L&C: 5 ways to cope with the cold for those who never have

TIPS AND TRICKS

5 ways to cope with the cold for those who never have

By Alexander Wilson

@alexgrey0604

The snow whistles through the air as new students create snow angels and try to catch a snowflake with their tongues, but this only lasts until they realize snow is cold.

Every year, Fort Collins averages around 46 inches of snow, yet every year, there’s a new student from California freezing in shorts and a T-shirt.

Chloe Tognacci, a new student from Phoenix, experienced snow for the first time a few days ago.

“It’s definitely cold here, but I think I’ve gotten more used to it,” Tognacci said. “I get made fun of for wearing lots of layers.”

Here are some ways you can get used to the snow too. 1. Snow tires

Even if your car is in fourwheel drive, if you plan to drive to Horsetooth Reservoir or have an 8 a.m. class in the University Center for the Arts you drive to, you’re going to want to get snow tires.

The City of Fort Collins prioritizes plowing busy streets like College Avenue, Prospect Road, Harmony Road and Lemay Avenue in the event of snow. The city will plow other low-traffic areas in emergency cases.

Having snow tires ensures the safety of your vehicle and passengers, as they are equipped to handle freezing temperatures. 2. Check your exhaust pipe

The exhaust pipe of a vehicle ensures that carbon monoxide does not get trapped and harm any passengers.

During the winter season, exhaust pipes can break from ice, snow and potholes. Checking an exhaust system can be dangerous, so it is suggested to consult a professional. Exhaust noise, slow acceleration and a burning smell are the top indicators of an exhaust issue.

In order to ensure your safety, you should get your car checked every few months. 3. Undergarments

Base layers are the most important part of any winter outfit. Undergarments provide a layer of insulation against the skin and also wick away your sweat. For winter, wear wool — it is warmer and more durable for withstanding weather changes.

“I think wool is generally the way to go if you want a natural fiber that’s going to keep you warm and not wet,” said Tom Stoffer, a climber in Colorado. “Polyester does a great job too, but it is a poly-blend, so any time you wash it, you do lose microplastics into the water supply.

“I do tend to subscribe to the idea that cotton is rotten in the outdoors,” Stoffer added. “If it gets wet, it’s just going to keep you cold. It doesn’t warm very quick; it doesn’t dry very quick.”

Invest in a warm pair of gloves, some wool socks and a thermal beanie. It could also be helpful to get hand warmers for some extra warmth. But you cannot forget that outer layer. Get a windbreaker or puffer jacket to ensure you stay dry. 4. Shoes

Snow boots are essential in Fort Collins. The shoes not only provide extra insulation and are waterproof, but they also have extra traction to prevent you from ending up on @barstoolcsu for slipping and falling on The Plaza. Pair these with a nice pair of warm wool socks and some hand warmers for a cozy winter.

Hearne’s Footwear and Clothing, JAX Outdoor Gear and Second Wind Sports are great businesses to stop by to make sure you have all your winter clothes. 5. Blankets

There are many options for winter blankets so you don’t freeze in the middle of the night.

Thermal blankets are nice if you plan to be outdoors or in your car. They are meant to withstand harsh temperatures; however, the noise might get annoying in your bed.

Working similarly to a heating pad, heated blankets can also become a fire hazard.

Wool blankets are perfect for any situation that doesn’t involve snow. The blankets are soft and able to be brought into any environment.

Even if you think you are used to the cold, it is always best to stay on the safe and warm side.

“If you’re coming from out of state, definitely reach out to people (in) state if you have any questions,” Stoffer said.

Reach Alexander Wilson at life@ collegian.com.

HOLIDAYS

5 ways to enjoy fall break away from home

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA SIROKMAN THE COLLEGIAN

By Alexander Wilson

@alexgrey0604

Fall break is a time for many students to go home and see their families, while others choose to stay behind.

For students not staying over break, residence halls officially close at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 and will reopen at noon Nov. 26. Dining centers and mail delivery, aside from U.S. Mail, will also be closed during break. To stay during the break, it is a $40 fee each day.

Although it may seem dreary to stay on campus, there are some fun things to do around town during this time of year. 1. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at FoCo Cafe

This pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe is open on Thanksgiving. FoCo Cafe will serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal as well as gluten-free and vegan options. You can register for pickup by Nov. 22, and they will also be open for dine-in on Thanksgiving with no reservation required; it’s first come, first served. This is a great option to have a proper Friendsgiving meal with other students who have also chosen to stay during the week. 2. Get active in the Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run

Partnered with RamStrength — a nonprofit organization that helps fund cancer survivors in need of financial assistance — this run is in honor of Michael Trinen, a lung cancer patient who died Thanksgiving week 2020. The annual run begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 24. Although signing up prior to the race is not necessary, the event coordinators will increase the price on the day of the event.

The current entry fees are $42 for adults and $28 for youth ages 17 and under. The race starts at West Mountain Avenue and South College Avenue. Run with fellow students to support local cancer patients and balance out that hefty meal on Thanksgiving. 3. Enjoy the Greeley Lights the Night Parade

At 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Greeley will be hosting a parade along 9th Avenue and 14th Street. The parade will showcase floats, lights, holiday treats, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriages, live music and dances. With more than 50 expected entries this year, many are hoping to win one of the four awards: best display, best use of lights, best music and Santa’s favorite. This event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. 4. Live out your childhood dreams at the Rocky Mountain Train Show

Nov. 26-27, the Larimer County Fairgrounds will host the Rocky Mountain Train Show. The show will display operating layouts, Legos, Santa and so much more. The program is partnering with various nonprofits to provide free admission to veterans and children from select organizations. Adult admission is $10, and kids 12 and under get in for free. 5. Shop until you drop at the Holiday Artisan Market

Held at the Fort Collins Senior Center, the Holiday Artisan Market hosts over 100 vendors each year, selling many crafts, trinkets, pottery, paintings and other handmade creations. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26 for the public to enjoy. Support local artists by buying some early holiday gifts for your loved ones.

Although staying on campus during the break isn’t always fun, there are many activities to keep you busy and help you enjoy the company of other students.

Reach Alexander Wilson at life@ collegian.com.

STRAIN REVIEW

Cheese Puffs: A giggly strain for a cheesy laugh

By Catey Nelson

@csucollegian

When I first got the text from my roommate that she picked up an eighth of weed last weekend, I was psyched. With fall break around the corner and all the deadlines that come along with it, I knew I’d need a “calm before the storm” evening to recoup before diving into the week.

I won’t lie: I was a bit hesitant about using the Cheese Puffs strain for my review, given my predisposed distaste toward any inhalant that includes a dairy product in its title. After smoking it, though, the dairy affiliation quickly became a forgotten thought.

Cheese Puffs is a generic hybrid strain from Willie’s Reserve containing 19.76% THC, bought at Green Dragon on College Avenue for $34.99 before tax. I also picked up some King Palm wraps to enhance the smoking experience.

After the weekend’s activities wound down and I found a good stopping point with my classwork, I called and invited a tried-and-true stoner queen (and a very a good friend of mine) to help me in my novel experience of evaluating a strain. Conveniently, she was also looking forward to relaxing that evening.

We queued up the infamous Cameron Diaz movie “Bad Teacher,” which neither of us had seen before, then rolled up our first palm joint. After packing as much ground Cheese Puffs as I could into the palm leaf and lighting it up, the gooning began before we knew it.

As if we were suddenly highly accredited budtenders, we began spouting off an array of vernacular attempting to describe the taste of the weed, using words like “zesty,” “skunky” and “charcuterie-esque.” The taste was initially fruity and pleasing and then seemed to have a subliminal punch of savory that felt similar to kush strains.

Given its hybrid nature, I felt I couldn’t help my brain from needing to make dumb jokes about my newly appointed connoisseur status with cheese puns and ganja jargon.

My body felt blissfully content in its cozy position under the couch blankets. The freely spoken conversation at the beginning of the high was lighthearted and giggly and continued that way throughout the evening. At one point, we almost forgot about the movie because we went on a random — and at the time, hilarious — tangent about a meme from 2014.

I really appreciated the notable absence of overthinking this strain facilitated. The transition from sober to stoned felt easy and natural. With some strains, I’ve felt overwhelmed after the inhale, as their effects on heart rate and brain activity take place quite quickly and are more prone to induce the uneasy cycle of anxiety. Cheese Puffs felt like the opposite, providing a kinder, more mellow impact on my nervous system.

The smoking process was incredibly enhanced by the King Palm leaf, both through taste and filtration. I recommend enjoying this pricey strain using your favorite method, whether that’s a gravity bong, a blunt wrap or a smooth palm, like what I went with. Whatever your method, choose wisely, as Cheese Puffs burns fast.

Overall, getting high on Cheese Puffs was a fun experience — it brought me back to a childlike energy reminiscent of the first time I ever smoked weed. Be forewarned, though: Smoking this strain gives a contagious desire to giggle, no matter how cheesy the joke.

Reach Catey Nelson at cannabis@ collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY AVA KERZIC THE COLLEGIAN

BECAUSE I GOT HIGH First time fried and smoking with a cold

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER

THE COLLEGIAN

By Guest Author

@csucollegian

Editor’s Note: “Because I Got High” content consists of community story submissions and does not represent the views of The Collegian or its editorial board. The Collegian does not promote underage or excessive substance use or impairment for the purpose of creating a submission. First time fried

The first time I smoked, I thought it would last forever and that my brain would be screwed up for life — I’d be perma-fried. I cried because I didn’t want to be high at school, but my mouth was so dry and I was so confused that I ended up getting distracted from my sadness by Bon Appetit’s “From the Test Kitchen.” Then I fell asleep, waking up normal. LOL. Smoking with a cold

One of my less wise decisions was to smoke with a cold. My friends and I used a bong, which helped a bit, but those hits were definitely mistakes I couldn’t help but make. It was a nice enough high, but damn. My lungs straight up did not want to function the next day, and I’m still not sure if I passed on my bug to any of my friends. Sorry guys.

To submit stories, email cannabis@ collegian.com or fill out our Google Form, which is linked alongside guidelines in our Letter from the Editor.

18+ MEDICAL

I T ’S SIMPLE

BEST MEDS, BEST PRICES, BEST SERVICE

$54.99 ounces! $5 1 gram pre-rolls

MUNCHIEMONDAY - 20% OFF ALL EDIBLES

CART TUESDAY - $5 OFF 1 GRAM CARTS / $2.50 OFF 1/2 GRAM CARTS. *** select carts and strains TOP SHELFTHURSDAY - 10% OFF ALL TOP SHELF AND PLATINUM SHELF FLOWER

SHAKE OUNCESUNDAY - $25 SHAKE OUNCES WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

WAXWEDNESDAY - 8 GRAMS FOR $64. KUSH MASTERS SELECT STRAINS. TIER 1 8 GRAMS FOR $80, TIER 2 8 GRAMS FOR $125, TIER 3 8 GRAMS FOR $142.48.