Last week, in the span of a few days, my daughter and two friends reached out, asking, “What should I read next?” This isn’t the first time I’ve been asked for a book recommendation. I do work in a bookstore, after all, and yet, each time, I get a little thrill. Books are a matter […]
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Posted inCulture
Formulaic One
"F1" stays in its lane
There’s nothing really that wrong with “F1,” the new film from Joseph Kosinski, the mastermind behind “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Tron: Legacy” and a few other films without colons. As someone with less than zero interest in Formula One racing, I found myself invested in the story, while still wishing the film would paint outside the […]
Posted inNews
Best of Central Oregon Readers’ Poll Voting Now Open!
Submit Your Votes Now!
Click Here to Vote Now! The Best of Central Oregon — the original, biggest and most popular readers’ poll in Central Oregon — is driven by the people who live here. Readers nominate their favorites, and then we count the votes and determine who readers supported the most. We don’t choose the candidates; you do! […]
Posted inCulture
The Extinction of Awe
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” fails to evolve
I don’t think this is much of a hot take, but here we go anyway: the only good Jurassic movies are the first two, the ones directed by Spielberg. I get that “Jurassic Park III,” “Jurassic World,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Jurassic World: Dominion” have their fans and I’m sure that if you were a […]
Posted inCulture
“Welcome the Night”
High Desert Museum celebrates critters of the night
Several ecosystems begin to stir on land and in the air once the sun goes down. Most people don’t notice or are surrounded by too much artificial light to witness it. The High Desert Museum is offering a chance to “Welcome the Night.” The family friendly event on July 16 is an opportunity to discover […]
Posted inNews
I Want My Cannabis Social Lounge!
Tokers wish to be treated on par with users of alcohol
As Oregon hits the 10-year mark this month for its Adult Use cannabis program, the most frustrating aspect is where within Pacific Wonderland one may legally consume cannabis. The short answer is within your home, or front/back yard, provided you have a fence or other view blocking structures. This is to prevent those under the […]
Posted inCulture
Robopocalypse
A Musical Sci-Fi Puppet Invasion Hits Bend at the Domino Room
Music! Horror! Science Fiction! Puppets! Yes, puppets are coming to Bend on Aug. 7 to showcase their new musical, Robopocalypse and this isn’t your average puppet show! Fresh off their celebrated and widely popular national tour, Puppeteers for Fears, brings their premiere all-puppet horror and science fiction musical comedy troupe to Bend, presenting a terrifying […]
Posted inMusic
Cascade Equinox Festival
Musical Magic Reigns at this Grand Event
Brace yourselves, music lovers! As it kicks off its third year, Cascade Equinox Festival is preparing for its most electrifying edition yet, making its triumphant return to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond this September. Celebrated for its diverse programming and captivating experiences, the festival takes an exciting, fresh direction in 2025, pivoting toward a […]
Posted inNews
Freedom Cities: Deregulating “The American Dream”
As policy groups push for less-regulated “Freedom Cities” on public lands, with some outside of Bend and Redmond, locals grapple with the idea of public land sales
Revitalization. Prosperity. Innovation. These are all words some policy groups have used to describe a concept they’re calling “Freedom Cities” — an idea that proposes to create new urban districts on underutilized public lands. The idea, in concept, is that the areas would allow for accelerated and affordable housing, as well as advancements in manufacturing, […]
Posted inNews
Gov. Kotek signs Executive Order Setting a Statewide Standard for Cell Phone Use in Schools
The order comes after the failure of a similar bill in the 2025 Legislative Session
The following is a news release from the Governor’s office: Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-09, which aims to improve student educational outcomes and mental wellbeing across the state by prohibiting cell phone use by students during the school day in Oregon’s K-12 public schools. Model policies for schools that already have prohibitions […]