UO E-clips, Feb. 4

What should Portland ad agencies and PR reps do about greenwashing? (The Oregonian, column by Shelby Wood): How annoyed are you by greenwashing? Could you identify it? Or has it become so ubiquitous, you no longer notice? On Friday, I'm part of a forum on greenwashing organized by two advertising professors from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications. The forum is in Portland at UO's Turnbull Center in Old Town. I'm no more expert about greenwashing than any other busy, skeptical consumer trying to make sure the latest earth-friendly dishwashing liquid is worth the price -- or even the time required to decipher the eco-this, eco-that label. Although, I do get more than the normal share of bizarro email pitches such as "Green is the new back-to-school black" and "January is Green Spa Month." Just yesterday, I was informed that "Swimming pools are going green!" No, thank you.

Which came first, the belly or the stress? (Canada.com): Stress. How many images can a single word conjure? With an economy in the tank, jobs on the line and personal finances in peril, to say these are stressful times is an understatement. … In December, 2008, however, a study from researchers at the University of Oregon did show a connection on the genetic level between cortisol levels and fat gain around the middle, but much more research is needed.

It's Bach! Festival tickets on sale now (KVAL.com): Tickets went on sale online Tuesday for the 2009 Oregon Bach Festival, the University of Oregon cultural attraction with 28 concerts and nearly 50 total events in Eugene, with additional concerts in Bend and Portland. Program highlights include: Helmuth Rilling returning to conduct the OBF Chorus and Orchestra in four major events: The Creation by Haydn June 26 (Eugene) and June 27 (Portland); a World Premiere, new setting of Messiah July 9 by Swedish composer Sven-David Sandström; Handel's Messiah July 12; and the six-part, weekday Discovery Series exploration of Bach's Christmas Oratorio.