I don’t think this is much of a hot take, but here we go anyway: the only good Jurassic movies are the first two, the ones directed by Spielberg. I get that “Jurassic Park III,” “Jurassic World,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Jurassic World: Dominion” have their fans and I’m sure that if you were a […]
Culture
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Awakening Your Inner Hero
Train Your Dragons:
How to Have a Positive Outlook
We have been training our brains from the day we arrived, both for better and for worse, consciously and subconsciously. Our brain, inarguably the most important part of us, is a miraculous gift. The older we get we can realize its endless value and our responsibility to care for it. Our brains run the show, […]
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Understanding Intimacy
Sexual Frequency
My husband is always on me to have more sex. We’re in our 40’s and have two kids in elementary school. Right now, we do it 4 or 5 times a month – sometimes more. Is that OK? —Is That Enough? Dear Is That Enough, The question of sexual frequency is one that comes up […]
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In Praise of Getting Off the Couch
Netflix is nice, but human-to-human interaction can change your life
Rather than wax eloquent on the benefits of going to social gatherings, being vulnerable and experiencing life outside of your comfort zone, I actually got off my couch and attended (or attempted to attend) four different group activities in Central Oregon. It sounds cliché to say that these experiences changed my life, and yet they […]
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Building Connections Through Books
What we read can lead to improved humanity
Last week, in the span of a few days, my daughter and two friends reached out, asking, “What should I read next?” This isn’t the first time I’ve been asked for a book recommendation. I do work in a bookstore, after all, and yet, each time, I get a little thrill. Books are a matter […]
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“Welcome the Night”
High Desert Museum celebrates critters of the night
Several ecosystems begin to stir on land and in the air once the sun goes down. Most people don’t notice or are surrounded by too much artificial light to witness it. The High Desert Museum is offering a chance to “Welcome the Night.” The family friendly event on July 16 is an opportunity to discover […]
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Robopocalypse
A Musical Sci-Fi Puppet Invasion Hits Bend at the Domino Room
Music! Horror! Science Fiction! Puppets! Yes, puppets are coming to Bend on Aug. 7 to showcase their new musical, Robopocalypse and this isn’t your average puppet show! Fresh off their celebrated and widely popular national tour, Puppeteers for Fears, brings their premiere all-puppet horror and science fiction musical comedy troupe to Bend, presenting a terrifying […]
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Dragons, Dancing and the Depth of Love
June at the Movies
This week in theaters, we have a wide variety of new releases for just about every discerning cinema-goer. A new romantic drama, “The Materialists,” focuses on a complicated love triangle between Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Then there is another live-action remake of a beloved animated film (but this time someone other than […]
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The Horror of Franchise Filmmaking
"28 Years Later" is still incomplete
Danny Boyle is a master filmmaker who has never quite received the accolades he deserves, while also never really achieving the level of mastery he’s capable of, like Scorsese or Kubrick. While his films like 1996’s “Trainspotting” changed how drug movies were made and 2002’s “28 Days Later” redefined zombies forever, it wasn’t until 2008’s […]
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The Third Act: A Column on Ageism and Ageing
Leap, Creep, Sleep
The sign said “Free Tomato Plants!” Why not, I thought. I randomly picked one. Turning to leave, a voice from alongside the house asked. “Do you know which kind you got?” She was every inch the gardener, this Madam Appleseed…wide brimmed sun hat, trowel, weeder and hand rake sticking out from her apron pockets. She’d […]
