I’ve been enjoying this recent trend of sequels getting released decades after the original. Obviously, it’s a way for a studio to cash in on existing IP by reminding fans of something they love, exploiting that nostalgia and then wringing it out for every dollar they can find. Still, I find a certain comfort in […]
Culture
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of Sep. 17
Right now, vices and sins are even more likely than usual to sow chaos and spawn big messes
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If I were writing this horoscope for the Gun Lovers’ Gambling Porn website, I might counsel my Virgo readers to maintain strict control over their wickedness, debauchery, and decadence. Why? Because now is a time when vices and sins are even more likely than usual to sow chaos and spawn big […]
Posted inColumns
The Medicine Cabinet Within: Why Am I Always So Tired?
Some common causes of persistent fatigue
Many patients show up at our clinic frustrated with the feeling that despite their best efforts to take care of themselves, they never have the energy they want to get through the day. Many say they are eating well and exercising yet still feel tired most of the time. Low energy levels and persistent fatigue […]
Posted inCulture
Nighttime Benders: An Interview with Andy Hendrickson
The LA-based comic and Dry Bar Comedy star makes a podcast appearance ahead of his show in Bend Oct. 1
Someone once told me they thought comedians were the philosophers of our day. I’d argue they might not know too many comedians personally — many are wonderfully flawed people — but I do believe in the sentiment. Humor matters. In a world that’s increasingly automated, impersonal and inhuman, live stand-up matters. When I moved to […]
Posted inCulture
Bend Roots Revival to Feature More Than 100 Local Bands
Enjoy a plethora of music for free at multiple venues around town, while supporting arts education
A mega-fest of live local music celebrates its 20th anniversary Sept. 11-13. The Bend Roots Revival will feature eight venues, 11 stages, more than 100 local bands and, conservatively, a couple hundred local musicians. All shows are free, mostly family-friendly and benefit arts education around the high desert. Venues include, Bunk+Brew, The Commons, Greenhouse Cabaret, Just Joe’s Music, Lone Pine Coffee, M&J Tavern (ages 21+), Silver Moon Brewing and The Domino Room (ages 21+). The full schedule is online. “To me, it’s like a huge summer party to celebrate […]
Posted inFilm
Eat Your Heart Out
Oregon filmmaker Taylor Morden levels up
I first met Oregon-based filmmaker Taylor Morden when he was directing the documentary, “The Last Blockbuster,” and he interviewed me about my deep and abiding love of physical media. Since then, Morden has been busy. Among other projects, he has made “Unstuffed” (a documentary about Build-a-Bear), “Getting Lost” (a doc focused on the cultural footprint […]
Posted inColumns
When Couples Counseling Works — But the Bedroom Doesn’t
Emotional safety and sexual desire run on different circuits — here’s how to find the missing charge
Dear Dr. Jane, My wife and I will have been married for 20 years next week. In lots of ways, we’ve got a great relationship. We get along well and parent together without a lot of conflict about the kids. We exercise, eat well and have friends. We work from home, and most days, we […]
Posted inCulture
There But for the Grace of Dolly, Go I
If you think Dolly Parton came from nothing, you may not be listening to enough Dolly Parton
I am a devoted disciple of the Holy House of Dolly Parton. I have been a member of this congregation for a long time. I consider wildflowers, eagles and butterflies, rhinestones, long nails and big hair all sacred. I dress so my outside matches my inside. I walk to the beat of my own banjo. […]
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Free Will Astrology, Week of Sep. 3, 2026
Virgo, it’s time to address your soul’s needs for more wonder and awe and reverence.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ve been extra reasonable lately. How do you manage to be so responsible, measured, and composed? I’m not complaining. I admire your integrity. But now the cosmic omens are clear that’s it’s time to address your soul’s needs for more wonder and awe and reverence. So I will slip you a […]
Posted inFilm
Art vs. Commerce
Or how Wile E. Coyote took on a tax credit
So far, our fall movie season has delivered a few genuine surprises in terms of quality, with even more promising releases looming on the horizon. Usually at this point in the year, theatrical releases are a hodgepodge of quality, as studios continue to prove they rarely know how to market their own movies, let alone […]
