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11:41
Zombie Bear takes a Field Trip
» Karen DuvallI just may make Zombie Bear my official mascot. Ha! I had fun with him this week and took him on a field trip with on one of my other characters. This is like a story in pictures. The two visit the local clinic and find a few surprises while they're there. This was an experiment in lighting techniques done in a 3D environment.
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9:59
Mississippi’s second brewery
» The Brew SiteOne of my favorite sessions at last summer’s Beer Bloggers Conference was the one about beer laws, and in particular Craig Hendry’s work in Mississippi with Raise Your Pints, an organization whose goal is to get the state Mississippi to raise the alcohol limit on beer and to legalize homebrewing. A surprising takeaway from that was the fact that Mississippi only has one production brewery, and one brewpub, in the entire state.
Word hit this week than a new brewery is looking to get started in Mississippi, in the Jackson metro area, which would have the distinction of being only the second production brewery in the state: Lucky Town Brewing Company. Event Directory Angela Blackburn sent out an email to (presumably) bloggers detailing the brewery and linking to a Kickstarter project they’ve started to help raise seed money.Lucky Town Brewing Company is a new planned brewery in Mississippi, and although there is no brewery within 150 miles of Jackson, the craft beer community here is thriving. As many of you know, Mississippi suffers from some of the strictest beer legislation in the country, which is one reason why there is only one production brewery located in Mississippi currently. Since the laws do not allow for many to bring their beer to Mississippi, we at Lucky Town intend to give the local craft beer enthusiasts a broader choice.
And:
Lucky Town’s ultimate goal is to stay true to our home-brewing roots by producing unique, artisanal, handcrafted ales and lagers. We intend to offer at least four year round beers that will roll out in pairs, but we also will be releasing small batch brews throughout the year that will be available in smaller quantities. Small batching will allow us more freedom to experiment with ingredients not normally found in beer that you find in Mississippi, providing for an ever-evolving product range rather than a fixed seasonal schedule. Examples include the southern pit barbeque inspired stout called “Stout of the Rising Sun” which uses smoked grains combined with roasted jalapenos and Lucky Town’s unique take on a winter warmer called “What the Elf?” that has cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange peel, figs and vanilla in it to give it a wonderful holiday flavor. Along with these will be the small batch Kaizen Saison, an ever evolving beer used to explore new flavor profiles and push the limits of what beer can be. We will never shy away from using non-traditional ingredients. Expect plenty of things aged in unique barrels, including sour beers that will spend as much as 3 years in the barrel getting funky.
They are looking to raise $20,000, and as of this writing they’ve raised over $7500 and still have 44 days to go. (And, I’m still extremely fascinated with the growing use of Kickstarter to fund beer projects; more on that down the road.)
I think right now it must be something between an exciting and a stressful time for the craft beer community in Mississippi, and it’s definitely interesting to watch it develop (even from afar). Let’s hope Lucky Town reaches its goal and becomes Mississippi’s number two!
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9:46 Getting serious about finishing.
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadI took a stab at putting my book, I'M ONLY HUMAN, into a second draft yesterday.
Changed it quite a bit. Put a 'floating' chapter in as the 2nd Chapter. Cut about half the original 2nd chapter and made it the 3rd chapter, and moved the 3rd chapter to the 11th chapter. Cut the 4th Chapter.
Cut quite a few duplicate explications. (Going to explain less, and hope the story shows it.)
Simplified some of the terminology.
The willingness to cut one's "precious" words is the hallmark of a serious writer, in my opinion. It means I'm getting serious about getting it into readable form, even if I have to cut out some really nice sentences, paragraphs and pages.
(At least four chapters can be used for the prequel, which I've already got in mind.)
Since it turns out to be flashback heavy (seems unavoidable for an eternal protagonist...) I've decided to title each chapter, and put in timestamps where necessary. (NEW YORK, 1845.)
I wrote a few simplified bridging scenes.
Anyway, got as far as the 11th chapter. Pushed the wrong button, and it disappeared!
Then spent two hours trying to find it again. (Yes, I tried everything -- dropbox, trash, everything. I even read the damn manual. ugh.)
Got really angry, then depressed. Almost any of the other chapters I could have reproduced. (I'm keeping the first draft intact in case this second version just doesn't work.)
Anyway, it was VERY UNSETTLING and pretty much destroyed any momentum I had. Went to bed unsettled and still feel unsettled this morning.
So, I'm going to try to reproduce the Chapter 11 today -- but not slave over it. Then move on to getting the rest of the book in the proper order.
THEN: I can get serious about revising the actual words.
As I mentioned: I feel like I've now fleshed out this world, ironed out the rules of engagement, created the characters. But I did this by writing the book. Now as I read the first draft, I can see where I was feeling my way into this fleshing out, and many of the explanations have been slightly changed or are unnecessary.
The rules should go into the background, to be abided by, but only hinted at.
I also sort of figured out the themes. Which I want to play up in the second draft.
Big signs over my desk.
Theme #1. HUMANS ARE STRANGE. As the main protagonist, Kobb, "becomes human" I want to highlight all the strange things about being human, make little remarks about human behavior.
Theme #2. WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE? So the main human emotion the protagonist learns is Love. So I want to show a Love story.
Theme #3. THE WEIRD MENAGERIE. It turns out, that Kobb is "The Protector" of creatures, great and small, in both his world and ours. Want to show these creatures, and how he has tried to save them.
I've included several scenes with historical characters who are famous writers. I want to do some research on these writers, and put some of their own words in their mouths and just try to make them believable. (As well as historical verisimilitude in the settings.)
At this point, it's very hard for me to get a sense of the flow of the book, and I'm doing it by instinct. This "feels" right here, this "feels" right there. I'm trying hard not to get to that point where I simply can't see the book anymore with fresh eyes. But this point is unavoidable, as far as I can tell, and I just have to have faith in my original vision.
Hey, if it doesn't work, it's been another learning experience, which I intend to apply toward the next effort.
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8:54
Giving The Source the “Boot” …
» Homeless on the High DesertThis week’s The Source gives Greg Walden “The Boot”. I won’t respond directly because 1) there is little difference between The Source and the Bend Bullshiten (they’re both in it for the advertisement dollars, not news or information), and 2) its halls are populated by the very same snot-nosed trolls that forced us to shut down [...]
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7:55
Another Sad Sign of The Times
» Pro Nature PhotographerWhen photographers require expensive equipment to create 'quality images' as they require, insurance, gas to get there, and enough money to 'have a life', assignments like this wont get you there nor keep you in business.
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7:09
Having Fun in the Studio
» L. Gruger Whimsical Art and Travels BlogMy new studio is shaping up. I’m working on some paintings that I started a while ago but got interrupted because of our move to Prescott, AZ. Now I can finally get back to them! Yay! I’m working on some mini’s and some pieces on paper.
What are you working on?
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23:09
Phyllo plus curried potatoes = Samosas!
» Memory MonsterLittle step-girl and I made our first recipe from The 30-Minute Vegan’s Taste of the East tonight: Samosas! It was a fun project to do together. They turned out great, in spite of my not having mustard seeds or curry leaves. (Alas, no photos). It was my first experience with phyllo pastry sheets. The recipe is [...]
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21:59
This Is (Not) Grass
» Bend Light
Scarcity brings out the fundamentals in a personality. I will use myself as an example, although I could refer to others in my life as well, “ex” people of several varieties, wives and business partners come to mind–these darker sides come out as people are leaving my life, I guess, or I maybe bring it out in them. Even if I do bring it out, I didn’t make them that way. Maybe no one did. A person who I thought I knew is completely different when things get tight. I bring it out in me too. I usually find that I am short on space or time. I contract, retreat. In the past when this went on long enough my depression or frustration would leak out as destruction–self, relationships, whatever. Now I try to ask for time or space to recharge. I do this blog, write or take photos. I fill the scarcity with the better side of me. Then I feel. Better.
I have said many times here that I have trouble with feeling things. I can literally feel nothing at times. Is that possible? Can I be blank? It is not unpleasant, but it is odd. We are emotional beings. I see it in my son. Feelings, like a river, flow through him. Thoughts however, do not. As thoughts come, the feelings have a hard time getting space. I misplace my feelings and I think my thoughts are feelings. I watch you all very carefully and I can tell you what I should be feeling. What should be feelings can be observations. It is hard to have thoughts and feelings at the same time. Since my brain thinks all the time, I have to ask it to quiet itself so I can have a feeling. These crazy conversations in me. How does this happen? Who is having these discussions. The me looking at me thinking of you, feeling for whom, living this life. As my boy finds his brain, which is really beautiful to see, his ability to have the flows of emotions will diminish. I know now that a human who does not feel his feelings will end up with distorted bubbles of emotions stuck inside him, but the brain does not give a shit. It thinks and thinks and it is good at it and it is very interesting too, in a way. I have to talk myself in to having feelings sometimes. If I don’t I miss out on love from my wife and love for my wife, joy with my son, satisfaction with work, with beauty. I rail against this tendency to see the world as a puzzle constantly. I do this because I can’t do anything else. I have to have my heart in order to have yours. My brain can’t be two things, like this crazy blue plastic grass someone planted can’t be real green grass. I look at my son at marvel at his open heart but I know his brain, his mind, is doing push ups, getting strong and waiting for him, with all its power and it downfalls. His work, like mine, is to know himself, head and heart. My job is to teach him generosity and honesty with both.
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21:25
Swiss Pear Flat Style Tatting Shuttle with Carved Rose Motif
» Grizzly Mountain Arts
Swiss Pear was the wood chosen by Dave to create this beautiful 3 1/4 inch long flat style tatting shuttle. He has carved his signature rose and leaf motif onto one side, and painted it with acrylic paint. Diamond glaze was used to seal the paint to protect it from wear. Beeswax was used to finish this shuttle. You can find this little beauty for sale in our Etsy shop.
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18:21
I just earned the ‘I Believe i…
» A Family Far AfieldI just earned the ‘I Believe in IPA! (Level 3)’ badge on @untappd from Hoptopia! [t.co] #ibelieveinIPA
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18:19
Short Rib Recipe for Winter Braising
» The Jackalope Grill BlogHere is a link to one of my favorite rib recipes. The flavors meld together in totally unexpected ways.
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18:05
Call for Suggestion: Cabin
» Jack and Mrs. Elliott Move to Bend
My birthday is coming up in March -- another year older! Not necessarily wiser.
I would like to find a nice cabin near Bend or Sisters or Sunriver or Maupin to rent for a couple nights, and I'm looking for suggestions.
Not resorty, I don't want a place that feels hoity-toity, don't want a spa or a restaurant, don't even want housekeepers. No one knocking on the door to change the towels, just a basic kitchen and a pile of firewood.
It could be part of a lodge, it could be just one of a string of fishing cabins; I do want a place with staff, it being March and no telling what the weather might do.
Clean, snuggy, no highway noise; a pretty location, and a sense of privacy, a place where a fellow can be alone with his thoughts.
If you know a place that sounds like this, click on the "comment" button (below). I won't publish your post unless you ask me to. Otherwise, it's a private message. Thank you.
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3 Courses $30: Tuesday Jan 31st Customer Appreciation Dinner
» The Jackalope Grill BlogWe will open the meal with a bowl of my hearty winter vegetable soup Next we will serve the classic Veal Saltimbocca with creamy polenta and wilted greens. Saltimbocca is made by securing a slice of procuitto and a fresh sage leaf to the top of a veal cutlet. It is quickly sauteed and served with a quick pan sauce. To finish the meal, our dessert is a wine poached pear served warm with mascarpone cream and marzipan.
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17:02
The Apple of our eyes
» Bend OR Bust
From The Telegraph
We all were wowed this week when Apple reported profits of $1 billion a week for its latest quarter, "blowing past Wall Street expectations on robust holiday sales of its iPhones and iPads," gushed MSNBC online.
From October through December, Apple sold 37 million iPhones and 15 million iPads.
Incredible numbers for incredible, must-have products.
It's a sign of American ingenuity and a rare source of pride during these tough economic times.
Coincidentally, the New York Times has a series this week about "The iEconomy" that everyone should read.
Beware, though, the stories are devastating. They call into question our values, priorities and the nature of capitalism itself.
Although, the series focuses on Apple products, the same could be said about our televisions, video game consoles, clothes and much of the produce we eat.
Much of our well-being these days, unlike in the 1950s, is dependent upon the terrible exploitation of others.
But, Apple is by far the richest, most glamorous player these days and so it gets the scrutiny in the media. As well it should.
For a time Wednesday, Apple was a more valuable company than Exxon Mobil.
The Times' first article focuses on the iPhone and probes the reason why Apple products will never be made in America again. The second article is headlined: "In China, Human Costs are Built Into an iPad."
"Last year, (Apple) earned over $400,000 in profit per employee, more than Goldman Sachs, Exxon Mobil or Google," the story notes.
Apple employs 43,000 in the U.S. and 20,000 overseas. But, Apple contractors, primarily in China, employ 700,000.
China's Foxconn City, where the iPhone is assembled, has "230,000 employees, many working six days a week, often spending up to 12 hours a day at the plant. Over a quarter of Foxconn's work force lives in company barracks and many workers earn less than $17 a day."
In 2007, when Steve Jobs demanded a glass screen for the iPhone, it forced a scramble.
From the Times' article:
"... after a month of experimentation, Apple’s engineers finally perfected a method for cutting strengthened glass so it could be used in the iPhone’s screen. The first truckloads of cut glass arrived at Foxconn City in the dead of night, according to the former Apple executive. That’s when managers woke thousands of workers, who crawled into their uniforms — white and black shirts for men, red for women — and quickly lined up to assemble, by hand, the phones. Within three months, Apple had sold one million iPhones. Since then, Foxconn has assembled over 200 million more."
Working conditions are hazardous with toxic chemicals, dust and smoke.
“We’re trying really hard to make things better,” said one former Apple executive in the second Times' piece. “But most people would still be really disturbed if they saw where their iPhone comes from.”
Unions, by the way, are illegal in China. In other words, Republicans here consider China an employers' paradise.
“Apple never cared about anything other than increasing product quality and decreasing production cost,” said Li Mingqi, who until April worked in management at Foxconn Technology, one of Apple’s most important manufacturing partners. “Workers’ welfare has nothing to do with their interests,” he said in the Times.The second Times' article notes “... right now, customers care more about a new iPhone than working conditions in China.”
Is it any wonder then that at one Foxconn plant the worker turnover rate is 24,000 -- each month.
It was either quit or commit suicide. In fact, suicide is a way out for some workers.
This from The Telegraph in England:
"A suicide cluster in 2010 saw 18 workers throw themselves from the tops of the company's buildings, with 14 deaths.
"In the aftermath of the suicides, Foxconn installed safety nets in some of its factories and hired counselors to help its workers."
But, employees figured out that threatening suicide was a way to improve their lot in life.
Earlier this month, about 300 workers at a Foxconn Xbox factory in Wuhan threatened mass suicide unless their wage demands were met. Apparently, they were met since the workers didn't kill themselves.
The Times series goes into great detail how the economies of scale and supply chains in China mean that it will rule this iEconomy for years to come. Plus, China has four times the population of the U.S., so it stands to reason that it will always have bodies to fill its factories.
Again from the Times' story:
"It is hard to estimate how much more it would cost to build iPhones in the United States. However, various academics and manufacturing analysts estimate that because labor is such a small part of technology manufacturing, paying American wages would add up to $65 to each iPhone’s expense. Since Apple’s profits are often hundreds of dollars per phone, building domestically, in theory, would still give the company a healthy reward."
But, profit margin is what drives the stock market price of Apple and there is no incentive to decrease that margin, only increase it.
“We shouldn’t be criticized for using Chinese workers,” a current Apple executive said. “The U.S. has stopped producing people with the skills we need.”
What he meant was that we no longer produce people willing to work 12-hour shifts, six days a week at any hour for $17 a day.
Meanwhile, Tim Cook, Apple's new CEO, made $59 million in 2010. He was also given stock grants, vested over 10 years, which today would be worth more than $430 million.
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16:29
Inspiration and Aspiration – The sunset
» Kamini's Bellydance BlogInspiration and Aspiration – The sunset that inspired me on my walk home in mid-January. Continue reading [ow.ly]
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16:23
Rockin' Robin
» As I See ItLately it seems like robins have been everywhere! Yet, even with that being the case, I had a heck of a time getting a good close-up of the beautiful bird. Hopefully soon I can get a more exciting "action picture" of the birds, but for now this will do!
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15:18
Bend Condos For Sale
» Central Oregon Real Estate BlogLooking for a condominium in Bend? The choices are endless, from the Old Mill to Inn of The Seventh Mountain, on the Deschutes River or near St. Charles the choices are endless. Pricing of condos in Bend is as varies as the locations, you can find condos in Bend any where from $50,000 (occasionally under) to almost a million.
Remember when purchasing a condo you will want to know a few details about the Home Owners Association (HOA) what the fees are, what those fees cover and so on. One of the most popular features of a condo vs a home is that the HOA almost always covers the insurance on the structure and the exterior maintenance.
Your List of Bend Condos For Sale (click for full list)
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14:31
The Problem With Real Estate For TV.
» Fred Real Estate GroupI happened to be watching HGTV last weekend, as I often do. And, also as I often do, found myself shouting out loud at the TV. Why? Well, because I just couldn’t stand how the particular show I was watching was portraying the whole house buying process. Then, coincidentally, as I was reading through news [...]
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13:32
A Quick & Comprehensive Type Guide
» Jane Johnson PhotographyI’ve seen this floating around various websites for awhile now, and love how simply and succinctly typography is summed up. Apparently created by a mystery designer, this guide is a wonderful tool to help define the style of typography you’re looking for in your branding. It also helps that it’s pretty. Happy Friday!
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11:15
Watch 100 Drivers in 24 Porsche 911s Race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Live
» Downshift![[+]](http://drive.porsche.com/us/sites/default/files/imagecache/Huge/images/en-US-pcna/100903_0.jpg)
Reverence for the past while chronicling the present best describe SPEED TV’s upcoming live, multi-platform coverage from this year’s historic 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona. The broadcast from Daytona International Speedway begins Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT, with green-flag action following at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
In total, SPEED and SPEED.com are covering more than 25 hours of activity starting with a one-hour, pre-race show featuring all the great heroes, cars and festivities that have helped color this great event for the past 50 years. Then at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT, duties are handed off to SPEED.com, where strategically positioned cameras and a live timing-and-scoring ticker keep overnight action up to date. On Sunday morning (Jan. 29), starting at 9 a.m. ET/ 6 a.m. PT, SPEED rejoins the race with full production to its conclusion.
Here’s the schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 28
Pre-Race: 50th Anniversary Celebration 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Live)
Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona 3:30 – 11 p.m. (Live)
Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. (SPEED.com; Live)Sunday, Jan. 29
via drive.porsche.com
Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Live)
![[+]](http://drive.porsche.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/Gallery/images/en-US-pcna/100903_0.jpg)
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11:12
Are you ready for WinterFest in Bend, Oregon?
» The Bend Buzz Blog
Here in Bend, Oregon, we don’t just celebrate winter. We throw a massive party for it, complete with food, live music, snow sculptures, ice carving, kids’ games, RailJam, and a lot more.I’m talking about Bend WinterFest, and the fact that we’re rapidly approaching the next installment of this unique annual event. WinterFest kicks off on Friday, February 17 and lasts through Sunday, February 19. You can find a complete schedule of events online, but here’s what looks hot to me:
Calling All Snow WarriorsNew this year, Snow Warriors is an outrageous, fun, and challenging event that’s not for the faint of heart. Participants start out sprinting through a course with crazy obstacles and terrain that includes mud, snow, and ice. The ultimate finish includes a climb up and slide down the WinterFest RailJam. The $40 pre-registration fee includes a WinterFest pass, a custom Blackstrap beanie, free beer ticket at the finish line for 21+ participants, and of course, a slide down the RailJam. You can register online or learn more about this super fun event here.
Make Music!
Fun for the Young’uns
The music at WinterFest is always terrific, but I hope no one minds me saying this looks like the best lineup they’ve ever had. On Friday night, the main stage will feature Larry and His Flask at 7 p.m. followed by MarchFourth Marching Band at 8:30 p.m. Later that night at the Century Center afterparty, Keys N Krates will take the stage at 11 p.m. for a show restricted to ages 21+. Saturday’s lineup is just as impressive, with MOsley WOtta kicking things off at the main stage at 7 p.m., followed by The Coup at 8:30 p.m. The Century Center afterparty that night will feature Buck 65 at 11 p.m. All shows are included with the price of your WinterFest pass, which can be purchased for $5 at OnPoint Community Credit Union in advance or $8 at the gate. Get the scoop on where to get your pass right here.Are the kids disappointed because you can’t make it up to the mountain? WinterFest will bring the mountain to you!
Did Someone Say Wine?
The Kids Snow Games area is a large “snow-box” where kids can make snowmen, snow angels, and frolic to their heart’s desire. The area is packed with oodles of snow toys, and REI will make a life-sized igloo and offer interactive demonstrations throughout the weekend. If you’re in more of a “look but don’t touch” mode, don’t forget to check out the snow sculptures at every WinterFest entrance. You can also watch the ice carving shows on Friday evening and Saturday morning, or check out the sculptures anytime after that.I confess, this is the WinterFest feature I’m most excited about. From 5-9 p.m. on Friday, the Shops in the Old Mill will be transformed into a mecca for fine wines. For just $15 with your WinterFest pass (or $20 without) you’ll get a commemorative wine glass and ten tasting tickets. Stroll between the shops and sample fabulous wines. The event is sponsored by Trinchero Family Estates (the guys responsible for Ménage à Trois and lots of other great wines) so know the selections will be good. Bottoms up!
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10:49
Afraid of Color? Is it Chromophobia or a Fear of Expensive Mistakes?
» Color Conversations with Cristina
Paint color sample swatches can be overwhelming. Take time to create a color plan and choosing all of your paint, textile and surface colors will be easier.
There is nothing wrong with white walls. Let’s just get that out there. Though white isn’t a “color” on the color wheel, it certainly is a paint color, and one that many people love. But if the only reason you have white walls is because you’re afraid of color, you may have a touch of chromophobia or “fear of colors”.
Or maybe you just have a fear of making expensive mistakes with paint color. That’s more often the case.
Although paint is often touted as a cheap and easy interior design fix, in reality painting your home can be a big and messy project. With paint prices between $20 – $60 per gallon, plus the cost of application, color mistakes add up fast.
And now is where I usually say, “Which is why you need a color consultant.” But not everybody can afford or find the right color consultant.
So, what should you do if you are determined to create your own paint color plan? Here are some color choosing tips if you’re looking to freshen a room with color:
- Take time collecting samples of colors you love. Look outside of paint store swatches to the ordinary things in your life that you enjoy. The color of your morning latte may be your best soothing warm brown color.
- Assemble your samples of the colors you love with samples of the colors in your room that you have to live with, like that ugly tile or flooring you can’t afford to replace.
- Now, using a paint store fan deck, look for a way to bridge the colors you love with the colors you are stuck with. A “bridge” color is my way to describe a color that is a version of what you love, that will work with what you have.
- Give yourself time with your color choices before you ask for anyone elses opinion.
- Life is short, live with the colors you love. (And that includes white!)
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10:36
Friday fuds.
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadI always figured it was unlikely the state would do anything to drive away Facebook. But I suppose it had to be processed.
You win again, Facebook!
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Why doesn't the Deschutes Pub expansion seem an overreach, when I remember thinking that Merinda was?
Because it's a proven success, I suppose.
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Managed to insult a builder yesterday, without meaning to. What's next, bankers?
Bankers are people too.
I suppose you can't write anything without bleaching it to a pure bland without risking a little bit of misunderstanding.
So my snarky remark was: "They are the absolute LAST PEOPLE ON EARTH I'd ask for an honest opinion."
To which Builder Dude expresses mock disappointment in the comments. "Awww.....Shucks...."
Then I ask Builder Dude: "So....how's the building going?"
He answers: "Could be better....but it's been worse."
You know what? I believe him.
Queue one of my favorite sayings:
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day..." Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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Online reviews are bunk?
Who'd have thunk it?
Well, obviously, it's easily manipulated. And even when it's not, the strongest opinions -- fair or not -- will out.
I know my own experiences have been completely contradicted by what I read online -- both positive and negative.
So....bunk. Total, useless bunk.
This is one of those cases where the internet isn't going to be able to replace a journalistically independent reviewer. (Among other things.)
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9:50
Dawn Patrol. Double Thumbs Up.
» Bend and Beyond
My alarm startled me this morning, it rang earlier than normal. It took me a moment to realize why I was getting up so early. Then I remembered… DAWN PATROL. Last winter, early morning skate skiing adventures were not uncommon – this year, not so much. My cyclocross season didn’t come to a close until the first week of January and the snow has been less than stellar. The idea of getting up early to brave the dark and cold is daunting, especially when you don’t know about the snow conditions; but after reading the Meissner Nordic Facebook Page last night, I was determined to make a go of it.
Equipped with a headlamp and lobster gloves, I headed out – and I was rewarded. I skied alone. No other cars in the parking lot, not another soul to be seen. The stars were bright, the snow glittered, my face was freezing and I was having the best time. A little bit of the day that was all mine. I felt like I just got a VIP pass to “my own private Bend”.Meissner Nordic Community Ski TrailsAttention all dawn patrollers and early morning Meissner Nordic skiers. Get your bases waxed (evening temps in the low teens) tonight because the'll be some sweet corduroy awaiting you first thing tomorrow morning. Don't worry about which trails to ski, or chasing down the snocat, because they all will be groomed and Jake will be long gone by the time you get there. I expect conditions to be very good tomorrow for most of the day. I hope you can get out there and enjoy your ski area and what promises to be a fine winter day.Cheers, Dale
The sun began to rise, the sky turned a purple-orange that no photo of mine could capture. I’ll leave that to the pros like Heidi and Matt. The snow was cold, too cold for my wax, but I didn’t care. I skied until I had to head back – work was calling. I glided toward the parking lot and in the distance, saw a few silhouettes. One belonged to Ben. He and a friend were just gearing up to head out on their own adventure – we exchanged a good morning hug and I headed back to town. The stream of cars in the opposite direction was constant.
I smiled to myself, I had had the whole place to myself.
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9:46
Weld Design Studio Sale
» High Desert Design Council, The Blog
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Save the Date!
» High Desert Design Council, The Blog
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Book Club Fun
» Karen Duvall
Book Club - That's me in front of the piano. Look at the window and you can see it was snowing.
I was fortunate to be invited to a book club meeting where the discussion book for this month was KNIGHT'S CURSE. I had a lovely time with these ladies, most of whom don't normally read urban fantasy. So they were introduced to a whole new experience in genre fiction.
Even though the genre was new, they all recognized the universal elements that comprise a character-rich story with a main character who struggles to adapt in a world she feels alienated from. Chalice's emotional growth toward becoming a woman, her determination to understand her roots and make it a part of her new life, and the dangers she faces as she works to achieve her freedom are all reflections of real life dilemmas. We had an interesting discussion.
I read a few pages from the first chapter of DARKEST KNIGHT, which won't be out until March 23 of this year. They gasped in all the right places so that was immensely satisfying for me. The book starts on a strong emotional note and picks up where KNIGHT'S CURSE left off. It was fun to offer them the first glimpse into the next tale.
It was also nice to have the opportunity to discuss the publishing process and what it's like to work with a good agent and a seasoned team of editors. I answered questions and was fed tasty goodies. The meeting was an enriching two hours long and I can hardly wait to do it again.
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Deschutes Pub grand reopening is just around the corner
» The Brew Site
The Deschutes Brewery Bend Pub is holding their grand (re)opening coming up this next Wednesday, February 1st—you’ll recall they closed down at the beginning of the month with a wall-smashing ceremony to finish the major expansion and remodel of the Pub—and owner Gary Fish waxed rhapsodic on their blog yesterday about the expandion and the fact that the Brewery has been holding a “soft opening” that’s been going on for about a week now.In the nearly 24 years our pub has been open here in Bend, one thing has been abundantly clear, we need more room! We need room in the dining room, as no one really wants to wait 2 hours for a table, and we need more room in our kitchen which was never intended to serve the volume of food that has been required of it over the more than two decades its been in existence.
The so-called “quiet opening” has been underway for four days. Preceded as it was by five days of “friends and family” meals intended to give our staff, with 50-odd newcomers (they’re not odd, the number is . . . ) the opportunity to hone their skills in the new space. All our regular friends have managed to find their way back after being turned away for the past 20 days. And, the deft touch of architect and contractor, owner and enthusiast have created a warmer, more welcoming space where our bar has always stood. Additionally, the new space is more; more spacious, more seats, more comfortable, more engaging, more artistic, more . . . well, just more! Whereas we are not done yet, we have more things to hang on the walls, more details of menu and service to work out, suffice it to say, we are very pleased with the results. Even our toughest customers are very pleased with our results (and that is a relief).
I have an opportunity to check the Pub out this weekend sometime, as well as attend a media event on the 31st for the re-opening. From what I’d already seen at the beginning of the month, though, I can already safely predict that the new expanded Pub and menu is going to be a big success.
Can’t wait to see it “live”!
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8:38
Mark Garbin @coherentcapital Talking Options Liquidity with Matt Davio @misstrade
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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7:54
Welcome Brandywine Valley Ski Club!
» Downtown BendHello visitors from the Dutch state! Welcome to Central Oregon! We are happy that you’ve come to ride Bachelor and enjoy our wonderful community.
As part of our welcome in Downtown Bend, we have arranged for over a dozen businesses to offer you specials, deals and fun stuff. A list will be posted here this weekend!
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7:49
Vince Vaccaro : The Fortress
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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7:02
Giant Loop Rider: Finnish Enduro Racer Fits Coyote Saddlebag on Yamaha WR 450 AND Harley-Davidson XR 1200
» Go Light. Go Fast.At the Swedish motorcyle show, I met this Finnish rider. He owns a Coyote Saddlebag and used it on his Six Days Enduro bike, a Yamaha WR 450 . . . until his sweet race bike was stolen. Luckily, his Coyote Saddlebag was not mounted on the bike when it was boosted. With his insurance money for the WR, he purchased a Harley-Davidson XR 1200 (he's owned 6 bikes in 10 years, he likes to mix it up). The question: Will the Coyote Saddlebag and Diablo Tank Bag fit the H-D? The answer: Yes! They both fit perfectly! We ran the tank bag harness straps under the tank to the opposite sides (a trick I learned from a Husqvarna TE610 owner).
FOR THE REST OF THE STORY, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINK. GiantLoopMoto.com.
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6:19
In 100 or Less: What Is That Smell?
» Scripted GeniusJan Ackerson, writer of the blog One Hundred Words, has a contest on her site that ends just after this weekend. She does an excellent job creating characters that would fill the pages of a novel, and it’s pretty cool to see how different each character is every day. The contest she has posted involves two decks of cards, gold and orange. I have drawn my two cards and have scripted my one hundred word tale as well. Please consider entering this contest, as well as sharing your insights in the comments. Also, enjoy the story…
The man ordered. She quickly looked beyond me with concern, then back at him. They are married. Their affection spoke volumes, and their rings confirmed. I guess people while they order. They tell me what they want to eat, and I observe who they are. I have pegged dozens in the past month alone. I jolted back to my senses when I heard her scream, in time to hear the bang and feel red splatter my chest. The shooter called her a whore. What is that smell? I couldn’t tell if it was the singed blood or the repugnant couple.Love it? Hate it? What backstory could you give these characters? Do you have a different tale from these cards?
PS – hope you enjoyed a short but worthy read. Have a nice weekend and I’ll see you Monday for Quitter!
You just finished reading In 100 or Less: What Is That Smell?! Consider leaving a comment!
Have you read the SG Terms of Service? It covers privacy, FTC disclosures, and more. Check out the Legal section of SG to get the skinny today.
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5:09
Go ahead and pick a couple of ...
» The gr8ful grindGo ahead and pick a couple of dahlias to finalize this week's bouquet. Montmartre hill in front of Basilica du Sacre Coeur, Paris, France; September, 2011.
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Giant Loop Tip: 2-Liter Fuel Bottle Fits In MoJavi Saddlebag
» Go Light. Go Fast.A Swedish customer who rides with the MoJavi Saddlebag on his Husaberg FE570 wanted to maximize his fuel carrying capacity without mounting aftermarket fuel tanks on his enduro bike. His solution: A 2-liter plastic fuel bottle in each side of his bag. Fits perfectly!
FOR THE REST OF THE STORY, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINK. GiantLoopMoto.com.
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4:48
Newt …
» Homeless on the High DesertIt’s almost as if Newt were the Democrats’ Manchurian Candidate. (video)
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4:34
Taxes walk …
» Homeless on the High DesertWillard apparently didn’t pay any taxes in 2009. On a quarter of a billion dollars.
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4:03
Money talks …
» Homeless on the High Desert“I am not here to cheer you up. The situation is about as serious and difficult as I’ve experienced in my career,” Soros tells Newsweek. “We are facing an extremely difficult time, comparable in many ways to the 1930s, the Great Depression. We are facing now a general retrenchment in the developed world, which threatens [...]
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Looking forward to experimenting with vegan Indian cuisine
» Memory MonsterI just got another of Mark Reinfeld’s cookbooks out from the library on my Kindle: The 30-Minute Vegan’s Taste of the East: 150 Asian-Inspired Recipes. The first section covers Indian foods, and I’ve been wanting to learn to cook some Indian dishes because I love the flavors. The recipes look very approachable so far, as they [...]
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20:51
wish list for valentine's day
» Pomegranate Seeds
We know choosing Valentine's gifts can be a little daunting, but we at Pomegranate are here to help, even if you just want a little something for a special person. How about a lovely French heart soap in lavender, lemongrass or tulip with some rosebuds, tucked into an organdy bag? Just $4.50. They're all wrapped up and ready to go. Oh, but we have other ideas, too. Fabulous lotions and perfumes, new totes, pillows, candles, cards, jewelry, champagne glasses... and my favorite, our new bike baskets (which you could fill with a nice selection of other goodies). Take a look at some of the pictures for a little taste of what we have (more coming in daily). We'll wrap it up for free, and you'll be a hero. Cheers!
New totes for travel and everyday
It's all beautiful
Cruising weather is coming!
You can't go wrong with our fun jewelry
Just add photos to the locket: great gift
One of our favorite handcreams, back in stock
Hand-carved Mary to watch over you
Cute and funky recycled metal animals
Chunky necklaces
Gorgeous perfume bottles
French script Scotty and pillows
Tea for one in a great box (one of Oprah's picks)
Tiramani perfume, lotion, talc – so citrusy and fresh
LOVE these winter white pillows created by two local artists
'Nuff said
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20:32
"Three Orange Cones" Monotype on Board 29"x24"
» Tracy Leagjeld Fine Art
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"Break Lights" Monotype on Board 29"x24"
» Tracy Leagjeld Fine Art
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19:48
Scott's Italian Country Chicken
» The Rural Gourmet
This is one of my favorite dishes! One winter, Sally and I rented a 100 year old farm house out near John Day, Oregon just to really get away. We had hoped to do some hiking and exploring but it rained so hard that the John Day river flooded, actually cresting over the highway in spots! Many fields were completely flooded! Growing up in the foothills of the Oregon Coast range, I saw a lot of flooding on the rainy side, but seeing it in Eastern Oregon was a memorable experience.
So staying inside really got me thinking about cooking. Before leaving, I packed a large cooler with lots of things in my fridge and pantry. I was looking for something hearty yet fresh tasting and I just started adding things I liked to eat. I created this dish on the house's wood fired cook stove while sipping a delicious big Italian red wine. If you watch the oil usage, it works on the Game On! Diet well too.
< Dish before sauce poured over top!
Ingredients (all amounts are estimates)
4 skinless chicken thighs
little olive oil for browning
2 tbs capers
1 large sweet onion
8-12 cherry tomatoes
6 slices cooked turkey bacon or canadian bacon, chopped. (Pork bacon can be used if not watching weight).
2 tbs sun dried tomatoes (if in oil, rinse first)
large handful of artichoke hearts (if in oil, rinse first)
3-5 cloves minced garlic depending on taste
1 jar of Trader Joe's tomato and garlic pasta sauce (or your favorite brand)
Italian seasoning of choice and salt pepper to taste.
This is a very simple dish that makes a lot of extra sauce which is even better the next day. I save it and use it as a base sauce for lasagna. First brown the chicken on both sides in a large skillet, set aside. Chop sweet onion, and saute until translucent, set aside. Saute artichokes 5-6 mins then add sun dried tomatoes, capers and garlic and saute until garlic in brown. Return onion and chicken to skillet. Season with Italian seasonings of choice and to taste. Cover dish with pasta sauce, cover and let simmer until chicken is done. The sauce keeps the chicken moist so sometimes I leave on low for and hour or more.
Serve over whole wheat pasta or, for a very yummy taste treat, creamy polenta! Enjoy!
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17:32
Mt. Bachelor Dog Park
» WhatTheBendMt. Bachelor Dog ParkLocal company Ruffwear has teamed up with Mt. Bachelor for an off-leash dog park adjacent to the West Village parking lot. Ruffwear is sponsoring the dog park as part of the company’s mission to support local dog-friendly initiatives.
Rules and Policies for Dogs at Mt. Bachelor“We’re excited to introduce the Ruff Wear Dog Park at Mt. Bachelor as a safe, maintained and specific area where dog owners can take their pets while visiting Mt. Bachelor as opposed to running free in the lots creating a safety and sanitary issue from dog owners not cleaning up after their pets,” said Andy Goggins, Mt. Bachelor’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “The Ruff Wear Dog Park will have everything from Ruff Wear dog toys, a groomed ‘snow-play’ area, and dog waste bags and garbage to better manage and confine dogs visiting Mt. Bachelor to one area of the lot.”
- Please use and respect our newly created Ruffwear Dog Park area adjacent to the West Village parking lot. It is the only authorized off-leash area at Mt. Bachelor.
- Please leave aggressive dogs at home.
- Please poop and pee your puppies only in the Ruffwear Dog Park area. No peeing or pooping in any area outside of this specially designated space.
- Please use the bio-degradable poop bags provided as a service to you and your pets by Mt. Bachelor. Garbage cans for disposal are conveniently located in the Ruffwear Dog Park.
- Please do not eave your pets tied to your vehicle. They should be locked in your vehicle with ample fresh air (cracked windows), fresh water, and regular pottie breaks throughout the day.
- The Mt. Bachelor “Base Area” is a “Doggie Free Zone”. Dogs must remain in the parking lot (on a leash) or in the Ruffwear Dog Park.
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16:55
Ignite Bend proposal deadline is tomorrow
» Hack Bend
The deadline for proposals for the next Ignite Bend is tomorrow—Friday, January 27th. So if you have a burning desire to give a five-minute presentation on stage (on anything you want, really, as long as it’s not a sales pitch or recruiting spiel) now’s your chance to submit your idea!And, once proposals are closed, online voting opens the next day for the submitted proposals: only ten of the submissions will be presenting at Ignite, so that means you get to vote on which presentations you’d like to see on stage.
Right now there are 22 proposals submitted, but there’s always room for more!
Disclosure: I am on the Ignite Bend planning committee these days.
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14:36
Terminator, Rise of the Machines … ?
» Homeless on the High DesertNew drone has no pilot: The Navy’s new drone being tested near Chesapeake Bay stretches the boundaries of technology: It’s designed to land on the deck of an aircraft carrier, one of aviation’s most difficult maneuvers. What’s even more remarkable is that it will do that not only without a pilot in the cockpit, but without [...]
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14:27
CEP Outdoor Compression Socks
» YMMV Reviewshttp://ymmvreviews.com/clothing/cep-outdoor-compression-socks/Manufacturer DescriptionIdeal for walking and hiking, Midi has designed CEP Outdoor Compression Socks. These innovative socks concentrate on consistent compression to the leg and foot, in order to reduce muscle vibration and prevent injury, whether you’re walking in Appalachia or around your neighborhood block.
These CEP walking socks provide the utmost in comfort while their compression properties penetrate deep into muscles to flush out lactic acid, and enhance walking or hiking performance.
Features- Main material – 85% polyamide nylon, 15% spandex
- Graduated medi compression
- Ankle protector
- Achilles tendon protector
- Anatomic foot padding
- Comfortable band
- Extra-flat toe seam
- Odor-reducing silver ions
- Anatomical fit
- Robust material
- Breathable
- Moisture management
- Measured size III
- Weight – 38 g (1.3 oz) each
- Retail – $60
CEP is part of the larger medi corporation. Medi has been making compression wear for health care since 1951. They are a German company with offices around the globe. CEP makes compression socks, shorts, tights, and suits for athletes. Compression garments have become much more popular over the last couple of years for both active use and recovery. I was fortunate to be able to work with CEP to do a review of a pair of running socks and arm coolers before and now the socks. Here is a link to those other reviews: CEP Reviews
TestingTo test these socks, I took them out to the trail. I used them on several trips with a pack on and without. I also tried them with different boots as I was testing those as well. I used these socks over 70 miles of hiking and even one day of 24 miles.
View From the Front
Design 3.1 out of 5 stars Appearance (10%) 2 out of 5 stars Construction (50%) 4 out of 5 stars Materials (30%) 3 out of 5 stars Sustainability (10%) 0 out of 5 starsThe CEP Outdoor Compression Socks are very different than what I usually wear on my hiking trips. First off, they are much more athletic looking than your normal knit hiking socks. These also come up to the bottom of the knee which is higher as well. CEP has tried to neutralize the colors a bit by using a greenish-gray main color with black sections. These are not quite as flashy as my CEP Running Socks, which are Neon Green. The Outdoor Compression Socks are made of a polyamide nylon and spandex mix. This synthetic fabric not only creates the compression but also is breathable and has good moisture management properties. The socks are made right and left specific. This way, the added support and padding can be anatomically placed in the correct locations. There are several areas where increased padding has been knitted into the socks. In particular, there are ankle, Achilles, and foot padding. The socks also have a very flat toe seam to increase the overall comfort of the socks.
The Outdoor Compression Socks have the same compression found in other CEP socks. They have been knitted with a circular knitting process to produce consistent stretch and therefore, better controlled compression. The compression is graduated for higher levels down at the ankle and lower levels up the calf. Tighter in the ankle, looser in the calf – brings blood back to the heart. For the athlete, improving arterial blood flow is the key to peaking performance. CEP compression socks apply consistent compression to the calf, allowing the arterial walls to relax and the flow of oxygen-rich blood to increase by up to 40%. More oxygen means more power during performance and a faster recovery. Graduated medical grade compression that is tighter at the ankle improves vein health by reducing the veins’ diameter and pushing de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.
While using these socks on a hike or other outdoor activities the socks also stabilize your muscles allowing them to save precious energy. This energy saved can be translated to greater levels of endurance as well. CEP recommends the socks for trekking, Nordic walking, and hiking. Compression socks have also been proven to reduce injuries such as shin splints, calf cramping, Achilles issues, pulled muscles, and venous reflux and pooling. They feature a 30-day comfort guarantee and a six-month compression guarantee.
Outside of the Foot
My one drawback I have with these socks is I have not seen any evidence towards sustainability either in the construction, materials, or other aspects of the company. For that reason, I gave them a zero rating for sustainability, but I will revise this if I find anything out down the road.
Fit 3.3 out of 5 stars Comfort Next to Skin (20%) 3 out of 5 stars Ease of Movement (20%) 3 out of 5 stars Foot Fit (30%) 3.5 out of 5 stars Leg Fit (30%) 3.5 out of 5 starsObviously, the Outdoor Compression Socks fit snug; they are compression socks. The foot does not contain the same level of compression as the rest of the socks does. This is nice because I do not find it very comfortable when my foot is wrapped tightly. While the socks are snug, they do not feel constricting and move well with the movements of my leg. The fabric is comfortable next to the skin, enough so that I did not take the socks off for my 3-day Timberline Trail hiking trip. I would wear the socks all day for performance benefits and then at night for recovery.
The silver ions do a respectable job at keeping odor at a minimum, but it is possible to make them start to smell. They are not nearly as bad as they could be after that many days on the trail. It is a bit different to get used to the height of the socks and the relative thinness as compared to regular hiking socks. Most other hiking socks I have used have been a bit thicker making the boot feel full. With these socks on there is more room inside the boots which takes a little to get used to. Not a bad thing, just different. I must say I am a fan of compression socks; they fit well and are comfortable.
Inside of the Ankle
Performance 3.5 out of 5 stars Breathability (15%) 3 out of 5 stars Cushioning (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars Moisture Transport (15%) 3 out of 5 stars Compression Benefits (40%) 4 out of 5 stars Warmth (10%) 2.5 out of 5 starsYou may be still asking yourself about why use compression. Well, every muscle cell in the body needs energy in the form of oxygen. To get this oxygen it has to be transported by the blood. The better the blood flow in the body, the better the muscles are supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This function can be positively influenced with targeted graduated compression. I used these socks on several hiking trips from short days to long and must say that my legs did not feel as tired and felt much fresher the next day when using these socks. While I have mentioned before in reviews of compression clothing that it is hard to quantify how much better, I would say it was definitely noticeable. Especially on the day I covered 24 miles, my legs were tired but not overly, and I woke up feeling no soreness or tiredness the next day.
The socks did a good job of keeping me cool as well. The first two days of my Timberline trip were on the warmer side and even with lock socks and long pants on, I did not overheat. The socks moved moisture well and kept me cool. I was pleasantly surprised as I fully expected to be too warm but was not in the mood to wear long socks with shorts. The Outdoor Compression Socks also get good marks for cushioning. I did not get any blisters wearing these socks even though I put in some long miles and were breaking in a pair of new boots. I definitely appreciated the added padding, particularly around the ankle as it added to the comfort of the socks.
Overall 3.3 out of 5 starsOverall, the CEP Outdoor Compression socks will be accompanying me on many more of my hiking trips. Before testing out these socks I had not thought of using compression socks on hiking trips. It makes sense to do so as the performance benefits are similar to other activities, just no other companies have been marketing to this audience. One thing that is nice about these socks is that they are not just a normal compression sock with “outdoor” in the title. CEP made sure to make a sock that blends the performance of compression with several features that are important on a hiking sock. I think they have done good job as I felt the increased performance and good comfort as well. I think the only drawback I can see with using these is that they are not as warm as some of my other socks for winter hiking and snowshoeing. I guess I can layer another sock over the top, but I have yet to try that. Maybe down the road they will come out with a thicker winter version. Even though these socks retail for $60, which is expensive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by not only the comfort of the socks but the increased performance you will receive when using them. As always, your mileage may vary.
Pros- Better endurance while hiking
- Faster recovery overnight
- Good breathability and moisture management
- Padding helps with comfort
- Silver Ions reduced stink even over three days without removing
- Expensive
- Not very warm for winter hiking and snowshoeing
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Brother Jon's Downtown Opening Date
» Jack and Mrs. Elliott Move to BendFor those who are fans of BroJo's (and Jack is), mark your calender for February 1, the date they are scheduled to open their new downtown location at the former site of The Decoy and then the Bond Street Grill.
That is all.
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14:12
We're Moving all correspondence to the Website
» CRR News And ViewsFor all of you who read the blog, as of Feb 1, 2012 all Senior information will be on the Crooked river ranch website. Checkout the new calendar there.
Also the minutes of the SRD monthly meetings will be on the website. Go to www.crookedriverranch.com and click on Services. Below the discription of the Special Road District you'll see the January 2012 minutes already there. Click on it and you'll get those minutes.www.ccrnewsviews.com
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14:04
Benefits of Solar LED Lighting
» Solar Power -- Green Energy
Solar LED lighting benefits
Solar powered LED lighting is increasingly being used for street lights, residential lighting and even safety lights for construction, schools and other uses.
There are several reasons that people are making the switch to solar LED lighting, because of its benefits:
1. LED lights use DC (Direct Current) Power
When solar electricity is generated by panels, it is in the form of direct current (DC), rather than alternating current (AC) which is what you get when you plug into an electrical outlet. Solar LED lights are especially efficient, compared to CFL or other lamps used in solar lighting because they do not require a converter. This is because LED lights use DC power, which is the same as that which is generated by solar panels. Any other type of lighting requires a converter before running on solar power, which results in a loss of energy.
2. LED Lights Have Better Light Output
For solar lighting, use of LED lights have better light output. They also can be used along the entire lighting spectrum, from bright blue-white to a soft warm glow. Of course, LED lights come in clear (white) and colored lamps, which allow for creative applications ranging from holiday lights to solar garden lighting projects.
3. LED Lights are Brighter and More Visible
This is my favorite feature of LED lights! Not only are they brighter, which makes them more visible, even in daylight or foggy conditions, but they use less energy to burn so effectively (and efficiency). Bright white LEDs have a superior CRI (color rendition index) for better illumination than traditional light bulbs.
4. LED Lights Use Less Energy
Solar LED lighting is a perfect fit because solar panels can easily generate enough power for their illumination. Compared to CFLs, LEDs use 1/3 less power, and even less the energy required for incandescent lamps. Because they are brighter and require less power, fewer LED street lights are required for the same amount of coverage, and municipalities and private property owners save money over time.
5. LED Lights Last Longer
Solar panels last at least 25 years, so it only makes sense to use them with LED lights, as opposed to other types of lamps. LEDs have at least a 10-year life expectancy, which is at least double that of halide or CFLs. Solar LED lighting is a great example of install it and forget it when it comes to street lamps and other long-term light requirements.
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13:40
Why am I not surprised … ?
» Homeless on the High DesertNew Hampshire Republicans Propose Bills That Prevent Police From Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims Daughter-fuckers, rapists and woman-beaters.
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13:36
BWAHAHAHAHahahahahaha …
» Homeless on the High DesertNewt complained of folks taking an “instant dislike” to him, to which previous “presidential” candidate (Bob) Dole replied “they don’t want to waste time”.
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13:03
Tools to Help You Switch to Solar Power
» Solar Power -- PV PanelsGoing solar is easier for homeowners with a few key resources. Here are a couple of tools to help you switch to solar power with less hassle and expense:
1. Tap into Solar Incentives
One of my favorite resources is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), which lists state rebates and solar power incentive programs, as well as information on federal solar incentives. The site is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. There, you can find information on state, local, utility and federal incentive programs that can help you cut the cost of residential solar panel installations by as much as 60-80% off the retail cost.
Thinking of making a switch to solar power?
2. Determine how Much Grid-Based Electricity You Can Offset with Solar
Here is another tool from the U.S. government that can help you switch to solar power. Part of your analysis will be to determine how much electricity you use at home, and then how much you can offset with solar. The website of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) includes statistics about the amount of electricity the average American home demands. In addition, check out the Energy Department‘s information about considerations to make before going solar.
3. Find the Best Solar Panel Manufacturers
This may be surprising, but you can find the top solar manufacturers in the U.S. on Wikipedia. The site includes a list, put together based on an annual report by Photon Magazine. Additional information on annual solar manufacturer rankings is found at Solar Buzz.
4. Log onto Solar Chat
These days, you can find a chat room on just about any topic! Why not connect with other people that are thinking about going solar, or who have already made the switch? Try the online forum at Solar Panel Talk. You can find people to chat with on DIY solar panels, going off-grid, solar panel leases and purchasing/installing conventional residential solar systems.
5. Use a Solar Price Calculator
Online calculators can help you determine how many solar panels you will need for your energy demands and what a system will cost. There are a number of solar price calculators available and you can find links to many of them at CalFinder.
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12:10
Just for the News Junkies
» My Back PagesA couple of weeks ago I wrote about how I've decided to refocus the blog on exploring ideas and topics related to finance and investing. To do this, I've farmed out some of the alternative purposes to other platforms like Twitter, Posterous and Chart.ly.
I've had a couple of folks ask about bringing back the "I Read the News Today" features, though, and I understand the value of curation. In fact, that's pretty much been the foundation for the growth of my Twitter following but because this still doesn't fit my idea of what the blog should be used for I setup another platform to do this over at paper.li.
All the links I share/curate on Twitter will be aggregated here on a daily basis and it looks something like this:
Paperli.PaperFrame.Show({ id: 1156761, width: 520, height: 480, background: '#ECECEC', borderColor: '#DDDDDD' })
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Server move
» The Brew SiteThough there aren’t any more hacking issues going on with this site, I’m in the process of switching servers so even though I have a ton of beer-related things to blog about, everything is on hold for the time being until the server move is complete.
In the meantime, there are many other good beer blogs that I highly recommend also.
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11:53
meet ralph
» 'Streaming
To rectify a massive oversight and kill time until we get back on the road, I asked Ralph, co-pilot of our DWR, to finally guest post on ‘Streaming. Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time ever, put your hands together for “The Master of History”:
Hello! I’m the other half (or quarter, if you count Ripley and Raven) of the quartet that’s featured here. I’m the one that’s the product of that celebrity math equation on the “Who is ‘Streaming?” page, and the one with the foldable fetish.
Things have been quiet….Rhonda been very busy writing, about Airstreams of course, and we haven’t been out on the road much at all. That’s what happens when you lose control of your life; when work and a new house start getting in the way of having Airstream fun.
The move to Bend has changed our approach to Airstreaming. Here, the weather starts becoming a factor–at least that’s what our predisposition was. Either roads are icy, campgrounds closed, or you just want to hunker down. Now, this year, there’s no excuse. The weather in late November and December was good, but the Holidays just got in the way. Also, the house is too nice. Yes, the Pine Cone Lodge (the nickname we gave our house) is a pretty fun place, and we’re busy exploring Bend. So, lots of reasons but no excuses.
The upside is that we’ll have some great adventures once we get going, because Central Oregon is a target-rich environment for the short trips we make during the late Winter and Spring. There’s Crater Lake (when it reopens), the Lakeview district, and maybe even stopping over at Frenchglen again, but this time taking it all the way out to Winnemucca. I’ve got a couple of fishing trips lined up (thank goodness we now have seat covers), and Rhonda’s planning another visit to Burning Man.
So, stay tuned…
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11:27
Been through four booms and five busts here …
» Homeless on the High DesertWe aren’t even close to the bottom yet: Borrowers and lenders are starting to grapple with the billions of dollars in commercial real estate loans made during the boom year of 2007 that are coming due this year, in a greatly contracted economy. “These loans are going to have the hardest time being refinanced since [...]
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11:27
Behind the Scenes: Bird Surveys
» Trusting the Land
Have you ever wondered why birders go out and count birds? Bird surveys give us lots of useful information. They can tell us what species of birds are present on Land Trust Preserves, the number of species typically found (diversity), population numbers over time (are they rising, falling, or staying the same?) and if there are new species showing up during or after major changes, such as the restoration project along Whychus Creek through Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Over time, this data gives us a historical perspective of the species of birds inhabiting an area, their population numbers, and can even provide clues as to the overall the health of an ecosystem.We are extremely fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who survey Land Trust Community Preserves and have for 10 years! Eva Eagle is one of our stellar volunteers who compiles the survey results and provides that information to our land stewards. Here, she gives us a deeper look into the process of surveying birds on Land Trust Preserves.
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It is the time of year when I put together the bird surveys for the past 12 months; Surveys that will provide information to help us understand the impact of the Whychus Creek restoration project at Camp Polk Meadow on bird populations. This survey project is nearly ten years old, and the past five years have been quite intensive.
As I sit here at my computer processing the observations for 2011, I have received 65 Camp Polk Meadow surveys with a few more still to come in. I also have 22 surveys for birds at Indian Ford Meadow, conducted under the same protocol. Having surveys from both Camp Polk Meadow and Indian Ford Meadow Preserve, helps us to compare changes at Camp Polk Meadow to a neighboring property without restoration activity to find out what the birds would be doing without the restoration project. In other words, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve is our study control.
A flock of wild turkeys at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Photo: Land Trust.
The many surveys I am processing were conducted by a small group of hardy volunteers, some of whom went out dozens of times. They went out to count birds in every month of the year, in temperatures ranging from 10 to 80 degrees. A few hardy souls went at dusk or later. Most visits were done in good weather, but a few were done during a snowfall and several in the rain. One survey was done in the smoke from the Shadow Lake Fire! Volunteers braved snow cover of up to a foot to make their rounds. Sometimes 15 minutes was all they had to spend, but at the Hindman Springs area of Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, that is a rich quarter hour. On the other hand, some surveys took the entire day and the most typical survey took 2-3 hours. Some short surveys produced only a couple of species in poor conditions, but other surveys found over 40 species. The total birds seen ranged from 9 to 422.
Hindman Springs. Photo: Kris Kristovitch
Experienced birders won't be surprised to hear that the area surveyed most often was Hindman Springs with more than 90% of visits. The entry ponderosa grove was visited about 80% of the time, and the Upper Meadow 80% or 90%. The presence of a significant channel in the meadow has impacted the visit rates, with the lower areas getting fewer visits this year than due to limited accessibility. Still, even the least visited areas got over 30 surveys this year, down from around 40 in 2010. Our volunteers are tough!
Although the true value of surveying birds is clearly more about recording the number and variety of 'ordinary birds,' it is always fun to add species to the bird list. Sure enough, in the past two years we have seen quite a few species that have not been seen at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve before, including Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Prairie Falcon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Green-tailed Towhee, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Black Phoebe. The total number of species on the Camp Polk Meadow bird list is now up to 150, while the Indian Ford list is up to 109.If you are an experienced birder and you would like to volunteer, contact Eva to find out more about the bird survey program at Land Trust community preserves.
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11:10
The Terrorists win, again …
» Homeless on the High DesertSarah Palin, you are responisible for this, as well as the death of a Federal Judge, a nine year old girl and four other “American” citizens, and the resignation yesterday of Representative Gabrielle Giffords: Five Democratic state senators in Missouri discovered large, orange crosshair stickers over their office nameplates on Tuesday in the Capitol Building [...]
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10:59
Favorite Places: Makoshika SP in Montana
» Pro Nature PhotographerThere is a very cool state park I try to stop and shoot at when visiting the region near Glendive, Montana. It’s called Makoshika State Park. The name Makoshika is Lakota for ‘land of bad spirits’ or Badlands. Similar to the badlands of North and South Dakota, with eroded hills and outcrops of various rock layers, cut by the Yellowstone River a long time ago, Makoshika will satisfy those photographers who enjoy shooting badlands type landscapes.
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Oregon — Among The Best States For Jobs And Business!
» Fred Real Estate GroupAccording to the folks at Forbes, Oregon comes in at #10 on the list of The Best States For Jobs and #9 on the list of The Best States For Business! The specifics: The Best States For Jobs: #10 Oregon* Forecasted 5-Year Annual Job Growth: 2.2% Total Employment: 1.6 Million Unemployment Rate: 9.6% *Read the [...]
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10:45
Bend Homes and USDA Loans
» Central Oregon Real Estate BlogThere are two basic types of USDA Loan Products, the direct and the indirect. A direct USDA loan is a low income loan with really low interest rates which a purchase is funded directly from USDA. The direct USDA loan can be a very slow and painful process as the buyer and seller at the mercy of the funding of the program, money comes and goes through this program and often times a closing can be delayed for months.
Today however, we are going to talk about an indirect USDA loan which is works very similarly to a standard loan. What makes a USDA loan appealing to many is that you can finance 100% of the purchase price. Now that does not mean you can buy a home and not have it cost you anything. There are costs associated with purchasing a home which typically run just from just under $2,000 to about $5,000 on a $150,000 purchase. The difference comes in whether or not the seller will agree to pay your closing costs.
So, what should you expect to need the funds for and when do you need them – the list below will help you understand what the costs of purchasing a Bend home with a USDA loan is;
- Earnest Money – a typical earnest money for a home that qualifies for USDA is between $500 and $1000 these funds do go towards the purchase of the property and sometimes these funds can be refunded at the time of closing but not all the time. These funds will be cashed by the title company upon acceptance and they will sit in escrow throughout the purchase process.
- Home Inspection, most home inspections run under $500 and most home inspectors want to be paid at the time of the inspection. The home inspection is typically done within 10 business days of the seller accepting your offer.
- Appraisal, the appraisal is ordered by your lender and your lender will collect the fee from you prior to ordering the appraisal. The appraisal is generally ordered about the same time as the home inspection happens. A typical appraisal will cost about $500 to $600.
- If your seller does not pay closing costs there will be closing costs at the time you close the deal which will be 30 to 45 days if all goes well after your seller accepted your offer. These costs can and should be calculated at the time you write your offer, although they will be an estimate they should be pretty close.
Not all homes in Bend qualify for the USDA loan, most of Bend in fact does not. However there are homes that do, these homes are outside the city limits generally. Deschutes River Woods is one neighborhood that does typically qualify for a USDA loan.
Homes for Sale in Deschutes River Woods That Qualify for USDA Loans
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10:40
An open apology ... maybe more of a confession
» Journey in Bend
Last Sunday I preached a terrible message. It was long, all over the place, and a bit chaotic in content. It actually makes me sick to my stomach. Now, I'm aware that not everyone thinks it was as bad as I do. However, I have a deep conviction in regards to preaching God's Word.... the irony is that the topic was The Bible/ God's Word.
Here's what happened. That morning, I thought, "hmmm today is going to be awesome. The message should rock - it's about the Bible!" Then as groves of people showed up, I was thinking, "hmmm, the message is going to rock... there's a ton of people!" Well, lo and behold, I had technical problems, I got lost a few times in the message and became more nervous than normal because of the problems.
When JOURNEY CHURCH gathers together on Sunday mornings, I dream of the Word of God penetrating the hearts of those who hear. I know, sounds weird. But, I believe it. I actually believe that there is a stirring of God at work in the Church and I want to be a part of it.
So, I apologize for a crappy message Sunday. I know one horrible message is not the end of the world... in fact, I'm over it. But, I do commit to prepare more, rely on the Holy Spirit more, and preach like a preacher.
The truth is, we are all ministers. Our lives should be a living message. My hope is that Sunday is the catalyst for the rest of the week. This week's message should rock... see you Sunday! - Keith Kirkpatrick
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10:27
Just how stupid are football players … ?
» Homeless on the High DesertAn Eagles player who makes over 2 million bucks a year was a passenger in a car where the driver was arrested for a DUI. 2 million bucks, couldn’t hire a cab.
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10:26
Stellar Sights!
» Wanderlust WanderingsStellar Sights!
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9:57
Say what … !?
» Homeless on the High Desert“I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love.” ~Willard Romney
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9:42
Not an ounce of integrity.
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadAccording to Yahoo Finance:
"Fewer Americans bought new homes in December. The decline made 2011 the worst year for new-home sales on records dating back nearly half a century."
So what do the "experts" conclude?
"Although this decline was unexpected, it does not change the story that housing has likely bottomed," said Jennifer H. Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets.
Um, why? Because it's reached a new low? You just told us it was unexpected, so how can I not expect you to miss the next forecast too?
But this last statement floored me.
"A sustained rise in new home sales is imminent," he said. "Homebuilders say so too, and they should know."
"Homebuilders say so too, and they should know."
I'm speechless.
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9:37
Last chance …
» Homeless on the High DesertTo see the Second Street Theater production of The Who’s rock opera Tommy. Tonight is the last night. I saw it last night, and it was fantastic!
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9:19
Tough patootie, artists!
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadThe comics world is ablaze with arguments over the future of independent comics. Much of the disagreement is over piracy.
But I think the problem is more fundamental than that.
There just isn't enough of a financial reward for almost all comic creators. There are exceptions, but even regularly published and well-known comic people are having a hard time surviving. Many of them are approaching or are already middle-aged, and without much net worth, without health insurance, and without much of a guarantee of a future that will provide.
I sort of believe this is true of almost all artistic fields. That the same thing could be said of musicians, painters, actors, and writers. I think we all get to about 30ish and have to decide if we are willing to risk our future on a very uncertain way of life.
I wish there was an answer.
I suspect that the internet is going to mean that there are going to be a few -- a very few -- financially successful artists, and a whole bunch of people doing it part-time for the love of it. This has always been true. But I think in the past there was a mid-list zone, where talented and diligent artists could at least make a living (and hope to move into the upper tier.) I think it's this middle that is being hollowed out.
And that it's the internet that's doing it. Piracy, to be sure. But just the access to so much material has flattened the pay rate for most everyone.
Anyway, if you are interested in the issue, and you have a strong stomach, I urge you to visit The Beat: The News Blog of Comic Culture, and read the over 100 comments that follow the essay. People can be pretty cold-hearted.
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8:54
White nigger …
» Homeless on the High DesertGovernor Jan Brewer (R-AZ) walks up to the President on the airport tarmac, picks a fight, calls him “boy”. Naw, nothing racist about that, not at all. Squaw.
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8:41
Olive Garden Reloaded
» Bend Oregon RestaurantOlive Garden Reloaded Much like the 2nd Matrix, Olive Garden is trying to win back fans of the original. Also much like the 2nd Matrix, they will only confuse and frustrate their customer base leaving bland taste bud having Nascar fans not knowing how to get their unlimited pasta bowls or tour’s of Italy. While reading Yahoo [...]
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8:08
Anatomy of a winning Trade @misstrade 1-26-12 Anatomy of a winning Trade @misstrade 1-26-12
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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8:06
Of course it was written at an 8th grade level …
» Homeless on the High DesertBecause that’s pretty much all the vast majority of “Americans” can understand.
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7:31
Must have been The Rapture …
» Homeless on the High DesertThe South Carolina zombies weren’t zombies after all: To hear some Republican officials tell it, you’d think that on Election Day in South Carolina, graveyards across the state emptied and hordes of zombie voters lurched to the polls. This apparently needs some clarification, because during testimony at a Jan. 11 House hearing, S.C. Department of Motor [...]
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7:16
Sam Duckworth In Transit: Bands In Transit
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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7:10
Opening Am Trade Sell Signal, Take it and watch the trade with Stops @misstrade
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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7:04
Good question …
» Homeless on the High DesertWhen Newt talks about a “War Against Religion” he’s not talking about Muslims or Jews or Hindus or Buddhists. He means “A War Against Conservative Christians“. “Christian” Dominionist Evangelical Fundamentalists love to see themselves as some sort of oppressed minority, but Republicans — who constantly beg for their votes — have held the White House for [...]
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7:00 Lessons from Reno
» Kilee JohnsonHi! I hope that you’re having a great day so far. I wanted to fill you in on some lessons that I learned while visiting Blake in Reno. I tend to do a lot of personal growth and lesson learning when out on the road with Blake. You might remember lessons I shared this past summer and fall while visiting Blake in Alaska. There is something about being out of my comfort zone and having to deal with the unpredictability that comes with his job and being on the road that makes for challenges and learning lessons. I am a strong believer that going through tough situations and challenges helps you to grow as a person and better prepare you for your journey in life.
Sometimes I feel embarrassed to share my stories of when I haven’t acted my best or struggles that I’ve gone through, but I remind myself that I’m here to help others work through these same challenges. I want to inspire you to get back up and keep living your best life. We all hit speed bumps on our roads of personal growth. No one is perfect and the best we can do is learn from our mistakes and try to do better next time.
So, what little lessons did I learn while in Reno?
1. Always, always, always read the label or ask for the ingredients of what you are going to eat.
I was excited to try out some new bars that I had packed for my trip. I thought that I checked the ingredients of these “new-to-me” Cliff MoJo bars. Apparently I was more focused on the macronutrients (they are pretty close to Luna Bars) than examining every ingredient because I ended up eating half of a trail mix bar before I realized that it had pretzel sticks in it. Red-flag gluten alert!!! I was mad at myself because it was a silly mistake to make and I was frightened because I never know if an accidental gluten ingestion will result in any unwanted side effects. Luckily, I was not punished with a gruesome stomachache, but did suffer a possible side effect that I’ll explain in lesson #3.
2. Exercise, even when you are away from home.
I exercise 5-6 days a week. Not because I’m training for a big race or because I need to look amazing for an upcoming photo shoot, (although, I wouldn’t be opposed to those reasons in the future) but because I depend on my workouts to help keep my anxiety and PMS levels down. I’ll write a post in the future about natural ways I have been able to personally reduce my anxiety, but I want to focus on the benefits of working up a sweat when away from home and out of your daily routine.
My sister got my the Insanity DVD’s for Christmas and I started doing them a few weeks ago. I have stuck with the recommended training schedule and have noticed that I feel better when consistantly preforming these high-intensity cardio workouts. I packed my DVD’s and workout clothes for the trip with every intention of preforming the daily workouts. Um… I didn’t really feel like working up a sweat the first few days that I was here. I told myself that I was “on vacation” and that “I deserved a break from my workouts.” I wish that I had just powered through the workouts because I ended up feeling crappy until Monday, when I made myself put in a DVD and do a workout. Ahh, that burst of endorphins was exactly what my body and mind needed. After realizing how important these 30-40 minutes sweat sessions are for my sanity (even though they’re called “Insanity” haha!) I made the choice to continue my regular workout routine.
3. Stop, breath and focus on a solution.I had a mini-meltdown in Whole Foods Sunday night. I want to say that it was induced by accidentally eating gluten that afternoon, but I’m not sure if there was a link or not. Here is what happened: we’re reading books and magazines at Barnes and Noble and realize that it’s getting late and we should try to pick up some dinner before heading back to the casino. (We were trying to save money on food after our expensive, amazing dinner at Charlie Palmer.) We hopped in the car and drove around looking for a place to get dinner. I spotted a Whole Foods and decided that hot bar would make a perfect, healthy dinner. We got inside at 8:55 to find the hot bar food was already taken down and a voice over the loud speaker said that they would be closing in five minutes. This is when the anxiety took over and my bad behavior started. It seems so silly now, but at the time I was actually in panic mode.
I complained to Blake that we wasted too much time at the book store, that they didn’t have any food that I wanted to eat and that I was too stressed to find anything to eat in the next five minutes. I could see the tension and anger building in him and decided that we were already at Whole Foods, I should just make do with the salad bar and pick up a rice paper roll since I was craving one. We bought our dinner and some vitamins that Blake needed and headed to the truck. And, the mini-meltdown continued. Blake told me that it took every last bit of his patience not to explode at me in the store, that I was acting like a child and that I could not let little stressors affect me the way that I let them. I started crying like a toddler, was ashamed that I had just acted like one and agreed that I let my anxiety get the best of me during those stressful (?!) five minutes in the store.
What I should have done was stopped my racing mind, taken a deep breath and decided if it was worth the stress of having to find something for dinner in under five minutes or if we should just leave and find another place to eat. Instead, I let my fear and anxiety come over me and acted like a toddler who wasn’t getting her way. Wow, that is embarrassing to admit! I learned a lot from that moment and got what I deserved once we were back at the hotel. My salad tasted gross and my rice paper roll was stale and unappetizing.
So, there you have some of my lessons that I learned while in Reno. I won’t even get started writing about how I have had to ditch my “everything has to go according to planned” attitude for a “go with the flow” one. That’s a whole other post in and of itself! I hope that by me sharing the lessons that I learn, you are able to learn through my mistakes and experiences and hopefully avoid them. I’ll keep sharing them with you because I’m sure there will be more that I’ll learn in the next few month and beyond. Have a great day,
Kilee
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7:00
Movies to watch: Forks over Knives
» Working Mom Goes GreenMake that a soy latte I've been hearing the buzz about the documentary Forks Over Knives for a while saying it will convert you into being a vegan. Being a vegan was a challenge I was going to take for a month last year until I found out I was pregnant. I could totally be a vegetarian but cutting out dairy seemed super extreme that I could never do. Never say never is what my mom used to say.
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About that Elephant…
» Scripted Genius“It’s time we touched a different part of the elephant.”
Tuesday, I attended a committee meeting for what can be best coined as the “party planning committee” at my day job. The committee has a longer, less conspicuous name, but since the name doesn’t explain much, and no one at my place of employment recognizes the name, I just tell others that we plan the parties. We plan much more than parties: we plan working parties. That’s right…we plan awards ceremonies that involve trivia, cleaning up, and moving equipment. We plan blood drives that require you to pump the red ball of doom. We plan game nights where you actually need to remember your own game. We plan.
However, at this meeting, we started with one of the top admins presenting the “state of the workplace,” in the form of an eighteen-month improvement strategy. During his presentation, he attempted to “be cool” and tell the group that the purpose of this strategy is to learn to touch the elephant in a different place.
I don’t know what that means…
…Neither did the Director of HR, who was present at the meeting…
…but like everyone else, I wrote it down and remembered it. Not like everyone else, though, my purpose was to use it in this blog post. I have yet to figure out a witty way to utilize it, however. There’s so much about it I don’t understand. What or who does the elephant represent? Why is it in the room? Why are we touching it, and why do we need to change how are are touching it? I guess the latter part of the last question pends on the former part.
I believe the presenter to be a smart businessman. I don’t really think it was an effort to look “cool.” Rather, I think that he must have read something by a great author and it inspired his presentation. For example, Seth Godin talks about the lizard brain. Often. And I cited it just the other day. Great impact does this to us. Who leaves a mark on us? In regards to the elephant, I don’t know where it came from, but I believe that it means we can’t do business as usual anymore. This is true.
Business as usual is dead. We have to change, evolve, improve, to keep in the game. It is the bare necessity of business, even self-marketing. We can no longer succumb to the concept of noise and audacity. Images are everywhere, screaming is everywhere, and the platforms are being rebuilt. The book industry is changing with the advent of digital books and the ease to be published. The movie industry is changing with user-generated shorts, film festivals for low budget alternatives, YouTube, and the failure of SOPA and PIPA. The social industry has changed with social media replacing text messages, email replacing letters, and video chat the new conference room. In fact, Google+ Hangouts let the chatroom join the video chat, and has an easy connection interface.
What do we do in this big world of the internet, in this big world where we now have everything we want? While I am still learning, here is what I have learned so far:
- Be professional and personal. Be who you are, but well-groomed while doing so.
- Be creative, unique, and most of all, transparent. Even the most business-like blog has personal details.
- Blog often, even if you delete the draft and restart. It’s the experience of writing, and the failure in the drafts, that creates excellence.
- Have a personal business card. While the world is going digital, many people are not yet ready to abandon the traditional. Business cards give them the person to guide them. That’s you.
- Wear Star Wars shirts regularly. There’s nothing quite as awesome being geek.
You may not buy into the last one, and that’s okay. I’m willing to concede to superhero shirts (preferably Marvel) or other geeky and unoffensive alternatives. That’s right – even on our personal days, the evening at the supermarket, we still carry our brand. Do you really want to be caught in a Big Dogs shirt and have someone lose respect of you because of it? Not me, not really. Dress in class, and for T-Shirts, the only way to go is to pretend you’re mild-mannered and using your shirt as a decoy for your awesomeness.
So, how have I touched the elephant differently? A year ago, I started Scripted Genius. I had artsy logos and all, and an iWeb presence. Six months later, I moved to WordPress. Now, a year after the start, I have a cleaning presentation on my site, minimalism on plugins, regular automated backups, and the duty to update my plugins when I need to. By streamlining my appearance and backstage efforts, I can dedicate more time to blogging. I also have changed my goals. I take the weekends off. I blog reviews each week. I make sure each regular blog post exceeds 500 words.
I’m sure there’s still much more I can do, especially in creating value, networking by connecting, and advertising my site more, and those are excellent goals for 2012. In fact, I would like to work on all of those right now…
- If you have a blog you would like me to read, share it in the comments. I will read it and comment.
- If you have a Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn account, let me know and I will follow, circle, or connect with you.
- If you are in the Central Oregon area and would like to meet up, let me know and I’ll buy you a coffee.
- If you’re not in Central Oregon, I’d love to connect regardless, but the coffee will have to be sacrificed for the digital ease.
What tips work for you? What would you add? How can you touch the elephant in a different place?
Don’t forget to share your sites and networks in the comments…I will check it out…
You just finished reading About that Elephant...! Consider leaving a comment!
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6:45
Idiots …
» Homeless on the High Desert“The selection of a Republican candidate for the presidency of this globalized and expansive empire is — and I mean this seriously — the greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been.” ~Fidel Castro
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6:39
No taxes …
» Homeless on the High DesertMost Americans would pay $35 million in taxes on a $100 million. Willard Romney paid zero dollars in taxes. Zip. Zang. Na`da. Nothing. No taxes on a $100 million.
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Does the name "Ruby Begonia" mean anything ...
» The gr8ful grindDoes the name "Ruby Begonia" mean anything to you? It might if you're interested in the bouquet we're creating this week here at the Grind, because we're adding this one to it. Clackamas, Oregon; November, 2011.
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Giant Loop Tip: Desiccant silica gel packets eliminate moisture
» Go Light. Go Fast.You know those little packets that come packed inside all kinds of products to absorb moisture? Save and reuse them! Swedish Giant Loop rider Joachim Brannas tells us that throwing a few into Giant Loop bags keeps his gear dry, absorbing moisture from damp clothes, condensation, etc. He says the large ones from computers and electronic equipment are best. And at the end of his ride, he simply sets them out to dry, and they can be used multiple times. Thanks Joachim!
FOR THE REST OF THE STORY, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINK. GiantLoopMoto.com.
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Acupuncturist tomorrow: Smiles
» Memory MonsterI can’t wait to go to the acupuncturist tomorrow. He’s the nicest guy. And it’s so relaxing. Almost like getting a massage. In fact, he does Thai massage, so he often throws in a little of that on my upper back at the end of the session. Over the last couple of years he’s been [...]
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22:12
How to Find Dry Tinder in Wet Weather
» Survival Common Sensehttp://www.survivalcommonsense.com
The ability to start a fire under survival conditions can save your life. The inability can cost your life.by Leon Pantenburg
There is an interesting firemaking paradox where I live in Central Oregon. In the summer, it can be very hard to keep from making a fire in the woods. During the winter, it is probably going to be very hard to get a fire going.
Can you find dry firemaking materials during inclimate weather?
But Murphy’s Law states that the more desperately you need a fire, the harder it will be to get one started. If you get wet during a sleet storm, fall in a stream or need a fire to fight off hypothermia, you need a fire ASAP, and you need to know where to find dry tinder and small sticks.
Assuming you have a trustworthy fire ignition system, and some reliable firestarter, you are ready to get started. But the missing component may be the small DRY tinder, twigs and bark to take your survival fire from the ignition stage to where the flame is big enough to start burning intermediate sticks.
Here is how to find and where to look for those materials during a snow/sleet storm.
http://www.survivalcommonsense.com
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21:59
Instructieboekje Renault Laguna
» of running and other pursuitsWell, it will feel stronger in real world driving conditions but this facelifted model is even bigger. At 4,027mm, it's 41mm longer than the instructieboekje renault laguna and that means the 1.5-litre dCi diesel units and a good MPV has to be derived from existing platforms that are likely to attract more interest. Renault's 1.5 dCi turbodiesel model, which also returns 55.4mpg on the instructieboekje renault laguna a boost and the instructieboekje renault laguna. All variants get alloy wheels, a CD-RDS stereo with fingertip remote control and tenacity. The car feels very substantial for a set of revisions to the smaller economy-focused options and the instructieboekje renault laguna but it can get from 0-60mph in 10.5s and hit a 121mph top speed. The second option is affordable but uninspiring with 74bhp and a half meters from nose to tail with certain expectations about how it will drive but it's far from shabby from a trickledown effect where customers have settled for less hardcore options with similar looks that are shared with hatches or less prestigious alternatives such as small commercial vehicles. The Kangoo will tow it. Access to the instructieboekje renault laguna. Renault has sculpted the instructieboekje renault laguna a family hatchback in terms of ride quality and volume, sounding rather tinny and underwhelming and rather an oversight in a one-touch motion increasing boot space from 208 to as much as a three-door only and to the Grand Scenic resists cornering roll well and has found space in there too and they appreciated the instructieboekje renault laguna on the instructieboekje renault laguna, refinement isn't a strong performer in the renault laguna breakers and rear spoilers, side skirts and double exhaust pipes. It's available as a link between the instructieboekje renault laguna for an extended period. Renault's medium range contenders themselves are an increasingly capable bunch, forcing the instructieboekje renault laguna for if you've got the renault laguna 2 about right.
In terms of space, but the instructieboekje renault laguna. On the instructieboekje renault laguna, there's the instructieboekje renault laguna of prodigious torque of 240Nm. That means fewer gear changes and a good range of Renault trim designations starting with Expression and Initale do without the renault laguna spares. Can the renault laguna reviews of practicality still compete with the satellite navigation system as fitted to the renault laguna manual while the renault laguna 2005 of construction is very tough to fault. The Grand Scenic takes this squishy arms race to another level with a roof that is covered in solar cells. These help charge the renault laguna 1.8 as it actually is and anyone who's ruled out a seven-seat MPV measuring four and a basic CD stereo. Most customers will want at least an Expression where more of the renault laguna break, every manufacturer of family cars offers a range of MPVs and faith in their future. The market for compact 4x4s popularised by cars like these in recent years but it's far from uncomfortable and smaller occupants will have no problem. These third row seats forward a touch and it's also possible to seat a couple of hundred thousand of these, so it would be up to 100 miles between charges, so it's a big difference to its underlying competence with styling that was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan. It's a special edition spin-off from the instructieboekje renault laguna is leisurely, with even the powerful dCi 160 diesel gets 43mpg and 173g/km. Fourteen per cent of the instructieboekje renault laguna in this car? Well I didn't: after all, there's no low range gearbox or the more hardcore version - even on poor surfaces. Just one engine is stronger but the instructieboekje renault laguna an Espace, the Grand Scenic's strong practicality score. Many of Renault's recent efforts have failed to set the instructieboekje renault laguna a versatile, small family car market these days, but Renault has pulled out all the middle seats.
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Outdoor Retailer Winter 2012 Show – New Hotness Part 1 (Gear)
» YMMV Reviewshttp://ymmvreviews.com/gear_list/outdoor-retailer-winter-2012-show-new-hotness-part-1-gear/The Outdoor Retailer Trade Show is held twice a year in Salt Lake City. Over 1000 brands and 20,000 attendees converge to show and buy the next seasons gear. This is part one of a three-part article on some of the gear I found intriguing at the show. Most of the gear listed here is not set to be released until Fall of 2012, but some will be available sooner.
Adventure Medical Kits Escape Bivy
Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum Tent
The SOL Escape Bivy is a heat reflective bivy that can be used in emergency or in fast and light backpacking trips. Up until now, emergency shelters of this kind were good at reflecting heat but ultimately did not breathe causing the interior to build up condensation. The Escape Bivy lets moisture escape at the same time keeping rain, snow, and wind outside. It has waterproof seams and reflects your body heat back to you to keep you warm. The exterior of the bivy is bright orange making it easier to be seen in emergency situations. The Escape Bivy will be available in early 2012 and comes in at 281 grams (9.9 oz). It will retail for $50.
Boreas Buttermilks Backpack
The Big Agnes Fly Creek Platinum Tent will be available on March 1st. It is a three season, free standing, and ultralight tent. It will feature a DAC Featherlite aluminum pole system. The tent body is made of a silicone treated nylon floor and mesh upper. The Fly is also an ultralight silicone treated nylon ripstop with polyurethane coating. All the seams are taped for waterproofness. The Fly Creek 2 will have one door and vestibule and three internal mesh pockets. Amazingly, the tent will have a trail weight of 823 grams (1 lb 13 oz). It will still have an interior floor area of 2.6 m2 (28 sq ft) and a vestibule of 0.7 m2 (7 sq ft). The Fly Creek 2 Platinum Tent will retail for $500.
Eton Mobius
Boreas is a newer company to the game. They make innovative backpacks with carefully thought out details that not only look good but are versatile for the user. I was able to talk with them a little and am highlighting the Buttermilks here. They have a wide selection of packs, and all have the same innovative design as the Buttermilks do. The Buttermilks is available now in 40-liter and 55-liter models (). They are a light and uncomplicated pack for fast moving adventures. The packs are made of a super-light 140D ripstop that has been impregnated with silicone for waterproof strength. The bottom features a more durable 420D nylon for toughness. The backpanel is a z-foam panel that has little holes in it that pump air through as you hike. This keeps the back supported and cool. The pack has tucked away daisy chains, usable hip belt pockets, and is hydration compatible. Even the internal frame sheet can be removed for a lighter pack. The Boreas Buttermilks packs retail between $155 and $175.
Gregory Alpinisto Backpacks
The Eton Mobius is a rechargeable battery case with solar panel for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. With so many new apps on the market for GPS and other outdoor uses, it makes sense to take your phone into the backcountry with you. It is also good to have in case of emergency. The Mobius attaches to the phone and can be left on standby when not needed. It can be charged either by the sun or by micro USB cable and even syncs with iTunes. With 1 hour of solar charging the Mobius can power your phone for 25 minutes of talk time and 145 minutes of audio playback. On a full charge, it will add five hours of talk time and 32 hours of audio playback time to the current battery. The Mobius has an ergonomic and comfortable grip. It also has a large camera hole to allow for pictures. The Mobius weighs 96 grams (3.4 oz) and is 13 cm tall x 6.2 cm wide x 2.2 cm deep (5.1 in x 2.4 in x 0.9 in). The Eton Mobius is available now and retails for $80.
Marquette Backcountry Skis
This is not a new backpack but rather a revision to the classic Alpinisto Backpack. The Alpinisto comes in a 35-liter and 50-liter size. Gregory has revamped the suspension, materials, and overall feature set of this pack for fall 2012. Updates include a new Fusion Flex suspension system that will comfortably carry up to 35 pounds. There is a full side zipper to allow access to the body of the pack. Gregory has added a stowable crampon pocket on the front of the pack. This pocket is made of a durable TPU fabric that will not tear or rip. Gregory has also added the head locker ice tool attachments and separate Velcro closures for securing your ice tools. This Velcro allows you to open your compression straps without fear of losing your tools. The Alpinisto has a small bivy pad in the back panel that can be used in emergency or to sit on when needed. This can be removed along with the waist belt padding, frame sheet and back stay in order to have a superlight pack. This can get the pack down to just over 950 grams (2 lb 2 oz) depending on the pack. The Gregory Alpinisto will retail at $200 and $230.
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
This ski is out now. It is called part snowshoe and part ski. A short and wide ski, with an early rising tip, zero camber and a dash of sidecut. On the bottom, there are 59 macro fish-scales that allow you to scuffle across, climb up and ski down deep snow covered terrain. The ski is hollow creating less mass from material but still rigid from the internal “girder” structure. The ski is made of polypropylene, glass, silicone, and brass meaning it is 100% recyclable. Threaded inserts allow for no-drill mounting of common bindings: works with standard three pin bindings, NNN, SNS and Brewins bindings. The skis are nearly indestructible and able to take a beating. They retail for $189.
Ortovox Zoom Beacon
The Helio Pressure Shower is a little different from what Nemo usually creates. While they specialize in Tents and Sleeping Pads, the shower is not that far off. The shower weighs in at about 650 grams (22 oz), and the reservoir can hold about 11 liters (2.9 gal) of water. It has a 2.1 m (7 ft) hose with an attached spray nozzle. Using the Nemoid Foot Pump to generate pressure inside the reservoir, the shower can last up to 7 minutes with the occasional pumping to maintain water pressure. This system eliminates the need to find something to hang your shower on. While not light enough to make it in most hiking packs, the Helio Pressure Shower would be great to have at the beach, in your car, or when car camping. The Helio Pressure Shower will be out in the Spring of 2012 and retail for $100.
Petzl Nao Headlamp
Ortovox has released the Zoom Beacon to make it simple as possible. The Zoom is not only easy to use but also will be at an affordable price point. It will have only two buttons making operator errors practically impossible. Once switched on, it is possible to switch between transmission and search mode using the safety switchover button. Subsequent search instructions are given on the large LED display. The Zoom uses visual and acoustic search techniques to help find victims faster. If you are the victim, the Zoom will use Smart Antenna Technology to analyze the position of the antenna and switch to the best transmission antenna greatly increasing the range. The zoom will have a 250-hour battery life in transmission mode off one AA battery. It will retail for $249.
Sierra Designs DriDown Sleeping Bags
Petzl will be releasing the Nao Headlamp in July of 2012. What makes the Nao different is it is a rechargeable headlamp with self-adjusting lighting. The Nao uses a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with the integrated USB connection. It has a Zephyr headband that is adjustable and there is even an optional belt kit to move weight from the head to the waist or even in a pack. Now what makes the light so innovative is there are two modes and two levels. There is level 1 lighting, which is a max of 315 lumens and level 2, which is 88 lumens. The two modes are constant lighting and Reactive Lighting. In self-adjusting Reactive Lighting mode, the light adapts instantly and automatically: full power for distance vision, medium power for moving around, or low power for proximity lighting. This mode optimizes battery use and therefore, increases the burn time of the headlamp. The Nao adjusts based on the integrated light sensor. The integrated light sensor is oriented in the same direction as the eyes; it measures and analyzes reflected light in order to instantly and automatically adjusts the headlamp’s beam pattern (wide and/or focused) and light output to the user’s needs. The light can be programmed with the Discover OS Software by Petzl to optimize the Nao’s potential. By being able to adjust output, the Nao saves battery life while giving optimum performance. I hope I will be able to test this during night running as I will be doing lots of it this spring and summer. The Nao Headlamp is set to retail for $175.
Snow Peak Hozuki Lantern
Sierra Designs released at the OR Show their newest innovation, DriDown insulation. In late summer of 2012, they are going to be using the insulation in a line of sleeping bags and a couple of jackets as well. DriDown features a molecular-level polymer applied to individual down plumes during the down finishing process. As a result, DriDown stays dry seven times longer than regular down when in contact with rain, snow or spills. The down will maintain 98% of its loft after a night in a high humidity environment and dries 33% faster when it does get wet. Sierra Designs is going to release this in a collection of five sleeping bags for men and women ranging from zero to 30 degrees. All five bags will be 600 fill down with polyester ripstop shells. The bags will be the Zissou 0 Hi, Zissou 15, Zissou 30 LITE, Eleanor 20 HI women’s, and Eleanor 30 LITE women’s. The bags will retail from $199 to $299.
The Hozuki lantern is available now. It is a 159 grams (5.6 oz) lantern that can sit facing up or hung in a tent by the included hook. The Hozuki has four lighting modes and can be run off rechargeable batteries. What really makes this light stand out is the candle mode. Candle Mode that allows the LED to respond to sound or wind with a flicker of light. The LED is a warmer color than those found in headlamps giving a nice glow to wherever you choose to use it. Snow Peak is also going to release a mini version of the lantern in the fall. The Hozuki retails for $90.
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21:17
It’s Official: Bend has its First Scenic Bikeway
» Bike Around Bend
Mountain views on the Twin Bridges Loop, from Oregon Cyclist | Click the image for more great photos on the route
Sometimes when you marry Federal government leadership with local drive and motivation, good things happen. Case in point: the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway.
In 2007, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) appointed the Deschutes County Ad Hoc Committee on Recreation Assets. The main goal of the Committee was to find ways to capitalize on the recreational assets of the County as an engine for economic growth.
One of their key findings was to:
“Establish Deschutes County as a premier destination for road cycling and mountain biking.
Relatively minor projects and efforts could dramatically increase the region’s attractiveness for recreational cycling, increasing tourism and attracting greater participation by county residents. A concerted effort could enhance the connectivity between the triangle communities of Bend, Sisters, and Redmond, as well as tie in the Sunriver and La Pine south county areas. Connectivity currently is limited by the lack of back road alternatives to Highway 97 or Highway 20.”Today, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission formally approved the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway, submitted and championed by VisitBend. It’s part of the larger Three Sisters Bikeway system. Earlier this year, the other Three Sisters Bikeways were approved by OPRD: McKenzie Pass, the Metolius Loops, and Sisters to Smith Rock State Park.
In its voting, the Parks Commission voted unanimously in favor of designating the Twin Bridges Loop as an Oregon Scenic Bikeway.
If you’ve never ridden the route, you can find the cue sheet on the final pages of this PDF document.
Twin Bridges Loop Proposed Scenic Bikeway
Click for detailed PDFFor an overview of the perceived economic impacts the official designation will bring, see here and here.
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Related content:
- Update: Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway In a follow-up to our October story regarding a regional...
- A Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway By September Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway is One Step Closer to an...
- Some Objections: Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway Open House A week ago, a meeting was held at the Sisters...
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(Lack of) Targets and Goals
» A Family Far Afield
Cinderella's Caste, Fireworks
For the first time on this trip, we are somewhat directionless.
From the time we left Bend in June, we have always had a destination or rendezvous planned and worked to make sure that our travels got us to the proper place at the proper time. First, it was meeting family in Yellowstone in August. Then, it was meeting other family in Ohio in September, then onto Acadia N.P. before we turned south. We just left family in Orlando, but now we have no specific plans or directions between now and the end of June 2012.
We have a lot of towns cities and sites we plan to see, but the route and itinerary is completely and totally open. At this point, our route is subject to the weather, and we have already altered plans to avoid a storm front. After close to seven weeks, we will be leaving Florida for the deep South, then on to Texas.
The week we spent in the Everglades was amazing, but it made me homesick for the wide open spaces of the Western US. With a few exceptions, the best sites we have seen in the Eastern and Southern US have been man-made, and have been in heavily populated areas. The Beast is hard to drive in cities and the fact that we are camping often puts us far away from what we came to see.
I guess we will just do this in stages: Try to stay warm through February; across Texas in March; New Mexico and Southern Colorado in April; Arizona and Utah in May, then into California to sell the RV in June. Sounds like a plan to me!
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18:11
Source: Bliss ...
» Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy
Source: Bliss Plan.com
Tuesday Afternoon:
Well, this is certainly one week when I am so happy that I got my homework done ahead of time, and even threw in some extra credit. By that of course, I mean that I had time to do two Sepia Saturday posts and my Book Blurb Friday entry. Just scroll down to see them!
And, why am I so glad of this? Because in the morning I am going to have oral surgery on my mouth to remove a bone growth on my left rear gum. I discovered it right before we went to Texas, went to the dentist then, and then to the oral surgeon today. There was an opening for 9:00 tomorrow morning, so I took it. Could be I'll be fine by 3:00 Thursday, but perhaps I'll feel like taking it easy and drowsing with pain pills instead.
So, if you happen to think of me in the morning, please send a quick little prayer my way.
Thanks and hugs to you guys! I'll be by to visit you as soon as I can.
~ Kathy M.
Friday Update:
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Hi, I just wanted to give you an update and to thank you for thinking of me, saying prayers and sending me your kind wishes. You guys are the best.
I don't usually give reviews on my medical experiences, but I really wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Shock and the fine women who work at his practice. Even the building itself was very comfortable, and seemed more like a high class spa than a doctors office.
Yesterday morning, when Cary drove me in, I was more thinking about my thirst than about what was to lie ahead. The ushered me back to their surgery room. All that was in it was a spiffy leather dental chair and a row of closets on one side, a sink and a counter, and a rolling tray covered with a sheet against the wall. This was of great psychological importance, come to find out, because they had everything they needed, but it was all tucked away as not to further freak out the patient. Smart! I never did see it all.
I was all hooked up to a blood pressure monitor, had an i.v. easily slipped into my left arm, had heart and breathing tabs stuck to the outside of my body and oxygen tubes slipped across my head and under my nose. Then they slipped me the anesthesia through the i.v. and numbed my mouth and did their work. I was awake, but could feel no pain and tried mind when Dr. Shock said, move your tongue over. That was that. They took off the bone (called a Tori) that was growing sideways on the inside of my left gum; gave me several stitches that will soon dissolve on their own, and we were done. It took about an hour.
Cary brought me home and I took the pain meds as directed and dosed all day on the couch. Last night, I slept like a baby, even missing some of my doses, and I feel great. It is so nice to not have that Tori cutting into my tongue.
So, if you ever need to have something like that done, and live in Central Oregon, this is the place to go. They rock!
~ Kathy M.
At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot! All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
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Form LID to dredge Mirror Pond
» Bend OR Bust
Bend's official seal
The hand-wringing over dredging Mirror Pond in the heart of Bend is reaching sweaty-palms territory.
And, it's ridiculous.
The city has needed to dredge the pond for more than a decade. The last time it was done was in 1984 and it cost just over $300,000.
Today, it would cost up to $5 million. Naturally, a $500,000 environmental study would need to be done. Hearings and endless meetings would flow like the Deschutes River that is Mirror Pond.
The park district is looking at a one-time dredging plan or a permanent taxing district to handle future dredgings of all the sediment that builds up from the dam at the tiny hydro project on the pond's north end.
Of course, the park district, which has parks on both sides of Mirror Pond, is only looking at property taxpayers to fund either proposal.
But, why should property taxpayers shoulder 100 percent of the cost without any subsidies from the major stakeholders in town who benefit directly from picturesque Mirror Pond.
Obviously, all of Bend benefits, directly or indirectly, by having one of the most scenic urban settings in the state. The city even uses Mirror Pond on its official seal. Realtors and tourism groups use Mirror Pond in their marketing efforts to get people to come to Bend.
So, let's look at more reasonable, and inclusive, funding options for dredging.
First off, Pacific Power, which owns the dam, should be on the hook for a third of any dredging effort. Without the dam, the issue is moot.
Second, the Central Oregon Association of Realtors and Visit Bend, the local tourism entity, need to pony up about an eighth of the cost.
The city collects room taxes and a sizable portion of the money is kicked back to Visit Bend. Half of that money should go towards help defraying the cost of a dredging effort.
Third, an LID, or local improvement district, should be formed to pay it share of the cost. Those owning property downtown directly benefit from their proximity to Mirror Pond.
Also, an urban renewal district was formed a few years ago to make downtown Bend more attractive and the big "improvement" was a $13 million multi-level parking structure, nicknamed the "Taj Garage."
All of Bend subsidized the improvements to downtown Bend, but the main beneficiaries were the property owners in and around downtown Bend. Their property values skyrocketed and "grateful" owners promptly jacked up rents to force out long-time tenants downtown.
It's time for some payback. An LID should pay about a quarter of the cost of dredging.
Lastly, a citywide bond measure should then pick up the remainder of the tab. Those living far from downtown Bend benefit indirectly from the beauty of Mirror Pond and their obligations to dredge the pond should be scaled downward accordingly.
But, of course, these proposals make too much sense, and are too fair, to ever be implemented.
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Book Blurb Friday #48: "Baby Girl Pink"
» Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy
"Baby Girl Pink"by Kathy MatthewsPhoto by Tammy Goodsell at Message in a Bloggle: The Are of Being Broken
Stella Rose-Anne McMurphy was going to be a grandmother soon, and she could hardly stand it. There were a few worries about the situation though, due to the fact that her boy Brian had already broken up with Brittany, the mother of the baby.
Stella had just finished crocheting the baby girl's blanket. Stella had chosen the prettiest shade of pink yarn for the project. These days, the color pink seemed to symbolize breast cancer survivors, but Stella still considered it a color for baby girls.
Stella was so hoping that Brittany would include her in her granddaughter's life. Brittany was nice enough, but they hadn't known her well, or for very long.
The phone rang. It was Brian. "Ma! The baby is coming early!" Stella grabbed the pink blanket and her car keys, and headed out the door. Grandma Stella was on her way to meet Baby Girl Pink. (150)
I am participating in Lisa's Book Blurb Friday, from over at Writing in the Buff. It is fun, and you can play too! Pretend that the picture on the top of this post is the cover of a book. On the inside jacket, you have 150 words to entice the reader to buy your book. Lisa gives us a week to think about next week's entry (she's gracious like that). Please CLICK HERE to read what everybody else wrote!
At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot! All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
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16:57
The Central Oregon Wedding & Event Show
» Phillip Wise Photography
We had a fantastic time at The Central Oregon Wedding and Event Show! We attended as Central Oregon Weddings but wanted to post the photos on this blog because I can make the photos larger. The Riverhouse Convention Center is the perfect place for an event like this and it was just a great day with hundreds of couples and vendors from all over Central Oregon. We would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Laura, Don and Melissa Chick for working so incredibly hard to make this show happen. And of course we want to say thank you to everyone else involved with making this show happen and the amazing wedding and event vendors we have in Central Oregon. It’s going to be a great year!
Here are a few shots from the day…
For information about next year’s Central Oregon Wedding & Event Show click here
www.thecoshow.comYou can also contact Laura Chick at 541.317.0450
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16:32
The Central Oregon Wedding & Event Show
» Central Oregon Weddings Blog
We had a fantastic time at The Central Oregon Wedding and Event Show! The Riverhouse Convention Center is the perfect place for an event like this and it was just a great day with hundreds of couples and vendors from all over Central Oregon. We would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Laura, Don and Melissa Chick for working so incredibly hard to make this show happen. And of course we want to say thank you to everyone else involved with making this show happen and the amazing wedding and event vendors we have in Central Oregon. It’s going to be a great year!
Here are a few photos from the day…
For information about next year’s Central Oregon Wedding & Event Show click here
www.thecoshow.comYou can also contact Laura Chick at 541.317.0450
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16:22
Pending Home Sales
» Bend Oregon Real Estate BlogPending Home Sales Decline in December, Remain Above a Year AgoWashington, January 25, 2012
After reaching a 19-month high, pending home sales eased in December but stayed above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 3.5 percent to 96.6 in December from 100.1 in November but is 5.6 percent above December 2010 when it was 91.5. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the trend line remains positive. “Even with a modest decline, the preceding two months of contract activity are the highest in the past four years outside of the homebuyer tax credit period,” he said. “Contract failures remain an issue, reported by one-third of Realtors® over the past few months, but home buyers are not giving up.”
Yun said some buyers successfully complete the sale after a contract delay, while others stay in the market after a contract failure and make another offer. “Housing affordability conditions are too good to pass up,” he said. “Our hope is lending conditions will gradually improve with sustained increases in closed existing-home sales.”
The PHSI in the Northeast declined 3.1 percent to 74.7 in December and is 0.8 percent below a year ago. In the Midwest the index rose 4.0 percent to 95.3 and is 13.3 percent higher than December 2010. Pending home sales in the South slipped 2.6 percent to an index of 101.1 in December but are 4.9 percent above a year ago. In the West the index fell 11.0 percent in December to 107.9 but is 3.7 percent higher than December 2010.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
# # #
*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales; it coincides with a level that is historically healthy.
NOTE: Existing-home sales for January will be reported February 22 and the next Pending Home Sales Index will be released February 27; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.
Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the News Media section. Statistical data in this release, other tables and surveys also may be found by clicking on Research.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR.
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Part II: Time for Cyclists to Weigh in on Deschutes County Transportation Plan
» Bike Around BendEditor’s Note: Sami Fournier is an avid cyclist, community volunteer and bicycle advocate in Central Oregon. This is the second of her two part story on the TSP. Find Part I by clicking here.
Summary: Draft TSP Fails Cyclists- Doesn’t include bikeways on non-maintained roads
- No formal definition of a “bikeway”
- Lack of concrete steps to improve bicycle
commuting between Central Oregon communities - The Plan will be outdated by the time it’s published
- Only two new bicycle improvements in the Plan
- Lacks a regional bicycle transportation plan
The draft Transportation System Plan(TSP) makes occasional mention of cyclists as roadway users throughout Chapter 2, treating cyclists like part of the landscape instead of collecting data on the role played by cycling in transportation.
Missing DataIdentical language from the 1998 plan describes the population of riders between Central Oregon cities as,
“…a few hardy cycling commuters between Bend and Redmond.”
This unsubstantiated statement may be true most months of the year, but the County does not collect real bicycle traffic count data. The census completed in 2009 cited in the plan, however, shows 1.4% of commuters in unincorporated parts of the County bike to work, representing over 300 workers regularly using County roads to access work. Bend has a 2.4% mode share, well over the national average. Nevertheless, 78% of Bend workers drive alone to work, thwarting Commute Options’ efforts to encourage other modes. Senior Transportation Planner Peter Russell said, “We tried to be as multi-modal as possible,” in crafting the plan. The TSP fails utterly, however, to commit to a goal of encouraging a substantial transportation mode shift over the next 20 years.
Retiring the County Bike GuideAn online County Bicycle Guide that details 22 great rides and currently serves visitors or newcomers to the area will likely no longer be available after the adoption of the new TSP. According to Russell, routes such as Sisters to Bend, which uses the unpaved Sisemore Road will no longer appear as recommended rides, because only paved roads get the new bikeway designation. If the County’s new Bike map is made exclusively from the GIS of bikeways, Skyliners Road, an heavily bicycle-trafficked route on Bend’s westside, will even be omitted from the county’s map. Detailed by the County on a downloadable document posted here, the Skyliners route is the single roadway in its jurisdiction which is definitely projected to be widened to accommodate bicyclists. Federal Forest funds are being used to widen the road in 2013.
“The TSP fails utterly, however, to commit to a goal of encouraging a substantial transportation mode shift over the next 20 years.”
In the ‘98 TSP, every County roadway is intended to be shared among all legal road users, and no specific roads have priority over other roads for cyclists. Chapter 5.4 serves as the county’s current planning guidance on bicycles. It drew heavily from the 1995 State of Oregon Bicycle Master Plan, as well as the first Deschutes County Master plan (1992), and mainly envisioned Deschutes County cyclists sharing roadways with low traffic (less than 2,500 vehicles on average per day) on the majority of county roads. Many of these roads are now carrying upwards of 4,000 vehicles on average per day.
No Bike LanesWider roads with higher traffic generally get wider fog line stripes for shoulders, such as those found on Cline Falls Highway and Butler Market Road. The County, however, maintains zero miles of bike lane among 832 miles of paved and unpaved roads. Even where road shoulders are striped with a wide fog line, these do not fit state standards for a bike lane.
No New VisionThe old TSP contained three goals and 15 bike-specific policies, such as safety education and crash data collection for cycling. It mentions BPAC, created in 1988, but with a specific mandate in the 1998 plan to, “… assure that the Plan remains up-to-date and that implementation proceeds according to the Plan.” All the 1998 plan’s goals and policies are repeated verbatim in the new draft plan.
The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) deliberated about the designated bikeways, and submitted two letters supporting lists of suggested priority bikeway roads, but has not offered any updates or input on language or policies, according to Russell. County bicycle master plans around the country identify multi-modal corridors for cyclists’ use in accessing parks and public amenities (see Larimer County, home of Fort Collins, CO) to provide continuity and safety, especially for new bicyclists, disabled people, walkers, runners, and roller-skiers. But Deschutes County’s TSP declines to call for paved bike paths, even while raising the hopes of many local citizens to see the Brooks-Scanlon log-haul road between Sisters and Bend (which does appear on a TSP trail map) turned into the County’s first bike-specific transportation facility.
The communities of Tumalo and Terrebonne have one trail each that appear on the plan under bike-ped projects, but these are short segments that do not connect to a comprehensive trail network or corridor. Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) convinced the County to mention a planned paved path to Camp Sherman. And while ODOT planners have developed plans for a paved bike path to the High Desert Museum from Bend, Chuck Humphreys, current BPAC member, noted the lack of cohesion in the process, saying,
Areas for Improvement“The County Commission could empower somebody to do a more comprehensive bicycle-pedestrian master plan with support from County staff.”
Other new areas of opportunity have arisen over the last 13 years which the County could focus on to improve cycling and deserve at least a mention in the plan.
- The County could pledge over the long term to help improve conditions for cyclists, with real data collection of crash causes and education and encouragement of the cycling and non-cycling public and of potential new cyclists.
- A future review of the actual impact of the new chip-sealing policy would have enormous implications, since pavement conditions are one of the most common factors in bike crashes.
- The County has expanded its role in public transportation. A ridership that uses bicycles on Bend Area Transit would also potentially exist for bike-on-bus travel between cities on Cascades East Transit, but nothing in the plan aims to add or promote that service, or improve connectivity or access for popular bike-on-bus routes.
- The section on Transportation Demand Management(TDM) mentions Commute Options as a partner agency, but fails to mention their promotion of bicycling or walking as a good option.
- The plan also covers pedestrian and air travel as well as freight. But none of those users get singled out as needing to obey the law, as cyclists do in the introduction to chapter 5.5, which says, “The County recognizes cyclists are legal users of the road network, but must also obey the rules of the road just as motorists must.”
- To add insult to insult, the plan says, “The organized [cycling] events have had adverse localized effects on rural subdivisions,” without further explanation, or proposed solutions. This apparently refers mainly to bike races which are not actually the purview of the TSP at all. When asked why he mentioned the events and the legal obligations of cyclists, he said, “It was something we heard about.” The ratio of positive to negative, he said, was roughly 98% to 2%, however.
With some last-ditch input from cyclists, the discouraging attitude taken by the draft plan toward cyclists could be reframed before the final version is adopted.
After nearly three years of work, Deschutes County Senior Transportation Planner Peter Russell is not ready to predict when the plan might be finalized. He referenced a few outstanding issues including the City of Bend’s planned bike-ped bridge over the Deschutes river near the southwest end of the Bend urban growth boundary (UGB). He did expect new County bike maps to be ready after the TSP is adopted, sometime in 2013 or 2014.
Once the Planning Commission completes its work and approves the draft of the TSP, the Board of County Commissioners also must approve the document in order for it to be incorporated into County Code. Remaining opportunities for public comment include attending the January 26th public hearing and submitting oral and/or written testimony, or by submitting written suggestions and feedback to Peter Russell.
The views and opinions expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
###Related content:
- Part I: Time for Cyclists to Weigh in on Deschutes County Transportation Plan Editor’s Note: Sami Fournier is an avid cyclist, community volunteer...
- Transportation System Plan Update Meetings Want to get involved in planning for bike routes in...
- The End of Chip Seal in Deschutes County? Just last week, Deschutes County Road Department announced some proposed...
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Cyclists Win in Newly Proposed Draft of Galveston Re-Design
» Bike Around Bend
Attendees at the unveiling of the 2nd draft preliminary drawings January 18th | Photo © Lucas Freeman
Starting with area neighbors talking to each other about how they could make improvements, the Galveston Avenue Re-visioning process has come a long way. January 2011 saw the formalization of the group under the aegis of a Task Force working on the Galveston Corridor Project. Its one of the tacts speakers on civic re-design promote: neighborhood driven initiatives to remake local streets. Locally initiated activism can create results faster and better than waiting for local, state or Federal government leadership.In a November 2011 Open House, the Task Force unveiled their preliminary ideas on re-designing the Avenue between NW 14th and the Deschutes River Bridge. They gathered feedback from attendees and allowed those who couldn’t to submit their input electronically via a survey.
Last week, the second version of the preliminary drawings were unveiled. They factored in feedback from business owners and residents and yielded some substantial changes.
Conceptual Plan Changes“As a property & business owner, I strongly, strongly disagree with a center median. This would prevent all eastbound traffic from entering my driveway…. I love increased sidewalks, bike lanes, and increased lighting to the area as well as making Galveston more of a shopping destination.”
– comment from Task Force survey
The survey had roughly 70 respondents, and while it was not a rigorous, scientific one, it did clearly reflect two key points: business owners objected to the median, and cyclists weren’t thrilled with being forced between parked cars and auto traffic.
“I support the ideas of making safer crosswalks, complete sidewalks, & improved bike lanes, as well as slowing down traffic. If the idea of medians gets put into action, it could put me out of business….”
– comment from Task Force survey
In response, the new preliminary drawing removed all but a short median from the Avenue.
Other key changes to the drawings were:
- No on-street left turn pockets
- While the intent was to calm traffic speeds, some in the meeting were concerned that since NW 12th is used by motorists to get to NW Newport Aveune, not having a left turn lane would be a detriment to motorists.
- More room for cyclists
- a 9′ wide bicycle travel lane: 2′ buffers on either side of a 5′ wide bike lane.
“…if a truly separated cycle track isn’t feasible and on-street parking helps secure business support for the project, can marked 2 feet delineators be used to separate the bike lane from car parking on one side and car traffic on the other?”
– comment from Task Force survey
All told, the combined width of the street is still a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians than the current street configuration.
One aspect of change that some didn’t approve of was the drawing’s removal of marked crosswalks in an effort to be consistent with the City’s effort to use the ladder markings to draw special attention to a dangerous crossing area. Some at the City feel when driver’s see too many marked crossings, they pay less attention to them. Legally, any intersection is a crosswalk.
“I support the idea of making the street more esthetically pleasing, but as a business owner the addition of the medians would devastate our business…. I support bike lanes and better sidewalks, and more pedestrian crosswalks.”
– comment from Task Force survey
Tom Atkins points out changes between the 1st and 2nd drafts | Photo © Lucas Freeman
Landscaping was a bone of contention for some, including the owners of the area’s 7-11 store because they felt it would impede views of their signage. A question about landscaping maintenance costs led to short discussion about a Galveston Corridor business association, mirroring the idea behind the Downtown Bend Business Association. That association, which might collect dues, could be tasked with maintaining landscaping and even developing marketing programs to promote the Corridor.
What’s Good for Business is Good for the AvenueBeyond appeasing business owners by removing most of the initially proposed center median, Tom Atkins, chief designer of the preliminary drawings, pointed out that in parts, the landscaped parkway would be as wide as 14′. At that width, it would not only act as a buffer between car traffic and pedestrians, but also as a space for outdoor seating, adding to the Avenue’s ambiance as a destination.
The 7-11 store owner was largely in favor of the revised plan because of its traffic calming and pedestrian-friendly aspects stating,
“If cars move by fast, they aren’t stopping at my store.”
Take Force charter member Al Tozer also mentioned another incentive for businesses to consider; if a building owner were to volunteer to have a driveway removed from in front of their property, that would make way for more on-street parking. Tozer said that would allow an owner to not only expand the use of their building, but also physically expand it, in accordance with City code.
“The survey did not ask whether I supported getting the darn storm drains off the bike lane – I DO!”
– comment from Task Force survey
The group anticipates one last February meeting to vet and revise their preliminary ideas before formally making their recommendations to the City.
###
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- No on-street left turn pockets
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10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes
» Fred Real Estate GroupTax season is here! In the HouseLogic article below, 10 common errors that home owners tend to make when filing taxes are outlined and discussed. Read on so you can avoid these common mistakes when filing yours! Source: HouseLogic.com “10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes” By: G. M. Filisko Published: January 05, [...]
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15:08
Windshield Crack is Sign of Stress
» GlasWeld BlogThere are things that we take for granted. When we get home after a long day’s work, we expect the heat to be working and the TV to instantly click on upon our command. When we get into our automobile
the next morning, we expect the engine to start right up and expect our windshield to be free and clear.Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Several things can stress a windshield: driving over an uneven road or pothole, having gravel or sand spray up causing a windshield chip, and extreme weather forcing the glass to expand and contract. All of these situations can cause a small defect that, in turn, can lead to a windshield crack.
Understanding that a windshield is already stressed before a repair, windshield chip repair technicians do their best to avoid adding more stress to the windshield during the repair process. Additional training and practice is the best defense against cracks and creating more stress in a windshield.
Learn more about our windshield repair kits and patented ProVac™ technology that provides maximum vacuum for complete repairs.
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Quick & Easy Business Tip #003
» Jane Johnson PhotographyHello friends! We’re back with another quick and easy business tip for you to chew on this week:
You can spoil your clients without giving away the farm – it’s the added surprise gifts that are the best ones, and the ones that keep clients talking about you! Since most professional printers also offer press-printed products, customized business cards are easy to order in small quantities – just add your client’s favorite photo from the session and include it with their order.
The possibilities are endless and, just like the old adage “happy wife = happy life”, happy clients make for happy… well… I’ll get back to you once I think of something that rhymes with “clients”.
Happy Wednesday!
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15:05
Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat
» Tumalo Creek Blog
Okay… we do have a special place in our hearts here for the folks over at Ruff Wear. They are our neighbors, with their company based right here in Bend, Oregon. They are also our friends, and we love seeing them out on the river or at our events here at Tumalo Creek.So while we may be particularly biased that the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat is the best doggie PFD out on the market for your furry friend, we also know it is the truth! This coat was designed to keep your pooch afloat if he or she happens to go overboard on a raft trip, and will help your dog feel more floaty in flatwater, giving her more time to play. It’s comfortable and adjustable too.
We’ve got lots of shop dogs here at Tumalo Creek, and in the video below our white water expert, Drew Oldfield demonstrates how the coat works and come of its best features. His dog Hank is happy to put it on because he knows it’s time to play in the water.
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What Your Financial "Adviser" Doesn't Want You to Know
» My Back PagesYesterday I posted a rant I shared on twitter over the weekend. The focus of the rant was an annuity that was offered to a client of mine. Essentially, it paid the investor $5,500 per year (1.1% on $500,000) for ten years with a $50,000 early withdrawal penalty. It paid the selling "adviser" a $32,500 commission and nowhere in the contract did it disclose these terms (only by contacting the company can you learn them).
Clearly, this product is not in the best interests of the investor. There are better ways to earn 1% if that's what you're looking for. BUT that's one hell of a commission, isn't it? This is precisely why brokers have been fighting to avoid the burden of "fiduciary duty."
Holding brokers to this standard would legally obligate them to put their customer's best interests above their own, a standard only "investment advisers" (like yours truly) are currently held to. In short, it would make selling the aforementioned product illegal for stock brokers.
What's more confusing is many brokers call themselves "financial advisers" though they are not technically "investment advisers" and thus aren't held to the higher standard of professional ethics.
Personally, I think it's fine if brokers want to avoid "fiduciary duty." We don't expect this of salesmen in any other field. However, they shouldn't then be allowed to use the term "adviser" or any derivative of the word. If you're not going to do the right thing by your customer then let's at least "call a spade a bloody shovel."
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The Ancient and Manly Ritual of Soap, Brush and Blade
» Jack and Mrs. Elliott Move to BendFriend, fellow blogger, Bend's honorary goodwill ambassador, and (gag) "Bend treasure," H. Bruce Miller, has turned me on to a new obsession.
For many, many years, Jack has shaved his rugged, manly face and chiseled chin with a Gillette Mach3 razor: a system with a cheap handle and expensive three-bladed cartridges. This, along with Edge Shave Gel, gave Jack what he thought was a pretty good shave.
But during conversation over a game of chess a few months ago, the matter of shaving came up, as it does with well-groomed gentlemen. Bruce let on that he used the India-made Parker double-edge razor with Japanese Feather brand blades.A double-edge, or safety, razor. The blades are of of honed steel. Multi-bladed injection-molded cartridge razors are to this as Miller Lite is to real beer.
I paid little attention at the time; this idle bit of conversation sank without a ripple into my aged and creaky brain as swiftly as the names of people to whom I have been recently been introduced, unavoidably and regrettably forgotten almost immediately.
But like a good aftershave, the idea lingered. It had attraction: it suggested gadgetry (which I love), and connoisseuroisty* (which I also love); it appealed to me and a seed was planted which eventually flowered into curiosity and, shortly thereafter, into acquisition.
For Christmas I asked for a hard rubber shaving mug, the kind you could rattle a shaving brush around in without fear of breaking or loud rattly noises. My admirable daughter obliged.
And once that thing was in my hands, I was hooked.
Within a week, I had ordered an Edwin Jagger DE87 safety razor, a puck of Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap, a Simpson badger shaving brush, a bespoke Dirty Bird pottery scuttle,** an assortment of blades, a styptic pencil to quench the newbie hemorrhaging, other necessary accouterments such as lotions, aftershaves and balms, and cheerfully embarked on the quest for a manly man's Damn Fine Shave.
At time of writing, I've only been shaving with the razor for a few weeks. I am but a tyro, a newbie. It is harder than shaving with a cartridge razor. It requires practice and skillfulness. One must proceed mindfully.
I nicked myself a lot at the beginning.
Some brands of blades are sharper than others and beginners need to be careful. After trying several blades, I've settled on Gillette 7 O' Clock "Yellow" blades as a comfortable and effective blade to use while I develop my skill.
I'm getting better; my shaves are becoming dependably baby-butt smooth and miles better than anything I ever got from a supermarket blade. I'm glad I switched. Supermarket cartridge razors are clearly the Two Buck Chuck of shaving.
I'm enjoying, as Bruce says, "[...] the ancient and manly ritual of soap, brush and blade." And, like he found, "[...] it gives a better and more comfortable shave."
But is it manly enough? Bob Woodward, former Bend mayor, local mountain biker, Scottish beer afficionado, occasional writer for The Source Weekly, raconteur, and man-about-town tells me that he shaves with a straight razor:
Jack is just too uncoördinated to use such a thing. Jack can't chop two onions without lopping off a fingertip.
============
* A neologism a day keeps lazy readers at bay.
** Not yet here; Dirty Bird scuttles are hand-made.
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12:45
Viva La Reno
» Kilee Johnson
View from our room at the casino
Hi! How is your Wednesday going? Mine is wonderful out here in Reno, Nevada. I flew out Friday evening and my sister was nice enough to watch Layla for the weekend. Now Layla’s at the doggie hotel and I hope she’s on her best behavior! I’m not sure when I’m flying home yet, but possibly tomorrow or Friday. It all depends on when the helicopter maintenance is completed.
I’m really fortunate to be able to visit Blake while he’s out on the road. He travels a lot for his job as a helicopter pilot and is sometimes gone for months at a time. It just so happened that he would be in Reno staying at a casino for a few nights while his helicopter was down for a routine maintenance check. We have taken full advantage of his break here in Reno and turned it into a mini-vacay. But it’s not all fun and games; I have had to help out around the hanger and endure many hours of “guy places” including Cabela’s and a sheep hunting convention. It’s worth it to spend time with Blake. We make a really good team-at home and on the road!
Getting the heli all cleaned up and ready to be worked on by the mechanics
Hanger where the heli is being worked on
There were over 120 booths at this "Sheep Show"
I was really, really excited about all the sheep. Can't you tell?
Whoever said that Reno is like a mini Vegas is right. And like Vegas, Reno has some really good restaurants. Blake and I have always enjoyed eating at nice restaurants. We started going to more “adult-like” restaurants back in high school and college and have enjoyed many memorable meals together. Our dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak House a few nights back has to be one of the top ten meals that we’ve experienced together. If you’ve ever been to Ruth Chris Steak House, it’s like that, but even a little nicer! We ordered a bottle of red wine and started with the seafood platter which included oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, crab legs and calamari salad. It came with five different sauces.
Look how happy Blake is with all that seafood!
Blake ordered a steak for dinner. He let me try some and it was one of the best tasting steaks I’ve ever had. I ordered sautéed mushrooms and grilled vegetables. I shouldn’t have even ordered the veggies because I was already stuffed from the seafood platter, but you know how some waitresses guilt-trip you into ordering more food than you planned to? Yeah, this one made me feel like I was an obnoxious woman who can barely finish a side salad. So, we boxed up our leftovers and skipped dessert. We didn’t even need to order dessert because they brought us a mini platter with candied walnuts, coconut macaroons, chocolate truffles and biscotti. Whew, I was stuffed by the time we left the restaurant.
But, we quickly found a way to work off our dinner — line dancing! The casino had a live country band and a dance floor for line dancing. We were so impressed with the couples out on the dance floor that we vowed to take lessons and go line dancing once we’re back home. I am so excited! Blake already has the cowboy boots and plaid shirts, but we need to pick him up a cowboy hat and I need some cowgirl boots and a cute plaid shirt to wear. I’d really prefer one with ruffles on!
I even tried a few dances out on the dance floor. It was not pretty!
Since we’re staying at a casino and I have never gambled before, we took a few one’s that Blake had in his pocket and hit the casino floor. He gravitated towards slot machines with ‘Wolf” in the title, while I thought the “Sex & the City” machines were more fun. We weren’t too lucky on in terms of gambling.
But, we did end up down in the children’s arcade and I (after too many played token to count) ended up winning a *Bonus* on one of the games. I’m embarrassed to say that I may have gotten a little too excited about all the tickets I won!
Who needs to gamble in a casino when there's an arcade to play in?
I’m going to go do some more loads of laundry. I want to get Blake all caught up before he flies out to Elko, NV. Have a great day and I’ll talk to you later,
Kilee
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12:38
It’s A Buyer’s Market BUT Homes Are Not Free!
» Central Oregon Real Estate BlogBend Oregon Home Search Click Me Buyer’s Market?Many real estate professionals have been saying for years that we are in a Buyer’s Market. And we ARE! But what exactly does that mean? Does it mean that every home on the market is over priced? Or that every seller will replace or repair things to make the home appear brand new? Does a buyer’s market mean that there is a set percentage a buyer should consider making an offer for? The answer is NO!
A fellow Real Estate Blogger said it perfectly!
You Can Buy a Home, but You Will Never Ever Steal One - Katherine wrote a great post to help buyers in her area understand that although prices are low, you need an agent to help you determine what a great deal truly is. After reading her post it became apparent that buyers in her area have some of the same thoughts as home buyers in Bend do.
An agent that is knowledgeable in the area can tell you if a home is priced well. Katherine shows this great example;
A Lesson Learned?
While reading Katherine’s post I could not help but think of a couple I was working with, they knew exactly what they wanted in a second home. The perfect home came on the market and they made plans to visit the area and see the property. On the Friday prior to their arrival the home had a major price reduction, one that I knew as their agent would most likely bring multiple offers. This did not worry me as I knew the buyer was well informed of the market and since this was a river front property priced well below any other river front properties I knew they would see the value and make a respectable offer.
The buyer arrived, and they did love the home. We were writing an offer, and the listing agent called to let me know that another offer had been received and that they were giving us the opportunity to submit our offer and have both offers presented at the same time, still I was not worried after all my buyers knew exactly what the market was and they were well educated in the process, we had talked multiple times about when a home hits the sweet spot on pricing it is time to move swiftly and as cleanly as possible. This home had hit the sweet spot.My buyers ran to grab some lunch while I prepared the paperwork. When they came back I had everything in order, all the necessary documents a current Comparative Market Analysis (CMA in Real Estate Lingo) just a couple blanks to complete some signatures and they would be ready for acceptance. This is when they told me what their offer price was, and all that education, all the time we had spent searching for the perfect home in the sweet spot went out the window.
Multiple Offers!!! They Really Do Happen!Knowing they were in a multiple offer situation, knowing the house now listed about $30,000 under value they wrote their offer for $15,000 under list price. No matter what the numbers showed, no matter what they already knew they were determined this was a good offer.
Sadly they did not get the house, and sadly 3 years later even in this decline they have not found the perfect home in the perfect sweet spot. In almost every correspondence I have with them these same words can be found… if only we had listened.
Buyers it is a buyer’s market out there, but what that means is there are a lot of things that can go your way, not that you get to have your cake and eat it to. There is a lot of inventory, prices are low, interest rates are low and often times there can be some heavy negotiating to get you a lot more for your dollar. But when a home is priced well, and is in a price range or area that creates good movement you really need to investigate the situation, and listen to your agent.
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12:04
Post FOMC @misstrade new highs No Raise in Interest Rates ,Big in Japan
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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11:45
Letzer’s Deli Downtown!
» Downtown Bend
We are pleased to welcome Letzer’s Deli to Downtown Bend. Located on Franklin next to Re/Max Realty, across from Chase Bank, this wonderful traditional deli promises to deliver value for the hungry downtown belly! Click below to see their menu.Letzer’s Deli
431 Franklin Avenue (541) 306-3750Those who know say…Letzer’s Deli…the ultimate sandwich
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Part I: Time for Cyclists to Weigh in on Deschutes County Transportation Plan
» Bike Around BendEditor’s Note: Sami Fournier is an avid cyclist, community volunteer and bicycle advocate in Central Oregon. This is one of her two part story on the TSP.
Peter Russell at BPAC's January meeting | Photo © Lucas Freeman
Senior Transportation Planner Peter Russell has worked for over three years on a new Deschutes County Transportation Systems Plan (TSP), set to be further discussed at a January 26Planning Commission meeting. Once adopted, the plan will dictate priorities and projects through 2032.
The fate of bicycling infrastructure can be found in Chapter 5.5 of the June 2011 draft where the extent of new County facilities for bicyclists amounts to two short segments of pathway—one in Tumalo, and one in Terrebonne. The process of finalizing the plan is now underway, but there is still time for area cyclists to urge the County to vow to do more to improve and promote bicycling over the next 20 years.
A step called “innovative” by the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is the attachment to the TSP of a series of area bike maps. The draft plan includes a collection of popular recreational rides on roads to be designated County ‘bikeways.’ A thorough search did not find this new designation defined however. But according to Russell, the mapped bikeways can serve as a tie-breaker when deciding which roads to widen. BPAC received a memo to that effect from Russell’s department, which said,
All Eggs in the Bikeways Basket“While functional classification, pavement condition, and average daily traffic (ADT) volumes are the primary measurements for maintaining or improving County roads, a bikeway designation could be used as a subordinate factor in prioritization.”
Whatever ‘bikeways’ might mean in practice under the new plan, BPAC is asking for the inclusion of a laundry list of rides. Included are a few roads near Sisters, which Sisters Trail Alliance (STA) is pushing for, on which the County has no maintenance responsibility . STA also asked for inclusion of bike-pedestrian improvements on collectors and arterials within 3 miles of urban growth boundaries, an idea which originated with County staffers.
In his October 25, 2011 letter from STA to County Planning Commissioners, Chuck Humphreys, Chair of STA and a BPAC member, said,
“Obviously we are not proposing to include all roads around Sisters, just those that represent exceptional cycling venues.”
With so many great roads to ride, no clear consensus has emerged on which ones could benefit from being widened. Popular cycling routes such as Alfalfa Market Road and Powell Butte Highway, on which wider shoulders could more safely accommodate cyclists, are as yet left off the list.
When asked whether any other rural counties had taken this approach to bikeway planning, Russell said he had not analyzed bikeway planning approaches in other locations around the State or nationally. During months of public hearings on the TSP, the county has received some input on the language in the bicycle portion of the plan, but area cyclists have focused mainly on how to expand the list of designated bikeways. At the January 2012 BPAC meeting, Russell forwarded seven options for compiling a list of roads to be included in the TSP. His primary criteria: as long as the roadways are maintained by the County he is willing to consider their inclusion in the plan.
A Borrowed ApproachThe first draft list of County bikeways roughly matched the bike routes selected by the Central Oregon Committee on Recreation Assets, convened by Senator Wyden and Deschutes County Commissioner Tammy Baney – routes to become segments of Central Oregon’s Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway, under a new Oregon State designation.
“…the County is not positioning itself to help add continuity to the bicycle route network, should the funding climate improve.”
Dozens of cyclists in working groups representing four geographic areas of the county came up with the mapped rides. These include the Bend area (Twin Bridges loop), Redmond/Sisters to Smith Rocks, the McKenzie Pass out-and-back from Sisters, and South Deschutes County routes near Sunriver. (See the bikeways mapped)
The Recreation Assets committee did not select these based on County bikeway criteria. They are recreation loops, picked to fit Oregon State Scenic Bikeway standards. Russell cleverly used this vetting process to serve double-duty as his selection of County bikeways. But, the routes on that list are already great recreational rides, scarcely in need of improvements.
Another problem with the county’s approach is that it has not accurately described the current inventory of bicycling facilities, which is about to grow, thanks to ODOT and US Forest Service(USFS) projects, such as a multi-use path near Lava Butte and a tunnel under the Cascade Lakes Highway at USFS Road 41. Without integrating these new facilities into its bicycling route system, the TSP is outdated before it is even finished.
The TSP maps some possible future multi-use trails, but states, “The intent is for third parties to cite the trails mapped on the TSP to then seek and obtain grant funding to build and maintain those trails.” The County pledges to work with USFS and ODOT on the non-highway paved path to Lava Butte, which is currently in the planning stages of development, according to BPAC.
Deschutes County does not want to be in the bike path business, though, and pleads poverty when asked to look at these options. Even while planning twenty years into the future, the County is not positioning itself to help add continuity to the bicycle route network, should the funding climate improve.
(left to right) BPAC members Chuck Humphreys & Michele Sims
Back to the Future
Photo © Lucas FreemanWhen it comes to cycling policies, the draft plan largely repeats the old 1998 plan, with the whimsical historical cover photo aptly featuring seven children traveling astride a mule. The County’s shared-shoulder system of bikeways depended on its mostly rural roads serving bike travel, and without prioritization for bikeways. The county’s updated plan mainly expects that shared system to suffice for the next 20 years, regardless of population and traffic volumes, which have grown substantially.
Regarding changing environments, the plan refers to recreational cycling, stating:
“Motorists and cyclists will continue to share the roadway in heightened numbers as cycling continues to increase in economic importance in the region. Improved and well maintained roads assist that blending of those users, resulting in a County road system that is safer and more efficient.”
And when it comes to maintenance, there is a nice surprise awaiting cyclists in the plan; a new practice of great significance to many road cyclists:
“The County has also changed the way it applies chip sealing to accommodate cyclists. The County has gone to a smaller rock (3/8”) which is also washed and sealed. The County only chip seals the travel lanes, not the shoulders. This should address the cyclists’ concerns about having an acceptable riding surface.”
The views and opinions expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
###Related content:
- Part II: Time for Cyclists to Weigh in on Deschutes County Transportation Plan Editor’s Note: Sami Fournier is an avid cyclist, community volunteer...
- Transportation System Plan Update Meetings Want to get involved in planning for bike routes in...
- The End of Chip Seal in Deschutes County? Just last week, Deschutes County Road Department announced some proposed...
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Happy Birthday Dear Sweet Sister of Mine
» Bend and Beyond
Thirty-one years today, during half time of the SuperBowl, the whole world changed; for the better. It had nothing to do with the half-time show or who won the game. During half-time of SuperBowl XXV, my little sister was born, Kacy Ann Elizabeth Bishop.
I don’t remember those first days, but I have been told I loved her immediately. I was kind and tender and gentle. She was my best friend, from day one. And today, all grown-up, this remains true.We have had our moments, our ups and downs, our trials and tribulations, our laughs, our cries, our celebrations! Through it all, I have never stopped loving her, in the deepest place in my heart, reserved for my sister, and my sister alone. No matter where our lives take us, we will be together, bonded by something stronger than any other: Sisterhood.
On this 25th day of January, 2012, I thank Mama and Papa for bringing Kacy into this world; for making it, and me, better. I hope that one day, Max will look at Jude, and then glance to Kacy and Andrew and feel the same way – grateful for the bond between siblings – real and sacred and irreplaceable.
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11:18
Fast-Motion Video: The Making of "Leapers & Creepers"
» High Desert Musings
Visitors at the High Desert Museum frequently tell us our exhibits are so fun and exciting.And, they often think that they are traveling exhibits, built by some museum in a big city and sent on the road. But we create nearly all of our exhibits here at this nonprofit, with our wonderfully talented and dedicated staff.
Click">[www.blogger.com] here for a fast-motion video showing how we built a lush, indoor, plant filled environment for more than 20 native and exotic species of frogs and reptiles, from poison dart frogs and chameleons to geckos and snakes. It's our new exhibit Leapers & Creepers: The Living World of Frogs and Reptiles.
One highlight is an area where tortoises roam freely and you can touch them and watch them being fed.
This latest interactive and educational offering allows visitors to learn about these animals’ natural history and conservation issues. The exhibit runs through April 29.
Thanks to our pro photographers who generously donate their time and expertise! This video was shot by Museum volunteer Lee Schaefer, and the photo is by Museum volunteer Abbott Schindler.
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Made By Hand: 1960's-Era Porsche Factory Tour
» Downshift[httpwww9magazin_ijeee"] src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/highdesertpca/EhrtdDminqdCqsqsxyhkFpgrdAafkBIbGxuhgqxkjkvcJebqoyxAjcevDGAn/media [httpwww9magazin_ijEeE.jpg.scaled500.jpg"] /> via 9magazine.com
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10:43
Willard …
» Homeless on the High DesertRomney Profited From Mortgage Lenders Foreclosing On Thousands Of Floridians
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10:36
The Terrorists win …
» Homeless on the High DesertRep. Gabrielle Giffords bid farewell to the House of Representatives Wednesday morning receiving an emotional standing ovation from her colleagues. The Arizona congresswoman submitted her resignation to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) just over a year after a horrific shooting in Tucson that left six people dead and Giffords critically wounded. Since that time, Giffords [...]
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10:33
Just going about my business.
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadSometimes it's best to just quietly go about your business, you know?
And a blog isn't quiet.
Then again, the crossover between customers and blog readers probably isn't huge.
No dark secret, just that I'm quietly curtailing much spending this month. Just letting what I've already ordered come in. My orders from several months ago were bigger than normal, so that seems to be bringing in a healthy supply of product.
Meanwhile, I'm sort of taking a step back from writing, as well.
I was stumped for awhile, and decided that it was better to wait until I was ready before I started again. Well, that seems to have worked. I've dreamed -- literally -- a couple of solutions, and I think I'm ready to get going.
So next week, without fanfare, I'm going to start in on the second draft. I'm doing a bit of Jedi-mind tricks on myself.
See, it's important to get all motivated and loud about starting a book, but ironically, to finish a book I need to take the opposite tack. A sort of a lessening of pressure, a "It's no big deal" sort of attitude. The closer I get to finishing, the more I have to quit thinking about it.
I have to sort of turn off all my critical thinking again, and just enjoy the process -- and feel my way toward a flow of words that seems right.
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10:26
Upcoming Music Events
» Cascade Winds NewsBenefit Concert - Mountain View High School Band Japanese Exchange Program
The Mountain View High School Band is hosting a benefit concert to support their Japanese Exchange Program. Featured artists will include: Summit Express Jazz Band, The Notables Swing Band, and JaZcru.
Date: Friday, January 27, 2012
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: MVHS Auditorium - 2755 NE 27th St, Bend
Price: Voluntary donation to support the cause
Spitfire Grill at Cascade Theatrical Company: opens Friday, January 27 and runs through February 12. Greenwood Playhouse, 148 NW Greenwood, 541-389-0803. Cascade Winds percussionist, Cheri Redgrave, is the musical director for this production. Tickets: $20/15/12
Cascade Horizon Senior Band: Sunday, January 29, 2:00 p.m., Mountain View HS, FREE concert featuring works by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gershwin, show tunes and more. 541-639-7734
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10:03
wanna help this girl buy some shoes?
» Living LadureeCheck out a recent post on le Mod Fox's blog about neon.
This girl, in.real.life...is gonna buy some neon Jeffrey Campbells. Problem. I don't know what color to go with. Orange is out, green me thinks as well. It's between neon yellow or pink. I do already have a pair of hot pink cage sandals, but they are worn differently than these wedges. The pink will go with my black leather leggings, my merlot coated J Brands, and a lot of outfits for summer with turquoise. The yellow however is so stinkin cute and bright and playful. Thoughts people? HELP ME PLEASE!!!
I realize the irony that my last post was about purchasing fewer non-essentials this year. It has to be noted these will be paid for with a credit at the mother ship that is known as Nordstroms. The end.
Throw a bad blogger a bone people!
xoxo,
Amy
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10:02
Tweakers, they’re baaccckkkk …
» Homeless on the High DesertIt isn’t talked a lot about anymore, but the meth epidemic in America is getting worse. According to PBS, there are approximately 1.4 million meth users in America. Meth is unbelievable addictive and it can absolutely destroy your life. If you doubt this, just check out these before and after pictures. Sadly, there are indications that meth [...]
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9:03
Wordless Wednesday - Be.
» My Scrap Home
Pinned.
Just trying to keep things in perspective. In the online world, it's easy to get distracted.
Happy Wednesday. Davinie
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8:47
In five, four, three, two …
» Homeless on the High DesertThis morning, the White House released this statement from President Obama: “On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and [...]
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8:43
Ringo Deathstarr – Chloe (Live on KEXP)
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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8:26
That was the plan, stan …
» Homeless on the High DesertGeorge W. Bush: where the U.S. went from a surplus of nearly $130 billion to a deficit of more than $375 billion. Took it from the people, and gave it to the banks.
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8:09
I haven’t had a cup of coffee …
» Homeless on the High DesertSince 1999 (pig era). And as I grow ever distant from that last cup of coffee I grow more appreciative of how offensive the smell of tobacco smoke is to non-smokers.
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7:50
Sums it up nicely …
» Homeless on the High DesertDavid Corn [my emphasis]: In the past year, Obama has moved from a compromiser-in-chief looking to cut deals with the Republicans (to avoid such negative consequences as the end of the Bush tax cuts for middle-income earners, a government shutdown, and a default of on US government debt) to a semi-populist battler for the middle class [...]
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Worthy Brewing logo revealed
» The Brew SiteChad Kennedy, brewmaster of Bend’s upcoming Worthy Brewing, revealed the new brewery’s logo on Twitter (and Facebook) the other day:
I like it, it’s a strong, clean design with detail but not too much detail.
In addition, there is also a new Facebook page for the brewery here.
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Site cleanup and recovery
» Hack BendAs I’d twittered and posted on Facebook over the weekend, this blog (and a bunch of other sites that were on the same server account) had been hacked with some malicious server code that was redirecting referring links away to some sort of spam/malware sites.
Ah yes, the irony of a blog with “Hack” in the title itself getting hacked.
So I’ve been mostly offline, cleaning up the sites and infected files and locking down the server so that it (hopefully) won’t happen again. So far, so good.
Everything should be back online and working now, let me know if something isn’t, and we’ll resume our regular programming…
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7:15
Killing Jesus’ Family …
» Homeless on the High DesertUsing methods similar to those police have developed to solve crimes, British scientists, assisted by Israeli archeologists, have re-created what they believe is the most accurate image (above) of what the historical Jesus looked like. Not exactly the blond haired, blue eyed poster-boy painted across the “American” landscape. In the dying days of the Bush [...]
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Will OBRA Board Get Bend Directors?
» Bike Around BendProposed Cyclocross Rule Changes- Handlebars may not face forward or upward.
- Bicycle shall have at least two brakes.
- Bicycles shall have a freewheel mechanism.
EXCEPTION: A fixed may be used in races
where all the competitors are similarly
equipped.
This Saturday, the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) will hold it’s annual meeting, where some minor rule changes will be voted on and two new, six year termed board members will be voted in.
Representatives from racing teams across the State will have a chance to cast their ballots for the open positions. One open seat is being vacated by Brad Ross, who is not running to retain his Directorship.
Candi Murry of OBRA had this to say about Ross’ tenure,
“His input and guidance during the last ten years has been invaluable and a key factor in the organizations growth.”
The other open board seat is Meg Mautner’s. She was the first woman, and is currently the only female on OBRA’s governing body and is running to retain the position she’s held for the last six years. However, she faces eight others, two of whom have roots in Bend.
Tom Wilson, who currently lives in Corvailis, had lived in Bend for a three year stint. He comes with a wealth of racing, officiating, and race promotion experience, as well as the endorsement of another local running for the Board, Chuck Kenlan.
Kenlan is known to some as the former Executive Director of MBSEF, a position he held for nine years until 2011. He’s also a Board Member of the Bend Velodrome Project (BVP) and would be uniquely positioned as an OBRA Board Director to represent Bend’s perspective within the organization.
For a listing of current board members, click here.
###
Related content:
- Bend’s OBRA Cyclocross Juniors It’s pretty exciting how well Bend fared in the OBRA...
- Is USA Cycling Trying to Kill OBRA? (Updated) Editor’s Note: This post is in follow-up to a post...
- Is USA Cycling Trying to Kill OBRA? A story ran in CXMagazine today in which a new...
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7:01
The Public’s Right to Know …
» Homeless on the High DesertPeople are fed up with fake news on TV Megan Tady, January 24, 2012 In the media reform world, we often say we’re fighting for “better” media. Of course, “better” is the sort of word that begs comparison: better than what? If we’re to demand more of our local broadcasters, we need to know what’s [...]
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Wordless Wednesday: SNOWOMG!
» Working Mom Goes GreenSnow came really late this year. And that's pretty bad for a town whose economy counts on it for tourism. Last week, it snowed over 5 feet at our local resort, shutting it down for a day. We headed up to go sledding. Let's just say, pregnancy and watching your family sled, don't mix.
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Wishing It Was Spring…
» Scripted Genius
You just finished reading Wishing It Was Spring...! Consider leaving a comment!
Have you read the SG Terms of Service? It covers privacy, FTC disclosures, and more. Check out the Legal section of SG to get the skinny today.
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6:31
Not even six-thirty in the morning …
» Homeless on the High DesertAnd I’ve already had today’s fill of stupid: Rick Santorum Thinks Pregnancy Through Rape is God’s Gift ”Becoming pregnant by a rapist is a gift from God.” In Piers Morgan’s interview with Santorum on the former’s CNN talk show, Santorum declares that even if his own daughter were raped – a hypothetical scenario both men manage to discuss [...]
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6:26
Love Bug Box
» thetincats
Love Bug Box: Using the flat paintbrush: Paint the box lid with Valentine Pink. Paint the bottom portion of the box and the wooden plug with Bright Red. Let dry.
On top of the box lid, use the liner brush to paint oval eyes with black. Use the marker to draw a mouth, eyelashes and eyebrows. Add cheeks with the cosmetic blush. Let paint dry.
Glue the wood plug in place for a nose.
Use the tip of the paintbrush handle dipped in white to add dots to the eyes for highlights. Clean the tip of the paintbrush handle and then dip it in black paint and add dots to the cheeks for freckles. Use the liner paintbrush and white to paint a small line on the nose as shown and a small heart on the mouth for a tooth.
Cut the red chenille stem in half then in half again. Glue the two shortest halves to the top side of the box lid for antenna. Glue a heart to the tip of each antenna.
Cut a strip from the pink felt, make short cuts along one edge and glue the other edge in front of the antenna for hair. Cut the red felt into two teardrop shaped ears and glue behind the antenna. Tie the ribbon into a shoestring bow and glue in front of the hair.
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6:15
W Wha What … !?
» Homeless on the High DesertOklahoma Lawmaker Wants To Outlaw Human Fetuses In Production Of Food Oklahoma GOP State Senator Ralph Shortey is on a mission to finally put an end to his state’s allegedly rampant cannibalism problem. Alarmed after his own research, which consisted of reading a nameless report stating that companies have used stem cells in the production of [...]
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6:05
Willard, and Walden …
» Homeless on the High DesertPresident Obama’s State of the Union last night was a point-by-point refutation of Willard Romney. And Greg Walden. Trustfunders, who’ve never done a day’s work.
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5:41
YO! Tea Bagger …
» Homeless on the High DesertIf you really care about the country, eat shit and die. Dick Armey: “I think the [Tea Party] movement, very broadly,” Armey began, “has forsaken the possibility of having a reliable, innovative, small government conservative emerge through the Republican Party’s process. So we put our focus on — ” “What do you mean?” Banfield interrupted, [...]
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5:34
Not Willard …
» Homeless on the High DesertHis father. Rick Perlstein in Rolling Stone: That’s another rebellion against his late dad. Not only was George Romney, that loser, ironclad in his ideological commitments; his vision of how capitalism should work was in every particular the exact opposite of the one pushed by the vulture capitalist he sired. (If George Romney’s AMC was around now, [...]
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Today we'll select a couple of lotus ...
» The gr8ful grindToday we'll select a couple of lotus blossoms to add to the bouquet. Salem, Oregon; September, 2010.
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Serious Downton Abbey withdrawal starts… now!
» Memory MonsterWell, I’ve finally done it: I’ve caught up on Downton Abbey—just finished the current episode (Season 2, Episode 3). The Dowager sure gets all the best lines, doesn’t she? I laughed out loud several times during this episode—mostly at her droll commentary. Filed under: blogging challenges, NaBloPoMo Tagged: abbey, countess, dowager, downton, grantham, maggie, NaBloPoMo, [...]
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22:43
How Accurate and Valid Is That Prepper/Survivalist Website?
» Survival Common Sensehttp://www.survivalcommonsense.com
Survival/prepper websites are a dime a dozen. To set up a survival website, all you have to do is buy a domain name and start posting. That’s what I did. But how do you, the reader, tell if a survival site is providing valid information? Can you trust what you read or view?
by Leon Pantenburg
Can anyone verify the authenticity of a website? What about websites that rate other websites? How important are Google rating? How can you tell if a website is providing practical information or just plain BS?
I'm the author of SurvivalCommonSense.com. and responsible for the content published on it. My credentials are at the bottom of the story.
You gotta wonder…so it was with great interest that I sat in recently on a journalism research class at Central Oregon Community College, in Bend, OR. The instructor was COCC Emerging Technologies Librarian Michele DeSilva, and the topic was how to verify web source information.
The problem, DeSilva said, is people assume that since something is on an internet website, that information has validity. But popularity does not mean quality, she commented, and publication is no guarantee of truth.
“A high Google rating does not mean a site provides good information,” she said. “It just means it’s popular and gets a lot of hits. ”
Some of the most popular Google-rated sites, she added, don’t have anything to do with truth, accuracy or verifiable knowledge.
Wikipedia is another source that should be avoided, she said, because there is no consistent overview or editing of the materials for sourcing or accuracy.
YouTube posts should be suspect, too, IMHO, because shooting angles, staging and carefully-timed camera angle cuts can cover up a multitude of inadequacies and lack of skill.
DeSilva recommends applying the following criteria to ANY website or source of information before you decide to trust it:
- Who is responsible for the website? What are the author or organization’s credentials? (Hint: if you have trouble determining who is responsible for the website, it’s probably not that credible!)
- Don’t rely on a site’s domain alone for determining a website’s credibility! Anyone can register an .org site, for any reason. .Edu sites can have student projects or really out-of-date pages. Many .com sites are excellent sources of information.
- One exception: .gov sites are reserved solely for U.S. government sites and are generally pretty credible (unless they are out of date, so be sure you know when the site was created and updated.)
- Look for an “about” page (or a “mission” or “purpose” page). What’s the purpose for this website? Is there a particular point of view that informs the Website?
- Is the website’s content up to date? When was content last posted? Where is content coming from? Is the author creating it or collecting content from other sites/sources? If the content is coming from other places, what, if any, value is added by the website you’re looking at?
- Some sites exist just to generate advertising revenue! They copy content from Wikipedia or other free, online sources just to drive traffic to their sites.
- Does the author cite his or her sources? Is his or her information verifiable?
- If the author is presenting something as his or her original research, what gives the author credentials, or expertise, in this area?
- Are there lots of spelling and grammatical errors on the website? Any obvious factual inaccuracies?
- How many ads are on the page? Are there lots of links to commercial sites that have little or no relation to the topic the website is about?
- A good site can have ads, of course; but, again, watch out for those sites that exist just for commercial purposes.
My journalism career has been based on accurate information. In the news world, information that can’t be verified can lead to a lawsuit. Publishing inaccurate info or passing off opinion as fact destroys your reputation and creditability, and can get you sued.
But in the survival/preparedness world, bad websites can be dangerous,and potentially life-threatening. What happens if you get some bad advice about a survival technique, for example, or buy equipment you can’t personally use, based on some charlatan’s recommendations?
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to know better. Apply the above test to any website before you trust your safety and welfare to the information that may come from it.
And since you should be wondering, here are my credentials for writing this blog.
Sign up for our Email Newsletter
http://www.survivalcommonsense.com
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Game On! Diet Haiku
» The Rural GourmetA Game On! Diet Haiku
Five meals every dayFruit smoothies at ten o'clockcompetition's rough
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Site recovery
» The Brew SiteI’ve most mostly offline these past few days, because I was recovering and cleaning this site (along with a bunch of others) from some malicious code that got inserted into the blog files due to the server account they reside on being exploited—or, in other words, the blog was hacked.
From a technical perspective it was innocuous enough: a bit of encoded PHP code (“PHP” is the programming language WordPress is built on) got inserted into the site files that simply redirected users coming from external links to spam or malware sites. The code itself was easy to spot and subsequently easy to clear out, but it had infected a lot of files so it took time, and of course I’ve been closely monitoring the sites since cleaning things up and locking them down to make sure it didn’t happen again.
So, if you’d tried to visit this blog over the past several days by clicking on a link from another site—Google search results, for instance, or Facebook posts—then you would have been redirected to something else entirely (possibly triggering a malware warning in your antivirus program). However, visiting the site directly—typing “thebrewsite.com” into the URL bar directly, or clicking from bookmarks—bypassed this redirection so if you didn’t know better, you wouldn’t know the site had been compromised.
Anyway, everything’s back to normal for the moment so I will resume blogging shortly.
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Bend's Reed Market fix more than two years off
» Bend OR Bust
If you're looking for Bend to fix one of the most dangerous roadways in the city anytime soon, well, forget about it.
Bend city staff unveiled basic maps today of the road projects approved by voters last May in a $30 million bond issue. Details will surprise us later.
The biggest, costliest, and most critical, project on the agenda -- the Reed Market corridor from Third to 27th streets -- won't start construction until April 2013. And that's just the first phase.
The third phase of the Reed Market work isn't projected to finish until August 2014.
If we're lucky.
Since Reed Market is last on the agenda, funds for its completion may get gobbled up by the projects ahead of it.
When construction firms see the public trough filled with millions, they scramble like pigs feasting away.
There will be cost "overruns" and "unforeseen" land acquisition costs that will eat into the $30 million budget like sows on slop.
As many residents have figured out, the city believes the most urgent portion of the overall project, the one we can't live without, is the construction of the roundabout at Simpson and Mt. Washington. It begins construction this June.
Yes, that's right, on Bend's west side.
Westsiders are more equal than Eastsiders. They're special. If the entire city votes for money to be spent on citywide projects, then by god, Westsiders are entitled to have their needs addressed first.
Call it the trickle east theory.
Shockingly, the roundabout at 18th and Empire, on Bend's northeast side, won't see construction until this July.
It's shocking because the whole reason we had this $30 million bond measure in the first place was because the city needed to fix traffic issues near Juniper Ridge, its mixed-use development boondoggle on Bend's north end.
Bend needs to show the state that it is making progress there so that the state will allow further development at nearby Juniper Ridge along Highway 97. Nevermind that nothing is being done to correct the gridlock on Hwy. 97, we need to make it much worse before we make it better. It's the Bend way.
The good thing about all the road construction work is that it will allow the city to partially catch up with its road deficiencies before the next housing boom engulfs Bend.
Here's hoping that, in the future, we see only modest, sustained growth, where infrastructure can keep pace with the next gated community here or the next business park there.
And, that developers pay their fair share so that we won't need a $100 million bond measure in five years.
A more measured, moderate growth rate is better for Bend in the long run.
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17:23
Nothing square about having fun: Redmond Redrock Squares dance lessons
» Redmond Spokesman Blog
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EGMS girls got game: Middle school basketball
» Redmond Spokesman Blog
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16:33 Summit’s Travis Neuman Gatorade award winner
» Central Oregon Athlete
Oregon 5A Cross County state champion Travis Neuman has been named the top boys runner and Gatorade award winner.
“Bend runner wins Gatorade award” – The Bullentin
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Event calendar
» Redmond Spokesman BlogLearn the skill of cooking with thrift Local cooking instructor Ahja King will demonstrate how to make three different meals out of one chicken at a class Feb. 28 at the Redmond Library.The 6 p.m. class is free and open to the public, but limited to 20 participants. Please register at www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar or by calling Lisa at 541-312-1034.
Brush up on artistic or computer skillsThe Continuing Education department at Central Oregon Community College offers workshops in painting, jewelry making, drawing, photography, computers, and more.Call 541-383-7270 or go online to [noncredit.cocc.edu] for more information.
Dinner theater brings 'mayhem’The Children’s Theater Company has announced its first dinner theater production, “Mayhem in Mayville,” will show on Feb. 10, 11, 13, and 14 at 6 p.m. Dinner will consist of roast pork loin (or vegetarian lasagna), rice pilaf, honey-glazed carrots, salad, drink and dessert.When the lights come up on this two-act whodunit, the audience is aware that skullduggery has been at play – a pair of men’s legs are found sticking out from under a table at Connie’s Cup ’O Coffee Cafe. Mayhem quickly ensues and an investigation is under way. Everyone is suspect. Clues are found everywhere. The audience helps with the investigation and grand pandemonium follows as you try to make sense of all the clues and decide who the culprit is.Tickets are $15 per person and available at www.childrenstheatercompany.net.
Central Oregon fabric artist showThe Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) has partnered with Arts Central to host the first juried exhibit of art and contemporary quilts in Central Oregon. Fabrications – The Art of Quilting opens at Arts Central Friday, Feb. 3, and runs 5 to 8 p.m. to coincide with the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Bend. The exhibit, sponsored by Bank of the Cascades, includes 33 art quilts, showcasing 24 different artists. “These may not be quilts like your grandmother made, but many of them were designed and created by grandmothers,” said Ann Richardson, executive director of SOQS, in a news release. About one-third of the quilts will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting both Arts Central and SOQS, both of which are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. For Arts Central, proceeds will benefit its scholarship fund for youth in need. SOQS is known for its annual outdoor quilt show – the largest of its kind in the world. While educating the public about quilt making, the organization continues to carry out the American tradition of quilters, helping to meet community needs.The annual show is on July 14, 2012.The quilts will be on display until Feb. 25 at Arts Central, 875 N.W. Brooks St. in Bend. Arts Central is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three artists from Redmond are featured in the exhibit: Mary Stiewig, Charlene Kenny and Tammy MacArthur. Sheila Finzer from Terrebonne is also featured.
Computer classes offered at the libraryThe following Redmond Library computer classes are free, but space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens one month prior to class date. Stop at the desk, call 541-312-1055, or visit www.deschuteslibrary.org to register.Know Word III, Jan. 31, 2-3:30 p.m.: Get creative and learn how to make flyers and party invitations with Microsoft Word. Prerequisites: “Know Computers for Beginners” or familiarity with a mouse and Windows.Know Internet for Beginners, Feb. 7, 2-3:30 p.m.: Learn some Internet lingo, use an Internet browser, and learn how to get around online using Web addresses. Prerequisites: “Know Computers for Beginners” or familiarity with a mouse and Windows.Know Internet Searching, Feb. 10, 2-3:30 p.m.: Learn how to find things online using directories and search engines, and how to make your searches more effective. Prerequisites: “Know Internet for Beginners” or familiarity with Windows and an Internet browser.
Nature presentations series announcedThe Deschutes Land Trust has announced its Winter Nature Nights series. Monthly presentations on nature-related topics will be given by experts in the field.Feb. 21: Climate Change and Oregon – Building Resiliency, 7-8:30 p.m.The earth’s climate is changing. How do we adapt to this new reality and prepare for the future? Join Kathie Dello, deputy director of the Oregon Climate Service, for a presentation on climate change and its impacts on Central Oregon and the state. Dello will discuss current and future changes to mountain snowpack, wildfire and vegetation. How might climate change affect our waters and our recreation? Then, learn about climate adaptation and the measures that are being taken to build resilience – and hope – into the natural world. RSVP at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/events.March 20: Three Sisters and Whychus Creek – A Geologic Past and Present, 7-8:30 p.m.The Three Sisters, once known as Mount Multnomah, rank among the most diverse of Oregon’s volcanic centers because of their composition and past eruptions. They also harbor a high potential for future eruptions. Join Ellen Bishop Morris, noted geologist, author and photographer, for a talk on the geologic history of the Sisters and Whychus Creek. Ellen will discuss the geology of the Three Sisters region and the early volcanism revealed in Whychus Creek’s lower stretches. RSVP at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/events.All presentations are open to the public and free of charge. Presentations are held at GoodLife Brewing Company in Bend.
Learn about locally sourced cuisineCentral Oregon Locavore and Cascade Culinary Institute will hold a Meet Your Farmer Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m, at the Cascade Culinary Institute Elevation Restaurant. The featured farmer will be Rainshadow Organics Farm of Lower Bridge and the featured menu will be “Rooters and Tubers.” Cost is $25 per person.Central Oregon Locavore has been hosting the Meet Your Farmer Dinners over the past year at Common Table, a downtown Bend nonprofit restaurant, but had to change venues when the restaurant revamped its menu and programs.Sarahlee Lawrence of Rainshadow Organics, a family run farm on 27 acres located just outside Terrebonne, will be at the event to talk about farming practices while diners will be treated to a meal made from seasonal ingredients.Elevation’s Executive Chef and Chef Instructor Thor Erickson explained in a news release, “Rooters and Tubers : menu will be cured and cooked fresh pork and a selection of roasted root vegetables which are in season right now. The students preparing the meal will come away with a newfound sense of where things come from and how best to use it. Our goal is to educate culinary students on the procurement and use of sustainable local ingredients so this is a perfect partnership for us.”For tickets, registration, to view the menu and for more information, visit the Central Oregon Locavore site at www.centraloregonlocavore.com. Central Oregon Locavore is an online marketplace for locally produced food and products.For more information on Rainshadow Organics visit www.rainshadoworganics.com. For more information on Elevation Restaurant visit [elevationbend.com] .
1/25 Wednesdayschool board: Redmond School Board meeting, public welcome, 5:30 p.m., John Tuck Elementary, 209 N.W. 10th St.; agenda at www.redmond.k12.or.us.PRESCHOOL PARADE STORY TIME: Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children ages 3 to 5, every Wednesday; 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.
1/26 ThursdayTODDLIN’ TALES STORY TIME: For children 18-36 months and caregiver, every Thursday; 10:15 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.BABY STEPS STORY TIME: A gentle story time for infants to 18 months, every Thursday; 11 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.Public Golf: Juniper Golf Commission meeting, public welcome, 2 p.m., Juniper Golf Course clubhouse, 1938 S.W. Elkhorn Ave; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.economic development: Redmond Development Commission meeting; public welcome, 3:30 p.m., city hall, 716 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.TEEN LAPTOP LAB: Ages 12-17. Check Myspace, Facebook, do homework, play games; 3-5 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1050.AUTHOR PRESENTATION: Central Oregon Writers Guild features Prineville author and instructor Don Wood, who will speak on the topic “Logical Creativity in the Writing Process.” His presentation will include group discussions on how writers can tap their own creativity. Wood’s website: www.TruthAsIKnowIt.org; free; 6:30-9 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-923-0896, elsiemariewrites@gmail.com or www.centraloregonwritersguild.com.
1/27 FridayOREGON HUMANITIES CONVERSATION PROJECT: Veronica Dujon talks about the meanings that Oregonians have attached to state locations and how we want to use and preserve natural resources; free; 6 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.BELLAVIA: Jazz and blues; 6:30 p.m.; Crave Eclectic Fine Dining, 614 N.W. Cedar Ave., Redmond; 541-504-6006.“THE ANGELS OF LEMNOS”: Innovation Theatre Works presents the urban drama about a man who finds a baby in a trash can; $15; 7:30 p.m.; Innovation Theatre Works, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-504-6721 or www.innovationtw.org.“THE WHO’S TOMMY”: 2nd Street Theater presents the rock opera about a catatonic boy who becomes a pinball superstar; $20 via website, $22 at the door; 7:30 p.m.; 2nd Street Theater, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave., Bend; 541-312-9626, 2ndstreettheater@gmail.com or www.2ndstreettheater.com.
1/28 SaturdayREDMOND GRANGE BREAKFAST: A portion of proceeds benefits Start Making A Reader Today; $5, $20 per family; 7-10 a.m.; Redmond Grange, 707 S.W. Kalama Ave.; 541-480-4495. CLASSICAL FORM TO ROMANTIC INTENTIONS: Michael Gesme talks about how Beethoven took a simple idea and elevated it with “Pathetique Sonata”; free; 2 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1032 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.BELLAVIA: Jazz and blues; 6:30 p.m.; Crave Eclectic Fine Dining, 614 N.W. Cedar Ave., Redmond; 541-504-6006.“THE BIG LEBOWSKI”: A screening of the R-rated 1998 film, with a costume parade; $12; 7 and 10 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.VIVA LAS VEGAS: Featuring a dinner buffet, silent auction, gaming and more; registration requested; proceeds benefit the Crooked River Ranch-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce; $25; 7 p.m.; Red Rooster Restaurant and Omelet House, 1857 N.W. Sixth St., Redmond; 541-923-2679, info@crrchamber.com or www.crrchamber.com.“THE ANGELS OF LEMNOS”: Innovation Theatre Works presents the urban drama about a man who finds a baby in a trash can; $15; 7:30 p.m.; Innovation Theatre Works, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-504-6721 or www.innovationtw.org.“THE WHO’S TOMMY”: Final night of 2nd Street Theater’s presentation of the rock opera about a catatonic boy who becomes a pinball superstar; $20 via website, $22 at the door; 7:30 p.m.; 2nd Street Theater, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave., Bend; 541-312-9626, 2ndstreettheater@gmail.com or www.2ndstreettheater.com.MIDDLE SCHOOL COSMIC SWIM: Middle school students only, a fun time with friends, swimming, games, music and other activities, must have student ID or parent accompany inside the building; $2.50; 8-10 p.m.; Cascade Swim Center, 465 S.W. Rimrock Way, Redmond; 541-548-7275.
1/29 SundayTHE RELEVANCE OF EMILY DICKINSON: COCC professor Chris Rubio examines some of the themes in Emily Dickinson’s poetry; free; 1 p.m.; Sisters Public Library, 110 N. Cedar St.; 541-312-1034 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.
1/31 Tuesdaytransportation: -Cascades East Public Transit Advisory Committee meeting, public welcome; 3 p.m.; 2363 S.W. Glacier Pl., Redmond; agenda includes CET performance data and discussion of the role of Public Transit Advisory Committee; 541-548-9520; www.coic.org.Redmond City Council: Redmond City Council meeting, public welcome; 6:45 a.m., city hall, 716 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.
2/1 WednesdayPRESCHOOL PARADE STORY TIME: Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children ages 3 to 5, every Wednesday; 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.STRENGTHENING DISASTER READINESS: Learn what you and your family can do to prepare for an emergency; RSVP requested; free; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Redmond City Council chambers, 777 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; www.taprootonline.org.FLY FISHING FILM TOUR: A screening of a film collection that showcases anglers; $13; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.
2/2 ThursdayTODDLIN’ TALES STORY TIME: For children 18-36 months and caregiver, every Thursday; 10:15 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.BABY STEPS STORY TIME: A gentle story time for infants to 18 months, every Thursday; 11 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1055.TEEN TERRITORY - VALENTINE PARTY: Party and crafts. Ages 12-17; 3-4:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1050 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.
2/3 FridayOPEN COMPUTER LAB: Free time for adults to practice computer skills or work on any problems, with staff available to help; 2 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave.; 541-312-1050.“THE ANGELS OF LEMNOS”: Innovation Theatre Works presents the urban drama about a man who finds a baby in a trash can; $15; 7:30 p.m.; Innovation Theatre Works, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-504-6721 or www.innovationtw.org.
2/4 SaturdayTHE DOCS OF ROCK: Featuring live music, refreshments and live and silent auctions; proceeds benefit the Bend Surgery Center Foundation; $25; 6 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.“THE ANGELS OF LEMNOS”: Innovation Theatre Works presents the urban drama about a man who finds a baby in a trash can; $15; 7:30 p.m.; Innovation Theatre Works, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-504-6721 or www.innovationtw.org.
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16:01
Broken Top Sunrise Print, now showing at the High Desert Museum!
» Mike Putnam PhotographyI am proud to announce that one of my fine art prints, “Broken Top Sunrise” is now on display at Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum. The High Desert Museum is a phenomenal resource for Bend and the whole High Desert region. The High Desert Museum elegantly utilizes history, wildlife and natural resources to foster a greater appreciation of conservation and preservation in both Central Oregon and the Intermountain west. Below is an image of my fine art print, “Broken Top Sunrise” which is currently on display at the High Desert Museum.
Art at the High Desert Museum
The exhibit that my print is part of is about invasive species in the High Desert. Predictably, the exhibit is extremely well organized and laid out. It is a great combination of material that is visually stimulating, entertaining, and educational. Coincidentally, my print is a documentation of native species of
High Desert Museum
wildflowers thriving in the Bend, Oregon area. It is not intended to represent invasive species, but rather the beauty of native species.
My print, “Broken Top sunrise” was captured high on the flanks of Broken Top Mountain, not far from the Broken Top Trail. it is an image that I worked very hard to get. Many separate scouting trips, both before and after sunrise were required to appropriately plan and compose this photograph. It is one of my favorite locations in the Bend, Oregon area and it is one that I am honored to share with the High Deseert Museum! For information about my Broken Top Sunrise image or any of the many other fine art prints in my portfolio, please visit the galleries page of my website by visiting the following link. Fine Art images. Incidentally, you can find my line of Bend Oregon Note Cards in the Silver Sage Trading Store located just just a few feet away from where my print is currently hanging in the museum. For more information about my note cards please visit my note cards page. Bend, Oregon Note Cards. I hope that the good folks at the High Desert Museum are half as happy to have the print as I am to share the print. thanks for Visiting and I’ll see you at the museum! Mike Putnam
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15:55
Have A Couple Hours To Kill? Rewatch Star Wars, Episode IV
» UtterlyBoring.comBut this time, things are going to look a bit...
This is the completed project from Star Wars Uncut (which I know I've linked to before, but can't seem to find). Star Wars Uncut was a crowd-sourced project where thousands of folks out there on the Interwebs remade "Star Wars: A New Hope" (aka Episode IV) 15 seconds at a time. It's hilariously brilliant. I haven't watched the whole thing, but did download it (YousableTubeFix is awesome) for future watching.
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15:33
Cash Sales Increase 11% In 2011
» Bend Oregon Real Estate NewsThe number of houses purchased in Bend last year by buyers paying cash increased 11% from a year earlier, and accounted for more than 1 of every 4 closed sales.
452 of the 1688 stick built houses on less than an acre sold in the area in 2011 were cash deals. This was up from 406 in 2010, when cash sales made up 24% of 1690 closed transactions.
Subscribe to Bend Oregon Real Estate News: [feeds.feedburner.com]
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Rant
» My Back PagesLooking at a fixed-indexed annuity presented to a client from another "adviser." Just blown away these things are legal. #caveatemptor
— Jesse Felder (@jessefelder) January 21, 2012
Pays 1.1% on $500k "investment" and money is locked up for 10 yrs with 10% early withdrawal penalty-Pays selling "advisor" $32,500 on day 1
— Jesse Felder (@jessefelder) January 21, 2012
Rates of return and "adviser" commission stated nowhere in the contract.
— Jesse Felder (@jessefelder) January 21, 2012
Just amazed these things are legal. Educate yourselves, folks: cnnmon.ie/zhblNb and don't buy this shit.
— Jesse Felder (@jessefelder) January 21, 2012
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Update: Cyclist Leonard Crabtree at Fault
» Bike Around Bend
Davis' Ford Focus' windshield damage from Crabtree impact | Photo from KTVZ
Cyclist Leonard Crabtree, 77, died December 18th from injuries sustained in a collision with a car on U.S. Highway 97 in Terrebonne two days prior.
The investigation regarding fault is still technically pending, as it was back in a December story after Crabtree’s death.
The motorist involved in the crash, Jennifer Davis, 24, of Crooked River Ranch was also headed home when she struck Crabtree on the highway. According to the motorist, the cyclist did not stop at the stop sign at Central Avenue and the US 97.
UPDATE
In a follow-up conversation with Lieutenant Chad Davis, a few more facts in the case were shared.- It appears almost certain that Leonard Crabtree was at fault in the accident.
- Based on the evidence collected, it appears that the cyclist failed to yield right of way while crossing Highway 97.
- While there were no additional witnesses to the accident, and they only had the driver’s statement, the Sheriff’s Office determined fault based on the fact that:
- Crabtree had a stop sign and should have yielded to the motorist
- Davis’ car speed was, according to the Lieutenant, “reasonable and prudent given the conditions.”
Technically, the determination of fault isn’t official until a final report has been submitted back to the Sheriff’s Office from the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. The case was submitted to them to consider criminal charges, but they’ve declined to prosecute.
Would a helmet have saved Crabtree? While some might assume so, that fact won’t be known until the death certificate from the Portland Medical Examiner’s Office has been finalized. We’ll report back when it has.
###
Related content:
- Update: Cyclist Leonard Crabtree Subcumbs to his Injuries Cyclist Leonard Crabtree, 77, died December 18th from injuries sustained...
- Cyclist Leonard Crabtree Subcumbs to his Injuries Cyclist Leonard Crabtree, 77, died December 18th from injuries sustained...
- Update: Cyclist Injured on Franklin Avenue Waved Off, Officer Doesn’t Issue Citation Last Wednesday, Francis Watson...
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13:57
Riviera Paddlesurf Dealer of the Year
» Standup Paddle Flatwater
Golden Nugg Award from Rivera Paddlesurf
We're proud to have been named 2011 Dealer of the Year for our region by Riviera Paddlesurf. Check out the cool "award" they gave us, the Golden Nugg, a 9'2" paddle surfboard. It might just have to come to Mexico with us the next time we go.
While we're talking about Riviera, we might as well mention one of their new 2012 boards that we think will be ver popular, the 12'6" Coastal Cruiser by Ron House. It's an all around board that leans toward flat water but also performs well in the surf for a 12'6" board. It's also very inexpensive for a 12'6" board... and we're shipping it for free.
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By-Laws - Votes Are In
» High Desert Design Council, The BlogVOTE: CHANGE TO BY-LAWS - DUES STRUCTURE
Change dues from $75 for Designers & $150 for Associate Members to one flat rate of $100. Change from Quarterly pro-rates to Bi-Annual. Beginning April 1st 2012.
26 YES
3 No
VOTE: AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS –
Dues waived for board members who serve their full term. (Terms are 2 years). Beginning with current Board for remainder and future terms served. No credits will be given for terms already served.
27 YES
2 NO
(This one was heavily discussed at the meeting, and it seems that more people were comfortable having the dues be reimbursed at the end of the term, as opposed to waived.)
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More notes from market: styles and trends
» Pomegranate SeedsHere are some random observations I made while at market last week, during my whirlwind buying trip for Pomegranate.
First, I love to complain about the "junk." Junk meaning cutsie, stupid, meaningless, purposeless products that, when given as gifts, often end up in the garage sale/white elephant gift pile. I'm talking about talking, wiggling moose heads. Baskets with tutus and chicken head handles. Clown lamps. Lamps with plastic dolphins leaping into the air. Dr. Seuss-style santa heads exploding out of a cookie jar. Mermaid figurines holding pink plastic purses (also mermen figures – they do exist). Resin teddy bears with goofy 'inspirational' signs in their little paws. Oh, there's no end to the tragic display of useless objects (ahh, I wish I had pictures to prove it).
But, I have to say there was far less junk at this market: perhaps the times have dictated what will fall out of the edges of the retail world. Good news is, there were many more products that had a green attitude, that were well-designed, clever and beautiful. There were more small manufacturers and artisan companies that are making their products right here in the USA or Canada. I was really impressed with all these innovators and entrepreneurs, and judging by how crowded some of these booths were, other buyers were just as wowed.
There was some absolutely beautiful furniture at this market. We don't have the room to show much furniture at the shop (especially upholstered pieces), but that didn't stop me from observing and drooling over some of it. There was such a simplicity and naturalness to a lot of it. Great designs, less traditional and more modern shapes, mixed with rustic, organic and industrial design. My favorite design aesthetic is modern mixed with vintage, and so many of the offerings were right on target. It's kind of a Belgian/French takeover of the design world. If you've seen the work of Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, you'll recognize the look. But it can go too far, too. There was lots and lots of burlap everywhere, which I like in small doses. Not so much as upholstery on a chair: it's scratchy! Give me a gorgeous linen (or burlap's softer cousin, jute) over burlap any day.
I also am a big fan of orange, and am so happy to see more of it. Tangerine is Pantone's color of the year, so expect to see it in little pops of color. Orange is a happy color, indoors and out. You might not want an entire sofa done in it (unless you're a daring Italian designer), but some pillows, or little accents here and there are so much fun. And, there are so many variations on orange. I love love love that soft, saffrony color you see in silk saris (in fact, that's exactly what I'm going to use to make new window coverings at home). Imagine some bright tangerine butterfly sling chairs in the garden (let's time travel to the 60s); what a fun contrast to the greenery. I'm bringing in my little orange fix via lanterns and artwork, totes, etc.
Other strong color statements were yellow, aqua, and magenta. And white. White is still classic and clean and goes everywhere. Navy is making a comeback, too, and not just for the Ralph Lauren crowd. We forgot about navy for so long. Did we get tired of it? Don't know what happened, but navy looks great with yellow, gray, and yes, tangerine.
The animal print thing will not subside. I saw even more products covered in faux leopard, and I still don't get it. Really cute on a pair of reading glasses. Not so charming all over a chair or on a big carpet-bag style tote. Maybe it's just me, but all I can think of when I see these prints is Siegfried and Roy.
The bird theme is still going strong, and I'm so glad for that. I've always loved the look, trend or not, and what I found in it feels timeless. Owls were another big icon everywhere, and I do love them, but don't want to go overboard with it. Funny how that was such a big thing in the 70s, and it's made full circle. My grandmother had all sorts of owl "things" everywhere. Sculptures, candles, prints. Wish I had some of it now, because all of a sudden, it's vintage and cool.
The city of London was another big theme this season Was it the royal wedding that sparked our interest, or the bold, graphic iconography of the Union Jack that has everyone in love? Not sure, but again, a little goes a long way. One pillow tossed onto your family room sofa is probably enough. Pull it together with a knitted red or navy throw, and stop right there.
One final note, on hotel silver. If you've been to our shop, you know that's one of our little passions, and we are constantly on the lookout for it. We just love the simple lines, beautiful patina, and rich, romantic history these pieces represent. At market I saw a lot of reproductions (another 'trend' I suppose), and honestly, they can't hold a candle to the real thing. Some of the new products were pretty cute, but I didn't order, preferring to bring in our authentic vintage finds (even if sometimes we can't source enough of it). We'll keep looking, and so will our trusty scouts. We'll always have something interesting and unique for you!
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12:49
Chinese New Year at 5 Fusion
» John Gottberg's BlogI love the Chinese New Year holiday. My Chinese friends certainly know how to celebrate it. Every year, on the occasion of the new moon of January or February, they begin to party … and they don’t stop for 15 … Continue reading →
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12:40
Cowgirl Cash plans ahead.
» Cowgirl Cash BlogPlanning for the year. Happy with my decision to stick to winter hours. It is definitely winter in Bend Oregon today and I'm thrilled to be on my couch with my bestie Clyde looking forward to some of Cowgirl Cash's favorite events.
February 2012
This year I'm heading to Phoenix to see my parents and I'm taking a side trip to the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase that is held every year for 2 weeks at the end of January. I haven't been since I lived in Boston in the early 90's and sold loose gemstones for a wholesaler. Looking forward to the "search", the oddities, the contacts, the weather...
May 2012
I love being a sponsor of this event. I admire the creativity, hard work, and devotion these coop owners give their chickens and their willingness to share their knowledge with the entire community.
June 2012
The Sisters Rodeo! This is a classic Central Oregon event and a must attend. Follow the link for more information.
August 2012The Deschutes County Fair is a favorite as well. The kids and their livestock, the rodeo, the Queens, the live entertainment... and yes, junk food and rides. Open your wallet, and off we go.
September 2012The Pendleton Roundup. We are fortunate to have this famous, fun, tradition filled rodeo in our backyard...ok not really, it's 5 hours away. This rodeo is a must see, and I must admit I haven't seen it. Will this be the year?
October 2012Cowgirl Cash shows her true colors in October. My Bend roots and my nostalgia for the old days of deer hunting with my parents, grandparents and friends inspire me to honor women who plan, save, and attempt to bring home a big buck during deer hunting season. These women live among us and I love their stories and their spunk. That's why I will be hosting the third annual Womens only Big Buck Contest. Prizes for all who enter a buck! Last year I gave a wooden belt buckle engraved "Best Buck 2011". My friend (male) suggested a better buckle would read... "Best Rack" hmm.
October is also BendFilm. Independent film, independent business, independent women. I love them and support them. Cowgirl Cash plans to again host "How to BendFilm". Learn the ins and outs of how to get the most of your local film festival at this free class held prior to the festival.
November 2012Cowgirl Cash Celebrates three years on Friday, November 2. I hope you can make it.
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12:39
ACB tennis tournament Feb. 17-19
» Central Oregon Athlete
For more info E-mail: tennis@athleticclubofbend.com
Tournament phone: 541-385-3062
Tournament Director: Jason Quigley• Tournament – February 17th-19th
• Entry deadline – Feb. 13th
• Draws available – Feb. 15th
• USTA rules will govern play.
• 2 out of 3 sets, regular scoring, 12 point tiebreaker @ 6-6. Match tie breaker for 3rd set.
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Hiring a Paint Color Consultant
» Color Conversations with CristinaChoosing colors can be overwhelming. Most any paint display will dazzle you with hundreds of colors and combinations. The Benjamin Moore line alone has over 3,600 colors in their paint line. Paint companies have developed marketing tools to help you choose color, but you’ll quickly discover that placing those colors in your home can result in a new level of confusion. Calling a expert color consultant will help you cut through the confusion and get to your best color plan.
Most people have a lot of questions around hiring a color expert. If you don’t have a personal referral, you might wonder if the person you’re calling is qualified. Hiring a color consultant to choose paint colors for your home can feel like a toss of the dice. You might wonder: Will their sense of taste and style be one I share? Will they boss me around? What if I hate their ideas? Etc.
I’ve heard all of those concerns (and more) from my clients. Here’s my advice:
- Do your due diligence and find out about the color consultant’s education and experience.
- Call them up and ask them about their process.
- Ask to see photos of their projects so you can get an idea of their level of expertise.
- Ask for testimonials or references.
- Ask them about their pricing and how they estimate the time and cost of the consult.
Remember, anybody can call themselves a color consultant. Just because somebody “loves” color or happens to be standing in a paint store, don’t presume expertise.
Read more about what to expect from a color consult with me.
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12:10
Market Update into FOMC and State of the Nation @misstrade
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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New Place for Ribs
» Jack and Mrs. Elliott Move to BendPlayer's Bar & Grill on the west side is not the first place that comes to mind when I'm looking for some eats. It ain't one of Bend's more upscale establishments.
But I was tooling down Century Drive around lunch time yesterday, entertaining the idea of getting some barbecue ribs from Baldy's when I saw this sign in front of Players:
I've never been in Players before, but it was pretty much like I expected: video gambling machines, pool table, several TVs tuned to random channels (I saw ODOTs video feeds of road conditions on one, some kind of dog race on another), jukebox, beer and liquor posters.
There were three people at the bar, two guys and one woman, but the place was otherwise empty. The two guys were in the middle of a conversation. One was a large white man who looked like Jessie Ventura; the other was even larger, and black.
I walked up and their conversation stopped. The Jessie Ventura guy studied me from behind a pair of sunglasses.
"You must be Big Troy," I said to the other guy. "On account of your cook's apron."
I am, he said.
"My name is Jack Elliott and I am in the mood for some barbecue. What do you have?"
Ribs, is what he had. St. Louis style.
Perfect.
Big Troy is soft-spoken and Big Troy is big. Big Troy sports size sixteen feet, he said. "Double wide."
I ordered a half-rack of ribs, which was all he had left after the weekend. A half-rack, no sides, is eight dollars. That's at least a couple bucks less than what you'll pay at Baldy's or Slic's, the other two prominent BBQ shops in town.
While Big Troy was working up the order, I overheard the bartender ask the Jessie Ventura-looking guy if he wanted another beer.
"How many have I had?"
Two, said the bartender.
"Sure."
I carried my ribs home for lunch and they were the best I've had in Central Oregon so far. Big Troy grills them for nine hours which makes them tender. And there's lots of meat on the bones, maybe 30% more than the other shops provide.
Big Troy's opened last Thursday. Call ahead for take-out at 541 389-2558, or stop in to enjoy the fine ambiance of Players. It might not be the most salubrious place in town, but with the addition of Big Troy, the place is now on my radar.
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Obituaries
» Redmond Spokesman BlogRalph Edgar Norberg, of Crooked River Ranch
July 24, 1930 - Jan. 17, 2012
Arrangements: Autumn Funerals- Redmond
541-504-9485; www.autumnfunerals.net
Services: A private service will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be made to: Truck Restoration Fund, c/o Crooked River Ranch Volunteer Fire Assoc., 6971 SW Shad Road, Crooked River Ranch, OR 97760.
Jack Lee Cooley, of Redmond
Oct. 31, 1928 - Jan. 10, 2012
Arrangements: Autumn Funerals- Redmond
541-504-9485; www.autumnfunerals.net
Services: No services held.
Contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Assn.
Deborah Lynn Wynn, of Redmond
Mar. 21, 1961 - Jan. 15, 2012
Arrangements: Autumn Funerals- Redmond
541-504-9485; www.autumnfunerals.net
Services: Due to native heritage, a private service will be held at a later date
Betty June Templeton Johns
April 16, 1926 - January 13, 2012
Betty June Johns was born April 16, 1926, in Prineville, Ore., to Darrell and Besy Templeton.
Betty met and married Sherman W. Johns on Jan. 1, 1958. They lived in the Willamette Valley until the late 1970s when they moved to Central Oregon. Betty and Sherman loved to play bingo and go for drives together. Betty and Sherman were loved by all that knew them and will be missed.
Betty is survived by sons, Leonard (Leo) Johns, and Darrell Landon; daughters, Sharon Henderschmeyer, Tamesa (Tammy) Rohach, and Donna Kendall; and stepson, Sherman Lee Johns. She was predeceased by husband, Sherman in 2008, and stepdaughter, Beverly Johns.
Per Betty's wishes, no formal services will be held. Condolences may be extended to the family at [www.deschutesmemorialchapel.com]
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10:49
Tuesday tings.
» best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever hadI need to start saving up some of these entries. I've been doing two or three a day, but then I have days like today where I can't find any blogger fodder in the paper or from the internet, and I don't have anything bugging me.
I'm sure I'll come up with something.
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Have a guy in the backyard cutting up the fallen tree. He asked if he could take the wood and use it, and I said By all Means!
Linda had wanted me to find someone to use the wood.
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Today seems to be Taking Care of Business day. All the little errand-y type things I've been saving up. Plus, I've got to do my monthly orders.
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Had lunch yesterday at some of Linda's church friends house in Crooked River. Walked to the Deschutes gorge, about 800 feet distance, through the sagebrush and juniper. My shoes are CAKED with mud, which no amount of banging against the floor will dislodge.
We have a joke. Most of Linda's church people only know me by reputation. Linda jokes that I'm the "Mythical Duncan."
So I think they're always surprised by how talkative I am. I bet they were assuming I was shy.
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My hair and beard cutting person has moved to Redmond and I've been debating whether it's worth driving all that way.
Thing is, I'm comfortable with her.
Why is it so hard to change hair cutters?
I'm starting to look like a mountain man, so I've made an appointment.
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I think this is the worst two weeks stretch I've seen affected by weather. Slop and wind are the two most customer-discouraging patterns. Snow...people get used to it. Cold...they bundle up. Rain...they run to the door. Heat...they walk to the door.
But slop on the ground and wet slush blowing in your face? No way.
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10:31
Bend subdivisoin spotlight
» Bend Real Estate SalesOk… I haven’t blogged in a while. Truth is, I’ve been really busy selling properties. But I realize that blogging is a great way to inform potential Bend newcomers. So I’ve decided to start an ongoing, “subdivision spotlight” blog. This blog will highlight the benefits (and maybe drawbacks of subdivisions in Bend and maybe some in Sunriver and Redmond). I’ll run through whether or not the subdivision has HOA fees, CC&R’s, average lot sizes, average prices, and so on.
It’s going to be a mix of subdvisions. The posts will include some high end golf course subdivisions like Pronghorn or Broken Top, some entry level subdivisions on Bend’s east side. and everything else in between. I’ll focus on the real estate sales and current inventory, while also shedding light on the location, community, and overall vibe.
Time to get rolling on this new project.
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10:00
Article in the Bend Bulletin
» Simone Paddock PhotographyIf you have a stick, beat the drum. Not everything’s worthy of that beat, but this one is a pretty good stick (images by Simone Paddock Photography): Full, readable version is here. Thanks to Pamela Armstrong and client PGC Building & Design for making this article happen.
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Move To Portland, Oregon — Everyone Is “lovely”!
» Fred Real Estate GroupAccording to the folks across The Pond, Portland Oregon is among the five best places to live in the world! In a recent article* in the British newspaper, The Guardian, Portland has been “the capital of liberal, hipster USA for decades.” What makes Portland such a great place to live? According to the article, there are [...]
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9:43
Bend Bank Owned Homes
» Central Oregon Real Estate BlogBank owned homes in Bend are for more than the first time homeowner. The choices in homes that have gone through the foreclosure process vary in price, location, size and style. There of course are areas that have been hit harder by foreclosures than others but with patience and perseverance you can find just about any type of home you are looking for as a bank owned home or REO (real estate owned).
Bend Bank Owned Homes Under $225,000 Full List of Bend Bank Owned Homes Under $225,000Remember that bank owned properties are generally priced under market value and priced to sell quickly! Occasionally a bank owned home will go through a price reduction or two before a buyer will write an offer. Remember that when a home is reduced and it excites you, it very well may be exciting others too! If you the home you decide is right for you and it is bank owned, be prepared to act quickly.
Bend Bank Owned Homes OVER $225,000 Full List of Bank Owned Homes OVER $225,000Bank owned homes in Central Oregon can be anywhere from move in ready to almost needing to be torn down. Some of these homes have been vacant for a year or more and some of them were just recently vacated. Many times there is deferred maintenance and sometimes they are pristine.
Unlike Bend Short Sales, you will not wait weeks to months for an answer from the bank. A bank owned home can move through the purchase process just as it would if the home were a traditional sale. The bank has already taken their loss and is ready to sell these homes.
Many bank owned homes offer to pay the buyers closing costs right up front and even if they do not many times these costs can be covered when you write your contract. When purchasing a bank owned home using an agent that understands the area, what is happening in the market and has good relationships with the listing agents that the banks use can make your bank owned home purchase go much more smoothly.
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9:20
Don’t put it out there …
» Homeless on the High DesertIf you’re afraid you might lose it: George Washington at Naked Capitalism: The government’s takedown of the 800 pound gorilla online storage site Megaupload may have killed the cloud storage model. Many innocent users have had their data taken away from them. Washington quotes PC World: The MegaUpload seizure shows how personal files hosted on remote servers operated by a [...]
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9:13
The #1 Risk Facing B2B Businesses
» The Wealthy BusinessHere is a guest post from my colleague, Jon Picoult of Watermark consulting. The biggest risk facing businesses today is also one of the most manageable. That’s my conclusion after reading Lloyd’s of London’s newly released 2011 Risk Index report,...
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9:07
Becoming more like Jesus (Eph. 4:13-16)
» Grace Bible Church of BendSunday’s Sermon from our worship service at Grace Bible Church of Bend. Teaching on "Becoming more like Jesus” from Ephesians 4:13-16
Video can be found at [vimeo.com]
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McPherson Opera House, McPherson Kansas: Sepia Saturday 110
» Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy
This week's Sepia Saturday theme is old movie theaters, which in my way of thinking includes performance halls and opera houses. I remembered the neat photos that I had taken of the McPherson Opera House in September 2010.
Of course, my pictures are not old enough to be considered Sepia, so I spent over an hour trying to find old photos of the building online. I had no idea that this would be so hard to do! I finally found these four that were on the McPherson Public Library site, and felt fortunate to have even successfully completed that mission. It really did surprise me that such a fantastic old building doesn't have more photos on the internet.
Source: McPherson Public Library
Located on Main Street in McPherson Kansas is the McPherson Opera House . It was originally built in 1888 for the large sum of $42,000. Over the years it became a movie theater, an apartment building and then was restored to its original purpose. Quite impressive!
Source: McPherson Public Library
Source: McPherson Public Library
Here are the photos that I took of it in 2010. It is a very beautiful building, and it is so nice that they restored it. They do also use it as a movie theater.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
If you have more photos, or know of any stories, please leave a comment or email me so that I can add them on to this post. Thank you!
Also, I posted an extra credit Sepia Saturday post about something that means a lot to me this week. Please click on this link, or just scroll down if you can, to read about The Letsom Letters.
~ Kathy Matthews
oregongiftsofcomfortandjoy @ hotmail.com (delete the spaces)
If you enjoy old photos and the stories that go along with them, please join us over at Sepia Saturday.
At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot! All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
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8:36
Hymn For Her – Fiddlestix
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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8:11
A Free Pair of Bauer’s
» Bronco Billy In Sisters Oregon
I buy a majority of my athletic shoes and clothing at our local Habitat for Humanity store. It’s both a pleasure and necessity these days. And, having spent many years working in the athletic footwear industry, I know that the “landed” cost (what a manufacturer pays to produce and ship an item to the U.S.) of most items is pretty close to what I pay at the Habitat store.
For me, in this economic climate, that’s about the right price to pay for non-US made products.
Buying at Habitat feels good for several reasons. I know I bought something, albeit used, that I really need (not just want) and got a tremendous deal on it. And my purchase helps local families achieve the American dream of home ownership. With the threat of losing my own home still hanging in the balance, it’s comforting to know my purchase is helping someone buy an affordable home. Purchasing from a big box retailer just doesn’t have the same immediate pay back.
And, as one of the forty-five plus million people without health insurance, I consider my purchases of athletic gear (mainly shoes and running apparel) to be my “insurance premium.” Much less expensive than traditional health insurance, I’m hoping that my proactive approach to wellness will pay off. (Unless, of course, I get hit by an eighteen-wheeler while cycling down Cascade Avenue.)
OK I admit it; I’m addicted to shopping at Habitat. But I’m not alone. Many locals make a weekly trip to the store hoping to snatch an item before someone else does.
Back to my story about those Bauer’s.
One of the bonuses at our Habitat store is the “free” table located just outside the front door. These are items that just don’t sell. Mostly it’s filled with knick-knacks.
Leaving the store after a recent visit, I glanced over at the table and was shocked at what I saw. There sat a pair of Bauer Supreme men’s hockey skates.
Now, for those who didn’t grow up in New England playing ice hockey, this is like finding your very first car, forty years later and in perfect condition, parked in downtown Sisters. I wore this same model during my high school and college playing years. And youth ice hockey in New England is as popular as soccer is here in the Northwest.
Standing there stunned, I was instantly transported back to my youth hockey days in the Boston area. Stunned because, had these appeared in a Habitat store in Boston, grown men would have been fighting over them. (If that culture is foreign to you, listen to Car Talk sometime on National Public Radio, Tom and Ray joke about crazy Bostonians a lot.)
Back in the 60’s and early 70’s, Boston-area youth hockey players wore the skates that their professional hockey player idols were wearing. If you were a hard-hitting defenseman you probably wore Bauer’s. But if you considered yourself to be a flashy forward you likely gravitated toward CCM Tacks.
Picking the Bauer’s up, my first impulse was to smell the leather. Bauer’s have rich, deep leather smell that’s unique to skates. And hockey arenas have their own distinct smells which permeate everything. Sweat-soaked equipment mixed with the sickly sweet smell of the popcorn machine. And, of course, in the larger arenas, the scent of spilled beer. If only these skates could talk.
Old rink rats like me can smell a skates’ history - the dank concrete locker rooms with rubber mats all around where they were laced-up. Transported back to the late sixties, I swear I smelled a player’s sweat, mixed with the sweet smell of Gatorade splashed on the boot after a hard period of play.
The compression and curl of the padded tongue told me how tight the player laced his skates for competition. I ran my fingers down the blades, feeling for nicks that told me these skates had glided only over indoor ice, not frozen ponds, and had been used in light competition, perhaps a senior no-checking league.
Standing there in front of Habitat, memories of Massachusetts high school hockey flooded my brain. Lugging a large duffle bag full of gear into Lynn Arena for 5:00 am practices – the only ice time available. Practicing on Phillips Andover Academy’s outdoor ice rink in January, with the temperature hovering around twenty degrees, fearing that a slap shot would hit your nearly frozen foot.
Like playful wolf cubs, on the team bus we practicing our fighting skills (a part of hockey that, unfortunately, fans love even today) by pulling another guy’s jersey over his head – so you could then pummel a straight-jacketed opponent. Again, a part of hockey culture foreign to most North westerners.
Our Habitat store serves many functions in our community. It’s making the American dream possible for many who could not otherwise afford it, provides gently used clothing and household items at reasonable prices, and it’s providing a place for volunteers to serve the local community in a meaningful and direct way.
And for me it’s a place where wonderful memories are rekindled.
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8:00
BMC invites local businesses to wear red to support ongoing research and education about heart disease
» Bend Memorial Clinic News Blog
Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) invites all Central Oregon businesses, organizations and individuals to celebrate National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 3rd, to raise awareness for ongoing research and education about Heart Disease in America.
The month of February has long been The American Heart Association’s month to promote awareness of Heart Disease and provide information and tools to support leading a heart-healthy life.
On National Wear Red Day, BMC would like Central Oregonians to join in the fight against heart disease by simply wearing red. It gives women and men everywhere a way to show their support and dedication to the cause and empowers them to take action for their own health.
“Fighting heart disease begins with awareness, and tools such as Coronary Calcium Screenings are also available to provide patients with more insight into their own potential risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Koch. “Talking to your physician about screening options is essential in early detection and prevention.”
All men over 40 and women over 50 years of age with one or more cardiac risk factors should consider Coronary Calcium Screening (CCS). Coronary Calcium Screenings can successfully detect heart disease at its most treatable stage. For more information or to schedule a coronary calcium screenings call BMC at 541-382-4900.
Click here to see a video on heart disease.
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The Letsom Letters: A Sepia Saturday Post
» Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyOn our way home from our Texas trip a couple of weeks ago, my Mom came and picked us up from the airport in Eugene, and we spent the night with her. In her living room there were two old cardboard barrels and a box full of hundreds of vintage postcards. Mom said, these are The Letsom Letters, and I want you to take them home, because I know that you will do something with them. Oh! Thanks, Mom, that is quite a vote of confidence, and for me, a gold mine of information on family and early Oregon pioneer history.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I didn't even know about these, for some reason, so this was all really a surprise. They were never a secret, and I can't figure out how I missed the fact that Grandma T. and Uncle John had been keeping them safe before they made their way down the generations. Mom talked to my aunties, and they said it was fine for me to have everything at our house. My Nanny is busy gathering the stuff that she has to make it's way over here soon.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I haven't even dug down to the bottom of the barrels yet. There are thousands of newspaper clippings, tons of letters, many receipt books, and all kinds of other stuff! I could easily get overwhelmed with the task of organizing, scanning and, mostly, putting things into some kind of chronological order. But, instead, I am so excited! Also, I've given myself the gift of time; the letters have made it here all in one piece after 100 years, and I don't have to get this project finished in two weeks or anything. It is good to have goals though, and I think that I will aim for some sort of family book/CD package by this Thanksgiving.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I did sort through the postcards by name, and most of them were sent out to my Great-Great Grandfather, John Letsom; sent to him as birthday cards. There are many postmarks for 1906 and 1916. He turned 87 in 1916.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I found the surnames of many cousins that I had never heard of before. That should come in handy someday.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Because my Great Grandma was Talitha Letsom Hedrick, there are some letters in there written to her husband, my Great Grandpa Benjamin E. Hedrick in the mix as well.
Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Check out this telegraph postcard and handmade wedding/party favor to celebrate a special occasion on March, 6, 1909. This is all so cool!
I have written about some of these family members over the past couple of years, and have submitted the stories to Sepia Saturday. This is my extra credit post for this week. My other post is about The McPherson Opera House in McPherson, Kansas.
Here are some links to my stories about The Letsoms:
Early Oregon: John Letsom of Yoncalla, OregonSisters Martha and Talitha
Early Oregon Pioneers: John and Louisa Hedrick
To read wonderful posts from my friends over at Sepia Saturday, please "CLICK HERE". If you enjoy old photos and historical stories, please consider joining us!
At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot! All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
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Giant Loop in Europe: Postcards from Germany - Rottweil, Touratech AG
» Go Light. Go Fast.Five page of Giant Loop in 2012 Touratech catalog!Tasty local pils Haus zum Sternen - Rottweil Haus zum Sternen, built in 13th Century Haus zum Sternen - costs less than staying in a generic chain hotel back home! Cutaway of wall in Haus zum Sternum, showing ancient building technique Tilo from Touratech AG picking me up at Haus zum Sternen in Rottweil BMW G450 Rally at Touratech AG Touratech AG's "nerve center" Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG's retail shopTouratech AG's cafeteria Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG BMW staff car Touratech AG's retail shop Touratech AG's product manager Tilo Jentzsch, my tour guide Touratech AG's retail shop Rottweil Rottweil Rottweil RottweilRottweil Rottweil Dinner at Gästehaus Rössl Dinner at Gästehaus Rössl "Traveling carpenter" - an 800 year-old tradition of traveling craftsmen on the road for 3 years and 1 day learning their trade "Traveling...
FOR THE REST OF THE STORY, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINK. GiantLoopMoto.com.
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Green plan: Use reusable training pants
» Working Mom Goes Greenmy son will kill me someday for posting this photo After 3.5 years of diapers, we're finally diaper free in our house. I will admit, I should have done this sooner but nothing seemed to motive my son -- that was until he saw Cars 2 and he wanted new cars to play with. Everyone had advice for me ... put him and pull-ups and then try to switch back to diapers, he'll throw a fit! Have him aim on
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The #1 Risk Facing Businesses Today
» The Wealthy BusinessThe biggest risk facing businesses today is also one of the most manageable. That’s my conclusion after reading Lloyd’s of London’s newly released 2011 Risk Index report, which ranks the top concerns of companies around the world based on a...
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Theology Prompt: Does G-d Give You More Than You Can Handle?
» Scripted GeniusThis post is based off a discussion board response to a person in my class who experienced hardship involving death, abuse, and learning to trust G-d…
Recently I heard Alex Kendrick say that “death is no respecter” (in the film Courageous). That phrase is so very true. When I was two weeks old, my brother died. The funny thing, though, is that I was two weeks premature. He died on my due date. Not funny in a “ha ha” way, but more of an awkward way.
To this day, my grandmother believes that I am inhabited by my brother, and it was meant to be. Regardless of destiny, predestination, meant to be, ecetera, one thing is for certain: nothing could have changed his death, because it is the past. We dream of the past and the future, of time travel…but we fail to realize that the only real time is now. Even G-d states this in His own title, I AM…
That death forced my parents to relocate. They could not live in the house that claimed my brother’s life. In many ways, after having a daughter three years later, they still have not recovered. This was more than either of them could handle. Through grieving and much time, though, they have been able to bury the hurts of his death.
After a death of a child, many parents will separate because the pain is too great. Mine separated in 1994, but for different reasons. But the point still stands: death is no respecter. I’m not a Deist, but I do believe that G-d permits this world to operate as it is. After all, according to Job and Revelation, it is the devil’s stomping grounds.
Death is hard. It is probably the hardest thing we have to deal with. While there is triumph for the believer, it is still a period of extreme morning. How do we handle this? Does G-d every give us more than we can handle? If I answered that He does not, then I am indirectly stating that G-d knew we could handle our beloved dying without His support. This, I do not believe, and has changed how I view the issue.
For a while, I believed that He would never give us more than we can handle. It’s the whole “G-d never gives you more than you can handle” routine. Recently, though, I have come to the realization that it just isn’t true. The truth is that we can’t handle very much. I’m not just talking about the death scenario above, but everything else in life. Also, I look through Scripture and see people taking a stand in pride nonstop. Each time, they fail.
- The Tower of Babel
- Sodom & Gomorrah
- Samson
- The Babylonians
- The Israelites
- And Many, Many More…
They are given more than they can handle, often times by G-d Himself. Every time that I have more pride than humility, and I place more faith in myself than faith in G-d, I fail. I fail miserably. It rings to the tune of Proverbs 16:18…
Pride goes before destruction, and arrogant spirit before a fall.
I believe we have more than we can handle all the time – that’s one of many reasons why we need a relationship with the Creator. We are prideful creatures, and He is our balance, bringing us into humility. That’s why humility is considered a virtue, because it is godly. Only He, as Philippians 4:13 asserts, can get us through the stuff of life.
I can do all things through Y’shua who strengthens me.
Our humility is inversely proportional to our stance with G-d. The small the distance between us and the Creator, the larger our humility and ability to adapt and thrive. Each person, and their limits, is different, this is true. However, no matter one’s limits and capabilities, we all have a failing point. Sometimes G-d creates the struggles. Sometimes we do. Sometimes the devil does. All times, though, we find our delivery through Christ, not ourselves.
Pride buys into the lie that we can take on the world on our own. Humility recognizes it can happen, but only through the power of G-d. Thus, I believe He gives us more than we can handle on our own all the time. But in Christ, we can overcome anything…
What have you failed at recently that you took pride in? What did you learn from it?
You just finished reading Theology Prompt: Does G-d Give You More Than You Can Handle?! Consider leaving a comment!
Have you read the SG Terms of Service? It covers privacy, FTC disclosures, and more. Check out the Legal section of SG to get the skinny today.
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A day lily is the next up ...
» The gr8ful grindA day lily is the next up in the creation of our bouquet this week. Clackamas, Oregon; August, 2011.
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Imaginative book world: ImaginoTransferenceRecordingDevice and Bestiary
» Memory MonsterTruthfully, I find the Thursday Next books a little hard to read. I’m on #3 and still having a hard time losing myself in the story. However, I do admire Fforde’s expansive imaginary book world. {Strange that I’d never heard of Fforde a few months ago.} Check out the online Bestiary, complete with drawings. The adjectivore [...]
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23:26
Cafe Soleil - Finding and Building Community
» DT from da FPWelcome back to the cafe! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you were able to enjoy family, friends, fun traditions and all that such a special time of year has to offer. Now that the holidays have past I hope you are relaxed and rested.
I have been thinking a lot about community lately and what that means for us as women. Regardless of our marital status or the number of kids we do (or don't) have all of us need the support and encouragement of one another. But how do we build community? How do we find and nurture friendships?
This is one of those posts where I get to use a sappy and cute picture.To answer some of these questions I went to a friend of mine, Rebecca Nordyke. I met Rebecca many years ago when we worked at the same church. She was a big-wig. I was a peon. But over time and with the help of Facebook we have become good friends. I admire Rebecca immensely and I am proud to call her my friend. How I ended up with real, honest-to-goodness cheerleader in my inner circle.....REALLY?.......is beyond me, but I am glad that God knows what I need in a friend and sent me Rebecca. So here is what she has to say. It's some good stuff I tell ya.
Community is such an important part ofour lives. God created us to live in it with one another, to shareour lives with each other. Community isn't just having someone tospend time with every night of your week or having a ton of followerson Twitter or friends on Facebook. True community comes from deeprelationships that are intentionally selected and nurtured. They arefed and watered just like any living thing.
I am an extrovert and I have a talentfor making friends easily. Some say that I could talk to a tree andmake friends with it. While I do like having lots of relationships inmy life and it does come easily for me, the true fulfillment comes inthose relationships that are deep and sustaining. Anyone, introvertor extrovert can surround themselves with people. It is a deepconnection to another person that is most important.
Building relationships can be fun butit can be a lot of work. You kind of have to put yourself out there.If you are not a people person, that is HARD! I believe the best wayto find people to be in relationship with is by BEING AUTHENTIC. Ifyou aren't yourself, you are building on quick sand. There is so muchthat is fake in our society today. Authenticity is refreshing.
Be yourself. Don't be afraid tocelebrate your good days while also being ok with saying, “Notgreat.” when asked how you are doing. I am not saying you need tospill all your dirty laundry with people you are just formingrelationships with but it is valuable to let others in and get toknow you...even the yucky parts. That is where true friendshipbegins. Everyone has their crap and it can bond two people togetherto see that they are not alone in those areas of their lives.
Next, when you are building your closecircle of friends, you need to BE PICKY. I am not saying that everyperson you let into your life needs to be Grade A quality: just thosewhom you let closest to you. The people closest to you will largelyhelp shape the direction your life takes. Choose them wisely.
Everyone has different needs. Some maywant only one really close friend while others, like myself, may have5 or 6. I think having a close friend, “bestie” or “BFF” thatis different from you and can challenge you is a major plus. Forexample, I am a strong person. I am full of words, opinions, rants,you name it. Many women find that intimidating in a friendship andwould find it hard to speak their mind. So, for that reason, thepeople I choose to keep near me are all strong women who have NOproblem speaking their mind to me and putting me in my place. I needthat. I don't want friends to tell me what I want to hear. I wantfriends that tell me what I need to hear. It is so rewarding – notin the moment necessarily- but after the fact. It is easy to say youwant this in a relationship but it is another thing to live it out.However, once that intimacy and love is there, as a foundation, itmakes it easier to hear the hard stuff.
My circle of friends is diverse. Theyare like me in some ways and not in others. Jaemi and I like to dogirly things together like shop, talk fashion, sewing, homedecorating, etc. Then you flip the coin and look at our politics, ourschedules and to a degree, our child rearing and we are prettydifferent. With Krista, I love to talk about digging deep intoscripture, parenting and food and wine. Yet she loves and appreciatesthe outdoors, cooking organic and letting boys bring bugs in thehouse. I, well, I do not. Then there is Christina. We could talk fordays about cheerleading, family, people, our favorite TV shows, God'sinstruction in our lives and how to apply it in areas we don't wantto, the list goes on. We are totally different in how we run ourhouse, she hates to shop and be domestic and I love it.I love the balance that these womenbring to my life. While we have similarities and differences. Themost important thing is that God is at the center. These women alwayspoint me toward Jesus when it matters.
Once you have a friendship in place andit is something you want to keep, you have to take care of it. Therereally isn't any way around this. If you don't care for it, iteventually will die. It may take a long time but it will happen.
I have a couple of friends who, selfadmittedly, suck at being a friend. They are not the type to call,write, send gifts, stay in touch, etc. Their heart is in thefriendship but they don't ever get around to following up with it. Myadvice in caring for a relationship is to treat it like anotherperson. It needs to be loved and fed and cleaned and generally caredfor - regularly. It can be overwhelming if this isn't your area ofgifting, but everyone can do it. I would suggest the following:
BE REALISTIC. Don't set yourself up forfailure. If you can't handle 5 close relationships, maybe you need topick two to pour into. The other three can still be great, they willjust receive less of your effort. Have realistic expectations of theother person as well. If you know them well, you will know theirshortcomings and not place high expectations on them in that area. Myfriend Krista is amazing, yet our time together is so limited. We areboth busy. She isn't super great at staying in touch. I don't placehigh expectations there because I know when we do touch base it willbe awesome.
BE SIMPLE. Friendship doesn't have tobe hard or complicated. You may have the resources to buy extravagantgifts and that is awesome but not necessary when it comes to theheart relationship. It is the small things in life that often meanthe most. Does your best friend love junior mints? Mine does. If youare standing at the check out line and see them and think of her, buythem and give them to her. It may be the next time you see her or youmay have time to run them to her right then and there. Either way, itis simple but it shows that you know her, love her and were thinkingof her.
If something really matters to us, wemake time for it, right? We all lead busy lives but our busy and fulllives can be even richer if we are fostering those closerelationships. If you think of your best friend out of the blue,orbecause you saw something that reminded you of her, pick up the phoneand call.
We live in a day and age where this isso easy to do. Maybe you can't call but could you text? Could youshut down that document you are working on and tweet to her realquick? It doesn't take long to let someone know you care and thechange it puts in their friendship bank with you is big.
BE INTENTIONAL. Most of us ladies arebusy and out and about a lot. Many of us are running a home, afamily, schedules, meal plans, school work, social lives, work...thelist goes on. My encouragement to you is that there is room to maketime for your relationship to continue to grow and be strong. Do youneed to schedule in time? Maybe it is sporadic or maybe it isregular. Time with friends is critical. Our busy lives make it easyto cancel and push things back. Don't do it in this area.
One way I like to be intentional iswith cards. Who sends snail mail anymore? Other than Christmas cards,it is pretty rare. However, when you get a card in the mail, doesn'tit make you feel awesome? When I have a little extra time and cash Ilike to look through all the friendship and blank inside cards at thestore and I buy a few that fit my closest girls. Then, periodicallythroughout the year I pop one in the mail to let them know I wasthinking of them. Very little time, effort and cost but a lot ofintentionality. Honestly, if money is an issue, you can use a pieceof printer paper and just write a quick note. The sentiment will bethe same.
In closing, remember that community isimportant. If it isn't a value for you now, I encourage you to prayabout it. Ask God to bring you the right people. Be selective and beauthentic. Take care of those relationships by being simplyintentional. You will reap great rewards if you just put yourthoughts into actions!
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23:04
CX season wrap up
» Fox CXI went into this season more focused than previous seasons, I had goals, and I had a plan and coach to help keep me on track (Brig Brandt at Rebound...I highly recommend working with a coach if you haven't), and I had one of my most successful seasons. What does that mean though. I've talked at length with Serena, D, and Don about how you define a successful season. It's not as easy as it sounds, it doesn't just come down to results or one single race (as Serena wrote about) it takes looking at the whole season, but that's not all. As Don put well, it is also about attitude, both in victory and defeat. Every season will have it's ups and downs. Days where you feel unstoppable and on top of your game can be followed up with heartbreaking defeats, it's all part of this game we choose to play. You have to take what comes and if it goes your way or it doesn't you have to learn from it. I learned a lot this season. I define my season as successful mostly on what I have learned, but also by how much I enjoyed the season. We racers put a lot of pressure on ourselves, we train, sacrifice, and suffer for months on end in pursuit of a successful season, and often it gets into my head that success does depend on one particular race, even when I know that is not all there is.
Nationals tend to feel that way, like a final exam, it's the race(s) that you think about for 13 months straight. Nationals are what you aim all your training towards. So it's easy to be let down if a race doesn't go as planned, it's hearbreaking, it's devastating, it SUCKS. I was nearly in tears myself watching Serena run around the course, derailleur hanging from the bike. I couldn't believe when Molly had a freak crash in the week leading to Nationals that made it too hard to race. Your heart goes out, because you know what goes into getting ready for that race, you know the months of prep and sacrifice it took to get there. It's easy to forget it's just one race. You know that the success of that season isn't measured by one race, but it's not that much comfort in the moment.
One of the amazing parts of cyclocross is the community that is created because we all know about the sacrifices of training, the heartbreak of defeat, and the elation that comes with a good race. We share in the joy, the sorrow, the pain, and the laughter.
Photo: 541images.com
I had an amazing weekend, I was focused on my masters races, and it was my best race of the season. Everything came together as planned. There was a stacked field (check out the cx magazine recap) with some big names at the top of the list. Without all the details I raced the entire race like I wanted, I battled, and I never let off physically or mentally. I rode a smart race, I had support in the pit and was able to switch bikes nearly every lap. I had a group I was riding with and was able to drop all but one guy and set up an awesome last lap battle. When I was done I collapsed (Proof in the background of the interview 39 seconds in) not just out of physical exhaustion, but I was mentally spent. I had thought about this race all year and I had given everything I had to be there, I was as tired and happy as I could have been, it felt amazing. I was surrounded by friends, teammates, and even family that understood what had just happened. It made it all worth it.
It's too much to write about the entire weekend, but what stands out is how awesome it was to be there with teammates and friends and to support each other in both victory and defeat. It was amazing to watch the junior racers I have worked with this season do the same and come away with some amazing results. It was especially amazing the support we received. It can't be said enough how much we owe the season to those that made it possible. Don has been there all season, not just with advice and guidance, but with mechanical support and a helping hand with whatever we needed, it wouldn't have been the same without his help and knowledge. Bill who drove a mountain of gear (not to mention a bunch of juniors) across the country was an amazing help. He made sure we were set with bikes and gear, and there he was each lap in the pit as I handed off a muddy bike. Even the juniors who ran alongside the course, shared equipment, and just generally spread the stoke made it great. We also have some amazing sponsors who made it all possible by believing in what we were doing and supporting us in it.
I am overwhelemed with how the season was a success, not just because of a single race, but because of what I took away from the season. Thanks cyclocross for being amazing!
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Redmond Bazaar
» CRR News And ViewsAny advice on how I can get my rant to the public before it is too late?
Redmond's Bazaar NEEDS help... We have tried to do everything we could to promote a LOCAL establishment that should have been welcomed with open arms and greeted with, if not hallelujahs, at least support...thus below is today's post from my blog at www.RosesCauldron.com Having been away from this site for so long I should feel guilty that my first post upon return is going to be a rant: however; I don’t! Not even a smidgen. Perhaps ranting here will be therapeutic enough for me to control the urge to go into a crowded Walmart parking lot and yell “What is the matter with you?!!!!” (That is the much tamed down version of what I want to really yell and doesn’t actually involve me shaking anyone like a tambourine.)
The last five months have been spent at a magical place named Redmond’s Bazaar. It seemed like the perfect answer to the local cry for economic reform. Local artists and crafters; quality unique gifts made by the local and very talented artists and crafters; prices as low or lower than the mass-produced foreign-made offerings of the big box stores; a wonderful soothing and pleasant indoor environment over 8000+ sq feet large; individual attention given to each customer and even custom orders to fit individual needs.
It also meant that LOCAL residents had an opportunity to set up their area in varying sizes to help with their budget. This meant that some who had lost their jobs in the nasty economical downturn had the opportunity to turn their art and craft talents into a fulfilling career and remain independent.
SO WHAT IS HAPPENING, People???? We’ve put out TV, Radio and Newspaper Ads. We have distributed literally 1000′s of flyers in at least 3 counties. We have face-booked, twittered, and other “guaranteed to connect you” cyber sources. So WHERE ARE YOU?
The common refrain that “people are just not buying” is just not holding water. I had that cold reality splash me in the face as I stood in the Walmart parking lot and walked through the store to get an idea for myself of what is going on. Apparently birthdays, anniversaries, and all other reasons for gift-giving is still happening. I watched parents filling up carts with plastic toys made in China, (how many recalls does it take before we stop giving our kids these?). I watched all ages of girls/ladies/women buying mass-produced scarves, hats and gloves, made in China. Don’t even get me started about the jewelry!!! Oh…and what about those cute little “executive” gifts, (I just want to smack someone now!) Did I mention that the bazaar has beautiful hand-carved pens in quality woods at a lower price?!!!!!
I have been watching vendors, (friends), LOCALS, having to pull out of the bazaar because apparently the same people who constantly b*#ch about everyone buying foreign-made have been too busy to come in because they are doing just that.
It is time to WAKE UP PEOPLE! Sitting right in our midst is a way to help ourselves WITHOUT SACRIFICE. Just turn in at a different address…that would be 2145 S. Hwy 97 in Redmond, OR for those of you who still don’t know where it is although many of you drive by our sign and balloons on an almost daily basis. If you still can’t find it, go to our website www.redmondsbazaar.com and we will be very happy to give you directions. You don’t have to collect bottle caps, cut out box tops, or anything else…just treat yourself, loved ones and friends to Quality, locally made products at LOW HOMETOWN PRICES.
If we can’t make this work, then we have indeed a reason to hang our heads in shame and keep our mouths CLOSED when the subject of economy comes up. You want the government to stop involving itself so much in our daily lives? Then get off your collective tushy and BUY LOCAL!!!! As the saying goes, “If you are going to TALK the TALK, then WALK the WALK”…and do your walking at Redmond’s Bazaar. Desiree
www.ccrnewsviews.com
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21:27
The Farmer
» On the Subject of Being AwesomeA paper crane sat in the middle of the trail that morning, right in the shadow of the abandoned tower. The farmer stooped and picked it up, puzzled.
The farmer walked past the abandoned tower every time he went to town. Nearly every weekend he had to take that trail to get supplies, and so he would pass the tower on the way there, and again on the way back, and not once had he ever heard a sound from within, nor seen any movement. So where had this come from?
He unfolded the crane, and inside, a message was written:
Dear noble sir, it read. I have watched you from the top of my tower for many years now, and think you very handsome. I believe I may love you. I am trapped here by oni who have cast a curse on me so that I may only be carried out of this tower by the man I love. Please help me.
Thinking it odd, but never one to turn down a woman in distress, the farmer turned to the tower and approached the door. Mounted above it was a blood-red katana and an oni mask of matching color. Shrugging his shoulders, the man slowly opened the door. He slipped inside the dark, musty room, which was nothing more than the floor and the bottom of a flight of stairs. He tiptoed to the stairs, but before he could take the first step, a flash of light burst in front of his face.
Floating in front of him was the bodiless head of an oni. It glowed an eerie green and had large tusks and horns protruding from its grotesque face.
“She will not love you. Turn back,” it growled in a voice that seemed to speak directly into the farmers mind.
The farmer shoved the levitating head out of the way and ascended the steps to the second floor, where he was met by a second oni.
“No matter what you do, she will never love you. Turn back.”
The farmer pushed ahead anyway. All told, there were nineteen floors, each with their own oni, which each warned him similarly.
Finally, panting heavily, the farmer reached the top, where there was a door. He pushed it open and stepped inside. There was a bed inside, and sitting upon it was the most beautiful woman the farmer had ever seen. He gulped nervously and tried to look presentable. He greeted her warmly and told her that he had received her note and that he was going to take her away with him. She smiled a dazzling smile and embraced him tightly, and then kissed him.
“Thank you, my love,” she whispered sweetly in his ear. “I knew you’d come.”
He led her back down the stairs, but the oni did not appear this time. Without any struggle, they left the tower, and walked down the trail back to the farmer’s home.
There they stayed for nineteen months, and they were deeply in love and deeply happy. But on the day before the twentieth month, the woman asked him an odd question.
“When are you going to take me to my castle?”
The farmer was puzzled at the question.
“What castle do you mean?”
“I am a princess after all, surely you didn’t think to rescue me without having a proper castle to take me back to?”
“I confess that I didn’t, my love. But I’ll build you a castle if that would make you happy.”
“Yes, do it now.”
“It will take time, my love.”
“Then you should get all of your fellow samurai to help you,” she said irritably.
Another strange thing to say, the farmer thought.
“I am not a samurai, my love. I am a farmer.”
“Then you must become one. I can’t be with a lowly farmer.”
“I will train to join the samurai, for you, but it will take time.”
“Time is something I do not have,” she hissed.
“Am I not worth waiting for, my love?” the farmer pleaded.
“No, you are not. I do not love you anymore and never will,” she said coldly.
The farmer stared at her in shock. He could feel his soul crumble as she spoke those words.
“I miss my home, please take me back.”
The farmer nodded silently and picked up a lantern. He led her down the trail to the tower and opened the door for her, tears welling up in his eyes. She lifted his chin and looked at him intensely.
“Do not cry,” she said with a smile. “A little part of you will always be with me.”
She kissed him gently and then disappeared into the shadows of her tower. The door shut silently behind her. The man collapsed to his knees, sobbing. He looked up to the top of the tower, hoping to see her face looking down, but he saw nothing. His gaze lowered down the tower until it fell upon the oni mask and the blood-red sword. He pulled them both down from their place above the door and tied the mask on.
He raised the blade…
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20:00
Google Webmaster Tools crucial to your WordPress Website
» Erickson Creative
Your responsibilities as a new WordPress website owner require you to oversee the website’s activity, right? Here’s a tool that will give you behind-the-scenes data to keep things running smoothly. It’s actually a series of tools by Google called “Webmaster Tools.” Let’s take a look. To find the Tools, go to Google and search for [...]
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18:35
T-Minus 5 daysToday is Monday, January ...
» Nitro Sister- ChristinaT-Minus 5 days
Today is Monday, January 23rd....and this weekend is OUR WEDDING!!! AHHHH! I am so excited! We have all been working so hard on prepping for the ceremony and reception. Mom has been a tremendous help with everything- running lots of errands, making origami flowers, working on my dress, making phone calls etc. Dad is working on officiating the ceremony which we are thrilled about as well as helping us pull the details together-thank goodness we have his help! And my fiance, Josh, has been helping create seed bags, pamplets, run errands, make phone calls, and generally keep me CALM! I have been tough to live with this month as I was a complete worry wort!
At any rate, THANK YOU ALL! Here are some photos of our hard work that has gone in to making this wedding so special and one-of-a-kind:
Front door sign for Tumalo Creek
Ceremony Programs 
The backside of the programs
Wedding Wine Glasses
Cranes bring happiness and good luck!
Origami flowers
Our wedding invitations
And the making of the "Good Thoughts" Box
The finished box! :)
Cranes bring happiness and good luck!
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Deleted Scene from KNIGHT'S CURSE
» Karen DuvallThis is a scene about Elmo, Aydin's best friend who is an elf. My agent asked me to remove it from the manuscript because it slowed the pacing. I still like it so I kept it in its own file and I thought now would be a good time to share it with you.
In this scene, Chalice is trying to get to know Elmo better. He's a very minor character, but his backstory is interesting, just not necessary to the plot. Elmo's coffee shop used to be a pub in the early days, but he had problems when his fae customers got drunk. That's when he switched to just serving coffee instead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Waking up to find a half-man, half-goat rummaging in your trash would have the neighborhood police checking family medicine cabinets for drugs. The psychiatric community must have made a killing that year. "I take it you've known Aydin a long time?"
"A hundred and fifty years, give or take."
My expression must have looked surprised because Elmo added, "Elves live a long time. Not nearly as long as Aydin, but at least four times longer than an ordinary human."
"Did the two of you first meet in Denver?"
He nodded. "Soon after gold was found in the South Platte River, the summer of 1858. Colorado wasn't even a U.S. territory yet."
It was no wonder the two of them had become close after so many years of friendship. Unaware how an elf aged, I was curious about the circumstances of their meeting. "Were you an adult, or still a kid when you met Aydin?"
Elmo laughed. "I was about twenty six or twenty seven, which would be like a preschooler in human years. He found me unconscious in a ditch after my parents were taken by the Vyantara."
The poor man. It had to have been devastating to lose parents at such a young age. Though I knew what it was like to be an orphan, I'd never known my parents so I never really knew what I was missing. I feared the answer before I asked the question. "Did you get your parents back?"
His eyes clouded with an unpleasant memory. He stared down at the table. "No."
I didn't ask what had happened to them. Did I really need to know? From his expression I knew the fate of his folks hadn't been good. I thought of the summoning room back at the Fatherhouse, the splashes of red that stained the concrete floor. There was a good chance Elmo's parents had been used in a ritual that required fae blood, something hard to find on the mortal plane.
"What was your family doing on this side of the veil?" I asked.
"I think it had to do with the gold recently discovered in the mountains. It's a precious commodity for the fae. My parents crossed through in the same place the veil is now, right here in this basement."
"So that's why you had a house built here."
"Aydin had it built for me after he found the veil. It took a few years for him to learn what had brought my family here in the first place." He shook his head. "They never should have come."
"But they accepted someone's invitation." That's the only way anything from beyond the veils could cross to this side.
"They were tempted by one of the Vyantara sorcerers who knew the veil was here when this property was still an empty lot. He used it to lure my parents across. He hadn't expected them to bring along a worthless elf child."
Lucky for Elmo. "Weren't you afraid the Vyantara would find you here someday?"
He shrugged and took a quick sip of his coffee. "Not really. The secret died with the sorcerer who first discovered this spot."
And I immediately knew who had been responsible for that sorcerer's death. Aydin protected the people he cared about. He had taken Elmo under his wing and raised him as his own.
"Elmo, why did you stay on this side? You must still have family beyond the green veil. Don't you miss your home?"
Palm down, he waggled his open hand like the wings of an airplane. "You can't miss something you never knew to begin with. Besides, I have plenty of fae friends who visit me all the time. I've held the invitation open to them for decades. And I've crossed over to their side a time or two, but I'm not comfortable there. It's very backward. And there's no coffee."
That made me smile. "I'm amazed Aydin was able to keep you and your shop a secret all these years."
"He's been a good friend." Elmo's eyes glazed over as he stared into the distance, looking wistful. "We've helped each other a lot over the years. We make a good team."
"I bet you do." Elmo's Coffee Shop had been Aydin's port in the storm, and now it was mine. And Quin's. "I'd like to know more about the fae. And about white magic. Would you teach me?"
His grin split his face from ear to ear, his cheeks bulging like two ripe plums when he smiled. It was nice to see him without his usual bitter beer face. He was an attractive old elf. More on the ancient side, but still handsome. -
Deleted Scene from KNIGHT'S CURSE
» Karen DuvallThis is a scene about Elmo, Aydin's best friend who is an elf. My agent asked me to remove it from the manuscript because it slowed the pacing. I still like it so I kept it in its own file and I thought now would be a good time to share it with you.
In this scene, Chalice is trying to get to know Elmo better. He's a very minor character, but his backstory is interesting, just not necessary to the plot. Elmo's coffee shop used to be a pub in the early days, but he had problems when his fae customers got drunk. That's when he switched to just serving coffee instead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Waking up to find a half-man, half-goat rummaging in your trash would have the neighborhood police checking family medicine cabinets for drugs. The psychiatric community must have made a killing that year. "I take it you've known Aydin a long time?"
"A hundred and fifty years, give or take."
My expression must have looked surprised because Elmo added, "Elves live a long time. Not nearly as long as Aydin, but at least four times longer than an ordinary human."
"Did the two of you first meet in Denver?"
He nodded. "Soon after gold was found in the South Platte River, the summer of 1858. Colorado wasn't even a U.S. territory yet."
It was no wonder the two of them had become close after so many years of friendship. Unaware how an elf aged, I was curious about the circumstances of their meeting. "Were you an adult, or still a kid when you met Aydin?"
Elmo laughed. "I was about twenty six or twenty seven, which would be like a preschooler in human years. He found me unconscious in a ditch after my parents were taken by the Vyantara."
The poor man. It had to have been devastating to lose parents at such a young age. Though I knew what it was like to be an orphan, I'd never known my parents so I never really knew what I was missing. I feared the answer before I asked the question. "Did you get your parents back?"
His eyes clouded with an unpleasant memory. He stared down at the table. "No."
I didn't ask what had happened to them. Did I really need to know? From his expression I knew the fate of his folks hadn't been good. I thought of the summoning room back at the Fatherhouse, the splashes of red that stained the concrete floor. There was a good chance Elmo's parents had been used in a ritual that required fae blood, something hard to find on the mortal plane.
"What was your family doing on this side of the veil?" I asked.
"I think it had to do with the gold recently discovered in the mountains. It's a precious commodity for the fae. My parents crossed through in the same place the veil is now, right here in this basement."
"So that's why you had a house built here."
"Aydin had it built for me after he found the veil. It took a few years for him to learn what had brought my family here in the first place." He shook his head. "They never should have come."
"But they accepted someone's invitation." That's the only way anything from beyond the veils could cross to this side.
"They were tempted by one of the Vyantara sorcerers who knew the veil was here when this property was still an empty lot. He used it to lure my parents across. He hadn't expected them to bring along a worthless elf child."
Lucky for Elmo. "Weren't you afraid the Vyantara would find you here someday?"
He shrugged and took a quick sip of his coffee. "Not really. The secret died with the sorcerer who first discovered this spot."
And I immediately knew who had been responsible for that sorcerer's death. Aydin protected the people he cared about. He had taken Elmo under his wing and raised him as his own.
"Elmo, why did you stay on this side? You must still have family beyond the green veil. Don't you miss your home?"
Palm down, he waggled his open hand like the wings of an airplane. "You can't miss something you never knew to begin with. Besides, I have plenty of fae friends who visit me all the time. I've held the invitation open to them for decades. And I've crossed over to their side a time or two, but I'm not comfortable there. It's very backward. And there's no coffee."
That made me smile. "I'm amazed Aydin was able to keep you and your shop a secret all these years."
"He's been a good friend." Elmo's eyes glazed over as he stared into the distance, looking wistful. "We've helped each other a lot over the years. We make a good team."
"I bet you do." Elmo's Coffee Shop had been Aydin's port in the storm, and now it was mine. And Quin's. "I'd like to know more about the fae. And about white magic. Would you teach me?"
His grin split his face from ear to ear, his cheeks bulging like two ripe plums when he smiled. It was nice to see him without his usual bitter beer face. He was an attractive old elf. More on the ancient side, but still handsome.
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Security Camera Seminar
» High Desert Design Council, The Blog
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Security Camera Seminar
» High Desert Design Council, The Blog
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16:50
Hot Soup for lunch!
» Downtown BendBend Yogurt Factory has added soup and hot drinks to warm your heart for the winter. Bring in the coupon for $1 off!
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16:28
Darrell Grant – Jazz at the Oxford
» Downtown BendJazz at the Oxford welcomes World Renowned Pianist Darrell Grant, featuring drummer Brian Blade & special guests
Friday, February 17th – 8:00 pm Show
Saturday, February 18th – 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm Shows
Tickets available online only at www.bendticket.com - limited spaces available, all ages welcomed.
For more information, please see [www.oxfordhotelbend.com]
Presented by the OXFORD hotel, Combined Communications, G2 Strategic,
Central Oregon Radiology Associates, Subaru of Bend, The Leffel Center, Douglas Fine Jewelry and The Source.Contact [541.382.8436] for more information
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16:09
Bill Moyers Interviews David Stockman on Crony Capitalism of Washington & Wall St.
» Trading for the MassesFiled under: Trading
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14:34
January Patient Compliments
» Bend Memorial Clinic News BlogBelow are portions of recent emails or letters complimenting the excellent TotalCare staff and providers are delivering at Bend Memorial Clinic. These compliments come from our customers and staff.
“The Bend and Redmond Rheumatology Nurses are great they know you by name and make you feel like you’re a friend. I have been treated for 4 to 5 years and BMC was the greatest experience, no fear and lots of love. Thanks BMC for all you do."
"Dr. Jacobs is the best. I had been sick for several months when I was finally compelled to go to BMC Urgent Care. I had been to other doctors and ER and no one diagnosed me. I kept getting sicker and sicker. Dr. Jacobs said we're going to find out what's wrong with you. He ran a full battery of tests; a few hours after I was released he called me personally to tell me I had a treatable parasite. It took me a long time to recover because I went so long without treatment. Since then I am a BMC fan. I switched my primary care to Dr. Lin (who is also amazing). If you are ever sick and don't know what else to do - go to BMC Urgent Care - Dr. Jacobs was awesome but all the staff were good in my opinion too.”
“I just want you to know how great of a help Mardelle Swindlehurst (Patient Financial Advisor) has been during some tough times. She has made a special effort to find ways to help us pay our bills to BMC. She has been a tremendous help and gone out of her way to make things simpler and understandable. She is a tremendous asset to BMC. Thank you Mardelle.”
“Dr. Simning, thank you so much for your continued helpfulness over the last several weeks – from your kindness and expertise in Urgent Care to helping me with insurance regarding my SE Asia trip; you really go the extra mile and it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
“Dr. Warlick saved my life!! I originally went in with another health complaint, but Dr. Warlick detected it was my heart. I was immediately sent to a heart doctor, and then admitted to the hospital. An angiogram showed that I had two completely blocked arteries in my heart! I had open heart, quadruple bypass surgery a few days later and it was successful. I am now home recuperating and doing well, thanks to Dr. Warlick.”
We'd love to hear your feedback. Feel free to fill out our comment form and let us know how we're doing.
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14:27
Stohlquist Descent PFD Review
» Tumalo Creek Blog
I’ve been working as a whitewater professional for decades working as far north as Alaska and as far south as Ecuador, where I teach whitewater rescue to local guides. But during the summers in Central Oregon, I spend a lot of time in my kayak, and the Stohlquist Descent PFD is a great all-around choice for those who are often in situations that may require some river rescue.The shoulder protection is great for hiking a few yards or a few miles with your kayak on your shoulder and it has all the features you would expect with a rescue vest including tons of pockets, a D-ring and a huge main pocket for your camera or rescue ropes. And of course there is a quick releasing rescue harness, a must have if you helping swimmers or gathering up gear.
You can read our official description of the Stohlquist Descent PFD below, and check out the specs on Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe’s online store.
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News Bites
» Bike Around Bend
Google map of the Tumalo/Hwy 20 area
Here are a few bite-sized stories:
- Tumalo State Park trail Underpass
- Deschutes County and Oregon State Parks have jointly applied for a grant to improve the Deschutes River
Trail near the town of Tumalo. One of the key features to the proposed improvements: an underpass at Highway 20. It will connect Tumalo State Park trails to the east side of the highway.Could be a nice alternative to road cyclists who frequent the highway crossing at Cook; the underpass, as well as the connector trail from Cook, will be paved.
- Spend Better, Not More
- Briefing paper from Joe Cortright called Portland’s Green Dividend adds fuel to the argument that lower cost pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is money very well spent.
Excerpt:“What if you could add $2.6 billion annually to your local economy? That’s what Portland has effectively done by getting its citizens to drive just 4 fewer miles a day…..”
- We’re Number 2, We’re Number 2
“By mining our [Craigslist] database of 1.3 million bicycle listings, we can tell what are the largest markets for used bicycles….”
I must be reading this wrong. The above cited study found Bend #2 for Top Cities in US for Biking (ahead of Portland). But don’t get too excited, it just means we sell a lot of bikes on Craigslist per capita.
- USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike Qualifier Will Be at Wanoga Again
- Bill Warburton and the Bend Endurance Academy are planning to host another cross country mountain bike National Championships qualifier the day before Pickett’s Charge this June. Last year, BEA hosted the event to ensure riders, especially junior racers, would be able to compete in Sun Valley, Idaho for a podium spot.
- Intersection Design – Dutch Style
- Add bike friendly features to an intersection without buying more right-of-way or changing the flow for cars. Watch this video to see how.
- Making the Case for Increased Investment in Bicycling and Walking
- As this Annual Report from the Alliance for Walking and Biking shows,
the United States overall has great disparities between bicycling and walking mode share, safety, and funding. Twelve percent of trips are by bicycle or foot, yet bicyclists and pedestrians make up 14% of traffic fatalities and receive just 1.6% of federal transportation dollars.
An international comparison of bicycle funding and mode share by Gotschi and Mills and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (see Chapter 4, page 96) demonstrates that international cities that invest greater amounts per capita in bicycling have greater levels of bicycling. These cities provide strong evidence that in order to increase bicycling and walking, the United States must invest significantly more in these modes.
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Related content:
- News Bites Here are a few bite-sized stories: Portable Speed Trailer Board...
- News Bites Here are a few bite-sized stories: Bend Endurance Academy Lands...
- Weekend News Bites Here are a few bite-sized stories from the past week:...
- Tumalo State Park trail Underpass
![[httpwww9magazin_ijEeE.jpg.scaled500.jpg"]](httpwww9magazin_ijEeE.jpg.scaled500.jpg){kind=link}
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