Cinema has long been obsessed with the concept of machines that can think, feel and one day be indistinguishable from their creators. When done correctly, artificial intelligence as a cinematic device can serve as a perfect mirror for human anxiety, ambition and existential dread; at its worst, it’s a goofy stab at speculative fear-mongering, nervously […]
Culture
Artist Michele Michael Reflects on Art Journey Ahead of Meet and Greet
Local Artist Michele Michael was selected to feature her painting, “Strawberry Skies,” as the face of Sunriver Music Festival’s 49th season. As she geared up for a meet and greet event on June 20, she reflected on her career trajectory and what inspires her. the Source: What does it mean to you to be the 2026 selected artist for the Sunriver Music […]
I Read for the Human Experience in Books; AI Can’t Replace That
Human experience is the totality of what it means to live — our interactions, our emotions, our thoughts and perceptions as we go through our day-to-day lives. This experience is what shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. Reading is one of many ways we enrich our human experience, just as art […]
Don’t Shoot the Messenger
The old adage “don’t shoot the messenger” has its roots in ancient times when messengers were literally people traveling to deliver news that may or may not be taken well by the receiving party. It was understood that to ensure these messages made it through, the messenger must be guaranteed safe passage and not be laid […]
Free Will Astrology, Week of June 18
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Eastern monarch butterflies migrate annually from the American Midwest to central Mexico. The individuals who start the journey from Nebraska or Wisconsin die long before they reach the oyamel fir trees of Mexico. So do their children and their grandchildren. Their great-grandchildren finish the trip, though they have never been to […]
The Truth is Around Here Somewhere
I think how much you’ll like “Disclosure Day,” the newest film from Steven Spielberg, depends a lot on what your favorite film of his is. From the raw, thrumming energy of “Jurassic Park,” “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” to the throwback sentimentality of “E.T.” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” back around […]
Nourishing the Body & Soul
A partnership between Family Kitchen, FREAK’N ART and Open Space Event Studios will culminate with a pop-up art show to raise money for local artists and to feed the homeless. Family Kitchen is celebrating its 40th birthday with a renewed energy. The nonprofit provides free, nutritious meals to anyone in need in a safe and […]
A Journey Back in Time
On a recent Saturday morning, trained volunteers with the Deschutes Historical Museum led small groups of people through Bend’s historic downtown neighborhoods. The walking tours explore architecture, landmarks and unique stories from the early 1900s, including those of six Bendites who helped transform the early community. Volunteer and tour guide, Staci Louie, has been leading […]
Free Will Astrology, Week of June 11
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Dear Oracle: Why do we always have to start at the beginning? I’d much prefer just jumping into the middle of things. Right now, I would love to bypass all the tedious baby steps I’m being forced to take as I try to get some momentum going. Please slip me a […]
20th Century Kids
Going to the movies this weekend made me feel like I was living through a cultural event horizon of the late 20th century, where Hollywood desperately picks up and shakes my inner child just to see if any more loose change falls out. This week, the box office gave us two diametrically opposed flavors of […]

