Intern, Author at The Source - Bend, Oregon

Walkin’ Blues: David Jacobs-Strain puts some youthful spin on the blues

The writing is on the wall – DJS can shred.David Jacobs-Strain sings the blues like he’s personally experienced them and channels blues greats like Skip

InternJuly 16, 2008August 16, 2023

The writing is on the wall – DJS can shred.David Jacobs-Strain sings the blues like he's personally experienced them and channels blues greats like Skip James, Charlie Patton and Tommy Johnson. His fingers slide effortlessly over the fret board of his guitar while he picks at the strings with rapid-fire efficiency. But Jacobs-Strain is only 25 and he grew up in Eugene. So, while he may not be the first image that pops into your head when you think blues, he's definitely leading the way for this generation's blues scene.

"I've always been drawn to the trance-oriented, heavier, Delta blues-to the driving, passionate, raw, distraught sound of somebody like Son House," said Jacobs-Strain in his biography. The young blues performer has just released his seventh - yes, seventh - album entitled Liar's Day, produced by legendary bassist and recording guru Kenny Passarelli. If the politically charged title track doesn't draw you in with its catchy melody and funky edge, you'll be enticed by "Rainbow Junkies," a track laved with driving steel guitar riffs and Eastern-sounding breaks.
The song "Walkin' Blues" showcases the artist's skill and goes well with his soulful vocals. "Alright, let's play the blues," says Jacobs-Strain towards the end of the song. He then proceeds to shoot off a succession of notes while strumming at Hendrix's "Machine Gun" pace before slowing back down.

Opinion

The Drillheads

When you and I look at today’s gas prices, we see empty checking accounts and impending financial ruin. When Big Oil looks at them, it

InternJuly 16, 2008August 16, 2023

When you and I look at today's gas prices, we see empty checking accounts and impending financial ruin. When Big Oil looks at them, it sees a golden opportunity.

Oil companies have been trying for decades, without success, to get Congress to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for exploration and possible development and lift the federal ban on further offshore drilling. Now, with prices at the pump well above $4 a gallon and headed north, the industry believes it has the political lever it needs to pry all that oil and gas loose.
A group with the catchy name of American Solutions for Winning the Future, fronted by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, is pushing a catchy slogan: "Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less." Its website is collecting signatures on a petition calling on Congress "to act immediately to lower gasoline prices … by authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries." It's collected more than 1.3 million signatures already.

Opinion

To Hell in a Hand Basket: Of bailouts, turds, oil and Slurpees

InternJuly 16, 2008August 16, 2023

American Socialism
Hear that? Unearthed dust and crackling bones as the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves. Capitalism has failed; welcome to American Socialism - Where the Federal government can step in close and/or negotiate a buyout of a publicly-held institution (Bear Stearns) and/or invest in others more amiable: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, under the ever-diligent guidance of President Bush, will ask Congress - err, the Saudi Royal Family and China - for funds to back the two giant housing financiers. Each company currently has $2.25 billion in government backing, set some 40 years ago, and a total debt between them of over $1.5 trillion. Trillion. So, the next time you hear politicians slandering Hugo Chavez and Russia for nationalizing entire industries, remember this moment. Or, think back to the golden days of Reagan and the first Bush, when the same financial scandals hit, and involving the Bush brother we don't dare mention, Neil, who was fined $50,000 and banned from banking. Praise George Washington that the free market works so well!

Opinion

No Building Fee Breaks

InternJuly 16, 2008August 16, 2023

Letter of the Week
This week's feature letter is short and sweet. Thanks for the editorial haiku, Mickey.

Opinion

Don’t Drag Me Into I.D.

For several years now, I have kept my mouth shut as someone with the same name as myself has periodically written letters to both The

InternJuly 16, 2008June 18, 2024

For several years now, I have kept my mouth shut as someone with the same name as myself has periodically written letters to both The Source and The Bulletin about Intellegent Design. As a person who works in the medical field and considers himself a man of science, the whole theory of Intelligent Design frustrates and annoys me.

Opinion

Your Pooch is a Pain

Attention all you newbies to Bend!! Especially the pop tart, 20-something babes who think it’s so cute to let their dogs run free on

InternJuly 16, 2008August 16, 2023

Attention all you newbies to Bend!! Especially the pop tart, 20-something babes who think it's so cute to let their dogs run free on the First Street Rapids River Trail while hanging onto UNATTACHED leashes. Hint: the leash attaches to your dog's collar.

Opinion

Concealed Weapons Story is a Joke

Normally I would consider responding to the content of this “newspaper” as beneath me, because it would only serve to lend legitimacy to the unvarnished

InternJuly 16, 2008September 20, 2023

Normally I would consider responding to the content of this "newspaper" as beneath me, because it would only serve to lend legitimacy to the unvarnished bias, circular logic, shrillness, ideological hegemony and pure hatred spewed weekly by this rag.
However, I had to make an exception for your 'Armed in Oregon' diatribe, which was only exceptional for being the most pathetic and unimaginative case for gun control I've ever read.

Opinion

Godvertising Part Deux

InternJuly 16, 2008October 31, 2023

I wrote the original LOTW regarding the godvertising banners, and am thrilled that it has opened a dialogue.
LC, you raise an interesting point: you drive to our neighborhood from Alfalfa.

Opinion

City Is All Wet On Watering

Does anyone else see the irony of receiving city of Bend water conservation mailings when if you take a short walk anywhere in Bend you’ll

InternJuly 10, 2008December 31, 2024

Does anyone else see the irony of receiving city of Bend water conservation mailings when if you take a short walk anywhere in Bend you'll find gallons of water soaking the pavement? The other night I was walking down Awbrey Dr. when a sprinkler must have malfunctioned because there was a small river flowing alongside me.

Culture

Deschutes Brewery: Black Butte Double XX

InternJuly 9, 2008March 26, 2024

Editor's Note: This is the first in an occasional column spotlighting local beers
and breweries
My own research into beer drinking habits leads me to believe that the number of true "porter" aficionados is a small one. With its big malty body, and chocolate overtones, a good porter pretty much overwhelms the palate - it's the drinking equivalent of double fudge cake.

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