Bend Blogs » January 27, 2012

Little 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 [...]

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.

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.

I just earned the ‘I Believe in IPA! (Level 3)’ badge on @untappd from Hoptopia! [t.co] #ibelieveinIPA

Here is a link to one of my favorite rib recipes.  The flavors meld together in totally unexpected ways.

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.

We 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.

                                                              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.

Inspiration and Aspiration – The sunset that inspired me on my walk home in mid-January. Continue reading [ow.ly]

Lately 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!

Looking 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)

 

 

 

I 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 [...]

I’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!

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

Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Live)

via drive.porsche.com

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 Warriors

New 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!

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.

Fun for the Young’uns

Are the kids disappointed because you can’t make it up to the mountain? WinterFest will bring the mountain to you!

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.

Did Someone Say Wine?

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!

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!)

www.CristinaAcosta.com

I 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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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. 

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

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”.
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.  

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.

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”!

Filed under: Trading

Mt. Hood LavenderInspired by the fields of lavender in the Hood River Valley during my painting trip, Mt. Hood Lavender is a miniature watercolor painting.   It will be in the February small works show at the Red Chair Gallery. The requirements for the miniature paintings for this particular show were that the size was to be no larger than 10" x 12" framed.   Painting small paintings like this one is one of my favorite things to do.  Do you like to paint large or small or both?

Hello 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. Come to Downtown Bend and look for the BVSA logo on blue signs at the following businesses:

Shopping! (eats below)The Blvd.

1002 Wall Street (541) 389-9940

The Blvd is your locally owned one stop shop for Hot Affordable Fashion!!!  We carry the latest styles at a price you’ll love!!!  Featuring Juniors, Misses, Plus Size, and Men’s apparel, along with gorgeous handbags and great accessories!!!  With new arrivals every week, you are sure to find something fabulous.  So if you want to look like a million bucks and still have some cash in your pocket….. come to The Blvd!!!  Be sure to check us out on Facebook and at our website @ www.theblvdfashion.com

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Bend Bungalow

937 Wall Street (541) 383-2992

Opened in 2001, Bend Bungalow specializes in Arts & Crafts-inspired home furnishings and gifts. We cherish the aesthetics and philosophy of the Arts & Crafts era, striving to live up to its ideals and to find products that reflect its unique design sensibilities, while keeping affordability in mind.

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Cascade Cottons

909 Wall Street (541) 306-6071

Cascade Cottons is Bend and Central Oregon’s premier resort apparel store. We have the area’s largest selection of Bend, Mt. Bachelor, and Central Oregon logo wear for the entire family. Featuring an extensive variety of quality and fashionable T-shirts, hoodies, fleeces, kids apparel, hats, souvenirs and accessories we have the keepsake memories you are searching for. Visit them online at: www.cascadecottons.com

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The Closet

118 Minnesota Avenue

Located on Minnesota Ave, The Closet is your source to the newest styles from brands including Nick & Mo, Cecico, Ya, LA Idol, Cello Jeans, Verty, Double Zero, Buffalo Denim, Toi et Moi, Mur Mur, Enti, Laguna Beach jeans and many more!  With prices that won’t break the bank, come explore your individual style with unique jewelry, handbags, shoes and clothing!  With new product coming in constantly, there is something for everyone! Check us out on facebook for sales and featured items under The Closet, Bend, OR. Want more? We also have another location at 1805 NE Hwy 20 within the Cascade Design Center!

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Clutch

124 Minnesota Avenue (541) 306-3099

Clutch brings designer handbags to Bend! Designers include Kooba, Hobo Inernational, Hayden Harnett, Rebecca Minkoff, Ellington, Lauren Merkin, Elaine Turner, Mar Y Sol and more! Whether it’s a satchel, evening clutch, or travel bag you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Clutch.

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Cowgirl Cash

924  Brooks Street (541) 678-5162

Cowgirl Cash is a Western Vintage Boutique that specializes in Vintage boots, belt buckles and Turquoise.  We carry authentic, practical, items, most of which are pre-enjoyed.  We are second hand buyers and pay you cash for quality items you may not want or need anymore that fit our Western Vintage vibe. We also pay cash for scrap gold. You never know exactly what you will find at Cowgirl Cash, so it’s always worth a drop by.

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Dream Pebbles Bath

112 Minnesota Avenue (541) 350-7818

All of our organic soaps are handmade with the finest natural ingredients. Freshly made soap for healthier skin! Stop by our new location & pick up a free all natural soap sample!

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The Feather’s Edge Finery

113 Minnesota Avenue (541) 306-3162

The Feather’s Edge Finery is a fun place to discover handcrafted goods from all over the country. Many of our artisans specialize in sustainable, recycled, and all natural materials.   We have something great for adults & kids alike.

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Giddy Up!

126 Minnesota Avenue (541) 647-1214

Giddyup is a locally owned and operated store with locations in Bend and Prineville. We love our customers and want you to be comfortable and fashionable everyday of your life. Western chic.______Honey Threads/A Better Alteration

114 Minnesota Avenue (541) 330-8301

Welcome to Honey Threads, affordably fresh women’s clothes and alterations. Treat yourself to the latest in fashion and accessories with a price to smile about. We offer full service alterations for your convenience, and specialize in premium denim original hems. Visit us 7 days a week, or shop online at www.honeythreads.com

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Hot Box Betty

903 Wall Street (541) 383-0050

Hot Box Betty Bend, as featured in Lucky magazine, strives to make fashion fun for her shoppers and introduce new lines and new designers, while always keeping stock of the fashion essentials. Hot Box Betty (est. 2000) is an upscale women’s specialty boutique that caters to a fashion conscious consumer. Kirsten Heinz, owner and operator, has a true love for fashion which allows Hot Box Betty to be on the forefront of fashion.

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John Paul Designs

1006 Bond Street (541) 318-5645

John Paul has been designing jewelry in Bend, Oregon for over a decade. What started out as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin Stout, has led to a lava rock and mortar retail gallery in beautiful downtown Bend. With a full studio on premise, John Paul Designs can create nearly anything in his 800 square foot atelier.

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Leapin Lizards Toy Company

953 Wall Street (541) 382-8326

Leapin’ Lizards is an integral part of our local community serving as a resource for families and others interested in encouraging healthy growth through play. We encourage kids of all ages to come browse our toy store and play with our imaginative and fun toys

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Local Joe

929 Wall Street (541) 385-7137

Great place for jeans and other stylish clothing

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Eats!Astro Lounge939 Bond Street (541) 388-0116 Over 25 martini’s pared with a menu of comfort food

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10 Below10 Minnesota Avenue (541) 382-8436Located in the lower level of the Oxford hotel, 10 Below Restaurant and Lounge offers an eclectic array of healthy, locally sourced organic fare.

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Dudley’s Bookshop Café

135 Minnesota Avenue (541) 749-2010

books, espresso, tea & treats

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Joolz

916 Wall Street (541) 388-5094

Middle eastern cuisine from mezz to mesa.______The Wine Shop & Beer Tasting Bar55 Minnesota Avenue (541) 389-2884 Spend an afternoon or evening tasting or browsing in The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar in downtown Bend. Enjoy one of our international wines or craft beers and meet your neighbors and friends al fresco style on our patio seating. It’s Bend’s best place to people watch! It’s also about community. We host a number of special events each month and open the space up for businesses, non-profits and community groups to hold meetings during store business hours. We also offer private parties and events. Daily tastings, glass pours, specialty cheese plates. The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar truly captures the essence of European lifestyle.

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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.

Jan 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!

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Go 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.

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.

It’s almost as if Newt were the Democrats’ Manchurian Candidate. (video)

Willard apparently didn’t pay any taxes in 2009. On a quarter of a billion dollars.

“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 [...]