ROBERT LITT We raise a frothy homebrew to the Urban Farm Store’s founder, who supplies Portland’s back-to-the-land-in-the-backyard set. Food & Wine proclaimed Litt one of “40 big food thinkers under 40” for raising consciousness one DIY beehive at a time. Robert, bring a chicken. Always nice to meet the entrée.

THE ESCAPED EMU Speaking of poultry, state troopers found this flightless bird running free along Highway 26. Last we heard, the anonymous libertine was “in the care of an east county rancher by the name of Tom.” We can do better with a hearty helping of … uh, emu food.

SHALANE FLANAGAN & JUSTYNE FREUD Two Oregon sportswomen bring muscle to the table. Flanagan, a transplanted Olympic medalist lured by Nike’s Oregon Project training team, finished a surprising second in her marathon debut in New York in November. Freud, an Oregon State sophomore with a cannon for a leg, helped rocket the Beavers’ soccer squad into the NCAA tournament. Ladies, let’s talk fitness as we tackle the terrine.

JIM NICHOLSON While the federal prison in Sheridan might require Nicholson to decline, we’re still inviting this native (and now semipermanent) Oregonian. A November plea made Nicholson the only US intelligence agent convicted twice of spying for the enemy. As a CIA agent, he sold secrets to Mother Russia—then he did it again from behind bars, with his son’s help. Shot of Stoli, Jim?

CAROLE SMITH Let’s toast Portland Public Schools’ superintendent’s chutzpah. Days after Multnomah County voters defied the national anti-tax mood to fund the Oregon Historical Society, Smith proposed the largest bond in state history—$548 million—to upgrade aging schools. This ain’t no tea party.