Sage Grouse Continued
This week our Feature focused on The Endangered Species Act and the Sage Grouse Initiative. “In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made a decision that set in motion what many are calling a landmark transformation in how the nation recovers imperiled wildlife,” Lisa Seales write. “Ordinarily, the sage grouse’s situation might land it…
Bend Whitewater Park Open
After a long anticipated wait, the Bend Whitewater Park is set to open to the public today at 5 pm. However, the project isn’t fully complete and there are some limitations to the opening. The floaters’ channel will be open to float through, but the whitewater channel can only be accessed from below the bridge,…
Oompah!
Bend and Germany have a lot in common; we both like beer, skiing, and are composed mostly of white people. We also both love celebrating Oktoberfest, even when it’s in September. In Germany, Oktoberfest is an annual celebration of traditional Bavarian food, music, and culture that lasts 16 full days, beginning in September and stretching…
Source Suggests 9/16-9/23
Dirty Revival Portland-based, soul, hip-hop outfit Dirty Revival proudly releases its new album at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School. The dynamic five-piece, neo-soul ensemble recently opened for George Clinton, who we all know as one of the foremost innovators of funk music. With incredible stage presence and a sound that inspires bodies to move, spending…
Taking Chances
2nd Street Theater not only has a jam-packed 2016 season, but it still has plenty left for us in 2015 as its Season Showcase demonstrated. The house was full, the audience excited, and the almost three hours of material was very well prepared. For a sneak preview, it was impressive to see all the actors…
The Endangered Species Act’s Biggest Experiment
If you’re anything like me, any mention of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) conjures up images of bumper stickers that say, “Save a logger, eat an owl!” Growing up in Oregon in the late 20th century, the ESA, and specifically the listing of the spotted owl, meant economic and community devastation and LOTS of conflict.…
Happy 15th Birthday to The Steens Mountain Wilderness
The term “wilderness” typically conjures up images of a forested landscape buried deep in the mountains of Oregon. Fifteen years ago a new type of Oregon wilderness was born when the Steens Mountain Wilderness was so designated by Congress in 2000, via the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management & Protection Act. Managed by the Bureau of…
Side Notes
The City of Bend is currently accepting applications for an open position on the Bend Planning Commission. Planning Commission members are appointed by City Council to review and make recommendations regarding land use throughout the city. If you’re a resident of Bend, this is an excellent chance to help shape our city as it grows.…
Take a Hike, Ladies!
A little motivation, encouragement, or camaraderie goes a long way when it comes to getting out and finding adventure, especially when trying something new. The Outdoor Women’s Alliance (OWA) is a global network with the mission of supporting women in the outdoors and offering them that little extra push to get outside and test their…
Go Here 9/16-9/23
For most, you might achieve an adrenaline rush by running a road race or taking on the steepest mountain bike trail. What those endeavors have in common is that your feet, for the most part, are firmly planted on terra firma. If these activities don’t quite do it for you, here are some suggestions for…
Keep Mule Deer Out of Your Garden!
“I am NOT going to put the raspberries out until we get a fence up to keep the deer out of the garden!” So says my wife Sue as we discussed this summer’s garden and greenhouse. Mule deer—thanks in part to those residents who continue feeding them in their yards—are a bane to anyone trying…
Picks 9/16-9/23
friday 18 An Ideal Husband THEATER—CTC launches its new season with a staging of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 classic, An Ideal Husband. Blackmail, scandal, and political indiscretions are only a few of the issues facing the characters in this classic comedy of manners. Prepare to laugh at how ridiculous the aristocracy could be. 7:30pm. Cascades Theatrical…
Take Me Home
Getting approved for a mortgage is no small feat these days. At times it can feel like you have to jump through one hoop after another, chasing down bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns and even copies of deposited checks. All that paperwork is vital to getting approved for a mortgage but once you are…
Infinite Wallace
I picked up David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest because I was supposed to. Seventeen years old, a senior in high school and desperate to not look as uncool as I felt, I knew that this was the book I was supposed to carry around in order to look hip (or at least intelligent). I carried…
Transport To The $1 Bin
The Transporter Refueled is the Anti-Mad Max: Fury Road. Do you like car chases that thrill you to the point of exhaustion? Do you like strong female characters that don’t just behave like tough men? How about a story that draws you in and makes you care about everyone? Or maybe villains that you love…
Film Events 9/16-9/23
The Anonymous People A one-night only screening of a documentary about the 23 million Americans living in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Co-sponsored by the Meth Action Coalition for National Recovery Month, this event is trying to raise awareness about addiction and show that recovery is possible. Thursday, September 17. 6pm. Trinity Episcopal Church/St.…
Seven Things to Reflect On As The Forest Fire Flames Subside
1. Fire isn’t always bad. Fires can be beneficial to forests. By eliminating undergrowth, wildfires create openings in the forest, which enable diverse vegetation growth that provides fruit, seeds, and nectar for wildlife to thrive. Fires also create standing dead trees (snags) that many animals rely on for food and shelter. Dry ponderosa pine forests actually need fire to control…
Smoke Signals
In a completely unnecessary political compromise called HB 3400, the Oregon Legislature created a huge caveat to one of the central principles of Measure 91. That deal for the benefit of Oregon Republicans gave anti-cannabis localities the right to ban commercial cannabis growers, processors, and sellers. This prohibition allows cities and counties to stop existing…
Have Some Football With Your Beer
Riverbend Brewing Company is a huge surprise. They’ve mostly been flying under the radar since they took over the space from Rivals Sports Bar two years ago, but the word of mouth has been consistently positive. The idea behind the place is a fairly brilliant one: Take the customer base left over from the previous…
Preaching From the Choir
It wasn’t that long ago that Rick Jung wasn’t involved with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus at all. But after a particular night surfing YouTube while living in Denver, he knew he wanted to be. “The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus posted [“Sure on This Shining Night”], a song that I had always wanted to sing,”…
When is Craft No Longer Craft?
“Budweiser bought 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend, OR,” wrote Lagunitas Brewing Company founder Tony Magee on Twitter last November (spelling and grammar cleaned up for this article). “Not because they love craft. Because they wanna control craft beer. Friends of 10 Barrel cheer its owners’ ‘success’. I can’t blame them for being scared of doing…
Dancing In A Crowded Room
“It’s a really simple concept,” explains Joel Albers, the mastermind behind a series of weekly dance parties called Dance Yourself Clean. “We turn the lights out, turn the fog up to 11, and let the music speak for itself. It’s a no-frills dance party.” Albers and his fellow DJs didn’t need to be fancy when…
