t no cliche. That’s exactly what’s happening and you may be invited to the party.
Clif GreenNotes, Snowbird, Protect Our Winters and Rock the Vote have teamed up to rock the Tram and inspire music fans and outdoor enthusiasts to raise their voices on climate change. A new, live music series. Just imagine one of the most intimate concert settings surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas and you’ve got a party in the iconic aerial ski tram at Snowbird Resort outside Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dubbed “Frontside Sessions”, this invite-only event will feature alternative indie rockers like Magic Giant who played on Jan. 31. Up next is indie rocker Ron Pope on Feb. 10. but there will be more throughout the season. Each artist will perform an acoustic mini-concert to an intimate audience of about 80, inside one of Snowbird’s trams.
Why Rock The Tram?
Climate change is real and it’s directly threatening the future of snow sports. This new series seeks to encourage people to vote for leaders who support positive action on climate change. As greenhouse gas emissions rise, winters have become shorter, snowpack is diminishing and more frequent wildfires are threatening ski towns. A recent study found that of 19 past Winter Olympics host cities, half or fewer will have weather conditions by 2050 suitable for hosting again.
Through a synergistic effort of three mutually committed organizations, this party will mobilize the outdoor sports community to help make a change. Clif GreenNotes, a program of Clif Bar & Company, works with artists, fans, festivals and nonprofits to drive social change. Protect Our Winters leads the charge towards positive action on climate change. Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people.
How To Get A Party Pass
To get rocking on the Tram you’ll have to visit FrontsideSessions.com and start earning points by:
– Pledging to vote or signing up for election reminders through Rock the Vote
– Signing up for the Protect Our Winters newsletter and encouraging others to do so via social media
Every action will increase the chance for participants to earn a ticket to one of the live performances. Top point earners nationwide who can’t attend a concert will be eligible to receive special autographed memorabilia from one of the performers. All winners will be notified three days prior to each show.
Sundance nearly killed my father. Literally. In the interest of full disclosure let’s start by explaining that I thought I was the one who would have a heart attack when my parents who are in their 80s announced they were coming out for the Sundance Film Festival. Are you kidding me? If anything was going to cause your stress level to shoot through the roof it would be trying to deal with Park City, Utah, during Sundance and those infamous Sundance parties. It’s the film festival that lords over all others in America and it happens in the middle of winter at an altitude of 7000 feet. That alone could break someone.
Park City is beyond crazy at the end of January thanks to Robert Redford and his dream of allowing the independent film voice to shine. There’s no parking, the traffic is bumper to bumper from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., if a restaurant isn’t closed for a private event, it’s booked out months in advance and last year the snow arrived like dirt at an excavation site.
I begged them to reconsider. It would be a challenge for both of us. For them to navigate around town (back and forth from the St. Regis in Deer Valley) and for me to get into town to see them; not to mention the lounges and Sundance parties for which I had appointments. There was even a fancy magician’s soiree right at the St Regis one night. The Starwood Preferred Guests/Amex Late-Night Celebration hosted byCupcake Wars’, Justin Willman. There was a DJ, an electric violinist, Kat V, tons of food and alcohol and Michelle Monaghan “assisted”. But alas, my dad, who was an amateur magician himself, was unable to emerge from his hotel room and join us. The frenetic pace of Sundance had hobbled him.
All of the hubbub surrounding the Fest could easily overshadow the hundreds of screenings at Sundance if you let it. Food trucks serving meatless sliders https://www.impossiblefoods.com/ in the Lyft Driver Hub and Kristen Kish’s lemon ricotta donuts (at Chase on Location at New Frontier), a Sundance TV escape room Hap and Leonard style, gifting suites, panel discussions, live music every ten steps, virtual reality installments, and Sundance parties. Some of the venues are invite only; some open to the public, space available; others somewhere in between (ie if you are hot or connected, you’re in).
Sundance is one of those events that you attend at your own risk. No matter how much preparation you do, you’re never prepared. To have the absolute best experience, you have to roll with whatever is happening. My parents saw two films in five days. You may miss a screening or two because you were networking at a SAG brunch or skiing fresh snow. You RSVP’d for three Sundance parties on the same night but decided to stay at one for the whole evening (which is fine, everyone does this). You may not sleep until 5 a.m. These are just some of the bumps you’ll have to roll over.
Here are some tips to help you withstand the elements of both an uber popular film fest and the Park City environment.
Decide What You’re There For
It’s impossible to do and see everything. If you want to ski come to Park City in February not January. See above.
See movies?
Map out what you want to see in advance – way in advance – because tickets sell out early. Best to get a Festival pass these days because each film is $20. You can also try the ewaitlist if you just want to see ’whatever.’ You’ll have a better chance of getting into the daytime screenings rather than the evening premiers where talent and crew attend and host Q&As afterward. There are movies from morning until midnight.
Snatchers Q&A
People watch
You could spend an entire day cruising Main Street. It’s a sheer carnival. So much to see and do that you forget there are movies playing.
(Sundance) Party much?
You can buy an “unofficial” party list, troll social media and beg to get on a list, or go to one shindig and follow your new entourage to the next one. There are so many ways to get into Sundance parties- some legal, some questionable- so get creative if you have to. Some are better than others so ask around. I loved the Fuji Film one but that ended years ago. Catdance sponsored by FreshStep kitty litter then became my all-time fave but alas they too shuttered two years ago. No telling who will outshine the rest this year.
The majority of the parties start Friday. Some will be strictly for cast and crew of presenting films. Leave those alone unless you are friends with the filmmakers. Here are ones to zero in on if you dare:
FRIDAY
Sundance Film Festival Official Kickoff Party SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 4-6 p.m. The third annual Sundance Film Festival official kickoff party — an invite-only affair — will be hosted by Robert Redford.
Facebook, Oculus, Instagram Happy Hour Coal & Lumber, 201 Heber Ave., 5-8 p.m. An invite-only cocktail event to toast the “independent storytellers, the creative community and the platforms which bring them together” while experiencing the latest in VR demos.
Intel Tech Lodge
558 Main street, 6-9 p.m.
Experience tech with AI, VR and Intel RealSense. Opening Reception with music, drinks and food.
The Sweetheart Deal @ Acura Stage Open to Public. Yay! Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m. The Walking Dead actress Emily Kinney and American Idol contestant Paul McDonald blend their solo efforts as The Sweetheart Deal, live from the Acura Stage.
Shabbat Oneg Party @ Shabbat Lounge Wasatch Brew Pub, 250 Main St., second floor, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Moth Mainstage SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 7:30-10 p.m. Five storytellers share their true stories in front of a live, invite-only audience. Presented by GEICO
SATURDAY
Shabbat Lounge, Havdalah Concert Wasatch Brew Pub, 250 Main St., second floor, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. for the lounge, 9-11 p.m. for concert. Shabbat Lounge is open all day with complimentary programs, food and drinks. All are welcome. Havdalah Concert starts at 9 p.m. RSVPs and a full scheduled at sundanceshabbat.org.
Après-Ski @ #TwitterLodge #TwitterLodge, 408 Main St. Continuing through Sunday, the venue hosts guests for a warm-up and recharge courtesy of hot beverages and snacks.
Ecoluxe Lounge
EcoLuxe Lounge Blue Iguana Restaurant & Bar, 255 Main St., 12-6 p.m. The two-day lounge, helmed by the queen of gifting Debbie Durkin, will feature a media center to help escape the cold, farm-to-table comfort food, cocktails, live music and even spa services. The 10th annual event will benefit Shriners for Children Medical Center, which opens its doors this summer in Pasadena.
Skullcandy x Skate Kitchen BBQ and Skate Jam
Skullcandy HQ, 6301 N. Landmark Dr., Park City, UT 84098, 12-5PM
Food, action film screenings, live performances will be provided by Jaden Smith,DJ Kitty Cash, DJ Cam Tang, and Doja Cat will be putting on a live music performance.
Jaden Smith moves from Skullcandy to the Skate Kitchen After Party at DIRECTV Lodge presented by AT&T. Photo Credit: Dave Brewer, Photo Collective Studios
Power Women’s Cocktail Autograph Collection’s Hotel Park City, 2001 Park Ave, 4-6 p.m. Aisha Tyler and 20th Century Fox’s Moira Griffin co-host the 2nd annual “Power Women’s Cocktail” put on by Autograph Collection Hotels, the Black List and Sundance Institute & Diversity Initiative, at The Retreat inside Hotel Park City. The event celebrates the female voices in independent film, from screenwriters and actors to directors and producers. Invite-only.
The Foxies on the Acura Stage Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m. Phoenix, Arizona indie band The Foxies, led by frontwoman Julia Lauren, mixes various influences like Billy Idol and Blondie, live from the outdoor Acura Stage.
CNN Films’ Fifth Anniversary Event, Co-Hosted by THR O.P. Rockwell, 268 Main St., 9 p.m. The Hollywood Reporter is helping fete CNN Films’ fifth year at the Sundance Film Festival with an invitation-only party hosted by CNN worldwide president Jeff Zucker and THR editorial director Matthew Belloni. CNN Films will also have a pop-up lounge at Fletcher’s restaurant on Main Street (Jan. 19-21), which will host special events and be open by invite to filmmakers and other festgoers.
Yacht Rock Party SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 9 p.m. The SundanceTV team and talent are expected at this invite-only affair, which promises to help guests “sail away to the smooth sounds of the ‘70s and ’80s” with live music from Yacht Rock Revue. Cocktails presented by Blue Moon.
Sunday
Football Viewing Party DIRECTV Lodge Presented by AT&T, Heber & Main (formerly Zoom), 660 Main St., 1:05 p.m. & 4:44 p.m. until 7 p.m. An afternoon of viewing parties of all the gridiron action from the day’s NFL games. Invite-only guests will enjoy an open bar, food by Craig’s and other accoutrement.
Get ready to line up at Sundance. Photo of the DIRECTV Lodge presented by AT&T by Michael Mendoza-RpbStudio
Gamechanger Films Reception The Luxury Escape at St. Regis Deer Valley, 2300 Deer Valley Dr. E, 1-4 p.m. The 5th annual Luxury Escape sets up shop at the St. Regis Deer Valley Sunday and Monday, luring festivalgoers away from the bustle of Main Street. The Rand Luxury invite-only event.
Indie Film Showcase
710 Bodega Tapas And Wine, 710 Main Street, 1:45 – 4 p.m.
Q & A session, and a social networking mixer and cocktail reception
LynQing Heroes
Park Avenue, 2-6 p.m.
Debuting LynQ’s latest off-cellular people tracker and Hero New York’s winter backpack collection. Co-hosts include fashion/travel bloggers, movie screenings and hot toddies.
Elizabeth and the Catapult on the Acura Stage Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m. Brooklyn-based American singer-songwriter Elizabeth Ziman performs live from the outdoor Acura Stage.
Raise Your Glass with Canon Canon Creative Studio, 592 Main Street, 6-9 p.m. Raise Your Glass is Canon’s annual toast to the cinematographers of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. American Cinematographer magazine joins in on the fun as this year’s co-host. Invite only, all guests must be 21+ and entry is subject to capacity.
Autograph Collection Hotels’ Late Night Karaoke Party with Blind Dragon Autograph Collection’s Hotel Park City, 2001 Park Ave, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. DJ Wade Crescent is spinning at this event, which is open to festgoers who want to sing iconic tunes from indie films.
Common and Friends Special Performances The WanderLuxxe House, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Exclusive to the house will be a night of private performances led by Common, “Common and Friends Presented by Apex Social Club and Dropbox,” with incredible surprise talent guests scheduled to join in the high-energy evening celebrating the 2018 festival. Drinks by Casamigos Tequila.
Midnight at Sundance SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 9 – 11 p.m. Celebrate the Midnight section of this year’s festival at this invite-only event presented by Shudder.
Tuesday
BMI Snowball The Shop, 1167 Woodside Ave., 8 p.m. Rita Wilson, Morgan Saint, Craig Wedren and Skyler Day headline this lineup of performers. Open to festival credential holders 21 years of age and over.
Saturday
Sundance Awards Night In total, 28 prizes will be announced during the ceremony (live-streamed at Sundance.org and on YouTube). Jason Mantzoukas (star of entry The Long Dumb Road) hosts the ceremony, which will also feature a team from Hearts Beat Loud: musicians Keegan DeWitt and Jeremy Bullock with lead actors Nick Offerman on bass and Kiersey Clemons on vocals.
Epilogue:
My parents managed to make it safely back to Los Angeles but it took two months for my dad to recover to his cantankerous self. Sundance can definitely do a number on the faint of heart so beware. That said, if you have any interested in films and the film industry the Sundance Film Festival is an event not to be missed.
Back in the day there was Xdance, TromaDance, CatDance, SchmoozeDance, ChefDance, LapDance, No Dance, and probably a few more. But the only surviving “dance” besides the king- aka Sundance Film Festival- is SlamDance- an additional indie film fest running concurrently (but on a much smaller scale) than Sundance. However, now, vanlifers and the public without screening passes, get ready for CrashDance!
Bruce!!!! creators are driving into Sundance with Crashdance to flip the script on not being officially selected to screen at the festivals. BRUCE!!!! directed by Eden Marryshow is a present day comedic feature in the spirit of the 80s and 90s films. Bruce is a man who is trying to live his “best” life in all the wrong ways.
The film was created to explore the side of those who refuse to take responsibility for the choices they make and must suffer the consequences. Hence, it’s a coming of age story about a man that’s probably too old to come of age.
The film had a production micro-budget of less than $5 thousand dollars. The post-production budget was less than $100 hundred thousand dollars. The shooting took 24 days in total in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Bruce!!!! filmmakers decided to pack up a sprinter van with a 32″ TV and sound system. They’re bringing the film to the people, hosting popup and digital screenings throughout the fest. TheBruce!!!! themed van will showcase the film as it takes festivalgoers to and from events during Sundance. Director and star, Eden Marryshow, said he got the inspiration for Crashdance from growing up in New York City where musicians didn’t wait for major labels to expose them. “All I saw were street marketing teams for Hip Hop and R&B labels doing the most amazing things to shine light on their music. [Band] logos logos everywhere in every way. So, this is my version, me paying respect to those that came before me, and bringing some of that energy and applying it to the film.”
The team will distribute a secret link to watch the film to watch between 8pm-2am from January 18th-25th.
