That's the number of notices of default or loans going bad in Deschutes County for the first quarter of the year. The number is a record for Deschutes County and represents a stunning 32 percent increase from the last quarter of 2009 when home buying incentives, including (artificially) record low interest and tax rebates – thanks, Barack – helped to fuel an illusory recovery.
This Week’s Number: 1090
Posted inOpinion
Letter of the Week: You Can't Beat Bend
This week's letter comes from Kevin T who cites Bend's karma as the cap off to a great weekend of entertaining friends. Good to hear that the Golden Rule is still honored, at least in local snow parks. Thanks for the letter, Kevin. You can pick up your winner's spoils, a bag of Strictly Organic coffee, at our office, 704 NW Georgia.
Having moved here just three years ago, we've never looked back and love just about every facet of Bend and the surrounding region. My appreciation for the wonderful attitude and overall honesty and integrity we encounter in this community was affirmed recently following the Great Nordeen Nordic Ski Race hosted by MBSEF. The event itself was superbly run, up to and including the perfect winter day and snow conditions obviously arranged by the event organizers. I joined two friends of mine who were visiting from the music Mecca of Denton, Texas, and we proceeded to tie for first place in the “Classic, Waxless” division – a division of our own making; everyone else prudently skated!
Posted inOpinion
Local Play is Cruel
I was appalled to go to a local playcalled Couples Dating the other night and find ithomophobic and bigoted. I understand they meant it as comedy, but thehomophobic words used were definitely not funny. Because there was no comeuppance for the bigoted, homophobic, anti-Semiticmain character (and in the play's end his view was upheld as the “normal” view), I don't believe the “just kidding” argument works here. In any case, I never was so offended and it's extremely tough to offend me. For example, I Spit On Your Grave is one of my favorite all-time movies and my all-time favorite TV show is The Sopranos.
Posted inOpinion
Be a Part of History
The We the People group will be presenting their “Articles of Freedom” to the governor, all senators and those in the House in every state of the Union next Monday (April 19). Here in Oregon it will take place at noon on the steps of the capitol building in Salem. Fill your car, van etc. with your friends and make an outing of it to support our Oregon delegates who gave up over a week to attend the Continental Convention last November in St. Charles, IL.
Posted inNews
Last Band Standing Announces Lineup of Competitors
I just got final word from the folks at Combined Communications about the bands selected for the Last Band Standing competition, which gets underway next week. More than 100 bands entered and here are the 38 that were selected to compete for the ridiculously crazy awesome grand prize: a 15-passenger van, a Gibson guitar, a recording contract and plenty other goodies.
Posted inNews
Doctor Bills, Stud Follies and Bradbury on a Roll
The Bulletin had a rather odd editorial (well, that’s not exactly news) on Friday morning. The subject was taxes, but what really interested me was the lead-in to that subject, which talked about medical care.
Posted inNews
Sporting Cycle: Getting back to basics
The Cross Country Ski Areas Association's (CCSAA) membership is comprised of ski area and ski resort owners and operators plus representatives from ski gear makers, grooming equipment manufacturers, insurance companies and others who offer services to ski areas. In short, it's a classic affinity group, and like so many such groups holds an annual convention.
Posted inNews
Bend, Oregon Weekend Entertainment Guide
The options for entertainment this weekend may not be immense, but there are definitely a few shows worth checking out. Here are a few of our suggests for musical and comedic goodness this weekend.
Posted inNews
Campaigns Look Spendier Here
Want to run for the Oregon Legislature? You’d better be able to get your hands on at least a quarter of a million dollars.
A new report on 2008 campaign financing by the National Institute on Money in State Politics found that Oregon was one of the most expensive states in the country to run in.
Posted inNews
Last Band Standing Application Deadline Approaching!
There have been local talent shows and artist showcases in Bend before, but nothing like Last Band Standing, sponsored by Clear 101.7.