Source Weekly, Author at The Source - Bend, Oregon

Kulongoski's Sneaky Green Fastball

When Gov. Ted Kulongoski sold his green energy tax credit plan to the legislature, he threw a sinking fastball that any major-leaguer would be proud of.

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009March 17, 2023

Deceptiveness is an admirable quality in a baseball pitcher, but not in a political leader. When Gov. Ted Kulongoski sold his green energy tax credit plan to the legislature, he threw a sinking fastball that any major-leaguer would be proud of.
The tax credit, officially known as the Business Energy Tax Credit, is the core of Kulongoski's campaign to transform Oregon into the green energy capital of America, and in the process to create lots of jobs. To accomplish that, it offers tax credits to developers of projects such as wind farms and solar energy installations.

Opinion

The Anniversary Column: O-merica turns one, Congress gets hacked and Karzai gets backed

O-merica turns one, Congress gets hacked and Karzai gets backed.

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009January 4, 2023

The author has been sent on the road to discover a lost country formerly known as America. He is reporting from Big Pink, letting his creative juices fester, on assignment for Or-Bust.com and The Source Weekly.
A Year Later
Oprah was weeping, Michelle as elegant as Jackie-Ohhh, and Barack's hair not so gray. Now the ballroom is empty, balloons, confetti and used condoms on the floor, yet hot air still lingering. Where did the time go? This week we celebrate the anniversary of Obama's historic win over creepy McCain and psycho Palin. Let's look at the progress: Hate crimes now include sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (legislation aptly attached to a $680 defense spending bill, including another $130 billion for Afghanistan and Iraq); obviously we're remaining in the aforementioned foreign countries and now using drones to blast suspected terrorists in Pakistan and God knows where else; “Don't ask, don't tell” may be overturned; Cheney remains free and un-indicted; GITMO is still a BDSM icon and no one wants its occupants… Yep, a year after electing an über-liberal-socialist-muslim-non-caucasian, we've gone gay, remain violent and our 2nd Amendment rights still intact, yet utterly unemployed. Don't get pessimistic, though: The stock market is cranking, new GDP figures showed a leap in industry (mostly due to government spending); Ford posted a surprising $997 million profit; and New Orleans has been rebuilt – Its football team, at least.

Opinion

One-Stop Treating

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009July 2, 2024

Halloween served up a hefty plate of WTFs – ass-bearing costumes, football beatdowns – but there was one that out WTFed the others and that was when we heard that H1N1 fears had canceled certain Halloween festivities. OK, we understand health concerns and the whole gotta-do-what-ya-gotta-do approach to public safety, but then we heard the alternative to a few shopping center and public building door-to-door trick or treating events – just give the kids a pre-packged bag of goodies.

Opinion

The Destination Resort Threat

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009August 29, 2024

According to your August 5 article, “Now or Never: County's resort map remake opens door for developer amid questions of viability,” elected officials are attempting to refine Central Oregon's Destination Resort Map. They could potentially add thousands of acres of previously resort-free land to the areas allowed to be built on. And a study by Central Oregon Landwatch found that if all of the proposed and approved projects were completed, the number of overnight units and resort homes would triple. Though some of the earlier resorts benefit the local economy and generate significant revenues, newer resorts threaten the beauty and resources of Central Oregon.

Opinion

Not Reading

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009April 17, 2024

This letter is to let you know that after many years of reading your paper, I will be doing so no longer. Your sensationalized article (WTF?, 10/21) about the recent death at a wilderness camp was disrespectful of the boy's family, and a painful disclosure of your ignorance and assumptions regarding what wilderness therapy programs are all about.

Opinion

The Monkey Wrench Gang

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009February 16, 2025

So Thankful,
I have to express my heartfelt thanks to Rick, Brent and Tim at Monkey Wrench who fixed my worn out truck engine. I am also grateful to my Mechanic Angels, family, friends, co-workers and all the wonderful people who donated money to make it happen.

Opinion

Any Color You Like

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009June 9, 2023

I was reading the Snowriders Guide issue last night and came across a mistake in the Properly Equipped article on page 21. The Spyder pants pictured are the Inspection pants, but the yellow pants are the official pant of the Jamaica Ski Team, not US Team. You probably don't believe me about the Jamaica Ski Team, but it truly does exist and Spyder is the clothing supplier.

Opinion

A Damn Good Solution

The dam at the Colorado Bridge is long overdue for a redesign.

Source WeeklyNovember 4, 2009February 16, 2025

The dam at the Colorado Bridge is long overdue for a redesign. As floating the section of river above and below the dam has gained in popularity due to easier access and the growth in population, we have seen one death and several near misses.
The proposed redesign offers several benefits: safe floating passage, improved fish and bird habitat and a whitewater play park. I don't think anyone would argue against removing a structure that has claimed a life and that creates a safer passage for floaters. Additionally, allowing for better fish habitat and improving the feeding grounds of the resident Osprey are concepts that many citizens immediately recognize the benefits of. But a whitewater park; what is it and do we really need one?

Culture

Oh the Humanity!: Paranormal Activity shows the reel life of a terrorized young couple

Paranormal Activity shows the reel life of a terrorized young couple.

Source WeeklyOctober 28, 2009May 29, 2024

Paranormal Activity is terrifying and not just jump-out-of-your-seat-screaming scary – this one will have you seriously considering rearranging your life so that you can sleep only during daylight hours.
A couple of young yuppies, Micah and Katie, are experiencing some strange goings-on in their suburban San Diego home. Micah buys a camera and sets it up in their bedroom each night. He becomes such a camera nut (the latest in clichés, for this new wave of faux reality movies) that he also documents much of the rest of their lives within the house. In the style of The Blair Witch Project, we are presented with the found footage, provided by the local police department for our entertainment.

Culture

A Real Cliffhanger: Uncharted 2 is a wild, Indiana Jones inspired romp

Uncharted 2 is a wild, Indiana Jones inspired romp.

Source WeeklyOctober 28, 2009April 13, 2023

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves begins with a dramatic letdown. Nate Drake, a young treasure-hunting adventurer (sort of Indiana Jones with hair gel), awakens bleeding on a red velvet seat in an old passenger train that is dangling off the edge of a cliff in the Himalayas. Suddenly Drake's seat falls, taking him with it. Tumbling out of the train car's back door, Drake manages to grab onto a rail, leaving him hanging above an icy gray abyss. While the train creaks and moans overhead, it's my job to quickly guide him upwards to safety.

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