It is difficult to go into a film released by Pixar Animation Studios without abnormally high expectations. While not every single one of their films is an outright classic, they have had only one full-blown misfire in their filmography with “Cars 2.” Even though these are basically categorized as animated films for children, Pixar has […]
Pacific Northwest
Beer Fans’ New Market of Choice
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Market of Choice, the upscale supermarket that opened near the Old Mill off NW Sizemore last week, completely changes the beer distribution picture in Central Oregon. “Our aim is to provide the best experience we can with the beer and wine we offer,” says Cameron Webster, manager of […]
Microsoft is Ready to Make Money From Weed
It is often said that making money is one of the oldest highs. That might be the mantra of tech giant Microsoft, now peddling products ranging from PowerPoint to pot. This week, Microsoft welcomed cannabis business compliance company KIND Financial to its Azure Government cloud platform. The pioneering, Seattle-based company becomes the first major tech […]
Chucks in Public Places
The farmers hate them, the ranchers want them gone, but the kids just can’t get enough of the furry little guys. Regardless of how the residents of Redmond feel about rock chucks, no one can argue that their prevalence makes them the perfect mascot for the Redmond community, which is why they were chosen as […]
Never the Same Show Twice
I’ve never seen Widespread Panic live, but apparently that’s the only way to really experience what they’ve got going on. Like Phish or the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic’s music is more complex than the average jam band and the sound is just as playful and digressive. According to guitarist/singer John Bell, they never play the […]
Mt. Bachelor Riverhouse Jazz
With Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock just a short drive a way—and an excess of lakes, hiking trails, and high desert forest areas to explore—Bend is a dream come true for the active, athletic, and outdoorsy. While nature enthusiasts flock to the area from all over the U.S. for camping, climbing, and skiing, Bend has […]
Persistence Pays Off for The Receiver
The Receiver, a synth-pop-centered duo from Columbus, Ohio, had to go quite a ways to get a stalled career restarted: all the way to England, in fact. Things got off to a reasonable enough start when brothers Casey Cooper (vocals/keyboards/bass) and Jesse Cooper (drums/vocals) started out a decade ago as The Receiver. Signed to a […]
Smile! You’re On Candid Camera!
Everyone knows that delightful catchphrase: “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!” Or, at least, I think everyone does. If you don’t, you are truly missing out on some good ol’ fashioned classic American television. Candid Camera is often credited (and blamed) for many of today’s popular reality TV shows, primarily ones that involve hidden pranks on […]
Mirror Pond Dam
Now that PacificPower has announced it's planning to keep the Mirror Pond dam after all, we can all breath a temporary sigh of relief. While in some quarters this decision by the energy company has upended the apple cart of “progress” on Mirror Pond, for those who share the sentiment that the best solution for […]
Businesses Warming Up to Local Climate Change Resolution
A resolution presented before the Bend City Council is looking to effect environmental change locally, but has been causing controversy due to the way it was introduced. The resolution for climate action was originally introduced as an ordinance before the city council—something that did not sit well with local business advocates. The most recent language […]

