TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When lightning from a cloud hits sand or soil, the current travels down into the ground. It melts material along its path and forms tubular, branching glass structures that can penetrate deep below the surface. I believe that metaphorically similar phenomena will soon happen in your life, Taurus. Sudden insights or […]
Culture
Streep, Hathaway, Blunt and Tucci: Still a Perfect Combo
As someone who has dressed like a color blind retiree since childhood, I know next to nothing about couture, modern fashion, or why one designer brand outranks another. Watching โThe Devil Wears Pradaโ all the way back in the year of our lord 2006, I knew the film really wasnโt โfor me,โ yet I still […]
Pages of Possibility: A Student Writing Showcase
Students at Central Oregon Community College have revived a literary tradition that hasnโt been around for nearly four decades. The Thread, featuring student poetry, prose and art is an online journal curated and edited by students in the Advanced Creative Writing: Publishing class. Associate Professor Eileen Sather, who teaches the class, says COCC had similar […]
TEDxBend Rebirth
After a seven-year hiatus, TEDxBend returns May 30. Eight speakers are scheduled. The theme is โRebirthโ focusing on personal transformation, new ideas and fresh perspectives. Organizers say the theme comes to life through bold ideas and diverse voices exploring renewal in all its forms including personal, cultural, environmental and collective. โRather than fully announcing each […]
Big Moves for Plant Medicines
I wrote about this last December, but now that (some) cannabis has actually been rescheduled, from Schedule I to Schedule III, letโs revisit. President Biden started the ball rolling in 2022 and in 2024; the Justice Department formalized the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III. Last year, President Trump directed the DOJ […]
Bad Moods, Self-Criticism and Love
Iโve been on a love rollโฆ Last monthโs Inner Heroes message was entitled “Democracy & Love. ” A few of my earlier titles were: “Love Your Demons,” “Love Wisdoms from Heaven” and “A Few Random Love Stories.” Another one was “How to Make Love,” not the erotic kind, but the day-to-day kind of love. Letโs all […]
Three Comedians with Bend Ties Reunite for a Night of Snappy Wit, Shared History & a Bit of Family Drama
Central Oregon audiences will get a three-for-one comedy lineup May 16 when Helen Keaney, Shanan Kelley and special guest Chelsea Woodmansee take the stage at the Tower Theatre. Expect laughter, a little unpredictability and a few jokes that hit suspiciously close to home โ possibly while someoneโs in-law sits in the front row, taking mental […]
The Worldโs Best Mom
Each year, Motherโs Day reminds us how lucky we are for the mothers in our lives. Their support, strength, and love help us through the tough days and further brighten the best ones. But what does it take to be the Worldโs Best Mom? I spoke with three Lava Ridge Elementary students and their mothers […]
Free Will Astrology, Week of April 30
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): May is Free Thinking Month for you Tauruses. Itโs also Free Feeling, Free Wheeling, and Free Healing Month. Wow! To observe this festive grace period, indulge in any of the following jubilant acts: 1. Declare your independence from anyone who tries to tell you how you should live your life or […]
I Tell You Once Again, Itโs Bad
Everyone who goes to the movies is after something different. Relaxation, stimulation, escapismโall are valid. Thatโs why itโs hard for me to reconcile exactly who โMichael,โ the Michael Jackson musical biopic, is meant for and if its existence is healthy for culture and society at large. The film ends in 1988, at the height of […]

