Thursday 7 Super Diamond TRIBUTE BAND—Neil Diamond is the man. You know this, we know this. So, if you’re feeling the need for some rock-hard Diamond shine, Super Diamond is one of the best tribute bands out there. As part of the Munch and Music free concert series, the combination of good food and free […]
Central Oregon
Go Here 7/6-7/13
Lavender In Bloom Central Oregon’s high desert environment allows for the cultivation of some of the most beautiful and unique floral life in the world. Budding and seasoned florists can get a dose of that wildlife at Tumalo Lavender Farm. The farm grows the calming, purple flower, which reaches full bloom in mid-July. Visitors can […]
This Is Your Brain on Drugs
Alzheimer’s disease is set to join epilepsy, cancer, chronic pain, and several other illnesses on the list of medical conditions that cannabis may treat, according to a new study from the Salk Institute. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gradually robs the sufferer of the ability to think and remember things, ending in dementia, social […]
Enduring the High Cascades
With its mix of mountainous terrain and high desert flatlands, Bend is a mountain biker’s paradise. The trails here offer a variety of challenges and sights, and their abundance makes it easy for riders to spend at least a week exploring all of them. Or, they can compete in The High Cascades 100 and see […]
Will Brexit Benefit Our Local Housing Market?
Last week’s British vote to exit the European Union may have beneficial effects on our real estate market because of the effect on mortgage interest rates. Various blogs from the National Association of Realtors, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, to name just a few, are reporting some optimistic news. The Wall Street Journal on June […]
Side Notes 7/6-7/13
Drones and Wildfires Don’t Mix Recreational drone enthusiasts looking to get an aerial shot of a blazing wildfire should stay far, far away, according to Oregon officials who point out that operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a Temporary Flight Restriction zone—such as in an active wildfire area—is punishable under state and federal law. In […]
Behind the Mask
Writing a story about Buckethead is like trying to do an expose on the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. People know Buckethead exists and that he has a real name, but he hasn’t done an interview in a decade and doesn't talk to many people in general. I knew a phone or Skype interview would […]
Latinos Rising
Locals shouldn’t be surprised by recently released U.S. census data showing consistently growing Latino populations in Bend, Deschutes County, and Oregon. After all, Spanish-speaking peoples settled this region in the-mid 1800s, long before other European cultures. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population in Deschutes County increased by 18.6 percent between 2010 and […]
Murder Party 2016
You had one job, “The Purge: Election Year,” just one. You either needed to be a schlocky gorefest that painted America as a candy-colored nightmare of xenophobia and fear or a smartly satirical look at the worst case scenario of Trump’s America. You failed at both, “Purge,” and I hope you feel bad about it. […]
Irreverent Commentary Makes Bad Movies Hilarious
Bendites who miss Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) are in for a real treat. For those few unfortunate individuals who have never seen the cult classic television show, it starred Joel Hodgson as a janitor trapped on The Satellite of Love by a couple of mad scientists who wanted to rule the world. Along with […]

