Bend Blogs » Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

• January 31, 2012
• 15:53

  Deschutes Brewery is back with a vengeance.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  

   

  
  

  Deschutes Brewery has been dominating the world of craft beer since their opening in 1988. When the brew pub closed in order to expand into the adjoining building, people had many other excellent breweries to choose from while awaiting Deschutes' return. However, the 2 hour wait some folks experienced during last weeks soft opening shows their hearts were set on the return of the original.

  
  

  The grand opening is...

• January 12, 2012
• 7:22

  Tonight's Music: Pickwick, Polyrhythmics

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I'll cut to the chase here: I've been listening to essentially one band for the past two days and that band is called Pickwick. They are a bunch of nerdy-looking Seattle indie rockers who have, seemingly impossibly, decided to play soul music.

  
  

  And the soul music they play is incredible. More incredible, perhaps, is the fact that they're playing a free show tonight at McMenamins Old St. Francis School.

  
  

  Here's a video of the band playing "Hacienda Motel" in the studios at KEXP. If...

• January 03, 2012
• 6:56

  PPP Logo Unveiled

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We’ve only just received our first real winter storm of the season, but some the folks at MBSEF are already looking forward to the end of the season and the annual Pole, Pedal, Paddle, Central Oregon’s signature multisport race. Event promoter MBSEF unveiled this year’s official logo that will emblazon marketing materials and competitors' ubiquitous commemorative T-shirts. This year’s winning design was developed by Paul Leighton of Stellar Design.

  
  

  It is to our ...

• December 28, 2011
• 11:46

  Win Tickets to Larry and His Flask's NYE Show

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  As we mentioned in this week's paper, there are some great live shows happening around town for New Year's Eve. One of those shows is Larry and His Flask's show at the Old Stone Church, featuring a seriously cool slate of opening acts.

  
  

  The show is selling fast, but Rise Up Presents is giv...

• December 22, 2011
• 12:16

  Julianne Moore channels Sarah Palin; Tina Fey Eat Your Heart Out

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In keeping with our movie trailers theme, this week. Here's an intriguing one of the upcoming Game Change, which features Julianne Moore channeling former Alaska-gov. reality TV star and one time beauty pageant participant Sarah Palin. The movie is based on the book of the same name that chronicles how the then little-known Palin was inserted onto McCain ticket in 2008, a move that ignited John McCain's campaign into a tea party conflagration that had flamed out by election day.

  
  

  [video...

• December 07, 2011
• 13:08

  BLM Acknowledges Rough Handling of Wild Horses

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The U.S. largest land management agency acknowledged on Wednesday that it’s contractors had been overly aggressive in their handling of wild horses during a Nevada round-up that was stopped short on judge’s order after animal welfare activists objected to the tactics.

  
  

  The Bureau of Land Management said Wednesday that its contractor had made mistakes, but said those incidents did not amount to abuse and that the round-up which resulted in the capture of roughly 1,200 wild ho...

• December 06, 2011
• 8:08

  Reader Survey: Music Streaming

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A couple of weeks ago I profiled Spotify, one of the newest streaming music services available in the United States. With news last month that the Swedish service has passed the 2.5 million paid subscriber mark worldwide (10 million registered users) and is opening up their API to App developers; I’m starting...

• December 01, 2011
• 9:28

  Bend's Bathroom Bandits -- Where are their manners?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Like mugshots, police incidents logs can make for great office banter. Here's a gem from this past week's press log courtesy of the Bend PD. Sorry if it's a little hard to read, but don't worry, you don't have to strain your eyes long to get to the punchline.

  
  

   

  
  

   

  
  

  

• October 27, 2011
• 13:03

  Our Deconstruction Project

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Downtown denizens have probably taken note of our ongoing construction project here at the Source. We've fielded a few questions already about just what the hell is going on at 704 Georgia, so we figured we'd go right to the source of all this consternation, our contractor Paul Biskup, to explain why the building seems to be disappearing one brick at a time.

  
  

  In case you can't make out Paul's response from the video due to the ambient traffic noise (who knew cars made so much noise) he'...

• 12:03

  Our Deconstruction Project

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Downtown denizens have probably taken note of our ongoing construction project here at the Source. We've fielded a few questions already about just what the hell is going on at 704 Georgia, so we figured we'd go right to the source of all this consternation, our contractor Paul Biskup, to explain why the building seems to be disappearing one brick at a time.

  
  

  In case you can't make out Paul's response from the video due to the ambient traffic noise (who knew cars made so much noise) he'...

• October 20, 2011
• 11:09

  Redmond Horse Business Wins Venture Capital Competition

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This year's Bend Venture Capital Conference winner is more Butch Cassidy than Bill Gates.  A Redmond horse equipment manufacturer took home the top prize, a $250,000 cash investment, at the Bend Venture Conference, organizers announced on Thursday afternoon.

  
  

  RES Equine reportedly wooed potential investors with its equine safety equipment that has high margins and global appeal, according to Economic Development of...

• 10:09

  Redmond Horse Business Wins Venture Capital Competition

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This year's Bend Venture Capital Conference winner is more Butch Cassidy than Bill Gates.  A Redmond horse equipment manufacturer took home the top prize, a $250,000 cash investment, at the Bend Venture Conference, organizers announced on Thursday afternoon.

  
  

  RES Equine reportedly wooed potential investors with its equine safety equipment that has high margins and global appeal, according to Economic Development of...

• October 13, 2011
• 6:56

  If You Like Bikinis and Toby Keith...

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Toby Keith's lo-fi ode to America's most infamous adult beverage receptacle, the red Solo cup with cameo from the Red Rocker who happens to be celebrating a birthday today.

  
  

  This ditty isn't going to win a CMA, but it's worth watching if only to puzzle over the montage of disparate cameos, Craig Ferguson, Carrot Top and Ted Nugent all in the same video. Wtf?[video [www.youtube.com] 400x300]

  
  

   

  
  

   

• 5:56

  If You Like Bikinis and Toby Keith...

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Toby Keith's lo-fi ode to America's most infamous adult beverage receptacle, the red Solo cup with cameo from the Red Rocker who happens to be celebrating a birthday today.

  
  

  This ditty isn't going to win a CMA, but it's worth watching if only to puzzle over the montage of disparate cameos, Craig Ferguson, Carrot Top and Ted Nugent all in the same video. Wtf?[video [www.youtube.com] 400x300]

  
  

   

  
  

   

• September 24, 2011
• 5:02

  Joey's OK: Awesome 'Cross Wipeout

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Columnist Michelle Bazemore submitted this epic wipeout video from the recent Starcrossed races in Seattle. We're calling it proof that 'Cross is a full contact sport.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 300x300]

  
  

   

• 4:02

  Joey's OK: Awesome 'Cross Wipeout

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Columnist Michelle Bazemore submitted this epic wipeout video from the recent Starcrossed races in Seattle. We're calling it proof that 'Cross is a full contact sport.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 300x300]

  
  

   

• September 04, 2011
• 4:37

  USA Cycling Masters Road Nat's Round-Up: How the locals fared

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Bend-ocians were well represented at the 2011 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships. Here are a few of the best performances thus far (one of the main events, the road race, which was yesterday for some, continues today. Check back later for more).

  
  

   

  
  

   

• 4:04

  More Musings on the Malty Merriment: Little Woody day 2

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Nothing was able to usurp Deschutes's Solace Rose at Little Woody, but some came damn close.

  
  

  Already a great beer, Ninkasi's Maiden the Shade which was aged in a Ransom Distillery Old Tom Gin barrel, became heavenly. Light on malt and still plenty hoppy, its time in the wooden gin barrel did something magical to the popular brew.

• 4:04

  More Musings on the Malty Merriment: Little Woody day 2

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Nothing was able to usurp Deschutes's Solace Rose at Little Woody, but some came damn close.

  
  

  Already a great beer, Ninkasi's Maiden the Shade which was aged in a Ransom Distillery Old Tom Gin barrel, became heavenly. Light on malt and still plenty hoppy, its time in the wooden gin barrel did something magical to the popular brew.

• 3:04

  More Musings on the Malty Merriment: Little Woody day 2

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Nothing was able to usurp Deschutes's Solace Rose at Little Woody, but some came damn close.

  
  

  Already a great beer, Ninkasi's Maiden the Shade which was aged in a Ransom Distillery Old Tom Gin barrel, became heavenly. Light on malt and still plenty hoppy, its time in the wooden gin barrel did something magical to the popular brew.

• August 09, 2011
• 19:53

  Video of The Shins in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I just got home a bit ago from a very sold-out appearance by The Shins at the Domino Room here in Bend and I'm pleased to say that this rehashed version of the band far exceeded my expectations.

  
  

  In fact, James Mercer and crew -- cheered on by an incredibly appreciative audience -- looked to be in rare form with an hour-and-a-half-long set that included plenty of hits from the old days as well as a couple new tunes. These small-venue Oregon shows the band is playing were said to be warm...

• 19:53

  Video of The Shins in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I just got home a bit ago from a very sold-out appearance by The Shins at the Domino Room here in Bend and I'm pleased to say that this rehashed version of the band far exceeded my expectations.

  
  

  In fact, James Mercer and crew -- cheered on by an incredibly appreciative audience -- looked to be in rare form with an hour-and-a-half-long set that included plenty of hits from the old days as well as a couple new tunes. These small-venue Oregon shows the band is playing were said to be warm...

• 18:53

  Video of The Shins in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I just got home a bit ago from a very sold-out appearance by The Shins at the Domino Room here in Bend and I'm pleased to say that this rehashed version of the band far exceeded my expectations.

  
  

  In fact, James Mercer and crew -- cheered on by an incredibly appreciative audience -- looked to be in rare form with an hour-and-a-half-long set that included plenty of hits from the old days as well as a couple new tunes. These small-venue Oregon shows the band is playing were said to be warm...

• June 24, 2011
• 9:29

  Bite of Bend Music Schedule: Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Tomorrow, Central Oregon's biggest food and drink festival, The Bite of Bend, gets underway with damn near every type of cuisine and beverage you can think of. And while the food, beer and wine -- in addition to the Top Chef's competition -- garner plenty of attention, The Bite has become...

• 9:29

  Bite of Bend Music Schedule: Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Tomorrow, Central Oregon's biggest food and drink festival, The Bite of Bend, gets underway with damn near every type of cuisine and beverage you can think of. And while the food, beer and wine -- in addition to the Top Chef's competition -- garner plenty of attention, The Bite has become...

• 8:29

  Bite of Bend Music Schedule: Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Tomorrow, Central Oregon's biggest food and drink festival, The Bite of Bend, gets underway with damn near every type of cuisine and beverage you can think of. And while the food, beer and wine -- in addition to the Top Chef's competition -- garner plenty of attention, The Bite has become...

• June 22, 2011
• 12:49

  Like Green Day? Try Some Emily's Army Tonight

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We mentioned this in today's paper that is now out on the streets, but there is a band called Emily's Army playing tonight at the Mad Happy Lounge and they're worth checking out.

  
  

  First of all, the band is made up of Bay Area kids between the ages of 15 and 17 and the drummer, Joey, is the son of Billy Joe Armstrong. Recognize that name? Yeah, he's the lead singer of Green Day. He also produced his son's band's debut album, Don't Be a Dick -- which is actually pretty damn good punk rock...

• 12:49

  Like Green Day? Try Some Emily's Army Tonight

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We mentioned this in today's paper that is now out on the streets, but there is a band called Emily's Army playing tonight at the Mad Happy Lounge and they're worth checking out.

  
  

  First of all, the band is made up of Bay Area kids between the ages of 15 and 17 and the drummer, Joey, is the son of Billy Joe Armstrong. Recognize that name? Yeah, he's the lead singer of Green Day. He also produced his son's band's debut album, Don't Be a Dick -- which is actually pretty damn good punk rock...

• 11:49

  Like Green Day? Try Some Emily's Army Tonight

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We mentioned this in today's paper that is now out on the streets, but there is a band called Emily's Army playing tonight at the Mad Happy Lounge and they're worth checking out.

  
  

  First of all, the band is made up of Bay Area kids between the ages of 15 and 17 and the drummer, Joey, is the son of Billy Joe Armstrong. Recognize that name? Yeah, he's the lead singer of Green Day. He also produced his son's band's debut album, Don't Be a Dick -- which is actually pretty damn good punk rock...

• June 21, 2011
• 13:04

  Scanlon's Restaurant to Re-Open on June 25.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Scanlon's restaurant, located in the Athletic Club of Bend, will be reopening on Saturday, June 25. The revitalized dinning room now offers a “new menu designed to nourish and refuel both body and soul,” said a press release issued by the Athletic Club.

  
  

  The restaurant, which has been closed since late April, remodeled their...

• 12:04

  Scanlon's Restaurant to Re-Open on June 25.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Scanlon's restaurant, located in the Athletic Club of Bend, will be reopening on Saturday, June 25. The revitalized dinning room now offers a “new menu designed to nourish and refuel both body and soul,” said a press release issued by the Athletic Club.

  
  

  The restaurant, which has been closed since late April, remodeled their...

• June 07, 2011
• 11:37

  Snoop Dogg Proposes TV Show to Find "America's hottest hood artists"

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  For all you Snoop Dogg fans who cannot seem to get enough of your favorite rapper, you may get the chance to see him on TV weekly.

  
  

  Snoop Dogg has proposed his own TV show, which according to Paste Magazine, will find “America’s hottest hood artists.” The proposed search-for-the-best-rap-artist show will be comp...

• 10:37

  Snoop Dogg Proposes TV Show to Find "America's hottest hood artists"

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  For all you Snoop Dogg fans who cannot seem to get enough of your favorite rapper, you may get the chance to see him on TV weekly.

  
  

  Snoop Dogg has proposed his own TV show, which according to Paste Magazine, will find “America’s hottest hood artists.” The proposed search-for-the-best-rap-artist show will be comp...

• 7:02

  Central Oregon's Breweries Take Home Medals at North American Beer Awards

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At last weekend's North American Beer Awards Bend's brewing contingent made a strong showing with four of our breweries taking home medals from the annual competition that featured more than 1,000 entries.

  
  

  Deschutes Brewery took home a total of four medals, including a gold m...

• 7:02

  Central Oregon's Breweries Take Home Medals at North American Beer Awards

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At last weekend's North American Beer Awards Bend's brewing contingent made a strong showing with four of our breweries taking home medals from the annual competition that featured more than 1,000 entries.

  
  

  Deschutes Brewery took home a total of four medals, including a gold m...

• 6:02

  Central Oregon's Breweries Take Home Medals at North American Beer Awards

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At last weekend's North American Beer Awards Bend's brewing contingent made a strong showing with four of our breweries taking home medals from the annual competition that featured more than 1,000 entries.

  
  

  Deschutes Brewery took home a total of four medals, including a gold m...

• June 02, 2011
• 11:55

  Free Bike Rodeo For Kids on Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s office is putting a new twist on rodeos. Offering children ages 4-12 the chance to participate in a Bike Rodeo. According to a media release by Sheriff’s Office, the Rodeo will include bike safety, helmet inspection, road safety and “much, much more!&r...

• 11:55

  Free Bike Rodeo For Kids on Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s office is putting a new twist on rodeos. Offering children ages 4-12 the chance to participate in a Bike Rodeo. According to a media release by Sheriff’s Office, the Rodeo will include bike safety, helmet inspection, road safety and “much, much more!&r...

• 10:55

  Free Bike Rodeo For Kids on Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s office is putting a new twist on rodeos. Offering children ages 4-12 the chance to participate in a Bike Rodeo. According to a media release by Sheriff’s Office, the Rodeo will include bike safety, helmet inspection, road safety and “much, much more!&r...

• 9:23

  Bend City Council Votes to Continue Affordable Housing Fee

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It seems that Bend’s city councilors did the right thing Wednesday night — sort of — in regard to the affordable housing fee attached to new building permits.

  
  

  Some background: Any builder seeking to do what they do, must get a building permit. Since 2006, a fee has been attached to the permit (one-third of 1 percent of permit valuation) that would benefit Bend’s affordable housing, a project that has raised about 2.7 million dollars. Currently, construction is o...

• 9:23

  Bend City Council Votes to Continue Affordable Housing Fee

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It seems that Bend’s city councilors did the right thing Wednesday night — sort of — in regard to the affordable housing fee attached to new building permits.

  
  

  Some background: Any builder seeking to do what they do, must get a building permit. Since 2006, a fee has been attached to the permit (one-third of 1 percent of permit valuation) that would benefit Bend’s affordable housing, a project that has raised about 2.7 million dollars. Currently, construction is o...

• 8:23

  Bend City Council Votes to Continue Affordable Housing Fee

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It seems that Bend’s city councilors did the right thing Wednesday night — sort of — in regard to the affordable housing fee attached to new building permits.

  
  

  Some background: Any builder seeking to do what they do, must get a building permit. Since 2006, a fee has been attached to the permit (one-third of 1 percent of permit valuation) that would benefit Bend’s affordable housing, a project that has raised about 2.7 million dollars. Currently, construction is o...

• May 27, 2011
• 9:33

  The Weekend in Music: Death Cab, Bright Eyes, Decemberists and More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  What is that glowing thing in the sky? Is that the sun? For the moment, yes. The miserable weather we were originally looking at for Memorial Day Weekend has cleared up...just in time for the kick off of the Les Schwab Amphitheater season. Hopefully it stays that way!

  
  

  We have a big guide to all things to do with outdoor music in this week's paper. Or you can read it right here. 

  
  

  But on top of that, here's a look at some new music from Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and th...

• 9:33

  The Weekend in Music: Death Cab, Bright Eyes, Decemberists and More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  What is that glowing thing in the sky? Is that the sun? For the moment, yes. The miserable weather we were originally looking at for Memorial Day Weekend has cleared up...just in time for the kick off of the Les Schwab Amphitheater season. Hopefully it stays that way!

  
  

  We have a big guide to all things to do with outdoor music in this week's paper. Or you can read it right here. 

  
  

  But on top of that, here's a look at some new music from Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and th...

• 8:33

  The Weekend in Music: Death Cab, Bright Eyes, Decemberists and More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  What is that glowing thing in the sky? Is that the sun? For the moment, yes. The miserable weather we were originally looking at for Memorial Day Weekend has cleared up...just in time for the kick off of the Les Schwab Amphitheater season. Hopefully it stays that way!

  
  

  We have a big guide to all things to do with outdoor music in this week's paper. Or you can read it right here. 

  
  

  But on top of that, here's a look at some new music from Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and th...

• May 24, 2011
• 9:13

  Snowflakes in the Forecast?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  With Memorial Day approaching, meaning many of you are planning or trying to plan camping trips, outdoor concerts, music festivals, barbecues and other things that would seem appropriate for the beginning of summer, I figured I do you a favor and check out the weather forecast for you.

  
  

  The weekend is incredibly crappy, but l...

• 9:13

  Snowflakes in the Forecast?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  With Memorial Day approaching, meaning many of you are planning or trying to plan camping trips, outdoor concerts, music festivals, barbecues and other things that would seem appropriate for the beginning of summer, I figured I do you a favor and check out the weather forecast for you.

  
  

  The weekend is incredibly crappy, but l...

• 8:13

  Snowflakes in the Forecast?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  With Memorial Day approaching, meaning many of you are planning or trying to plan camping trips, outdoor concerts, music festivals, barbecues and other things that would seem appropriate for the beginning of summer, I figured I do you a favor and check out the weather forecast for you.

  
  

  The weekend is incredibly crappy, but l...

• May 13, 2011
• 10:30

  Bend's Prowling Cougar is No More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Yesterday, a friend sent over this photo that he snapped while walking near Brookswood Blvd.

  
  

  There was plenty of cause for alarm as a cougar -- likely one cougar -- had been seen throughout the southwest part of Bend and Deschutes River Woods.

  
  

  But KTVZ is now reporting that a co...

• 10:30

  Bend's Prowling Cougar is No More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Yesterday, a friend sent over this photo that he snapped while walking near Brookswood Blvd.

  
  

  There was plenty of cause for alarm as a cougar -- likely one cougar -- had been seen throughout the southwest part of Bend and Deschutes River Woods.

  
  

  But KTVZ is now reporting that a co...

• 9:30

  Bend's Prowling Cougar is No More

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Yesterday, a friend sent over this photo that he snapped while walking near Brookswood Blvd.

  
  

  There was plenty of cause for alarm as a cougar -- likely one cougar -- had been seen throughout the southwest part of Bend and Deschutes River Woods.

  
  

  But KTVZ is now reporting that a co...

• 8:26

  ONDA Open House Tonight to Announce 700-Mile Trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Oregon Natural Desert Association is holding an open house tonight (5:30pm-9:30pm) at their new location in the Old Mill Marketplace (50 SW Bond St., #4) to make a big announcement.

  
  

  At the event, ONDA will release details on a planned trail that would begin at the High Desert Museum and extend all the way to the Idaho border. The proposed Oregon Desert Trail would run 700 miles, snaking through southern Oregon before turning north and ending at Lake Owyhee State Park, just south of...

• 8:26

  ONDA Open House Tonight to Announce 700-Mile Trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Oregon Natural Desert Association is holding an open house tonight (5:30pm-9:30pm) at their new location in the Old Mill Marketplace (50 SW Bond St., #4) to make a big announcement.

  
  

  At the event, ONDA will release details on a planned trail that would begin at the High Desert Museum and extend all the way to the Idaho border. The proposed Oregon Desert Trail would run 700 miles, snaking through southern Oregon before turning north and ending at Lake Owyhee State Park, just south of...

• 7:26

  ONDA Open House Tonight to Announce 700-Mile Trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Oregon Natural Desert Association is holding an open house tonight (5:30pm-9:30pm) at their new location in the Old Mill Marketplace (50 SW Bond St., #4) to make a big announcement.

  
  

  At the event, ONDA will release details on a planned trail that would begin at the High Desert Museum and extend all the way to the Idaho border. The proposed Oregon Desert Trail would run 700 miles, snaking through southern Oregon before turning north and ending at Lake Owyhee State Park, just south of...

• May 12, 2011
• 12:11

  Two State Senators Push to Raise Oregon's Speed Limit

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In a press release sent out today from the offices of Oregon state Senators Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) and Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro), the two lawmakers say they want to raise Oregon's speed limit.

  
  

  They are looking to raise the speed limit on highways and interstate...

• 12:11

  Two State Senators Push to Raise Oregon's Speed Limit

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In a press release sent out today from the offices of Oregon state Senators Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) and Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro), the two lawmakers say they want to raise Oregon's speed limit.

  
  

  They are looking to raise the speed limit on highways and interstate...

• 11:11

  Two State Senators Push to Raise Oregon's Speed Limit

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In a press release sent out today from the offices of Oregon state Senators Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) and Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro), the two lawmakers say they want to raise Oregon's speed limit.

  
  

  They are looking to raise the speed limit on highways and interstate...

• 7:52

  Win Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie Tickets

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you haven't picked up a copy of this week's print edition of the Source, would recommend doing so, because you could win some tickets to the upcoming Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie shows.

  
  

  All you have to do is scour the paper for a hidden lyrics to each of these bands. Once you find them...

• 7:52

  Win Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie Tickets

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you haven't picked up a copy of this week's print edition of the Source, would recommend doing so, because you could win some tickets to the upcoming Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie shows.

  
  

  All you have to do is scour the paper for a hidden lyrics to each of these bands. Once you find them...

• 6:52

  Win Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie Tickets

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you haven't picked up a copy of this week's print edition of the Source, would recommend doing so, because you could win some tickets to the upcoming Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie shows.

  
  

  All you have to do is scour the paper for a hidden lyrics to each of these bands. Once you find them...

• May 11, 2011
• 12:03

  Win Tickets to See Opio, Aplus, Knobody and other hip-hoppers

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  One of the more interesting indie hip-hop shows we've seen this year, the More Bars in More Places Tour 2, is coming to the Domino Room on Friday night.

  
  

  On the lineup are several Bay Area hip-hop stalwarts like Opio, Aplus, Knobody, as well as Bend's own Cloaked Characters and other performers.

  
  

  We've got...

• 12:03

  Win Tickets to See Opio, Aplus, Knobody and other hip-hoppers

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  One of the more interesting indie hip-hop shows we've seen this year, the More Bars in More Places Tour 2, is coming to the Domino Room on Friday night.

  
  

  On the lineup are several Bay Area hip-hop stalwarts like Opio, Aplus, Knobody, as well as Bend's own Cloaked Characters and other performers.

  
  

  We've got...

• 11:03

  Win Tickets to See Opio, Aplus, Knobody and other hip-hoppers

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  One of the more interesting indie hip-hop shows we've seen this year, the More Bars in More Places Tour 2, is coming to the Domino Room on Friday night.

  
  

  On the lineup are several Bay Area hip-hop stalwarts like Opio, Aplus, Knobody, as well as Bend's own Cloaked Characters and other performers.

  
  

  We've got...

• May 10, 2011
• 11:27

  Holy "Sister Christian!" Night Ranger is Still a Band. And They're Coming to Bend!

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you're wondering what a Night Ranger is, I won't blame you. There's a good chance you're under 35 years old and/or don't hang out in a lot of karaoke bars.

  
  

  But Night Ranger, the '80s rock band known for their huge hit, Sister Christian, is apparently still touring and are coming to Bend for a free show at Downtown Bend's Troy Field on July 8. That's the big grassy area next to McMenamins.

  
  

  The show is a listener appreciation show for 98.3FM The Twins. If you're still one of th...

• 11:27

  Holy "Sister Christian!" Night Ranger is Still a Band. And They're Coming to Bend!

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you're wondering what a Night Ranger is, I won't blame you. There's a good chance you're under 35 years old and/or don't hang out in a lot of karaoke bars.

  
  

  But Night Ranger, the '80s rock band known for their huge hit, Sister Christian, is apparently still touring and are coming to Bend for a free show at Downtown Bend's Troy Field on July 8. That's the big grassy area next to McMenamins.

  
  

  The show is a listener appreciation show for 98.3FM The Twins. If you're still one of th...

• April 26, 2011
• 8:08

  Last Band Standing Announces Schedule

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  

  
  

  This morning, Central Oregon's Last Band Standing, the local battle of the bands that kicks off next weekend, announced the lineups for each of the seven preliminary rounds. Here's a shot of all the bands from last night's kickoff party.

  
  

  All shows are at the Century Center at 8pm on the following dates and you c...

• 8:08

  Last Band Standing Announces Schedule

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  

  
  

  This morning, Central Oregon's Last Band Standing, the local battle of the bands that kicks off next weekend, announced the lineups for each of the seven preliminary rounds. Here's a shot of all the bands from last night's kickoff party.

  
  

  All shows are at the Century Center at 8pm on the following dates and you c...

• April 22, 2011
• 11:08

  Video from Thursday Night's G. Love Show

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Dear guy in front of me at last night's G. Love and Special Sauce/Belle Brigade show,

  
  

  I've posted some videos on this site for you to check out because, as far as I can tell, you didn't see much, if any, of the show at a sold-out Domino Room last night because you were texting throughout the whole show, only taking a break between songs to backpedal into me and shout either "Git er done!" or "Uh, winning!" toward the ceiling.

  
  

  I don't mind the inadvertent drunken body contact. Th...

• 11:08

  Video from Thursday Night's G. Love Show

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Dear guy in front of me at last night's G. Love and Special Sauce/Belle Brigade show,

  
  

  I've posted some videos on this site for you to check out because, as far as I can tell, you didn't see much, if any, of the show at a sold-out Domino Room last night because you were texting throughout the whole show, only taking a break between songs to backpedal into me and shout either "Git er done!" or "Uh, winning!" toward the ceiling.

  
  

  I don't mind the inadvertent drunken body contact. Th...

• April 21, 2011
• 10:38

  G. Love, The Belle Brigade Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In this week's paper, there's a great feature on G. Love, who is playing tonight at the Domino Room beginning at 9pm and the last time I checked, there were still tickets available.

  
  

  The 9pm show is on a tour of G. Love dates supporting his newly released disc, Fixin' To Die, the first record on which G. Love plays without Special Sauce -- the backing band he'll have with him tonight. But the record is a delight, partially because it was produced by The Avett Brothers, giving it more tw...

• 10:38

  G. Love, The Belle Brigade Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In this week's paper, there's a great feature on G. Love, who is playing tonight at the Domino Room beginning at 9pm and the last time I checked, there were still tickets available.

  
  

  The 9pm show is on a tour of G. Love dates supporting his newly released disc, Fixin' To Die, the first record on which G. Love plays without Special Sauce -- the backing band he'll have with him tonight. But the record is a delight, partially because it was produced by The Avett Brothers, giving it more tw...

• April 20, 2011
• 8:19

  The Perfect 4/20 Gift

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In case you didn't know, today is April 20. And if you don't know why that's a special day for a faction of folks out there, well, we'll let you in on the secret -- it's a celebration of pot and its smokers. Look, it even has it's own Wikipedia entry.

  
  

  We've got a few press releases touting different reasons for celebrating 4/20, but only one recommended a gift that you could give to the toker in your family. Here it is...just in case your friend has a hard time telling time and/or isn'...

• 8:19

  The Perfect 4/20 Gift

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In case you didn't know, today is April 20. And if you don't know why that's a special day for a faction of folks out there, well, we'll let you in on the secret -- it's a celebration of pot and its smokers. Look, it even has it's own Wikipedia entry.

  
  

  We've got a few press releases touting different reasons for celebrating 4/20, but only one recommended a gift that you could give to the toker in your family. Here it is...just in case your friend has a hard time telling time and/or isn'...

• 7:19

  The Perfect 4/20 Gift

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In case you didn't know, today is April 20. And if you don't know why that's a special day for a faction of folks out there, well, we'll let you in on the secret -- it's a celebration of pot and its smokers. Look, it even has it's own Wikipedia entry.

  
  

  We've got a few press releases touting different reasons for celebrating 4/20, but only one recommended a gift that you could give to the toker in your family. Here it is...just in case your friend has a hard time telling time and/or isn'...

• April 18, 2011
• 12:45

  Video from the Weekend: ESO, Larry and His Flask, Mosley Wotta

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I left the house around noon on Saturday afternoon and looked up at the menacing gray clouds overhead, I said something like, "Ohhh boy, I hope it doesn't rain?"

  
  

  Anyway, it didn't rain, which was good, because I saw outdoor live music featuring three of our region's best acts, in April, in Bend, all freaking day. First, was Empty Space Orchestra's Record Store Day performance down in the alley behind Ranch Records. About 150 people (maybe more, maybe less...I'm not a scientist) tu...

• 12:45

  Video from the Weekend: ESO, Larry and His Flask, Mosley Wotta

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I left the house around noon on Saturday afternoon and looked up at the menacing gray clouds overhead, I said something like, "Ohhh boy, I hope it doesn't rain?"

  
  

  Anyway, it didn't rain, which was good, because I saw outdoor live music featuring three of our region's best acts, in April, in Bend, all freaking day. First, was Empty Space Orchestra's Record Store Day performance down in the alley behind Ranch Records. About 150 people (maybe more, maybe less...I'm not a scientist) tu...

• 11:45

  Video from the Weekend: ESO, Larry and His Flask, Mosley Wotta

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I left the house around noon on Saturday afternoon and looked up at the menacing gray clouds overhead, I said something like, "Ohhh boy, I hope it doesn't rain?"

  
  

  Anyway, it didn't rain, which was good, because I saw outdoor live music featuring three of our region's best acts, in April, in Bend, all freaking day. First, was Empty Space Orchestra's Record Store Day performance down in the alley behind Ranch Records. About 150 people (maybe more, maybe less...I'm not a scientist) tu...

• April 16, 2011
• 7:03

  Free Empty Space Orchestra Show Today

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  As Ethan mentioned yesterday, today is Record Store Day and our own Ranch Records is celebrating with a surprise, free show from Empty Space Orchestra.

  
  

  The show is on the Brooks Street side of Ranch at 1pm this afternoon. ESO is also offering up a special edition two-song EP of unreleas...

• 6:03

  Free Empty Space Orchestra Show Today

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  As Ethan mentioned yesterday, today is Record Store Day and our own Ranch Records is celebrating with a surprise, free show from Empty Space Orchestra.

  
  

  The show is on the Brooks Street side of Ranch at 1pm this afternoon. ESO is also offering up a special edition two-song EP of unreleas...

• April 15, 2011
• 7:18

  Today's Pine Party at Mt. Bachelor is Canceled

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We've been somewhat vocal in encouraging the entirety of Bend's workforce to disappear an hour or two early on recent Fridays to get up to Mt. Bachelor's Pine Parties -- the mountain's 4pm-7pm ski sessions on the Pine Marten chair.

  
  

  But bad news -- today's Pine Party has been canceled due to a forecast that's calling for mixed precipitation. If you don't speak meteorologicalese, "mixed precipitation" can be roughly translated to "really crappy weather."

  
  

  So, I hate to say it, but ...

• 6:18

  Today's Pine Party at Mt. Bachelor is Canceled

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We've been somewhat vocal in encouraging the entirety of Bend's workforce to disappear an hour or two early on recent Fridays to get up to Mt. Bachelor's Pine Parties -- the mountain's 4pm-7pm ski sessions on the Pine Marten chair.

  
  

  But bad news -- today's Pine Party has been canceled due to a forecast that's calling for mixed precipitation. If you don't speak meteorologicalese, "mixed precipitation" can be roughly translated to "really crappy weather."

  
  

  So, I hate to say it, but ...

• April 13, 2011
• 7:40

  Yonder Mountain String Band Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Today has been circled on the calendars of a few hundred (or several hundred) of Bend's live music fans. The wait is over and roots music fans can finally rejoice because Yonder Mountain String Band is in town tonight at the Midtown Ballroom.

  
  

  If you've seen YMSB's high-energy Americana show in Bend before, you know that people here get down to this Colorado quartet. Like, really, really get down. I can't say for certain, but expect some hula hooping up in the joint tonight.

  
  

  Ther...

• 6:40

  Yonder Mountain String Band Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Today has been circled on the calendars of a few hundred (or several hundred) of Bend's live music fans. The wait is over and roots music fans can finally rejoice because Yonder Mountain String Band is in town tonight at the Midtown Ballroom.

  
  

  If you've seen YMSB's high-energy Americana show in Bend before, you know that people here get down to this Colorado quartet. Like, really, really get down. I can't say for certain, but expect some hula hooping up in the joint tonight.

  
  

  Ther...

• April 12, 2011
• 5:12

  Body of Bend Tsunami Victim Identified

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A body that washed up earlier this month near the mouth of the Columbia River is that of a Bend native who disappeared after being washed out to sea last month by the Japanese tsunami.

  
  

  The state forensic examiner has identified the body found April 2 in Fort Stevens Park as that of Dustin Douglas Weber, 25. Weber grew up in Bend and had recently moved to Northern California to be cl...

• 4:12

  Body of Bend Tsunami Victim Identified

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A body that washed up earlier this month near the mouth of the Columbia River is that of a Bend native who disappeared after being washed out to sea last month by the Japanese tsunami.

  
  

  The state forensic examiner has identified the body found April 2 in Fort Stevens Park as that of Dustin Douglas Weber, 25. Weber grew up in Bend and had recently moved to Northern California to be cl...

• April 07, 2011
• 10:46

  Win Tickets to the Lava City Roller Dolls Bout on Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Looking for something awesome to do on Saturday night? Of course you're best bet will be to check out Our Picks for this weekend, but may we also suggest the always entertaining Lava City Roller Dolls bout?

  
  

  Lava City's Smokin' Ashes take on the Sick Town Derby Dames from Corvallis on Saturday night at Cascade Indoor Sports Center at 6pm. If you haven't had the cha...

• 9:46

  Win Tickets to the Lava City Roller Dolls Bout on Saturday

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Looking for something awesome to do on Saturday night? Of course you're best bet will be to check out Our Picks for this weekend, but may we also suggest the always entertaining Lava City Roller Dolls bout?

  
  

  Lava City's Smokin' Ashes take on the Sick Town Derby Dames from Corvallis on Saturday night at Cascade Indoor Sports Center at 6pm. If you haven't had the cha...

• March 24, 2011
• 6:50

  State Extends Unemployment Benefits

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  

  
  

  Oregonians who have exhausted their unemployment payments will get a temporary reprieve. Gov. Kitzhaber announced today that he has signed a pair of bills extending benefits for up to 26 weeks. The legislation is a lifeline for tens of thousands of Oregonians whose benefits would otherwise expire this year.

  
  

  Specifically Senate Bill 637 would allow the state to tap into $2...

• 5:50

  State Extends Unemployment Benefits

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  

  
  

  Oregonians who have exhausted their unemployment payments will get a temporary reprieve. Gov. Kitzhaber announced today that he has signed a pair of bills extending benefits for up to 26 weeks. The legislation is a lifeline for tens of thousands of Oregonians whose benefits would otherwise expire this year.

  
  

  Specifically Senate Bill 637 would allow the state to tap into $2...

• March 15, 2011
• 13:43

  Ozomatli Coming to Bend on Cinco De Mayo

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Yeah, it looks like it.

  
  

  According to the C3 Events Facebook page, the cross-cultural band, which mixes hip-hop, rock and Latin sounds into one big party, is booked to play a big outdoor show at Amalia's in downtown Bend on Cinco de Mayo.

  
  

  And...it's a totally free show.

  
  

  That's about all I know: Ozomatli. Downtown Bend. Thursday, May 5. I'll keep you posted as we learn more.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 480x390]

• 12:43

  Ozomatli Coming to Bend on Cinco De Mayo

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Yeah, it looks like it.

  
  

  According to the C3 Events Facebook page, the cross-cultural band, which mixes hip-hop, rock and Latin sounds into one big party, is booked to play a big outdoor show at Amalia's in downtown Bend on Cinco de Mayo.

  
  

  And...it's a totally free show.

  
  

  That's about all I know: Ozomatli. Downtown Bend. Thursday, May 5. I'll keep you posted as we learn more.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 480x390]

• March 14, 2011
• 12:39

  Brandi Carlile Set to Play in Bend on May 5

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  For the third straight spring, Brandi Carlile is coming to Bend and playing a show at the Tower Theatre. The show is slated for May 5.

  
  

  The singer songwriter has played in Bend a number of times and her gigs at the Tower have been delightful, so it's pretty sweet to see her make the trip down once again.

  
  

  Last year, she played two shows and both of those sold out. So, if you want tickets, I'd suggest getting on top of that when they go on sale on Friday at TowerTheatre.org or the ...

• 11:39

  Brandi Carlile Set to Play in Bend on May 5

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  For the third straight spring, Brandi Carlile is coming to Bend and playing a show at the Tower Theatre. The show is slated for May 5.

  
  

  The singer songwriter has played in Bend a number of times and her gigs at the Tower have been delightful, so it's pretty sweet to see her make the trip down once again.

  
  

  Last year, she played two shows and both of those sold out. So, if you want tickets, I'd suggest getting on top of that when they go on sale on Friday at TowerTheatre.org or the ...

• March 08, 2011
• 6:22

  Mud Be Gone: The Maston is ready for your mountain bike

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Following what seemed like an endless mud season, the trails at the Maston Allotment are again in great shape mountain for bike riding. Yes, there are some short muddy sections but they comprise no more than 10 percent of the long loop.

  
  

  Some of the sections on the north end of the long loop are riding as fast as they ever hav...

• 5:22

  Mud Be Gone: The Maston is ready for your mountain bike

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Following what seemed like an endless mud season, the trails at the Maston Allotment are again in great shape mountain for bike riding. Yes, there are some short muddy sections but they comprise no more than 10 percent of the long loop.

  
  

  Some of the sections on the north end of the long loop are riding as fast as they ever hav...

• March 07, 2011
• 12:32

  Charlie Sheen is Hiring an Intern. Seriously.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  You've watched him lose his show and his mind as he spirals deeper and deeper into douche-dom, but NOW you could be his intern! That's right, Charlie Sheen posted this today on his now-famous Twitter feed:

  
  

  

  
  

  Click here to apply...if that's the sort of thing you're into.

  
  

  The job listing does not say...

• 11:32

  Charlie Sheen is Hiring an Intern. Seriously.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  You've watched him lose his show and his mind as he spirals deeper and deeper into douche-dom, but NOW you could be his intern! That's right, Charlie Sheen posted this today on his now-famous Twitter feed:

  
  

  

  
  

  Click here to apply...if that's the sort of thing you're into.

  
  

  The job listing does not say...

• March 02, 2011
• 12:14

  D.A. Patrick Flaherty Wants Documents Back From the Bulletin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When the District Attorney calls a morning press conference but the announcement says nothing about the purpose of the gathering, we tend to think there’s something big to be announced.

  
  

  Could it be an arrest in the fatal hit and run on Third Street? Or maybe something about the Redmond police lieutenant that allegedly sold guns out of the back of the armory?

  
  

  Nope. None of those things. It turns out that this morning's conference had to do with a story that broke in today's...

• 11:14

  D.A. Patrick Flaherty Wants Documents Back From the Bulletin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When the District Attorney calls a morning press conference but the announcement says nothing about the purpose of the gathering, we tend to think there’s something big to be announced.

  
  

  Could it be an arrest in the fatal hit and run on Third Street? Or maybe something about the Redmond police lieutenant that allegedly sold guns out of the back of the armory?

  
  

  Nope. None of those things. It turns out that this morning's conference had to do with a story that broke in today's...

• February 22, 2011
• 9:40

  A Video Taste of the Mt. Bachelor Powder

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you're one of the folks who haven't been up Mt. Bachelor in the past week, well...it's been pretty insane. Take a look at this awesome video of powder, courtesy of Hola! restaurants.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 585x375]

  
  

   

• 8:40

  A Video Taste of the Mt. Bachelor Powder

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you're one of the folks who haven't been up Mt. Bachelor in the past week, well...it's been pretty insane. Take a look at this awesome video of powder, courtesy of Hola! restaurants.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 585x375]

  
  

   

• February 11, 2011
• 6:51

  USFS Accepts Mt. Bachelor's Master Development Plan

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  While the dearth of snowfall over the past six weeks has been maddening, skiers and snowboarders did get some good news this week as the path for expansion and improvements at Mt. Bachelor took a step forward as the U.S. Forest Service approved the ski resort's Master Development Plan.

  
  

  Incl...

• 5:51

  USFS Accepts Mt. Bachelor's Master Development Plan

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  While the dearth of snowfall over the past six weeks has been maddening, skiers and snowboarders did get some good news this week as the path for expansion and improvements at Mt. Bachelor took a step forward as the U.S. Forest Service approved the ski resort's Master Development Plan.

  
  

  Incl...

• February 02, 2011
• 9:16

  PPP Registration Now Open

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  You still have a few months to find your best one-piece, neon snowsuit, schwinn ten-speed and vintage kayak, but the starting line is officially in sight for the 35th Annual PPP. MBSEF announced yesterday that it is now taking on-line applications for individuals and teams for this year's rite of spring race. This year's event falls a week later than usual and is scheduled for M...

• 8:16

  PPP Registration Now Open

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  You still have a few months to find your best one-piece, neon snowsuit, schwinn ten-speed and vintage kayak, but the starting line is officially in sight for the 35th Annual PPP. MBSEF announced yesterday that it is now taking on-line applications for individuals and teams for this year's rite of spring race. This year's event falls a week later than usual and is scheduled for M...

• January 24, 2011
• 11:36

  Shakespeare in the Park Comes to Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It's been in the works for a few months now, but we've finally been able to confirm that there will be a large-scale production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Billy Shakespeare classic, this summer in Drake Park.

  
  

  The Shakespeare performance will take place between August 26 and 27 and is produced by Lay it Out Events, a sister company to the Source Weekly. The Portland-based Northwest Classic Theater Company will be providing the players for the production.

  
  

  Tickets are availa...

• 10:36

  Shakespeare in the Park Comes to Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It's been in the works for a few months now, but we've finally been able to confirm that there will be a large-scale production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Billy Shakespeare classic, this summer in Drake Park.

  
  

  The Shakespeare performance will take place between August 26 and 27 and is produced by Lay it Out Events, a sister company to the Source Weekly. The Portland-based Northwest Classic Theater Company will be providing the players for the production.

  
  

  Tickets are availa...

• January 10, 2011
• 6:41

  New Driving Move: Sidewalks come into play on Portland Avenue

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I know getting to class at COCC on time in the morning and evening is important, but what’s with the latest Bend driving phenomena of sidewalk driving?

  
  

  Here’s how it goes. Around 8 a.m. or 5 p.m., a car heading west on Portland Avenue stops to make a left hand turn onto a side street or into a driveway. The heavy college commute traffic immediately backs up behind the turning driver. But rather than wait for the person turning to get a break in eastbound traffic and make hi...

• 5:41

  New Driving Move: Sidewalks come into play on Portland Avenue

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I know getting to class at COCC on time in the morning and evening is important, but what’s with the latest Bend driving phenomena of sidewalk driving?

  
  

  Here’s how it goes. Around 8 a.m. or 5 p.m., a car heading west on Portland Avenue stops to make a left hand turn onto a side street or into a driveway. The heavy college commute traffic immediately backs up behind the turning driver. But rather than wait for the person turning to get a break in eastbound traffic and make hi...

• January 05, 2011
• 20:00

  Spork's Next Pop-Up Supper Club This Weekend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Spork is following up their successful two-day December pop-up restaurant with another pop-up this weekend, January 8 and 9. Basically the same deal as before: Spork will take over Cafe Sintra's space for two nights.

  
  

  I wrote about Spork's supper club last month, which you can read here. This time the Spork folks are serving five more substantial courses instead of se...

• 19:00

  Spork's Next Pop-Up Supper Club This Weekend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Spork is following up their successful two-day December pop-up restaurant with another pop-up this weekend, January 8 and 9. Basically the same deal as before: Spork will take over Cafe Sintra's space for two nights.

  
  

  I wrote about Spork's supper club last month, which you can read here. This time the Spork folks are serving five more substantial courses instead of se...

• December 31, 2010
• 5:46

  Everything You Need to Know About New Year's Eve in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you haven't seen it already, we included pretty much everything going on in town on our Picks page this week.

  
  Go ahead and read that right here.
  

  But here are a few of my picks for tonight's festivities in no particular order:

  
  

  New Year's Eve at Old St. Francis School

  
  

  We’ve said it several times, but McMenamins has long been the go-to spot for most celebratory holidays, including New Year’s Eve. You can go big and purchase a lodging package, which will get ...

• 4:46

  Everything You Need to Know About New Year's Eve in Bend

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  If you haven't seen it already, we included pretty much everything going on in town on our Picks page this week.

  
  Go ahead and read that right here.
  

  But here are a few of my picks for tonight's festivities in no particular order:

  
  

  New Year's Eve at Old St. Francis School

  
  

  We’ve said it several times, but McMenamins has long been the go-to spot for most celebratory holidays, including New Year’s Eve. You can go big and purchase a lodging package, which will get ...

• December 29, 2010
• 12:54

  Cleaning House: Giving up my outdoor gear and memorabilia feels good

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I have no idea what prompted it, but one day in late October, I got this overwhelming urge to give away a great deal of what I have laying about the house, to strip down to the essentials and rid myself of the extraneous. The feeling proved not to be fleeting, but one that grew into a driving force.

  
  

  First came loads of clothing and shoes to Goodwill and that led to gifts stereo gear, furniture, outdoor gear and apparel, and all sorts of ski gear to people who truly had a need for them....

• 11:54

  Cleaning House: Giving up my outdoor gear and memorabilia feels good

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  I have no idea what prompted it, but one day in late October, I got this overwhelming urge to give away a great deal of what I have laying about the house, to strip down to the essentials and rid myself of the extraneous. The feeling proved not to be fleeting, but one that grew into a driving force.

  
  

  First came loads of clothing and shoes to Goodwill and that led to gifts stereo gear, furniture, outdoor gear and apparel, and all sorts of ski gear to people who truly had a need for them....

• December 28, 2010
• 10:22

  Wild Driving: It’s those gosh darn tourists in Bend again

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Who’s that doing 45 in a 25 mile per hour zone, snaking through traffic in a blizzard as if the pavement were dry, sticking as close to your rear bumper as possible? Why, it’s one of those gosh darn tourists who instead of slowing down on vacation have brought their urban zest for speed and reckless abandon behind the wheel from an urban area with snow-free streets to our fair city.

  
  

  And before a vocal few in the local tourism business go completely bonkers and start posting...

• 9:22

  Wild Driving: It’s those gosh darn tourists in Bend again

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Who’s that doing 45 in a 25 mile per hour zone, snaking through traffic in a blizzard as if the pavement were dry, sticking as close to your rear bumper as possible? Why, it’s one of those gosh darn tourists who instead of slowing down on vacation have brought their urban zest for speed and reckless abandon behind the wheel from an urban area with snow-free streets to our fair city.

  
  

  And before a vocal few in the local tourism business go completely bonkers and start posting...

• December 21, 2010
• 8:12

  Seasons Greetings: A Merry Christmas to all

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Every year as Christmas approaches, I think of two favorite my two people names Charles – the great novelist Charles Dickens and the wondrous cowboy artist Charles Russell. And while there’s no historical link between the two men, their words link them together in my mind.

  
  

  As to Mr. Dickens, there are those who say that without his A Christmas Carol the whole concept of Christmas as we now know it might not have happened. But after his Christmas Carol appeared in print, it ...

• 7:12

  Seasons Greetings: A Merry Christmas to all

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Every year as Christmas approaches, I think of two favorite my two people names Charles – the great novelist Charles Dickens and the wondrous cowboy artist Charles Russell. And while there’s no historical link between the two men, their words link them together in my mind.

  
  

  As to Mr. Dickens, there are those who say that without his A Christmas Carol the whole concept of Christmas as we now know it might not have happened. But after his Christmas Carol appeared in print, it ...

• December 15, 2010
• 12:55

  No Trespassing: Backcountry bad vibes in the Rockies

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Thanks to Seth Masia of the International Ski History Association for a heads up on a story in the Telluride (Colorado) Watch newspaper entitled “Public Lands Access For Backcountry Skiing Debated Elsewhere.”

  
  

  It’s a cautionary read for skiers in parts of the backcountry ski world where getting to the best skiing ofte...

• 11:55

  No Trespassing: Backcountry bad vibes in the Rockies

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Thanks to Seth Masia of the International Ski History Association for a heads up on a story in the Telluride (Colorado) Watch newspaper entitled “Public Lands Access For Backcountry Skiing Debated Elsewhere.”

  
  

  It’s a cautionary read for skiers in parts of the backcountry ski world where getting to the best skiing ofte...

• December 14, 2010
• 12:24

  Crossing Over: A cyclocross national championships post mortem

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The 2010 National Cyclocross championships again proved that Bend is a superb venue for large-scale self-propelled sports events. A great deal of credit for the event’s success goes to those community members who volunteered and spectators who came out to cheer.

  
  

  That noted, am I the only person who got...

• 11:24

  Crossing Over: A cyclocross national championships post mortem

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The 2010 National Cyclocross championships again proved that Bend is a superb venue for large-scale self-propelled sports events. A great deal of credit for the event’s success goes to those community members who volunteered and spectators who came out to cheer.

  
  

  That noted, am I the only person who got...

• December 13, 2010
• 6:20

  Please Release Me: Hjalmar Hvam’s 1939 Saf-Ski bindings change alpine skiing forever

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Every time an alpine skier takes a spill and his or her bindings release on impact preventing either a leg fracture or something worse, they should thank Hjalmar Hvam.

  
  

  An Oregonian by way of his native Norway and a short stay in Canada, Hvam came up with the idea of releasable bindings in 1939. His inspiration, as ski lore has it, came while on ...

• 5:20

  Please Release Me: Hjalmar Hvam’s 1939 Saf-Ski bindings change alpine skiing forever

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Every time an alpine skier takes a spill and his or her bindings release on impact preventing either a leg fracture or something worse, they should thank Hjalmar Hvam.

  
  

  An Oregonian by way of his native Norway and a short stay in Canada, Hvam came up with the idea of releasable bindings in 1939. His inspiration, as ski lore has it, came while on ...

• December 08, 2010
• 8:41

  Dandy Don Meredith: Remembering a classic

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The news of former Dallas Cowboy football great and NFL television color commentator “Dandy” Don Meredith’s death had barely become part of the daily news cycle when I got a Facebook message reading: “Remember the picture you took of me and Dandy at the 1980 Olympics? It’s still on the wall in my office.”

  
  

  I do remember it and for those new to this blog, here’s a reprise of my Dandy Don story.

  
  

  Getting around the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake...

• 7:41

  Dandy Don Meredith: Remembering a classic

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  The news of former Dallas Cowboy football great and NFL television color commentator “Dandy” Don Meredith’s death had barely become part of the daily news cycle when I got a Facebook message reading: “Remember the picture you took of me and Dandy at the 1980 Olympics? It’s still on the wall in my office.”

  
  

  I do remember it and for those new to this blog, here’s a reprise of my Dandy Don story.

  
  

  Getting around the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake...

• December 06, 2010
• 7:50

  Noise: Endless chatter and bad ads during The Civil War

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At the last minute, I opted out of two Civil War parties and headed instead to a local pub. That turned to be a good choice as the beers on tap were all new to me and the crowd at the bar not overly Duck or Beaver crazed.

  
  

  Thanks to some good conversation and the aforementioned beer, what was supposed to be an exciting game, and wasn’t except for the first few minutes and the Duck's wonderful fake punt, saved the day.

  
  

  And as the day and game wore on, the people at the bar g...

• 6:50

  Noise: Endless chatter and bad ads during The Civil War

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At the last minute, I opted out of two Civil War parties and headed instead to a local pub. That turned to be a good choice as the beers on tap were all new to me and the crowd at the bar not overly Duck or Beaver crazed.

  
  

  Thanks to some good conversation and the aforementioned beer, what was supposed to be an exciting game, and wasn’t except for the first few minutes and the Duck's wonderful fake punt, saved the day.

  
  

  And as the day and game wore on, the people at the bar g...

• December 03, 2010
• 7:54

  Dispassionate: Not taking sides in the Civil War

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Come Saturday, I’m easily the most relaxed male football fan in Bend because I could care less who wins the Civil War. You see, I have no association, save for friends who attended them, with either of the two schools.

  
  

  However, I rooted for the Beavers on their way to two consecutive NCAA baseball titl...

• 6:54

  Dispassionate: Not taking sides in the Civil War

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Come Saturday, I’m easily the most relaxed male football fan in Bend because I could care less who wins the Civil War. You see, I have no association, save for friends who attended them, with either of the two schools.

  
  

  However, I rooted for the Beavers on their way to two consecutive NCAA baseball titl...

• December 02, 2010
• 14:25

  Central Oregon's Email Subject Line of the Day

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  One of the great privileges of sitting in my chair is the opportunity to wade through hundreds of emails and press releases each week for the chance of finding just one small nugget that could possibly be of interest or relevance. It’s captivating stuff. Then every once in awhile you see something that catches your eye, like the following email that came through from the Sheriff’s office this afternoon. I wish I knew how to write headlines like that -- without even a trace of ironRead More...

• December 01, 2010
• 12:21

  Speed Kills? Apparently not on the way to and from Mt. Bachelor

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We were driving up to ski. The driver is a guy who’s lived here and been going to and from Mount Bachelor as long as I have over three decades. It’s snowing hard and we’re cruising along, in control, at 45 mph.

  
  

  That’s when the first car blazes past at what’s gotta be 65mph. Then comes another one and another including one driver who thinks it’s safe to pass on a blind corner.

  
  

  Which brings up the question: why the hurry? The ski area isn’...

• 11:21

  Speed Kills? Apparently not on the way to and from Mt. Bachelor

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  We were driving up to ski. The driver is a guy who’s lived here and been going to and from Mount Bachelor as long as I have over three decades. It’s snowing hard and we’re cruising along, in control, at 45 mph.

  
  

  That’s when the first car blazes past at what’s gotta be 65mph. Then comes another one and another including one driver who thinks it’s safe to pass on a blind corner.

  
  

  Which brings up the question: why the hurry? The ski area isn’...

• November 24, 2010
• 7:23

  Snow Removal: The city of Bend sends a mixed message

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  OK, so we all know that the City of Bend has an obscure ordinance that says we citizens should clear our sidewalks within 24 hours of a major snow dump. Fine, I can live with that, and have for the past 33 winters, and I suspect that no one has ever been fined for not clearing his or her sidewalks in a timely fashion.

  
  

  I have also wondered from years why and try to clear your sidewalks at all if you live on a busy arterial street. Because as soon as I clear my sidewalks along a busy art...

• 6:23

  Snow Removal: The city of Bend sends a mixed message

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  OK, so we all know that the City of Bend has an obscure ordinance that says we citizens should clear our sidewalks within 24 hours of a major snow dump. Fine, I can live with that, and have for the past 33 winters, and I suspect that no one has ever been fined for not clearing his or her sidewalks in a timely fashion.

  
  

  I have also wondered from years why and try to clear your sidewalks at all if you live on a busy arterial street. Because as soon as I clear my sidewalks along a busy art...

• November 23, 2010
• 8:45

  Giving Thanks: People and things in Bend that make life bearable

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Like many Americans, I think Thanksgiving is our nation’s best holiday. It’s a day devoted to being with friends and family and giving thanks for what we have and what has made our lives better.

  
  

  This year, I’m thankful for:

  
  

  Middle School Kids: The middle schooler in my family was able to program my new cell phone with all sorts of features during the five-minute ride from her school to her house. Later, she set me up with a great new, and original, ring tone. N...

• 7:45

  Giving Thanks: People and things in Bend that make life bearable

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Like many Americans, I think Thanksgiving is our nation’s best holiday. It’s a day devoted to being with friends and family and giving thanks for what we have and what has made our lives better.

  
  

  This year, I’m thankful for:

  
  

  Middle School Kids: The middle schooler in my family was able to program my new cell phone with all sorts of features during the five-minute ride from her school to her house. Later, she set me up with a great new, and original, ring tone. N...

• November 22, 2010
• 7:19

  Getting Out: Updates on Horse Ridge, Skull Hollow

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Horse Ridge

  
  

  It’s that time of year when mountain bikers head to Horse Ridge to ride snow-free singletrack. What many of them don’t know is that the new parking area and trail access is open and should be used in favor of parking along the roadway.

  
  

  In the words of the BLM’s Gavin Hoban: “Central to the development of the site were these motivations: 1) Address the safety of users, dogs, etc, loading and unloading in the state highway right-of-way in the fa...

• 6:19

  Getting Out: Updates on Horse Ridge, Skull Hollow

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Horse Ridge

  
  

  It’s that time of year when mountain bikers head to Horse Ridge to ride snow-free singletrack. What many of them don’t know is that the new parking area and trail access is open and should be used in favor of parking along the roadway.

  
  

  In the words of the BLM’s Gavin Hoban: “Central to the development of the site were these motivations: 1) Address the safety of users, dogs, etc, loading and unloading in the state highway right-of-way in the fa...

• November 18, 2010
• 13:42

  Mt. Bachelor Announces Opening Day

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This is for real: Mt. Bachelor is opening on November 24. And that's not a rumor.

  
  

  But it’s not unusual for the skier and rider world to become rife with rumors come mid-November. Rumors that start with a simple: “Dude, wouldn’t it be cool if the mountain opened this Friday” that quickly becomes: “...

• 12:42

  Mt. Bachelor Announces Opening Day

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This is for real: Mt. Bachelor is opening on November 24. And that's not a rumor.

  
  

  But it’s not unusual for the skier and rider world to become rife with rumors come mid-November. Rumors that start with a simple: “Dude, wouldn’t it be cool if the mountain opened this Friday” that quickly becomes: “...

• November 09, 2010
• 6:43

  Getting Off On Being Green: A new eco-friendly pitch from the “adult” industry

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  

  During the years I ran a small publishing business, I got on what often seems to be every North American companys' public relations release list. Today, I typically get from 30 to 50 e-mail public relations releases a day. They range from the ridiculous (“ The Situation to Speak at the Community College’s auto shop class graduation”) to the sublime (“Exotic Cruise Lines Read More...

• 6:43

  Getting Off On Being Green: A new eco-friendly pitch from the “adult” industry

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  

  During the years I ran a small publishing business, I got on what often seems to be every North American companys' public relations release list. Today, I typically get from 30 to 50 e-mail public relations releases a day. They range from the ridiculous (“ The Situation to Speak at the Community College’s auto shop class graduation”) to the sublime (“Exotic Cruise Lin...

• November 05, 2010
• 7:35

  Duckorama: The dream of an epic BCS title game

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Miracles do happen. I arrived back at my San Francisco Bay area hotel last Saturday night after swilling cocktails and eating fatty finger food while watching the Giants lose to the Rangers in Game three of the World Series to find my wife intently watching the Ducks-Trojans game on TV. “Boy,” said she, “the Ducks are sure fun to watch. They look like they’re having so much fun.”
  

  Holy Jim Thorpe. That statement came from a woman who for all our married life has not spent a single moment watc...

• October 28, 2010
• 10:48

  Playing Hurt: The Favre melodrama continues

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

  Years ago the NFL’s iron man standard was Raiders center Jim Otto. Wearing his famous 00 jersey, Otto played 14 seasons without missing a game at football’s most unheralded and unglamorous position. Beloved by Raiders fans, Otto paid dearly for his years over the ball. His retirement years were filled in serious pain.

  
  

  During retirement, Otto once owned a restaurant just off Interstate 80 in Auburn in California’s Sierra foothills. I remember going there once and seeing Otto ...

• 10:48

  Playing Hurt: The Favre melodrama continues

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

  Years ago the NFL’s iron man standard was Raiders center Jim Otto. Wearing his famous 00 jersey, Otto played 14 seasons without missing a game at football’s most unheralded and unglamorous position. Beloved by Raiders fans, Otto paid dearly for his years over the ball. His retirement years were filled in serious pain.

  
  

  During retirement, Otto once owned a restaurant just off Interstate 80 in Auburn in California’s Sierra foothills. I remember going there once and seeing Otto Read More...

• October 25, 2010
• 8:21

  Enough Already: Campaign slogans and lawn signs

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Chicago’s late Mayor Richard J. Daly was famous for fracturing the English language. A much-cited Dalyism was uttered when he tried to describe the “plateaus” the city government had attained.
  

  “We are rising to higher and higher platitudes,” Daly noted, and platitudes are what we’re dealing with this entire election cycle.

  
  

  Platitudes particularly related to the economy and jobs. Apparently if you elect certain candidates based on what they’re saying, the dire unemployment and economi...

• 8:21

  Enough Already: Campaign slogans and lawn signs

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Chicago’s late Mayor Richard J. Daly was famous for fracturing the English language. A much-cited Dalyism was uttered when he tried to describe the “plateaus” the city government had attained.
  

  “We are rising to higher and higher platitudes,” Daly noted, and platitudes are what we’re dealing with this entire election cycle.

  
  

  Platitudes particularly related to the economy and jobs. Apparently if you elect certain candidates based on what they’re saying, the dire unemployment and economiRead More...

• October 20, 2010
• 5:46

  Warming Up: Gathering wood for winter

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  {vimeo}12582621{/vimeo}

  
  

   

  
  

  Twenty-five years ago on any given autumn weekend, Century Drive would be virtually bumper-to-bumper with old pickup trucks loaded with firewood. Firewood gathering, along with the opening of hunting and fishing season was a Bend tradition. Most gatherers did multiple loads during a day and for many people, wood gathering was a family affair complete with a picnic lunch.

  
  

  Come winter, Bend was primarily warmed by woo...

• 5:45

  Warming Up: Gathering wood for winter

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  {vimeo}12582621{/vimeo}

  
  

   

  
  

  Twenty-five years ago on any given autumn weekend, Century Drive would be virtually bumper-to-bumper with old pickup trucks loaded with firewood. Firewood gathering, along with the opening of hunting and fishing season was a Bend tradition. Most gatherers did multiple loads during a day and for many people, wood gathering was a family affair complete with a picnic lunch.

  
  

  Come winter, Bend was primarily warmed by wooRead More...

• October 15, 2010
• 7:25

  Bend Brews: An exercise in shameless self-promotion of my new book

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This past winter local photographer and passionate beer lover, Andre Bartels, approached me with the idea of collaborating on a book about craft beers and the craft-brewing business in Oregon.
  

  I immediately envisioned myself swilling every possible ale, lager and stout in the state in a short but ...

• 7:25

  Bend Brews: An exercise in shameless self-promotion of my new book

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  This past winter local photographer and passionate beer lover, Andre Bartels, approached me with the idea of collaborating on a book about craft beers and the craft-brewing business in Oregon.
  

  I immediately envisioned myself swilling every possible ale, lager and stout in the state in a short but Read More...

• October 12, 2010
• 7:31

  All In: Addicted to ESPN’s World Series of Poker

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  It’s Tuesday afternoon and when a friend calls to see if I want to meet him for a beer around six, I say I can’t. That’s because it’s World Series of Poker night on ESPN and I’ll be glued to the show from 6 until 8.

  
  

  “Are you whacked,” he says, “poker isn’t a sport. Why waste you time on watching poker?”

  
  

  Because, I love the characters. To hell with the game itself, it’s the characters that make the World Series of Poker (WSOP) interesting and the drama surrou...

• 7:31

  All In: Addicted to ESPN’s World Series of Poker

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  It’s Tuesday afternoon and when a friend calls to see if I want to meet him for a beer around six, I say I can’t. That’s because it’s World Series of Poker night on ESPN and I’ll be glued to the show from 6 until 8.

  
  

  “Are you whacked,” he says, “poker isn’t a sport. Why waste you time on watching poker?”

  
  

  Because, I love the characters. To hell with the game itself, it’s the characters that make the World Series of Poker (WSOP) interesting and the drama surrouRead More...

• October 11, 2010
• 11:12

  Food on The Table: A fitting end to NeighborImpact's fund raising campaign

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It’s one of those stories that won’t get much press but should. It’s how NeighborImpact recently completed a successful 11-month fundraising campaign to expand their emergency food program.

  
  

  The emergency food program currently provides food for an estimated 14,000 people every month in the tri-county area. That’s seven percent of the population with most of those being served working, retired or disabled. Because of the increased numbers of people who have come to rely on the emergenc...

• 11:12

  Food on The Table: A fitting end to NeighborImpact's fund raising campaign

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It’s one of those stories that won’t get much press but should. It’s how NeighborImpact recently completed a successful 11-month fundraising campaign to expand their emergency food program.

  
  

  The emergency food program currently provides food for an estimated 14,000 people every month in the tri-county area. That’s seven percent of the population with most of those being served working, retired or disabled. Because of the increased numbers of people who have come to rely on the emergencRead More...

• October 08, 2010
• 6:50

  Going South: Oregon big time college festivities and fandom take on an SEC look.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  First came the over-the-top pre and post-game tailgate parties. Then came those little pennants that attach to car windows and stand straight out and flap in the breeze at speeds over 10 mph declaring love for either the Ducks or Beavers. Finally, someone painted his or her house in U of O colors.

  
  

  Obviously big time football in Oregon is getting more “Southernized” every year. Because it’s down south where tailgating, car flags, and home team colored houses took on a life of their own...

• 6:50

  Going South: Oregon big time college festivities and fandom take on an SEC look.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  First came the over-the-top pre and post-game tailgate parties. Then came those little pennants that attach to car windows and stand straight out and flap in the breeze at speeds over 10 mph declaring love for either the Ducks or Beavers. Finally, someone painted his or her house in U of O colors.

  
  

  Obviously big time football in Oregon is getting more “Southernized” every year. Because it’s down south where tailgating, car flags, and home team colored houses took on a life of their ownRead More...

• 6:50

  Going South: Oregon big time college festivities and fandom take on an SEC look.

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  First came the over-the-top pre and post-game tailgate parties. Then came those little pennants that attach to car windows and stand straight out and flap in the breeze at speeds over 10 mph declaring love for either the Ducks or Beavers. Finally, someone painted his or her house in U of O colors.

  
  

  Obviously big time football in Oregon is getting more “Southernized” every year. Because it’s down south where tailgating, car flags, and home team colored houses took on a life of their ownRead More...

• October 04, 2010
• 13:24

  Ride On: Out of our way, we're important

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  What with this past Saturday being what looked like the last sunny day for some period of time, a friend and I took a mountain bike ride. A ride up a trail that gets a lot of downhill traffic from riders who have been dropped off in the high-country. That always means more than a few encounters with riders bombing down and uphill riders like us going slowly.

  
  

  Not to worry, on Saturday we encountered several groups of fast downhill riders and via hand signals or shouts established who h...

• 13:24

  Ride On: out of our way, we're important

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

   

  
  

         What with this past Saturday being what looked like the last sunny day for some period of time, a friend and I took a mountain bike ride. A ride up a trail that gets a lot of downhill traffic from riders who have been dropped off in the high-country. That always means more than a few encounters with riders bombing down and uphill riders like us going slowly.

  
  

         Not to worry, on Saturday wRead More...

• 13:24

  Ride On: out of our way, we're important

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  What with this past Saturday being what looked like the last sunny day for some period of time, a friend and I took a mountain bike ride. A ride up a trail that gets a lot of downhill traffic from riders who have been dropped off in the high-country. That always means more than a few encounters with riders bombing down and uphill riders like us going slowly.

  
  

  Not to worry, on Saturday we encountered several groups of fast downhill riders and via hand signals or shouts established who hRead More...

• September 27, 2010
• 12:19

  Skoal, Cheers, Prost: Drinking lite ain't what it used to be

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  According to recently released beer industry figures, lite beer sales are down are whopping 9 percent while craft (microbrew) beer sales are up an equally whopping 12 percent. An easy case can be made for the fact that craft beers simply taste better and lite beers, well, they don’t taste like much and as beer drinkers get more fussy -- well, you get the idea.

  
  

  Certainly the difference in taste between the lites and the crafts is a given. But what appears to be the more subtle factor i...

• 12:18

  Skoal, Cheers, Prost: drinking lite ain't what it used to be

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  According to recently released beer industry figures, lite beer sales are down are whopping 9 percent while craft (microbrew) beer sales are up an equally whopping 12 percent. An easy case can be made for the fact that craft beers simply taste better and lite beers, well, they don’t taste like much and as beer drinkers get more fussy -- well, you get the idea.

  
  

  Certainly the difference in taste between the lites and the crafts is a given. But what appears to be the more subtle factor iRead More...

• 12:18

  Skoal, Cheers, Prost: Drinking lite ain't what it used to be

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  According to recently released beer industry figures, lite beer sales are down are whopping 9 percent while craft (microbrew) beer sales are up an equally whopping 12 percent. An easy case can be made for the fact that craft beers simply taste better and lite beers, well, they don’t taste like much and as beer drinkers get more fussy -- well, you get the idea.

  
  

  Certainly the difference in taste between the lites and the crafts is a given. But what appears to be the more subtle factor iRead More...

• September 26, 2010
• 12:52

  Election 2010: the season of spite

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A guest on one of the political talk shows this past week offered: “there’s nothing quite like the throw-the-bum-out energy during an election season.” How true.
  

  And this election there’s so much more of that energy. Only there’s something different about it this time around and it’s the fact that most of the energy has turned to pure unadulterated spite.

  
  

  A great many voters don’t care about who might have done a decent job in the senate or house. For spite's sake, they want any incuRead More...

• 12:52

  Election 2010: the season of spite

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A guest on one of the political talk shows this past week offered: “there’s nothing quite like the throw-the-bum-out energy during an election season.” How true.
  

  And this election there’s so much more of that energy. Only there’s something different about it this time around and it’s the fact that most of the energy has turned to pure unadulterated spite.

  
  

  A great many voters don’t care about who might have done a decent job in the senate or house. For spite's sake, they want any incuRead More...

• 12:52

  Election 2010: the season of spite

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A guest on one of the political talk shows this past week offered: “there’s nothing quite like the throw-the-bum-out energy during an election season.” How true.
  

  And this election there’s so much more of that energy. Only there’s something different about it this time around and it’s the fact that most of the energy has turned to pure unadulterated spite.

  
  

  A great many voters don’t care about who might have done a decent job in the senate or house. For spite's sake, they want any incuRead More...

• September 20, 2010
• 7:54

  Boom Box: bringing down the fest volume

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Imagine my surprise when I sat in my living room a quarter mile from the heart of downtown this past Saturday night and could distinctly hear every note and every word of the fest (whichever one of the many this one was) music. The music was so clear it was if the performance stage was set up just down the street and the volume level equal to that of the garage band that occasionally practices across the street.

  
  

  It’s not that I’m against amplified music but give me a break when it comRead More...

• 7:54

  Boom Box: bringing down the fest volume

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Imagine my surprise when I sat in my living room a quarter mile from the heart of downtown this past Saturday night and could distinctly hear every note and every word of the fest (whichever one of the many this one was) music. The music was so clear it was if the performance stage was set up just down the street and the volume level equal to that of the garage band that occasionally practices across the street.

  
  

  It’s not that I’m against amplified music but give me a break when it comRead More...

• 7:54

  Boom Box: bringing down the fest volume

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Imagine my surprise when I sat in my living room a quarter mile from the heart of downtown this past Saturday night and could distinctly hear every note and every word of the fest (whichever one of the many this one was) music. The music was so clear it was if the performance stage was set up just down the street and the volume level equal to that of the garage band that occasionally practices across the street.

  
  

  It’s not that I’m against amplified music but give me a break when it comRead More...

• September 17, 2010
• 5:48

  Colorado Springs: an anomoly or model of the future?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I was a kid growing up in Colorado Springs, Colorado it was almost paradise. The town was small (some 29,000 inhabitants) with plenty of wide-open spaces surrounding a well laid out downtown grid, a wonderful parks system, great weather and plenty of outdoor recreational activities close by.

  
  

  Today the town has a population of 420,000 people and is barely recognizable, except for the downtown core, to former citizens like me. The Springs (as locals call it) population boom, and suRead More...

• 5:47

  Colorado Springs: an anomoly or model of the future?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I was a kid growing up in Colorado Springs, Colorado it was almost paradise. The town was small (some 29,000 inhabitants) with plenty of wide-open spaces surrounding a well laid out downtown grid, a wonderful parks system, great weather and plenty of outdoor recreational activities close by.

  
  

  Today the town has a population of 420,000 people and is barely recognizable, except for the downtown core, to former citizens like me. The Springs (as locals call it) population boom, and suRead More...

• 5:47

  Colorado Springs: an anomoly or model of the future?

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  When I was a kid growing up in Colorado Springs, Colorado it was almost paradise. The town was small (some 29,000 inhabitants) with plenty of wide-open spaces surrounding a well laid out downtown grid, a wonderful parks system, great weather and plenty of outdoor recreational activities close by.

  
  

  Today the town has a population of 420,000 people and is barely recognizable, except for the downtown core, to former citizens like me. The Springs (as locals call it) population boom, and suRead More...

• September 12, 2010
• 15:39

  Folk Fest 2010: back in the groove in Sisters

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A year ago the annual Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) appeared to veer off mission in its pursuit of a younger audience (the current audience average age has to be in the late fifties) booking indie music bands and one group that sounded like they’d be more at home playing a frat party at OSU than at a folk festival.
  

  Of course, there were some greatRead More...

• 15:39

  Folk Fest 2010: back in the groove in Sisters

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A year ago the annual Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) appeared to veer off mission in its pursuit of a younger audience (the current audience average age has to be in the late fifties) booking indie music bands and one group that sounded like they’d be more at home playing a frat party at OSU than at a folk festival.
  

  Of course, there were some greatRead More...

• 15:39

  Folk Fest 2010: back in the groove in Sisters

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  A year ago the annual Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) appeared to veer off mission in its pursuit of a younger audience (the current audience average age has to be in the late fifties) booking indie music bands and one group that sounded like they’d be more at home playing a frat party at OSU than at a folk festival.
  

  Of course, there were some greatRead More...

• September 05, 2010
• 12:20

  Pigskin Parade: Let America's best sporting season begin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At this time of year we’re told that most red-blooded American males are gaga over Major League Baseball’s impending playoffs. The pennant races have tightened races in several of baseball’s divisions. Will the Phillies once again come through for the National league or are those Reds going to surprise them? And don’t forget about the heavily under-publicized and seldom-seen-on- tv, San Diego Padres.

  
  

  Over on the American League side, can anyone stop the Yankees? Love the Rays and the Read More...

• 12:19

  Pigski Parade: Let America's best sporting season begin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

   

  
  

  At this time of year we’re told that most red-blooded American males are gaga over Major League Baseball’s impending playoffs. The pennant races have tightened races in several of baseball’s divisions. Will the Phillies once again come through for the National league or are those Reds going to surprise them? And don’t forget about the heavily under-publicized and seldom-seen-on- tv, San Diego Padres.

  
  

  Over on the American League side, Read More...

• 12:19

  Pigskin Parade: Let America's best sporting season begin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At this time of year we’re told that most red-blooded American males are gaga over Major League Baseball’s impending playoffs. The pennant races have tightened races in several of baseball’s divisions. Will the Phillies once again come through for the National league or are those Reds going to surprise them? And don’t forget about the heavily under-publicized and seldom-seen-on- tv, San Diego Padres.

  
  

  Over on the American League side, can anyone stop the Yankees? Love the Rays and the Read More...

• 12:19

  Pigskin Parade: Let America's best sporting season begin

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  At this time of year we’re told that most red-blooded American males are gaga over Major League Baseball’s impending playoffs. The pennant races have tightened races in several of baseball’s divisions. Will the Phillies once again come through for the National league or are those Reds going to surprise them? And don’t forget about the heavily under-publicized and seldom-seen-on- tv, San Diego Padres.

  
  

  Over on the American League side, can anyone stop the Yankees? Love the Rays and the Read More...

• August 30, 2010
• 4:39

  Hard Fall: Playing it safe doesn't always pay off

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Twice in the past three years, I’ve opted to walk around a dangerous looking section of mountain bike trail only to end up in the ER. Call it clumsiness, call it good intentions gone awry, call it bad luck- it happened.

  
  

  Three summers ago riding the river trail with local Julien Havac, we came to a tricky rock strewn section. I said: “just to be safe, let’s walk it.”

  
  

  Two steps onto the rocks and I slipped and fell hard. I got up looked around and that’s when I noticed blood spuRead More...

• 4:39

  Hard Fall: playing it safe doesn't always pay off

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Twice in the past three years, I’ve opted to walk around a dangerous looking section of mountain bike trail only to end up in the ER. Call it clumsiness, call it good intentions gone awry, call it bad luck- it happened.

  
  

  Three summers ago riding the river trail with local Julien Havac, we came to a tricky rock strewn section. I said: “just to be safe, let’s walk it.”

  
  

  Two steps onto the rocks and I slipped and fell hard. I got up looked around and that’s when I noticed blood spuRead More...

• 4:39

  Hard Fall: Playing it safe doesn't always pay off

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  Twice in the past three years, I’ve opted to walk around a dangerous looking section of mountain bike trail only to end up in the ER. Call it clumsiness, call it good intentions gone awry, call it bad luck- it happened.

  
  

  Three summers ago riding the river trail with local Julien Havac, we came to a tricky rock strewn section. I said: “just to be safe, let’s walk it.”

  
  

  Two steps onto the rocks and I slipped and fell hard. I got up looked around and that’s when I noticed blood spuRead More...

• August 26, 2010
• 9:52

  Pioneer To Davis: One more link in Vince Genna's dream trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  During his long tenure as head of the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District, it was said of the late Vince Genna that he, “never met a ballfield he didn’t like.” But Genna was more than just a ball sports guy as he held a long term vision for a walking/biking trail that would go along the Deschutes River from south of Bend through town and then north to Tumalo.

  
  

  In dedicating the part of the original River Trail section that starts at the end of the First Street in 1989, Genna spokeRead More...

• 9:51

  Pioneer To Davis: one more link in Vince Genna's dream trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  During his long tenure as head of the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District, it was said of the late Vince Genna that he, “never met a ballfield he didn’t like.” But Genna was more than just a ball sports guy as he held a long term vision for a walking/biking trail that would go along the Deschutes River from south of Bend through town and then north to Tumalo.

  
  

  In dedicating the part of the original River Trail section that starts at the end of the First Street in 1989, Genna spokeRead More...

• 9:51

  Pioneer To Davis: One more link in Vince Genna's dream trail

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  During his long tenure as head of the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District, it was said of the late Vince Genna that he, “never met a ballfield he didn’t like.” But Genna was more than just a ball sports guy as he held a long term vision for a walking/biking trail that would go along the Deschutes River from south of Bend through town and then north to Tumalo.

  
  

  In dedicating the part of the original River Trail section that starts at the end of the First Street in 1989, Genna spokeRead More...

• August 25, 2010
• 11:52

  Herman and Hal: Two legends pass on

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In the past two weeks, two legends in their respective fields (photography and track and field) passed away without much notice unless you happen to read the major metro newspapers online.

  
  

  For those who take or admire photos of musicians at work, Herman Leonard’s images are the cornerstone of popular music photography. His dramatic backlit black-and-white images of America’s great jazz musicians are truly iconic (www.hermanleonard.com).

  
  

  Leonard was a minimalist working with twRead More...

• 11:52

  Herman and Hal: two legends pass on

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In the past two weeks, two legends in their respective fields (photography and track and field) passed away without much notice unless you happen to read the major metro newspapers online.

  
  

  For those who take or admire photos of musicians at work, Herman Leonard’s images are the cornerstone of popular music photography. His dramatic backlit black-and-white images of America’s great jazz musicians are truly iconic (www.hermanleonard.com).

  
  

  Leonard was a minimalist working with twRead More...

• 11:52

  Herman and Hal: Two legends pass on

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In the past two weeks, two legends in their respective fields (photography and track and field) passed away without much notice unless you happen to read the major metro newspapers online.

  
  

  For those who take or admire photos of musicians at work, Herman Leonard’s images are the cornerstone of popular music photography. His dramatic backlit black-and-white images of America’s great jazz musicians are truly iconic (www.hermanleonard.com).

  
  

  Leonard was a minimalist working with twRead More...

• August 23, 2010
• 5:23

  Eats: paradise is nothing without fancy restaurants

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It was a mixed group, a few longtime Bend residents and some more recent arrivals. As the conversation turned to the pluses and minuses of living in our fair city, the longtime residents seemed a bit jaded in their outlook; the newer residents were more of the Bend as paradise-on-earth mindset.
  

  Pressed as to what was my favorite era during my time living here, I said: “I enjoyed Bend most mid-way between when I first arrived in 1978 and the beginning of the gold rush, boom times.”

  
  

  I Read More...

• 5:23

  Eats: paradise is nothing without fancy restaurants

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It was a mixed group, a few longtime Bend residents and some more recent arrivals. As the conversation turned to the pluses and minuses of living in our fair city, the longtime residents seemed a bit jaded in their outlook; the newer residents were more of the Bend as paradise-on-earth mindset.
  

  Pressed as to what was my favorite era during my time living here, I said: “I enjoyed Bend most mid-way between when I first arrived in 1978 and the beginning of the gold rush, boom times.”

  
  

  I Read More...

• 5:23

  Eats: paradise is nothing without fancy restaurants

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  It was a mixed group, a few longtime Bend residents and some more recent arrivals. As the conversation turned to the pluses and minuses of living in our fair city, the longtime residents seemed a bit jaded in their outlook; the newer residents were more of the Bend as paradise-on-earth mindset.
  

  Pressed as to what was my favorite era during my time living here, I said: “I enjoyed Bend most mid-way between when I first arrived in 1978 and the beginning of the gold rush, boom times.”

  
  

  I Read More...

• August 19, 2010
• 14:58

  High Country: big views, granite rock and starry nights

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

   

  
  

  Take Yosemite National Park around Tuolumne Meadows and environs, combine it with the best of the mountains of southern Colorado and you have Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. Yosemite for the granite rock and southern Colorado for the high alpine valleys cut by meandering crystal clear streams.

  
  

  Far from being undiscovered, the Wallowa Mountains, as a group of us found out when we got to the trailhead at the end of the road up the east fork of the Lostine RiRead More...

• 14:58

  High Country: big views, granite rock and starry nights

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

   

  
  

  Take Yosemite National Park around Tuolumne Meadows and environs, combine it with the best of the mountains of southern Colorado and you have Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. Yosemite for the granite rock and southern Colorado for the high alpine valleys cut by meandering crystal clear streams.

  
  

  Far from being undiscovered, the Wallowa Mountains, as a group of us found out when we got to the trailhead at the end of the road up the east fork of the Lostine RiRead More...

• 14:58

  High Country: big views, granite rock and starry nights

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

   

  
  

   

  
  

  Take Yosemite National Park around Tuolumne Meadows and environs, combine it with the best of the mountains of southern Colorado and you have Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. Yosemite for the granite rock and southern Colorado for the high alpine valleys cut by meandering crystal clear streams.

  
  

  Far from being undiscovered, the Wallowa Mountains, as a group of us found out when we got to the trailhead at the end of the road up the east fork of the Lostine RiRead More...

• August 10, 2010
• 10:45

  Lunker Quest: Gorgeous waters yield few fish

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In his self-published book The Meanderings of A Fisherman, the late financier Dean Witter mused how one very popular Oregon stream looked like a flyfisher's paradise when, in fact, it was quite the opposite.

  
  

  Now I know the “looks good but isn’t” Witter spoke of, as this past Sunday’s flyfishing expedition turned out to be one of beautiful but unproductive waters.

  
  

  The waters in question were the south fork of the McKenzie River and the north fork of the middle fork of the WillaRead More...

• 10:44

  Lunker Quest: gorgeous waters yield few fish

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In his self-published book The Meanderings of A Fisherman, the late financier Dean Witter mused how one very popular Oregon stream looked like a flyfisher's paradise when, in fact, it was quite the opposite.

  
  

  Now I know the “looks good but isn’t” Witter spoke of, as this past Sunday’s flyfishing expedition turned out to be one of beautiful but unproductive waters.

  
  

  The waters in question were the south fork of the McKenzie River and the north fork of the middle fork of the WillaRead More...

• 10:44

  Lunker Quest: Gorgeous waters yield few fish

   » ‎ Off Piste, by Bob Woodward

  Tags:    [edit]

  In his self-published book The Meanderings of A Fisherman, the late financier Dean Witter mused how one very popular Oregon stream looked like a flyfisher's paradise when, in fact, it was quite the opposite.

  
  

  Now I know the “looks good but isn’t” Witter spoke of, as this past Sunday’s flyfishing expedition turned out to be one of beautiful but unproductive waters.

  
  

  The waters in question were the south fork of the McKenzie River and the north fork of the middle fork of the WillaRead More...