Wide-eyed, a panhandler in the Bend Redemption Center parking lot declared that a secret shadow government in Portland runs the statewide BottleDrop recycling program as part of a nefarious plot to control the population. With such an informational murkiness encircling the BottleDrop from local to state levels, this man isn’t alone in offering crackpot theories. […]
Redemption Versus Revitalization: Bend’s ‘BottleDrop Problem’
Posted inFood & Drink
Après Ski Spots Around Town
In Central Oregon, après ski refers to more than winter happy hour deals rebranded with a French preposition and a cool accent. The post-mountain libations, slurped early and fervently, indicate a lifestyle shift that the wisest among us make each winter. During these dark months, outdoor activities are best staged just before the sun comes […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Nihilist’s Guide to Drinking in 2026
The federal government’s new dietary guidelines arrived earlier this month, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has flipped the food pyramid on its head. Americans need to eat more beef! And mix more cheese, butter and whole milk into everything we eat. Interestingly, though, and enthusiastic drinkers, take heed: The recommendations regarding alcohol are […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bingo, Bingo and Oh Yeah, Trivia!
Looking for a fun outing with friends that doesn’t involve screen time? How about some bingo?Playing bingo with friends and family combines anticipation and social connection in a way that makes it enjoyable for everyone. The rules of bingo are simple and straightforward. Large groups can relax and socialize while waiting for their numbers to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Paint & Sip
Sometimes you just want to hang out with your gal pals, sip a beverage of your choice and share a fun activity together. Wine & Paint nights are popping up all over town. It doesn’t matter if you can’t paint, that’s not the point. It’s a monthly event at the Winery at Manzanita in Bend. […]
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of Jan 29
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In ecology, there’s a concept called “keystone species.” This refers to organisms that have a huge effect on their environment relative to their abundance. Remove them, and the whole ecosystem shifts. I bring this up, Aquarius, because I believe you are currently functioning as a keystone species in your social ecosystem. […]
Posted inMusic
From Punk to Grindcore—Heavy Metal Hitting Silver Moon
Crashing beats. Roaring vocals. Rushing melodies. People often group heavy metal music into a mixed heap of fast, thundering music. But if you listen to the five bands playing on Feb. 6 at Silver Moon Brewing, you will hear distinct styles and sub-genres, blending inspirations from hip-hop to death metal. Spina, Nerve Damage, Weapon World, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Where to Watch Your Favorite Teams in Action
So where’s the best bar/brewery/food cart lot in Central Oregon to watch your favorite televised sporting events? There are so many that it’s like asking where’s the best place to go for a hike, bike ride, float, swim, ski, snowshoe, well, you get the idea. It’s no secret that Central Oregon has a plethora of […]
Posted inFilm
Snubs, Marketing Budgets and Future Classics
Here’s how I know my brain is a giant old warehouse full of contradictions, out-of-print VHS tapes and Drew Struzan movie posters: I hold space for the two competing thoughts that the Oscars are an out-of-touch racket that only celebrates films with marketing budgets in the tens of millions, while also obsessively theorizing for weeks […]
Posted inLocal News
New Year, New Look: City of Bend’s Website Gets a Redesign
On Jan. 26, the City of Bend unveiled its new website to the public. With big, bubbly visuals, a prominent search bar atop the homepage, and revamped menu organization across the board, the new bendoregon.gov is quite a departure from the previous iteration. The redesign project began in the summer of 2024 when the City issued […]