Bend Blogs » The Blender

The Blender

• December 02, 2011
• 5:12

  Don't Miss The Ascetic Junkies At Silver Moon

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  
  
  It’s been a while since we’ve seen the talented (and now married) Matt & Kali in Bend Oregon… but that’s all going to change tonight at Silver Moon Tap Room! If you’ve missed past coverage of The Ascetic Junkies, well… you must have been hidden under a rock. From their 2010 album This Cage Has No Bottom, to the new music they are creating (and are sure to sh...

• June 03, 2011
• 13:52

  10th Anniversary of the Dirty Half

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  outside   [edit]

  Sunday, June 12 will mark 10 years of the Dirty Half. Will anyone beat Max King this year? Last year King won the trail half marathon in 1 hour, 11.3 seconds, but Carlos Truillo was close, finishing in 1:12.17. Eugene's Sopagna Eap won the women's event in 1:22.22. Both King and Eap set new cou...

• 12:52

  10th Anniversary of the Dirty Half

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  outside   [edit]

  Sunday, June 12 will mark 10 years of the Dirty Half. Will anyone beat Max King this year? Last year King won the trail half marathon in 1 hour, 11.3 seconds, but Carlos Truillo was close, finishing in 1:12.17. Eugene's Sopagna Eap won the women's event in 1:22.22. Both King and Eap set new cou...

• April 20, 2011
• 12:51

  Celebrate 4/20 By Watching Out for Grow Operations, Authorities Say

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  While some of Central Oregon's population is for some reason celebrating today (with it being April 20 and all), our area's drug enforcement officials are taking a different tact for this year's de facto pot holiday.

  
  

  The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement re...

• 12:51

  Celebrate 4/20 By Watching Out for Grow Operations, Authorities Say

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  While some of Central Oregon's population is for some reason celebrating today (with it being April 20 and all), our area's drug enforcement officials are taking a different tact for this year's de facto pot holiday.

  
  

  The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement re...

• 11:51

  Celebrate 4/20 By Watching Out for Grow Operations, Authorities Say

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  While some of Central Oregon's population is for some reason celebrating today (with it being April 20 and all), our area's drug enforcement officials are taking a different tact for this year's de facto pot holiday.

  
  

  The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement re...

• April 19, 2011
• 7:57

  Pickathon Announces Lineup Additions: Black Mountain, Grupo Fantasma and more

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Today, Pickathon -- the eclectic rootsy/indie festival that takes place on a farm outside of Portland -- announced additions to its already solid lineup.

  
  

  Topping the list is Black Mountain, a Canadian rock act with an Americana edge that has been making some waves as of late. Also, there's the Latin sounds of Grupo Fantasma, adding to wha...

• 7:57

  Pickathon Announces Lineup Additions: Black Mountain, Grupo Fantasma and more

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Today, Pickathon -- the eclectic rootsy/indie festival that takes place on a farm outside of Portland -- announced additions to its already solid lineup.

  
  

  Topping the list is Black Mountain, a Canadian rock act with an Americana edge that has been making some waves as of late. Also, there's the Latin sounds of Grupo Fantasma, adding to wha...

• 6:57

  Pickathon Announces Lineup Additions: Black Mountain, Grupo Fantasma and more

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Today, Pickathon -- the eclectic rootsy/indie festival that takes place on a farm outside of Portland -- announced additions to its already solid lineup.

  
  

  Topping the list is Black Mountain, a Canadian rock act with an Americana edge that has been making some waves as of late. Also, there's the Latin sounds of Grupo Fantasma, adding to wha...

• 6:57

  Pickathon Announces Lineup Additions: Black Mountain, Grupo Fantasma and more

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Today, Pickathon -- the eclectic rootsy/indie festival that takes place on a farm outside of Portland -- announced additions to its already solid lineup.

  
  

  Topping the list is Black Mountain, a Canadian rock act with an Americana edge that has been making some waves as of late. Also, there's the Latin sounds of Grupo Fantasma, adding to wha...

• April 18, 2011
• 9:45

  Last Band Standing Contestants Announced

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Last Band Standing -- the local battle of the bands competition -- is back for another year. This year, the shows have moved over to the Century Center for Friday night shows between May 6 and July 8.

  
  

  Last year, Mosley Wotta walked away with the top prize, which was valued at more than $30,000.

  
  

  This year, another 32 bands (more than 50 applied...far less than last year, which brought out more than 100 submissions) are heading into the competition, and while there are definitely ...

• 9:45

  Last Band Standing Contestants Announced

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Last Band Standing -- the local battle of the bands competition -- is back for another year. This year, the shows have moved over to the Century Center for Friday night shows between May 6 and July 8.

  
  

  Last year, Mosley Wotta walked away with the top prize, which was valued at more than $30,000.

  
  

  This year, another 32 bands (more than 50 applied...far less than last year, which brought out more than 100 submissions) are heading into the competition, and while there are definitely ...

• 8:45

  Last Band Standing Contestants Announced

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Last Band Standing -- the local battle of the bands competition -- is back for another year. This year, the shows have moved over to the Century Center for Friday night shows between May 6 and July 8.

  
  

  Last year, Mosley Wotta walked away with the top prize, which was valued at more than $30,000.

  
  

  This year, another 32 bands (more than 50 applied...far less than last year, which brought out more than 100 submissions) are heading into the competition, and while there are definitely ...

• 8:45

  Last Band Standing Contestants Announced

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Last Band Standing -- the local battle of the bands competition -- is back for another year. This year, the shows have moved over to the Century Center for Friday night shows between May 6 and July 8.

  
  

  Last year, Mosley Wotta walked away with the top prize, which was valued at more than $30,000.

  
  

  This year, another 32 bands (more than 50 applied...far less than last year, which brought out more than 100 submissions) are heading into the competition, and while there are definitely ...

• April 16, 2011
• 4:00

  Last Week to Buy 4 Peaks Tickets at Advance Pricing

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The 4 Peaks Music Festival is back on this year and they've returned to their original spot out at Tumalo's Rockin' A Ranch.

  
  

  The festival, set for July 15 and 16, currently includes Poor Man's Whiskey, New Monsoon, Elephant Revival, Acorn Project and several other rootsy acts. This year's event is on a more intimate scale, so you might want to get tickets soon...especially if you want to save some money.

  
  

  On April 20, tickets (which include passes to both nights and camping) will...

• 3:00

  Last Week to Buy 4 Peaks Tickets at Advance Pricing

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The 4 Peaks Music Festival is back on this year and they've returned to their original spot out at Tumalo's Rockin' A Ranch.

  
  

  The festival, set for July 15 and 16, currently includes Poor Man's Whiskey, New Monsoon, Elephant Revival, Acorn Project and several other rootsy acts. This year's event is on a more intimate scale, so you might want to get tickets soon...especially if you want to save some money.

  
  

  On April 20, tickets (which include passes to both nights and camping) will...

• April 14, 2011
• 12:49

  Will Ferrell is on "The Office" Tonight!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  As I believe I've mentioned a few times on this blog: I freakin' love The Office. A lot. Like, more than a friend. And I'm not one of those "it used to be funny but not anymore" sort of people -- I still am very much infatuated with Michael Scott and company.

  
  

  For example, one time I got to chat with Rainn Wilson (Dwight Shrute) and it basically made my life.

  
  

  And tonight, Mr. Will Ferrell is joining the cast, playing Michael's replacement (Steve Carell is leaving the show at the ...

• 12:49

  Will Ferrell is on "The Office" Tonight!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  As I believe I've mentioned a few times on this blog: I freakin' love The Office. A lot. Like, more than a friend. And I'm not one of those "it used to be funny but not anymore" sort of people -- I still am very much infatuated with Michael Scott and company.

  
  

  For example, one time I got to chat with Rainn Wilson (Dwight Shrute) and it basically made my life.

  
  

  And tonight, Mr. Will Ferrell is joining the cast, playing Michael's replacement (Steve Carell is leaving the show at the ...

• 11:49

  Will Ferrell is on "The Office" Tonight!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  As I believe I've mentioned a few times on this blog: I freakin' love The Office. A lot. Like, more than a friend. And I'm not one of those "it used to be funny but not anymore" sort of people -- I still am very much infatuated with Michael Scott and company.

  
  

  For example, one time I got to chat with Rainn Wilson (Dwight Shrute) and it basically made my life.

  
  

  And tonight, Mr. Will Ferrell is joining the cast, playing Michael's replacement (Steve Carell is leaving the show at the ...

• 11:49

  Will Ferrell is on "The Office" Tonight!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  As I believe I've mentioned a few times on this blog: I freakin' love The Office. A lot. Like, more than a friend. And I'm not one of those "it used to be funny but not anymore" sort of people -- I still am very much infatuated with Michael Scott and company.

  
  

  For example, one time I got to chat with Rainn Wilson (Dwight Shrute) and it basically made my life.

  
  

  And tonight, Mr. Will Ferrell is joining the cast, playing Michael's replacement (Steve Carell is leaving the show at the ...

• April 12, 2011
• 12:54

  Indictment Made in Fatal Third Street Hit and Run

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty announced today that Brett Lee Biedscheid has been indicted for the hit-and-run death of pedestrian Anthony Martin back in late January.

  
  

  Biedscheid has long been referenced as a person of interest in the case, but was officially indicted by a grand jury today on suspicion of criminal negligent homicide and "failure to perform the duties of a driver when a person is killed," according to a press release from Flaherty's office.

  
  

  M...

• 12:54

  Indictment Made in Fatal Third Street Hit and Run

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty announced today that Brett Lee Biedscheid has been indicted for the hit-and-run death of pedestrian Anthony Martin back in late January.

  
  

  Biedscheid has long been referenced as a person of interest in the case, but was officially indicted by a grand jury today on suspicion of criminal negligent homicide and "failure to perform the duties of a driver when a person is killed," according to a press release from Flaherty's office.

  
  

  M...

• 11:54

  Indictment Made in Fatal Third Street Hit and Run

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty announced today that Brett Lee Biedscheid has been indicted for the hit-and-run death of pedestrian Anthony Martin back in late January.

  
  

  Biedscheid has long been referenced as a person of interest in the case, but was officially indicted by a grand jury today on suspicion of criminal negligent homicide and "failure to perform the duties of a driver when a person is killed," according to a press release from Flaherty's office.

  
  

  M...

• 11:54

  Indictment Made in Fatal Third Street Hit and Run

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty announced today that Brett Lee Biedscheid has been indicted for the hit-and-run death of pedestrian Anthony Martin back in late January.

  
  

  Biedscheid has long been referenced as a person of interest in the case, but was officially indicted by a grand jury today on suspicion of criminal negligent homicide and "failure to perform the duties of a driver when a person is killed," according to a press release from Flaherty's office.

  
  

  M...

• 8:24

  Trooper Stops to Help Motorist, Ends up Delivering Baby

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  An Oregon fish and wildlife trooper got a little more than he planned for on Monday morning when he stopped on Highway 199 near Selma to help what he thought was a motorist having car trouble.

  
  

  Instead, the trooper, Dan Stinnett, found two women in the car -- one frantically trying to call 911 to tell them that the other woman was ready to deliver a baby.

  
  

  Stinnett found the baby girl's head already half way out and within three minutes had helped deliver the baby.

  
  

  "When th...

• 8:24

  Trooper Stops to Help Motorist, Ends up Delivering Baby

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  An Oregon fish and wildlife trooper got a little more than he planned for on Monday morning when he stopped on Highway 199 near Selma to help what he thought was a motorist having car trouble.

  
  

  Instead, the trooper, Dan Stinnett, found two women in the car -- one frantically trying to call 911 to tell them that the other woman was ready to deliver a baby.

  
  

  Stinnett found the baby girl's head already half way out and within three minutes had helped deliver the baby.

  
  

  "When th...

• 7:24

  Trooper Stops to Help Motorist, Ends up Delivering Baby

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  An Oregon fish and wildlife trooper got a little more than he planned for on Monday morning when he stopped on Highway 199 near Selma to help what he thought was a motorist having car trouble.

  
  

  Instead, the trooper, Dan Stinnett, found two women in the car -- one frantically trying to call 911 to tell them that the other woman was ready to deliver a baby.

  
  

  Stinnett found the baby girl's head already half way out and within three minutes had helped deliver the baby.

  
  

  "When th...

• 7:24

  Trooper Stops to Help Motorist, Ends up Delivering Baby

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  An Oregon fish and wildlife trooper got a little more than he planned for on Monday morning when he stopped on Highway 199 near Selma to help what he thought was a motorist having car trouble.

  
  

  Instead, the trooper, Dan Stinnett, found two women in the car -- one frantically trying to call 911 to tell them that the other woman was ready to deliver a baby.

  
  

  Stinnett found the baby girl's head already half way out and within three minutes had helped deliver the baby.

  
  

  "When th...

• April 11, 2011
• 10:54

  Pink Martini, Dierks Bentley Added to Les Schwab Amphitheater Schedule

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The Les Schwab Amphitheater announced today two -- well actually, three -- more additions to the summer concert schedule.

  
  

  Pink Martini is scheduled to play on July 23, while Dierks Bentley will appear on August 10.

  
  

  The LSA also officially announced today that Allison Krauss and Union Station are playing, too. But we told you all about that last week.

  
  

  This marks the third appearance by Pink Martini in the past five years at the LSA, and the 13-member (or more) world-spanni...

• 10:54

  Pink Martini, Dierks Bentley Added to Les Schwab Amphitheater Schedule

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The Les Schwab Amphitheater announced today two -- well actually, three -- more additions to the summer concert schedule.

  
  

  Pink Martini is scheduled to play on July 23, while Dierks Bentley will appear on August 10.

  
  

  The LSA also officially announced today that Allison Krauss and Union Station are playing, too. But we told you all about that last week.

  
  

  This marks the third appearance by Pink Martini in the past five years at the LSA, and the 13-member (or more) world-spanni...

• 9:54

  Pink Martini, Dierks Bentley Added to Les Schwab Amphitheater Schedule

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The Les Schwab Amphitheater announced today two -- well actually, three -- more additions to the summer concert schedule.

  
  

  Pink Martini is scheduled to play on July 23, while Dierks Bentley will appear on August 10.

  
  

  The LSA also officially announced today that Allison Krauss and Union Station are playing, too. But we told you all about that last week.

  
  

  This marks the third appearance by Pink Martini in the past five years at the LSA, and the 13-member (or more) world-spanni...

• 9:54

  Pink Martini, Dierks Bentley Added to Les Schwab Amphitheater Schedule

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  The Les Schwab Amphitheater announced today two -- well actually, three -- more additions to the summer concert schedule.

  
  

  Pink Martini is scheduled to play on July 23, while Dierks Bentley will appear on August 10.

  
  

  The LSA also officially announced today that Allison Krauss and Union Station are playing, too. But we told you all about that last week.

  
  

  This marks the third appearance by Pink Martini in the past five years at the LSA, and the 13-member (or more) world-spanni...

• 6:48

  Phish Playing the Gorge August 5 and 6

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  All those Phishheads out there saying things along the lines of "Hey, what's up with the band giving the cold shoulder to the West Coast for the past couple of years?" can relax this morning, after the band announced a pair of shows at the Gorge Amphitheater for August 5 and 6.

  
  

  The...

• 6:48

  Phish Playing the Gorge August 5 and 6

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  All those Phishheads out there saying things along the lines of "Hey, what's up with the band giving the cold shoulder to the West Coast for the past couple of years?" can relax this morning, after the band announced a pair of shows at the Gorge Amphitheater for August 5 and 6.

  
  

  The...

• 5:48

  Phish Playing the Gorge August 5 and 6

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  All those Phishheads out there saying things along the lines of "Hey, what's up with the band giving the cold shoulder to the West Coast for the past couple of years?" can relax this morning, after the band announced a pair of shows at the Gorge Amphitheater for August 5 and 6.

  
  

  The...

• 5:48

  Phish Playing the Gorge August 5 and 6

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  All those Phishheads out there saying things along the lines of "Hey, what's up with the band giving the cold shoulder to the West Coast for the past couple of years?" can relax this morning, after the band announced a pair of shows at the Gorge Amphitheater for August 5 and 6.

  
  

  The...

• April 08, 2011
• 8:04

  Goodbye Glenn Beck, Says Jon Stewart...Hilarious

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  As you may have heard, Fox News television personality/conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck is leaving the network soon. If you hadn't heard that, let me give you a moment to let that news settle.

  
  

  OK, good. Last night, Jon Stewart bid farewell to Beck with this tribute...and it's excellently funny. And only slightly crazier than the real thing.

  
  
  
  
  The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
  Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
  
  
  Intro - Jon Tells the Truth While Wearing Glasses
  
  
  www.thedailyshow.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dail...
• 8:04

  Goodbye Glenn Beck, Says Jon Stewart...Hilarious

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  As you may have heard, Fox News television personality/conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck is leaving the network soon. If you hadn't heard that, let me give you a moment to let that news settle.

  
  

  OK, good. Last night, Jon Stewart bid farewell to Beck with this tribute...and it's excellently funny. And only slightly crazier than the real thing.

  
  
  
  
  The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
  Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
  
  
  Intro - Jon Tells the Truth While Wearing Glasses
  
  
  www.thedailyshow.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dail...
• 7:04

  Goodbye Glenn Beck, Says Jon Stewart...Hilarious

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  As you may have heard, Fox News television personality/conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck is leaving the network soon. If you hadn't heard that, let me give you a moment to let that news settle.

  
  

  OK, good. Last night, Jon Stewart bid farewell to Beck with this tribute...and it's excellently funny. And only slightly crazier than the real thing.

  
  
  
  
  The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
  Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
  
  
  Intro - Jon Tells the Truth While Wearing Glasses
  
  
  www.thedailyshow.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dail...
• 7:04

  Goodbye Glenn Beck, Says Jon Stewart...Hilarious

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  As you may have heard, Fox News television personality/conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck is leaving the network soon. If you hadn't heard that, let me give you a moment to let that news settle.

  
  

  OK, good. Last night, Jon Stewart bid farewell to Beck with this tribute...and it's excellently funny. And only slightly crazier than the real thing.

  
  
  
  
  The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
  Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
  
  
  Intro - Jon Tells the Truth While Wearing Glasses
  
  
  www.thedailyshow.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dail...
• April 01, 2011
• 12:47

  This Weekend's Music Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  What to do this weekend... Well, first off, get outside because by tomorrow, it's going to be crappy again.

  
  

  But tonight, here are a couple options after the Art Walk.

  
  

  I'd recommend squeezing into the MadHappy Lounge where Jay Tablet is having his big ol' CD release part. The record is awesome, by the way. The music is free and starts at 9pm, but get there by 7pm for a BBQ dinner. 21 and up.

  
  

  Over at the Domino Room, there's some fantastic reggae, if that's your thing, with...

• 12:47

  This Weekend's Music Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  What to do this weekend... Well, first off, get outside because by tomorrow, it's going to be crappy again.

  
  

  But tonight, here are a couple options after the Art Walk.

  
  

  I'd recommend squeezing into the MadHappy Lounge where Jay Tablet is having his big ol' CD release part. The record is awesome, by the way. The music is free and starts at 9pm, but get there by 7pm for a BBQ dinner. 21 and up.

  
  

  Over at the Domino Room, there's some fantastic reggae, if that's your thing, with...

• 11:47

  This Weekend's Music Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  What to do this weekend... Well, first off, get outside because by tomorrow, it's going to be crappy again.

  
  

  But tonight, here are a couple options after the Art Walk.

  
  

  I'd recommend squeezing into the MadHappy Lounge where Jay Tablet is having his big ol' CD release part. The record is awesome, by the way. The music is free and starts at 9pm, but get there by 7pm for a BBQ dinner. 21 and up.

  
  

  Over at the Domino Room, there's some fantastic reggae, if that's your thing, with...

• 11:47

  This Weekend's Music Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  What to do this weekend... Well, first off, get outside because by tomorrow, it's going to be crappy again.

  
  

  But tonight, here are a couple options after the Art Walk.

  
  

  I'd recommend squeezing into the MadHappy Lounge where Jay Tablet is having his big ol' CD release part. The record is awesome, by the way. The music is free and starts at 9pm, but get there by 7pm for a BBQ dinner. 21 and up.

  
  

  Over at the Domino Room, there's some fantastic reggae, if that's your thing, with...

• March 31, 2011
• 12:29

  Some UConn Fan Just Called and Threatened Me With Violence!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Sometimes people call newspaper reporters to say, "Hey, nice job on your article!"

  
  

  But most of the time, they call and say things like what I just heard from a guy who dropped me a line about 10 minutes ago about this week's Left Field column.

  
  

  "Do you know anything about UConn basketba...

• 12:29

  Some UConn Fan Just Called and Threatened Me With Violence!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Sometimes people call newspaper reporters to say, "Hey, nice job on your article!"

  
  

  But most of the time, they call and say things like what I just heard from a guy who dropped me a line about 10 minutes ago about this week's Left Field column.

  
  

  "Do you know anything about UConn basketba...

• 11:29

  Some UConn Fan Just Called and Threatened Me With Violence!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Sometimes people call newspaper reporters to say, "Hey, nice job on your article!"

  
  

  But most of the time, they call and say things like what I just heard from a guy who dropped me a line about 10 minutes ago about this week's Left Field column.

  
  

  "Do you know anything about UConn basketba...

• 11:29

  Some UConn Fan Just Called and Threatened Me With Violence!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Sometimes people call newspaper reporters to say, "Hey, nice job on your article!"

  
  

  But most of the time, they call and say things like what I just heard from a guy who dropped me a line about 10 minutes ago about this week's Left Field column.

  
  

  "Do you know anything about UConn basketba...

• 6:32

  New Music Video for Culver City Dub Collective by Bend's Rage Films

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Here's a fun little local music fact: Franchot Tone, the singer songwriter who's recently started playing around town with his own band, is also a member of the popular SoCal reggae band Culver City Dub Collective.

  
  

  The band recently shot this music video, directed by Rage Films' Sky Pinnick, showing the band enjoying the sunshine of Venice Beach and other hip L.A. locales. And here it is:

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x370]

• 6:32

  New Music Video for Culver City Dub Collective by Bend's Rage Films

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Here's a fun little local music fact: Franchot Tone, the singer songwriter who's recently started playing around town with his own band, is also a member of the popular SoCal reggae band Culver City Dub Collective.

  
  

  The band recently shot this music video, directed by Rage Films' Sky Pinnick, showing the band enjoying the sunshine of Venice Beach and other hip L.A. locales. And here it is:

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x370]

• 5:32

  New Music Video for Culver City Dub Collective by Bend's Rage Films

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Here's a fun little local music fact: Franchot Tone, the singer songwriter who's recently started playing around town with his own band, is also a member of the popular SoCal reggae band Culver City Dub Collective.

  
  

  The band recently shot this music video, directed by Rage Films' Sky Pinnick, showing the band enjoying the sunshine of Venice Beach and other hip L.A. locales. And here it is:

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x370]

• 5:32

  New Music Video for Culver City Dub Collective by Bend's Rage Films

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Here's a fun little local music fact: Franchot Tone, the singer songwriter who's recently started playing around town with his own band, is also a member of the popular SoCal reggae band Culver City Dub Collective.

  
  

  The band recently shot this music video, directed by Rage Films' Sky Pinnick, showing the band enjoying the sunshine of Venice Beach and other hip L.A. locales. And here it is:

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x370]

• March 30, 2011
• 7:59

  Former Ernesto’s Spot to Reopen As Pub and Brew Shop

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  The owners of The Brew Shop, aka the homebrew shop on Division, have signed a lease for the iconic Ernesto’s building on Third Street. Owner Tom Gilles said he and his partners signed a lease earlier this week that will allow them to open an expanded brew shop and basement pub in the Ernesto’s building by ea...

• 6:59

  Former Ernesto’s Spot to Reopen As Pub and Brew Shop

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  The owners of The Brew Shop, aka the homebrew shop on Division, have signed a lease for the iconic Ernesto’s building on Third Street. Owner Tom Gilles said he and his partners signed a lease earlier this week that will allow them to open an expanded brew shop and basement pub in the Ernesto’s building by ea...

• March 25, 2011
• 7:29

  Oregon Legislator Argues Like a 15 Year Old Against Unemployment Benefit Extensions

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  The subject of unemployment benefit extensions has brought some vibrant and at times contentious debate to the floor of the Oregon state legislature, but you need to take a look at this at-times-painful-to-watch video of Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) arguing against extensions.

  
  

  Thanks to blogger T. A. Barnhart for posting this.

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Rep Thatcher hates on the unemployed from t.a. barnhart on Vimeo.

• 7:29

  Oregon Legislator Argues Like a 15 Year Old Against Unemployment Benefit Extensions

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  The subject of unemployment benefit extensions has brought some vibrant and at times contentious debate to the floor of the Oregon state legislature, but you need to take a look at this at-times-painful-to-watch video of Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) arguing against extensions.

  
  

  Thanks to blogger T. A. Barnhart for posting this.

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Rep Thatcher hates on the unemployed from t.a. barnhart on Vimeo.

• 6:29

  Oregon Legislator Argues Like a 15 Year Old Against Unemployment Benefit Extensions

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  The subject of unemployment benefit extensions has brought some vibrant and at times contentious debate to the floor of the Oregon state legislature, but you need to take a look at this at-times-painful-to-watch video of Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) arguing against extensions.

  
  

  Thanks to blogger T. A. Barnhart for posting this.

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Rep Thatcher hates on the unemployed from t.a. barnhart on Vimeo.

• 6:29

  Oregon Legislator Argues Like a 15 Year Old Against Unemployment Benefit Extensions

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Politics   [edit]

  The subject of unemployment benefit extensions has brought some vibrant and at times contentious debate to the floor of the Oregon state legislature, but you need to take a look at this at-times-painful-to-watch video of Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) arguing against extensions.

  
  

  Thanks to blogger T. A. Barnhart for posting this.

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Rep Thatcher hates on the unemployed from t.a. barnhart on Vimeo.

• March 24, 2011
• 11:01

  Come to Our Party...and then go see Galactic

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may already know, this blog is hosting a party tonight and it's gonna be suhweeet.

  
  

  We're giving away free CDs and books and at least one T-shirt. All you have to do is show up at Velvet tonight between 7pm and 10pm and you can help yourself to free stuff (But don't be a jerk about it take all t...

• 11:01

  Come to Our Party...and then go see Galactic

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may already know, this blog is hosting a party tonight and it's gonna be suhweeet.

  
  

  We're giving away free CDs and books and at least one T-shirt. All you have to do is show up at Velvet tonight between 7pm and 10pm and you can help yourself to free stuff (But don't be a jerk about it take all t...

• 10:01

  Come to Our Party...and then go see Galactic

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may already know, this blog is hosting a party tonight and it's gonna be suhweeet.

  
  

  We're giving away free CDs and books and at least one T-shirt. All you have to do is show up at Velvet tonight between 7pm and 10pm and you can help yourself to free stuff (But don't be a jerk about it take all t...

• 10:01

  Come to Our Party...and then go see Galactic

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may already know, this blog is hosting a party tonight and it's gonna be suhweeet.

  
  

  We're giving away free CDs and books and at least one T-shirt. All you have to do is show up at Velvet tonight between 7pm and 10pm and you can help yourself to free stuff (But don't be a jerk about it take all t...

• 8:47

  Alex Trebek: New University of Oregon Football Announcer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  No, he's not really the new announcer for the Ducks, but he totally should be. You'll agree after taking a look at this:

  
  

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

  
  

   

• 8:47

  Alex Trebek: New University of Oregon Football Announcer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  No, he's not really the new announcer for the Ducks, but he totally should be. You'll agree after taking a look at this:

  
  

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

  
  

   

• 7:47

  Alex Trebek: New University of Oregon Football Announcer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  No, he's not really the new announcer for the Ducks, but he totally should be. You'll agree after taking a look at this:

  
  

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

  
  

   

• 7:47

  Alex Trebek: New University of Oregon Football Announcer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  No, he's not really the new announcer for the Ducks, but he totally should be. You'll agree after taking a look at this:

  
  

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

  
  

   

• March 07, 2011
• 8:21

  The Decemberists Coming to Bend on May 29, Ween in July

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  I just got word from the Old Mill District that the Memorial Day Weekend music schedule got a big boost today with the announcement that The Decemberists are playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater on May 29, along with openers Rodrigo y Gabriella.

  
  

  As you probably already know, the Portland-based Decemberists have been getting a ton...

• 8:21

  The Decemberists Coming to Bend on May 29, Ween in July

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  I just got word from the Old Mill District that the Memorial Day Weekend music schedule got a big boost today with the announcement that The Decemberists are playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater on May 29, along with openers Rodrigo y Gabriella.

  
  

  As you probably already know, the Portland-based Decemberists have been getting a ton...

• 7:21

  The Decemberists Coming to Bend on May 29, Ween in July

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  I just got word from the Old Mill District that the Memorial Day Weekend music schedule got a big boost today with the announcement that The Decemberists are playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater on May 29, along with openers Rodrigo y Gabriella.

  
  

  As you probably already know, the Portland-based Decemberists have been getting a ton...

• 7:21

  The Decemberists Coming to Bend on May 29, Ween in July

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  I just got word from the Old Mill District that the Memorial Day Weekend music schedule got a big boost today with the announcement that The Decemberists are playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater on May 29, along with openers Rodrigo y Gabriella.

  
  

  As you probably already know, the Portland-based Decemberists have been getting a ton...

• February 25, 2011
• 9:54

  The Seattle Times Pushes for Marijuana Legalization

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pot   [edit]

  Today, The Seattle Times published an editorial stating that Washington state House Bill 1550, a law that would legalize and tax marijuana in the state deserved a hearing in the house Ways and Means Committee.

  
  

  This comes just one week after the paper -- the largest d...

• 9:54

  The Seattle Times Pushes for Marijuana Legalization

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pot   [edit]

  Today, The Seattle Times published an editorial stating that Washington state House Bill 1550, a law that would legalize and tax marijuana in the state deserved a hearing in the house Ways and Means Committee.

  
  

  This comes just one week after the paper -- the largest d...

• 8:54

  The Seattle Times Pushes for Marijuana Legalization

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pot   [edit]

  Today, The Seattle Times published an editorial stating that Washington state House Bill 1550, a law that would legalize and tax marijuana in the state deserved a hearing in the house Ways and Means Committee.

  
  

  This comes just one week after the paper -- the largest d...

• 8:54

  The Seattle Times Pushes for Marijuana Legalization

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pot   [edit]

  Today, The Seattle Times published an editorial stating that Washington state House Bill 1550, a law that would legalize and tax marijuana in the state deserved a hearing in the house Ways and Means Committee.

  
  

  This comes just one week after the paper -- the largest d...

• 8:23

  PUSH Skatedeck Art Show Tonight to Benefit Division Street Skatepark

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Skateboards are rad. Local, regional and national artists are rad. Take those things and combine them and you have something so rad, it must been seen to be believed. Or something like that.

  
  

  The PUSH Skatedeck Art Show and Auction is tonight at the old Boomtown location (9...

• 7:35

  Awesome WinterFest Video by Hellfish TV

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  I just saw this video by local production company Hellfish TV that gives an all-encompassing look at last weekend's WinterFest. The music you'll hear is a tune from Empty Space Orchestra's new album, which will be released this spring.

  
  

   

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Winterfest 2011 - Bend, OR from Joe Hite on Vimeo.

• 7:23

  PUSH Skatedeck Art Show Tonight to Benefit Division Street Skatepark

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Skateboards are rad. Local, regional and national artists are rad. Take those things and combine them and you have something so rad, it must been seen to be believed. Or something like that.

  
  

  The PUSH Skatedeck Art Show and Auction is tonight at the old Boomtown location (9...

• 6:35

  Awesome WinterFest Video by Hellfish TV

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  I just saw this video by local production company Hellfish TV that gives an all-encompassing look at last weekend's WinterFest. The music you'll hear is a tune from Empty Space Orchestra's new album, which will be released this spring.

  
  

   

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Winterfest 2011 - Bend, OR from Joe Hite on Vimeo.

• February 24, 2011
• 15:17

  Les Schwab Concerts Drive Summer Spending in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  tourism   [edit]

  The 26,000-plus fans that attended the Les Schwab Summer Concert Series shows last year spent roughly $3.6 million on dining, lodging and entertainment, according to a recently completed study commissioned by Visit Bend. The study quantifies what many people have long sensed: That the LSA Summer Concert Series big-name acts draw a significant number of out-of-town visitors who stay and play in Central Oregon because of the music. According to a summary of the findings, about 39 percent of con...

• 7:51

  Last Band Standing Returns for 2011

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  After a successful inaugural year, Last Band Standing is returning for a second addition of the local battle of the bands. Last year more than 100 local bands and solo artists applied for the competition and after all was said and done, Mosley Wotta walked away with the top prize.

  
  

  There's a few changes this year in that the competition, which is produced by Combined Communications, is moving to the Century Center, which as far as I'm concerned, is one of Bend's best indoor music spots ...

• 6:10

  Ski Bum Author in Bend Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Words   [edit]

  Reporter and author Jeremy Evans will sign copies of his book In Search of Powder: The Story of America’s Disappearing Ski Bum tonight at Between the Covers on Bond Street.

  
  

  A former ski bum, Evans draws on his own experience as young college graduate living to ski in the Tahoe area as a launching point to explore the changing dynamics and dem...

• February 23, 2011
• 10:26

  New Belgium Brewing Comes to Bend on Friday

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  We just got word from The Brew Shop that New Belgium Brewing, the Colorado company best known as the author of Fat Tire, will have some folks in town on Friday to give us a taste of their beers.

  
  

  The brewery's Ryan Stahel will be on hand to hand out samples and give some insight i...

• February 22, 2011
• 14:40

  Swampy Lake Adventure

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  outside   [edit]

  
  

  

  
  

  It has been way too long since I have been out on single track after a fresh snow. Yesterday, my sister and I decided to deviate from our normal loops around Meissner to the trails around Swampy Lake. We had some idea of where we were going from the map and times we’d been out there before, but conveniently forgot ...

• February 18, 2011
• 6:20

  Oregon Drug Bust of the Week: Almost 100 Pounds of Pot

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Drug Bust   [edit]

  OK, due to SNOWCLUSTEREFF 2011, I'm a little late on this week's drug bust, but it's a pretty sizable one.

  
  

  This week, we head down to rural Jackson County where an Oregon State Police drug task force seized 98.6 pounds of marijuana, packaging materials, scales and a handgun. John Lee Hull, Jr wa...

• February 17, 2011
• 10:59

  Download A Pint With New Bend Ale Trail App

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  The ever expanding Bend Ale Trail took a cyber leap forward this week when Visit Bend announced that the DIY beer drinking tour map and website is now available as an interactive iPhone app.

  
  

  The program, which is downloadable, through the bendaletrail.com website and the iTunes store is free and includes a virtual version of the Ale Trail map that is available at Visit Bend and on the local Ben...

• 8:07

  Larry and His Flask are Playing The Warped Tour! And tonight's WinterFringe

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  I got an e-mail announcing the lineup for the Van's Warped Tour and as I was scrolling through the lineup, I was all like, "Holy crap, our own Larry and His Flask are playing the Warped Tour!"

  
  

  The hillbilly acoustic rockers will be featured on the entire tour, whic...

• February 16, 2011
• 11:35

  Want to Win WinterFest Tickets?

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  Hey there, friends. You look like the sort of folks who might want to head down to Bend WinterFest this weekend and work off all the frustration you piled up during SNOWCLUSTEREFF 2011™.

  
  

  If so, head over to our Facebook page, "like" us (if you don't already) and leave a comment saying something about why you want to go to WinterFest or something like that and we'll enter you to win.

  
  

  Get your name in by 4 p.m. tomorrow and we'll win a pair of buttons good for the entire wee...

• 10:35

  Want to Win WinterFest Tickets?

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  Hey there, friends. You look like the sort of folks who might want to head down to Bend WinterFest this weekend and work off all the frustration you piled up during SNOWCLUSTEREFF 2011™.

  
  

  If so, head over to our Facebook page, "like" us (if you don't already) and leave a comment saying something about why you want to go to WinterFest or something like that and we'll enter you to win.

  
  

  Get your name in by 4 p.m. tomorrow and we'll win a pair of buttons good for the entire wee...

• February 15, 2011
• 13:13

  Tonight's Ky-Mani Marley Show Canceled

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  If you haven't noticed, today's snow has just about ruined everything, from the school day to the Source production schedule (we're currently crammed in a staffer's living room trying to make a newspaper without the aid of our office or its electricity).

  
  

  Add another thing to the list of things ruined by the storm tonight's Ky-Mani Marley show. The Tower just let us know that the show is canceled. Bummer.

  
  

  The Tower says they had no control over the decision and tickets can be exc...

• 12:13

  Tonight's Ky-Mani Marley Show Canceled

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  If you haven't noticed, today's snow has just about ruined everything, from the school day to the Source production schedule (we're currently crammed in a staffer's living room trying to make a newspaper without the aid of our office or its electricity).

  
  

  Add another thing to the list of things ruined by the storm tonight's Ky-Mani Marley show. The Tower just let us know that the show is canceled. Bummer.

  
  

  The Tower says they had no control over the decision and tickets can be exc...

• February 14, 2011
• 20:07

  Live in Bend on May 27: Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Jenny and Johnny

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Yes, this is really happening -- Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and Jenny and Johnny are all playing on one night here in Bend on May 27 at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

  
  

  This marks the first concert announcement of the 2011 LSA schedule, and given that all three of ...

• 19:07

  Live in Bend on May 27: Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Jenny and Johnny

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Yes, this is really happening -- Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and Jenny and Johnny are all playing on one night here in Bend on May 27 at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

  
  

  This marks the first concert announcement of the 2011 LSA schedule, and given that all three of ...

• 7:52

  Well Good Morning, Valentine's Day! Have a Cupcake

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  Happy Valentine's Day, Bent Readers! Here, have a cupcake: 

  
  

  

  
  

  Probably one of the best Valentine's presents I've received in a while was waking up this morning at my house on Hill Street and Delaware and realizing that I could, for the first time ever, walk across the street and buy a muffin and a cup of coffee instead of driving downtown or starving until lunch, b...

• 6:52

  Well Good Morning, Valentine's Day! Have a Cupcake

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  Happy Valentine's Day, Bent Readers! Here, have a cupcake: 

  
  

  

  
  

  Probably one of the best Valentine's presents I've received in a while was waking up this morning at my house on Hill Street and Delaware and realizing that I could, for the first time ever, walk across the street and buy a muffin and a cup of coffee instead of driving downtown or starving until lunch, b...

• 6:30

  Pickathon Announces 2011 Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Picakthon, Portland's increasingly popular outdoor roots and indie rock festival, announced its lineup this morning and the collection of acts set to play between August 5 to 7 looks as strong as any of the event previous offerings.

  
  

  And that's saying something, judging from the quality of last year's festival.

  
  

  Pickathon...

• 5:30

  Pickathon Announces 2011 Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Pickathon   [edit]

  Picakthon, Portland's increasingly popular outdoor roots and indie rock festival, announced its lineup this morning and the collection of acts set to play between August 5 to 7 looks as strong as any of the event previous offerings.

  
  

  And that's saying something, judging from the quality of last year's festival.

  
  

  Pickathon...

• February 11, 2011
• 13:43

  Bend's New Downtown Japanese Spot

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  Sushi lovers  have been eagerly anticipating the announcement that the new Japanese restaurant from Kanpai's owner would be opening soon and they got their wish Friday when chef Michael Murphy and owner Justin Cook announced that Boken is taking reservations. The restaurant is located in the Breezeway adjacent to Mirror Pond Plaza in the former home of the Downtowner, and, more recently, Lola's. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner with small plates ranging from $2 - $14. Her...

• 12:43

  Bend's New Downtown Japanese Spot

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  Sushi lovers  have been eagerly anticipating the announcement that the new Japanese restaurant from Kanpai's owner would be opening soon and they got their wish Friday when chef Michael Murphy and owner Justin Cook announced that Boken is taking reservations. The restaurant is located in the Breezeway adjacent to Mirror Pond Plaza in the former home of the Downtowner, and, more recently, Lola's. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner with small plates ranging from $2 - $14. Her...

• 11:53

  Download The Strokes new single "Under Cover of Darkness" for free!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Free Downloads   [edit]

  At long last The Strokes have resurfaced and today is your last chance to download their new single "Under Cover of Darkness" for free. The band's highly anticipated new album, Angles, comes out on March 22 and if this single is any indicator, it's going to be pretty awesome. 

  
  

  Click here to download the single.

  ...
• 10:53

  Download The Strokes new single "Under Cover of Darkness" for free!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Free Downloads   [edit]

  At long last The Strokes have resurfaced and today is your last chance to download their new single "Under Cover of Darkness" for free. The band's highly anticipated new album, Angles, comes out on March 22 and if this single is any indicator, it's going to be pretty awesome. 

  
  

  Click here to download the single.

  ...
• February 10, 2011
• 10:47

  It's Really Hot in Bend Today, Apparently

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  I thought it had been a really warm winter in Bend, but now it's official after I saw this online a few minutes ago:

  
  

  

• 9:47

  It's Really Hot in Bend Today, Apparently

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  I thought it had been a really warm winter in Bend, but now it's official after I saw this online a few minutes ago:

  
  

  

• 6:48

  Conspirator and Break Science Tonight at Silver Moon

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  In another last-minute booking of a national touring act, Silver Moon is bringing electro jammers Conspirator (featuring members of the Disco Biscuits) and live drum/programming act Break Science in for a groove-athon tonight.

  
  

  The show is at 9pm and the cover is $15.

  
  

  Conspirator is based out of Philadelphia and is comprised of Disco Biscuits members Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner, as well as Chris Michetti of the band RAQ. Live, they stew together a fiery mix of electronic and ...

• 5:48

  Conspirator and Break Science Tonight at Silver Moon

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  In another last-minute booking of a national touring act, Silver Moon is bringing electro jammers Conspirator (featuring members of the Disco Biscuits) and live drum/programming act Break Science in for a groove-athon tonight.

  
  

  The show is at 9pm and the cover is $15.

  
  

  Conspirator is based out of Philadelphia and is comprised of Disco Biscuits members Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner, as well as Chris Michetti of the band RAQ. Live, they stew together a fiery mix of electronic and ...

• February 09, 2011
• 13:22

  King Corn Screening Tonight at COCC

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  Do you eat corn? Yes? Well, have I got a movie for you. Have fun sleeping after this, corn-lover!

  
  

  Slow Food High Desert is screening King Corn tonight at COCC - Grandview Hall at 6:30 p.m.  You'll learn all sorts of facts about ...

• 12:22

  King Corn Screening Tonight at COCC

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  Do you eat corn? Yes? Well, have I got a movie for you. Have fun sleeping after this, corn-lover!

  
  

  Slow Food High Desert is screening King Corn tonight at COCC - Grandview Hall at 6:30 p.m.  You'll learn all sorts of facts about ...

• 11:03

  Where to Eat on Valentine's Day

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  There are a couple options for what to give the object of your affection on Valentine's Day.

  
  

  There's always the heart-shaped box of chocolates or chalky candy hearts from a drug store, and the ubiquitous cliche cards that say something like "I choo-choo-choose you!" above a picture of a train. Of course, yo...

• 10:03

  Where to Eat on Valentine's Day

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  There are a couple options for what to give the object of your affection on Valentine's Day.

  
  

  There's always the heart-shaped box of chocolates or chalky candy hearts from a drug store, and the ubiquitous cliche cards that say something like "I choo-choo-choose you!" above a picture of a train. Of course, yo...

• February 07, 2011
• 8:49

  Celebrate Love With Free Coffee

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  Valentine's Day is upon us, with just one week left to figure out how to make love explode all over your relationship (or find a way to avoid the whole ordeal altogether if you're not feeling the love). But even if you hate Hallmark holidays, there are a few good things about next Monday.

  
  

  
  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  One o...

• 7:49

  Celebrate Love With Free Coffee

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  Valentine's Day is upon us, with just one week left to figure out how to make love explode all over your relationship (or find a way to avoid the whole ordeal altogether if you're not feeling the love). But even if you hate Hallmark holidays, there are a few good things about next Monday.

  
  

  
  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  One o...

• February 02, 2011
• 20:00

  Eleven Days of Chocolate in Sunriver

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Willy Wonka is alive and well in Sunriver! For eleven days starting on Feb. 11, Sunriver Resort will be hosting chocolate dinners, tastings, drink specials, spa treatments and even a chocolate-themed 5k road race (this is Central Oregon, after all).

  
  

  The event is called, fittingly, Chocolate Amour.

  
  

  For chocaholics, there's probably ...

• 19:00

  Eleven Days of Chocolate in Sunriver

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  Willy Wonka is alive and well in Sunriver! For eleven days starting on Feb. 11, Sunriver Resort will be hosting chocolate dinners, tastings, drink specials, spa treatments and even a chocolate-themed 5k road race (this is Central Oregon, after all).

  
  

  The event is called, fittingly, Chocolate Amour.

  
  

  For chocaholics, there's probably ...

• 13:06

  Mike West, owner of Bend Fish Co., Dies of Heart Attack

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Last week, the owner Bend Fish Co., Mike West, died at age 51 from a heart attack. West was also a restaurateur in the Eugene area. Bend Fish Co. has since closed its doors and the building is up for sale.

  
  

  West’s memorial service was this past weekend and we hear it was standing room only, with friends flying and driving in from around the country. Natalie Hathaway, a former employee and family friend, described West as “somebody that you wanted to know – he always ma...

• 12:06

  Mike West, owner of Bend Fish Co., Dies of Heart Attack

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Last week, the owner Bend Fish Co., Mike West, died at age 51 from a heart attack. West was also a restaurateur in the Eugene area. Bend Fish Co. has since closed its doors and the building is up for sale.

  
  

  West’s memorial service was this past weekend and we hear it was standing room only, with friends flying and driving in from around the country. Natalie Hathaway, a former employee and family friend, described West as “somebody that you wanted to know – he always ma...

• 9:51

  Upcoming BendFilm Screenings at Sisters Movie House

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  We just got word that BendFilm will be screening two films in the next month at Sisters Movie House.

  
  
  

   

  
  

  First up is Lovely, Still on February 17 at 7 p.m. Billed as a December-December romance, Lovely, Still stars Martin Landau and Ellen Burnstyn, who is so amazing that she could spin around in circles for an entire movie and I'd probably still love it. The film has made the r...

• 8:51

  Upcoming BendFilm Screenings at Sisters Movie House

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  We just got word that BendFilm will be screening two films in the next month at Sisters Movie House.

  
  
  

   

  
  

  First up is Lovely, Still on February 17 at 7 p.m. Billed as a December-December romance, Lovely, Still stars Martin Landau and Ellen Burnstyn, who is so amazing that she could spin around in circles for an entire movie and I'd probably still love it. The film has made the r...

• 7:17

  Hand Drawn Wednesday Tonight at Common Table

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Check out Common Table tonight for Hand Drawn Wednesdays, a weekly event in collaboration with CADA/CASA. Hand Drawn Wednesdays invite local artists and us common folk who just like to draw things on paper to paint, draw or sketch for the evening. One piece will be chosen to be auctioned off and the proceeds wi...

• 6:17

  Hand Drawn Wednesday Tonight at Common Table

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Check out Common Table tonight for Hand Drawn Wednesdays, a weekly event in collaboration with CADA/CASA. Hand Drawn Wednesdays invite local artists and us common folk who just like to draw things on paper to paint, draw or sketch for the evening. One piece will be chosen to be auctioned off and the proceeds wi...

• January 31, 2011
• 10:52

  Be a Farmer for a Day With Central Oregon Locavore

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  You may have heard of WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), volunteer farmers on organic farms who trade labor for housing and food. Central Oregon Locavore, an online community and marketplace for local farmers, is creating a similar project, called WWOLFs - substituting "local" for "organic" (although most of the f...

• 9:52

  Be a Farmer for a Day With Central Oregon Locavore

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  You may have heard of WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), volunteer farmers on organic farms who trade labor for housing and food. Central Oregon Locavore, an online community and marketplace for local farmers, is creating a similar project, called WWOLFs - substituting "local" for "organic" (although most of the f...

• January 28, 2011
• 11:51

  Best. Dunk. Ever.

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Have a case of the Fridays this afternoon? Well, watch this boy literally slam dunk himself at halftime of a Phoenix Suns game. It will make your day.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x375]

• 10:51

  Best. Dunk. Ever.

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Have a case of the Fridays this afternoon? Well, watch this boy literally slam dunk himself at halftime of a Phoenix Suns game. It will make your day.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 575x375]

• January 27, 2011
• 8:10

  One Night Homeless Count Today

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  The Homeless Leadership Coalition's One Night Homeless Count started today at 10 a.m. The count, which began in 2006, aims to count each homeless person in Central Oregon, from those at homeless camps to those staying temporarily in motels.

  
  

  We're spending the day at the count, at locations including the Family Kitchen, the Bethlehem Inn, and the United Methodist Church downtown on Bond Street. Homeless can come to each of these locations to pick up blankets, water bottles, pet food, pr...

• 7:10

  One Night Homeless Count Today

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  The Homeless Leadership Coalition's One Night Homeless Count started today at 10 a.m. The count, which began in 2006, aims to count each homeless person in Central Oregon, from those at homeless camps to those staying temporarily in motels.

  
  

  We're spending the day at the count, at locations including the Family Kitchen, the Bethlehem Inn, and the United Methodist Church downtown on Bond Street. Homeless can come to each of these locations to pick up blankets, water bottles, pet food, pr...

• January 25, 2011
• 11:41

  Dawes Tonight in Bend, with Jonny Corndog

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Perhaps the coolest show of this young 2011 is tonight's gig by folky Americana rockers Dawes at the Silver Moon.

  
  

  The Los Angeles band first played Bend back in May of 2010 when they opened a Les Schwab Amphitheater show for Band of Horses and She & Him, but are here headlining what I'm hoping will be a packed Silver Moon taproom tonight. The show begins at 9pm and is a mere $7.

  
  

  Opening for Dawes is Jonny Corndog, whose name is about 20 times sillier than the cool alt-countr...

• 11:41

  Dawes Tonight in Bend, with Jonny Corndawg

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Perhaps the coolest show of this young 2011 is tonight's gig by folky Americana rockers Dawes at the Silver Moon.

  
  

  The Los Angeles band first played Bend back in May of 2010 when they opened a Les Schwab Amphitheater show for Band of Horses and She & Him, but are here headlining what I'm hoping will be a packed Silver Moon taproom tonight. The show begins at 9pm and is a mere $7.

  
  

  Opening for Dawes is Jonny Corndawg, whose name is about 20 times sillier than the cool alt-count...

• 10:41

  Dawes Tonight in Bend, with Jonny Corndawg

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Perhaps the coolest show of this young 2011 is tonight's gig by folky Americana rockers Dawes at the Silver Moon.

  
  

  The Los Angeles band first played Bend back in May of 2010 when they opened a Les Schwab Amphitheater show for Band of Horses and She & Him, but are here headlining what I'm hoping will be a packed Silver Moon taproom tonight. The show begins at 9pm and is a mere $7.

  
  

  Opening for Dawes is Jonny Corndawg, whose name is about 20 times sillier than the cool alt-count...

• January 24, 2011
• 8:32

  Mosley Wotta to Play at the Sundance Film Festival

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  That's right, Bend's own Mosley Wotta is playing at the iconic Sundance Film Festival on Friday night, marking the band's biggest out-of-town gig to date.

  
  

  The show was sort of a last-minute booking for the hip-hop band, thanks to their locally based booking company, In the Pocket Artists. After a Thursd...

• 8:25

  Got a relationship problem? Yo, we'll solve it

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Love   [edit]

  Having money disputes? Is your significant other's eye wandering too far for your liking? Does your husband snore really loud? Does your HGH-using boyfriend make out with other girls at clubs in front of you?

  
  

  
  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  OK, Ronnie and Sammi are an extreme case. But even so, you probably have a r...

• January 22, 2011
• 9:30

  Darkside of the Rainbow: Oz meets Floyd at the Tower tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  As we mentioned on this blog earlier in the week, BendFilm and the Tower Theatre are presenting The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon playing over the soundtrack.

  
  

  If you don't know already, these two pieces of art (allegedly) sync up perfectly for the most cosmic hippie freak out of all time. Or maybe they don't. Either way, this FREE event should be fun.

  
  

  It begins at 10pm tonight and again, it's free!

  
  

  If you want to get academic about this urban legend...

• January 21, 2011
• 11:16

  One Man Band: Boy Eats Drum Machine Opens for Empty Space Orchestra Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Tonight, Empty Space Orchestra enters its third straight week of Friday night shows at the Silver Moon and like the other nights, this show features another rad opener in Boy Eats Drum Machine.

  
  

  This Portland-based band is comprised solely of Jon Ragel, who spins the turntables, hits  the drums, shreds the guitar and uses other instruments to get the crowd dancing. Don't get how this works? Take a look at the video below.

  
  

  The show is at 9pm and is $7 at the door.

  
  

• January 19, 2011
• 12:05

  Quick! Get Your Lust List Votes In!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  The Source Weekly's 2nd Annual Lust List voting is soon coming to a close. Friday will be the last day you can exercise your right to decide who are the hottest hotties to ever step foot in Central Oregon. Have a favorite librarian? A bank teller you've been eyeing every time you bounce a check? A sexy teacher from your child's 3r...

• 11:20

  Kayo's Lounge Gets a 1950s Makeover with the Marilyn Room

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Kayo's Dinner House, the longtime Bend eatery that moved to Third Street last year, has rebranded its lounge, which is now known as The Marilyn Room.

  
  

  The lounge, which will be hosting live music on most Friday and Saturday nights, is decorated with Marilyn Monroe paraph...

• January 18, 2011
• 20:00

  Pho Viet & Cafe Is Open, Serving, and We're Eating

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  I just got back from the new pho place on 1326 3rd Street, Pho Viet. The Rico's Taco's sign is still up, but that didn't stop Pho Viet and Cafe from opening this Monday. The inside is pretty bare-bones but so far, it's been packed. The owner, Peter Nguyen, said Monday was packed with people...

• January 17, 2011
• 20:00

  Pho at Home: Recipe from a reader

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  Judging by the amount of comments we received on our blog on Bend's newest pho restaurant, Pho Viet, it seems that I am not the only pho-obsessed person in Central Oregon. As it turns out, one of our readers, Larry Sullivan, happens to be something of a pho expert and has blogged a bit on the subject. You can check out his blog on pho here.

  
  

  On my previous blog, ...

• 6:37

  Bend Beats Portland Breweries in the Beer Olympics!

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This past Saturday, I attended the Beer Olympics at the Old Mill Brew Werks. From what I can gather, it was the first of its kind to take place in Bend. I wrote about the event previously here, and even though I usually refrain from boozing until at 3:30 or 4 p.m., the event ...

• January 13, 2011
• 9:45

  Traffic Jam in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  We might not have the conventional rush hour traffic here in Bend, but we do have to stop from time to time for stuff like this.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 480x385]

• January 12, 2011
• 10:30

  "Gold Rush: Alaska" Star Jimmy Dorsey on Why He Left the Mine/Show

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  I blogged a few weeks ago about my obsession with Gold Rush: Alaska, the Discovery Channel reality show about down-on-their-luck Oregonians who head up north in search of riches. Within minutes of posting that piece, I had slated an interview with one of the show's sta...

• January 10, 2011
• 20:00

  Jackalope Grill's Women Tasting Wine is Extra Awesome this Month

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Sometimes Bend is flush with dining events, making me wish I had buckets of cash to blow on food and wine. Actually, I pretty much always wish I had buckets of cash, but sometimes the desire is especially great.

  
  

  This is one of those times. Spork just had their second supper club, Brickhouse opened to great acclaim (see our article in this week's paper) and the Jacka...

• 12:01

  Our (Ridiculous) Predictions: How the Ducks will fare in the BCS Championship

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  Kickoff is now only a few hours away and we thought we'd wade into the treacherous waters of college football predictions with some (mostly ridiculous) game predictions from the Source staff.

  
  

  Mike Bookey, Arts and Culture Editor: Oregon 82 Auburn 7. The Ducks let Auburn score that one touchdown because they feel sorry for these guys. Nice kids, those Ducks.

  
  

  Anne Pick, Calendar Editor (Oregon alumna): Ducks win by at least 10 points. Auburn may have Cam Newton, but the Ducks have...

• 7:38

  Everything is better with beer, especially the Olympics

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  When the regular old Olympics roll around every two years, I think, You know, I really like these world-unifying games, like the decathalon and curling. But I just feel like there’s something missing.

  
  

  I haven’t been able to quite put my finger on what exactly is missing until now. It’s beer! Instead of going through the exhausting process of adding &ldq...

• 7:15

  Big Screen Options for the BCS Championship in Bend and Beyond

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  OK, it's finally here. For University of Oregon fans (and the legions of other Oregonians who've been caught up in the frenzy) the wait for the BCS National Championship is over. The Ducks face off against Auburn tonight at 5:30pm on ESPN.

  
  

  If you want to watch the championship matchup with your fellow fans, there are plenty of places to check out the game in Central Oregon, including a few options on big, big screens. Here are just a few places to check out the game -- but pretty much ...

• January 08, 2011
• 20:31

  The Big Lebowski Costume Winners

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  If you weren't there at the Tower tonight to watch The Big Lebowski with 400-something other people who may have become your new best friends, you also missed an incredible costume contest, which kicked off the weirdly, awesomely, justifiably well-attended (and sold-out) event.

  
  

  Here are a couple videos from the Walter and Dude categories of the contest. Sadly, I didn't capture any images of the "freestyle" competition, which included ...

• January 07, 2011
• 21:00

  Oregon vs. Auburn: The curfew battle

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  There are plenty of differences between Auburn and Oregon -- for starters, one of the schools is located in Alabama and the other in the Pacific Northwest, and secondly, only one team has LaMichael James.

  
  

  There are other differences too, like, for example, the one illustrated by a USA Today post yesterday that described the differences in the approach the two teams take in terms of player curfews.

  
  

  In the days before Monday's enormous BCS Championship, the Ducks players are requi...

• 12:18

  Latest Music Video from Bend's FFE Films: "Microchip" by Jah Sun

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  I was on the set of this video shoot this spring out at Bend's own Rage Films and now it's awesome to finally see the final product, directed and edited by Tim Cash of Far From Earth Films with help from Rage's Chris Kas, Sky Pinnick and others.

  
  

  The song is "Microchip" by northern California reggae star Jah Sun.

  
  

  Take a look:

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Jah Sun "Microchip" ft. Stevie Culture from FARfromEARTH Films on Vimeo.

• 10:59

  Hear the Songs of the Rolling Stones Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Are you a Stones fan? Yeah, thought you might be. Well, you're in luck because once again the Tart Bistro lobby will be transformed tonight into a music venue for another edition of "Night Under the Covers," an ongoing local music showcase featuring covers of the work of one particular artist.

• 9:11

  The Big Lebowski Screening at the Tower Theatre is Sold Out

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Film   [edit]

  This week's issue of the Source features plenty of material on The Big Lebowski, including this essay in which I brazenly denounce anyone who doesn't enjoy that film.

  
  

  There's been plenty of buzz about tomorrow (Saturday) night's screening of the classic film, which is probably why it was recently announced that ...

• January 06, 2011
• 14:01

  Ignite Bend 6 Announced

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Ignite Bend, the ongoing multi-media event that brings locals up onto the Tower Theatre stage to give five-minute slide show presentations on a variety of topics, has just announced a date for its sixth installation.

  
  

  Ignite Bend 6 is slated for Wednesday, February 9 at the Tower and coincides with Global Ignite Week.

  ...
• 12:49

  Pagan Jug Band Tonight at McMenamins

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  For the second straight night, Pagan Jug Band, a Portland-based old timey jug band (duh) is playing at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. And like last night, the show is free.

  
  

  The band has been in existence for a while now, playing around the Northwest since 1993 and making appearances at festivals in the region, including Pickathon.

  
  

  

• January 05, 2011
• 8:10

  Top 10 Reasons Bend Needs a Skatepark

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Funny   [edit]

  

  
  

  For our annual Top 10 Issue, we polled some of our local people organizations for their personal top 10 lists. My favorite came from the folks of the Division Street Stakepark Project.

  
  

  Behold, Top 10 Reasons Bend Needs a Skatepark:

  
  

  1. Without it, our per capita consumption of PBR makes us look like a bunch of redneck booze hounds.

  
  

  2. Because I can only imagine how awesome BMC's "...

• January 04, 2011
• 7:37

  Ten Fingers, One Voice: Remembering Jazz Great Dr. Billy Taylor

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Every form of music has an articulate champion. That person who makes the music more accessible and thereby easier for people to understand and enjoy. In the case of jazz, the music’s grand champion, Dr. Billy Taylor, died this past week at age 89.

  
  

  A superb pianist noted for how he, as jazz critic Nat Hentoff put it, “played with i...

• January 03, 2011
• 20:00

  Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside tomorrow at OSU-Cascades

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, one of my favorite bands to come out of Portland lately, is playing a mid-morning gig at the OSU-Cascades Campus Center this Wednesday. I've seen Sallie and the gang a few times now and it's always super fun. Seriously. While the band might look like your average group of Portland hipsters, Ford's voice is straight out of the 40's and the me...

• 13:45

  Empty Space Orchestra Begins Silver Moon Residency This Week

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Empty Space Orchestra, the Bend-based, prog-rock brain-melting instrumentalists, are setting up camp in the Silver Moon this month for four shows featuring a different opening act each week.

  
  

  The series begins on Friday and features openers The Dela Project (who are filling in for Grant Sabin). On Thursday, Jan. 13, the band plays with Portland hip-hop cross over act Hurtbird. On Friday, Jan. 21, the one-man dance party Boy Eats Drum Machine is the featured guest. On Friday, Jan. 18, it...

• 11:16

  Bend Finally Gets a Vietnamese Restaurant

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  food   [edit]

  I  just drove by the former Rico’s Tacos space on NE 3rd Street and saw a beautiful beacon of light in the form of a sign announcing a new Vietnamese restaurant opening. I dropped in to talk to the owners, who were in the middle of some pretty heavy construction.

  
  

  The owner, Peter Nguyen, said the family owns a Vietnamese restaurant i...

• 8:15

  Let's Go Mining! The Ridiculous Awesomness of "Gold Rush: Alaska"

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  Reading this story in the Oregonian this morning about the Discovery Channel's Gold Rush: Alaska, made me realize that I finally have to write something about this oddly engaging reality show.

  
  

  For those who haven't seen this series yet, it's essentially about a group of out-of-work Oregonians from outside of Portland who head up to Alaska to mine for gold. But here's the thing: few, if any, of them have any idea what they're doing and the whole affair is essentially a train wreck -- wh...

• December 30, 2010
• 9:59

  Washington Faces Nebraska in the Blowout Bowl...I Mean Holiday Bowl

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  I have to look back pretty far to find more of an odd match up for a bowl game than is taking place tonight down in San Diego where #18 Nebraska is facing the 6-6 Washington Huskies.

  
  

  Why is this odd?

  
  

  First off -- The two teams...

• 5:18

  Mt. Bachelor Hits 100-Inch Mark

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  outside   [edit]

  Remember last year when the Source asked you to guess when Mt. Bachelor would hit 100 inches in base depth...and then it didn't happen until sometime in February. Or maybe March?

  
  

  Well, according to this morning's ski report, Mt. Bachelor has exactly 100...

• December 29, 2010
• 13:06

  Top Ten Albums of 2010 From 92/9's Kris

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  If you haven't already picked on up, the new issue of the Source Weekly is full of Top Ten lists because, well, it's the end of the year and lists are fun, interesting and excellent for newspaper people who like to see their families over Christmas.

  
  

  In the music section, I solicited a list from Kris, the afternoon DJ at 92/9 FM, of her favorite albums of 2010. And here's that list.

  
  

  1.  Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

  
  

  2.  Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Rec...

• 7:42

  Hugs not Drugs

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  

  
  

  Written on the bathroom wall at SOBA. 

  
  

   

  
  

   

• 7:23

  Reverend Horton Heat, Hillstomp Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  The psychobilly sounds of The Reverend Horton Heat can be heard tonight in Bend, closing off what's been an excellent year in live music here in town.

  
  

  The legendary Texas punk-influenced act is at the Domino Room and the show begins at 8pm. Opening up is Portland junkyard blues duo Hillstomp, so don't get there late -- those dudes may actually steal the show.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 585x370]

  
  

• December 27, 2010
• 11:14

  Allyson's Kitchen Closing December 31

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  It's a hard knock life out there for retailers. We've just heard the sad news - Allyson's Kitchen, one of our favorite kitchen stores (and the best place to buy wine for Les Schwab summer concerts) is closing its Bend location this Friday. The original Allyson's Kitchen, in Ashland, will remain open.

  
  

  According to KTVZ, the financial bur...

• December 23, 2010
• 7:16

  Pre-Christmas Bluegrass Tonight: Pitchfork Revolution

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  Things are going to get mighty quiet in the next three days on the live music front in Bend. Apparently, there's a big holiday or something.

  
  

  Anyway, before settling down with the family for the weekend, head to the Silver Moon for a bluegrass/Americana jamboree with local all...

• December 20, 2010
• 15:03

  David Clemmer's "Christmas Sweater Party"

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Free music   [edit]

  David Clemmer, lead singer of The Dirty Words and David Clemmer and the Stoics, passed me this refreshingly low-fi Christmas tune today. It's an excellent break from all the jingly, jangly sounds of the season that have inundated my brain for the past three weeks.

  
  

  Also, the song -- "Christmas Sweater Party" -- is a tribute to one of my favorite holiday pastimes and its great to see this former Bendite (The Dirty Words moved to Portland this fall) getting into the spirit of the season.

• 15:03

  David Clemmer's "Christmas Sweater Party"

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Free Downloads   [edit]

  David Clemmer, lead singer of The Dirty Words and David Clemmer and the Stoics, passed me this refreshingly low-fi Christmas tune today. It's an excellent break from all the jingly, jangly sounds of the season that have inundated my brain for the past three weeks.

  
  

  Also, the song -- "Christmas Sweater Party" -- is a tribute to one of my favorite holiday pastimes and its great to see this former Bendite (The Dirty Words moved to Portland this fall) getting into the spirit of the season.

• 7:36

  Video from Saturday's Winter Soulstice at the Century Center in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  Saturday night Eric Tollefson and the World's Greatest Lovers joined the Mosley Wotta band to rock out for the upcoming winter solstice and to raise money for Kids Center. The brave souls who weathered the snow storm and icy roads were treated to amazing sets by both bands. The final song at the end of Eric Tollefson's set included a collaboration between both bands that was pretty awesome. Check out the videos below. 

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com]

• 7:36

  Video from Saturday's Winter Soulstice at the Century Center in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  Saturday night Eric Tollefson and the World's Greatest Lovers joined the Mosley Wotta band to rock out for the upcoming winter solstice and to raise money for Kids Center. The brave souls who weathered the snow storm and icy roads were treated to amazing sets by both bands. The final song at the end of Eric Tollefson's set included a collaboration between both bands that was pretty awesome. Check out the videos below. 

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com]

• December 17, 2010
• 6:09

  Four Loko Watch: 73-Year-Old man arrested with an open can, and is it still in Oregon?

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  four Loko   [edit]

  Continuing our ongoing coverage of Four Loko -- the 23.5-ounce cans of caffeinated malt liquor that have since been banned in Oregon and many other states -- I wanted to pass on this story of a 73-year-old man arrested in Florida for driving with an open can of Four Loko.

  
  

  Just so happens that the guy is Ro...

• 6:09

  Four Loko Watch: 73-Year-Old man arrested with an open can, and is it still in Oregon?

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Continuing our ongoing coverage of Four Loko -- the 23.5-ounce cans of caffeinated malt liquor that have since been banned in Oregon and many other states -- I wanted to pass on this story of a 73-year-old man arrested in Florida for driving with an open can of Four Loko.

  
  

  Just so happens that the guy is Ron...

• December 16, 2010
• 7:27

  Dick Dale Tonight at the Domino Room

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may have noticed in my music feature this week, I've become obsessed with the yacht that Dick Dale has for sale on his website.

  
  

  I've also recently been quite enthused by Dale's legendary surf guitar stylings, which I hadn't heard for about a decade until this month when I reacquainted myself with his catalog of insanely skillful guitar tunes. And did you know that Hendrix was influenced by Dick Dale? You didn't know that, did ya?

  
  

  [video [...]

• 7:27

  Dick Dale Tonight at the Domino Room

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As you may have noticed in my music feature this week, I've become obsessed with the yacht that Dick Dale has for sale on his website.

  
  

  I've also recently been quite enthused by Dale's legendary surf guitar stylings, which I hadn't heard for about a decade until this month when I reacquainted myself with his catalog of insanely skillful guitar tunes. And did you know that Hendrix was influenced by Dick Dale? You didn't know that, did ya?

  
  

  [video [...]

• December 14, 2010
• 7:11

  Oregon Ducks Reveal Uniforms for BCS National Championship Game

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  As part of the ongoing fashion show which is the Oregon Ducks football team, the squad has once again unveiled a new uniform, this time for the biggest game in the program's history, the National Championship game on January 10.

  ...
• 7:11

  Oregon Ducks Reveal Uniforms for BCS National Championship Game

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Sports   [edit]

  As part of the ongoing fashion show which is the Oregon Ducks football team, the squad has once again unveiled a new uniform, this time for the biggest game in the program's history, the National Championship game on January 10.

  ...
• December 10, 2010
• 18:47

  Mosley Wotta and Eric Tollefson Invite You to Their Winter Wonderland

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  It's still a week out, but two local music powerhouses, Mosley Wotta and Eric Tollefson, are already getting the word out about their Soulstice Jubilee show on Saturday, December 18 at the Century Center. And they're doing so in the form of this weirdly hilarious video.

  
  

  [video [www.vimeo.com] 400x225]

  
  

  Tickets are already on sale for the Soulstice Jubilee which will feature both MoWo's full band as well as Eric Tollefson and the World's G...

• 18:47

  Mosley Wotta and Eric Tollefson Invite You to Their Winter Wonderland

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  It's still a week out, but two local music powerhouses, Mosley Wotta and Eric Tollefson, are already getting the word out about their Soulstice Jubilee show on Saturday, December 18 at the Century Center. And they're doing so in the form of this weirdly hilarious video.

  
  

  [video [www.vimeo.com] 400x225]

  
  

  Tickets are already on sale for the Soulstice Jubilee which will feature both MoWo's full band as well as Eric Tollefson and the World's G...

• 13:01

  Artcrank Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  You should probably know this: The Cyclocross National Championships are going on all week.

  
  

  Along with that is an enormous explosion of arts and culture throughout downtown and the Old Mill District going on tonight. It's called Cross Culture and I wrote about it in this week's issue.

  
  

  One of the main events you should check out tonight is Artcrank, a bicycle-oriented poster party popular in other cities and will showcase some of the most beloved artists in Bend. Artcrank is to...

• 13:01

  Artcrank Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  You should probably know this: The Cyclocross National Championships are going on all week.

  
  

  Along with that is an enormous explosion of arts and culture throughout downtown and the Old Mill District going on tonight. It's called Cross Culture and I wrote about it in this week's issue.

  
  

  One of the main events you should check out tonight is Artcrank, a bicycle-oriented poster party popular in other cities and will showcase some of the most beloved artists in Bend. Artcrank is toni...

• 8:24

  Chris Chabot Beland Debuts New Album Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  There are few rock and roll stories as interesting as the one that belongs to local singer-songwriter Chris Beland, who went by the name Chris Chabot until very recently when he discovered the identity of his real father. That man turned out to be career musician John Beland, a former member of the Flying Burrito Brothers and a guitarist known for his work with several other legendary artists.

  
  

  The two were united for the first time in the past few weeks, coincidentally right before Chr...

• 8:24

  Chris Chabot Beland Debuts New Album Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  There are few rock and roll stories as interesting as the one that belongs to local singer-songwriter Chris Beland, who went by the name Chris Chabot until very recently when he discovered the identity of his real father. That man turned out to be career musician John Beland, a former member of the Flying Burrito Brothers and a guitarist known for his work with several other legendary artists.

  
  

  The two were united for the first time in the past few weeks, coincidentally right before Chr...

• December 09, 2010
• 10:48

  Help the Children Wtih Operation Elf Box

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Maybe it's the Christmas tunes from last night's Bela Fleck and the Flecktones show still running through my system, but I thought I'd share some addition holiday spirit today (which is rare for a less-than-enthusiastic Christmas celebrant like myself) and let you know about Operation Elf Box.

  
  

  The local charitable organization has placed boxes throughout Bend at which you can drop off a gift that will be given to children in need throughout the area. At the Elf Store in downtown Bend, ...

• 10:48

  Help the Children Wtih Operation Elf Box

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  Maybe it's the Christmas tunes from last night's Bela Fleck and the Flecktones show still running through my system, but I thought I'd share some addition holiday spirit today (which is rare for a less-than-enthusiastic Christmas celebrant like myself) and let you know about Operation Elf Box.

  
  

  The local charitable organization has placed boxes throughout Bend at which you can drop off a gift that will be given to children in need throughout the area. At the Elf Store in downtown Bend, ...

• December 08, 2010
• 11:03

  Bela Fleck and the Flecktones tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  As a fundraiser for KPOV, Bend's community radio station, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are coming to Bend tonight to play some of their holiday tunes.

  
  

  The show is at 7pm tonight out at Mountain View High School and the last I heard, there were still some tickets available. I interviewed Fleck last week and we talked mostly about Christmas music (and how to make it un-cheesy) and also about his long career with the Flecktones. You can read that profile here.

  
  

  Here's some footag...

• 11:03

  Bela Fleck and the Flecktones tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  As a fundraiser for KPOV, Bend's community radio station, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are coming to Bend tonight to play some of their holiday tunes.

  
  

  The show is at 7pm tonight out at Mountain View High School and the last I heard, there were still some tickets available. I interviewed Fleck last week and we talked mostly about Christmas music (and how to make it un-cheesy) and also about his long career with the Flecktones. You can read that profile here.

  
  

  Here's some footage ...

• 7:52

  Bob Saget's New Show is Somehow Incredible

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  "You're watching a show hosted by Bob Saget in 2010 and it's not America's Funniest Home Videos and it's actually really funny?" asks my 12-year-old self. That is right before his time-traveling head explodes.

  
  

  Last night, ...

• 7:52

  Bob Saget's New Show is Somehow Incredible

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Television   [edit]

  "You're watching a show hosted by Bob Saget in 2010 and it's not America's Funniest Home Videos and it's actually really funny?" asks my 12-year-old self. That is right before his time-traveling head explodes.

  
  

  Last night, ...

• December 06, 2010
• 12:06

  Help Senior Citizens Enjoy the Holidays

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  

  We just received word that a Senior Citizen Holiday Gift Drive is in effect from now until December 23. Donations are being collected at the Century 21 Gold Country Offices in Bend and will be distributed to local senior care facilities. We got a little misty at the idea that someone's grandpa won't have presents this year, so if you can, help the cause and do...

• 12:06

  Help Senior Citizens Enjoy the Holidays

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Local News   [edit]

  
  

  We just received word that a Senior Citizen Holiday Gift Drive is in effect from now until December 23. Donations are being collected at the Century 21 Gold Country Offices in Bend and will be distributed to local senior care facilities. We got a little misty at the idea that someone's grandpa won't have presents this year, so if you can, help the cause and do...

• December 04, 2010
• 14:30

  Art for India Show Tonight with Empty Space Orchestra, The Autonomics and More

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  One of Bend's most interesting art shows of the year, Art for India, is tonight at the Century Center. The event is a fundraiser for Rise Up International and benefits the humanitarian organization's school in India.

  
  

  In addition to the art, there's a sweet concert to be seen beginning at 8pm and featuring the sounds of Empty Space Orchestra (who will almost certainly play some material off their soon-to-be-released full-length album), The Autonomics (returning to the site of their brea...

• 14:30

  Art for India Show Tonight with Empty Space Orchestra, The Autonomics and More

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  One of Bend's most interesting art shows of the year, Art for India, is tonight at the Century Center. The event is a fundraiser for Rise Up International and benefits the humanitarian organization's school in India.

  
  

  In addition to the art, there's a sweet concert to be seen beginning at 8pm and featuring the sounds of Empty Space Orchestra (who will almost certainly play some material off their soon-to-be-released full-length album), The Autonomics (returning to the site of their brea...

• 4:00

  All-Star Jam Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  A collection of veteran Central Oregon musicians, including some heavy hitters, are taking to the stage tonight at the Pine Forest Grange.

  
  

  The band, dubbed French Z and the Lost Call, features Tim Goodman, a former member of The Call, as well as players who've performed with the like of the Greg Allman Band and Tower of Power. Also in the band is longtime Central Oregon music producer and recording specialist, Frenchy Mallen. Joe Leonardi will also be on hand.

  
  

  Mallen described t...

• 4:00

  All-Star Jam Tonight in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Tonight's music   [edit]

  A collection of veteran Central Oregon musicians, including some heavy hitters, are taking to the stage tonight at the Pine Forest Grange.

  
  

  The band, dubbed French Z and the Lost Call, features Tim Goodman, a former member of The Call, as well as players who've performed with the like of the Greg Allman Band and Tower of Power. Also in the band is longtime Central Oregon music producer and recording specialist, Frenchy Mallen. Joe Leonardi will also be on hand.

  
  

  Mallen described t...

• December 03, 2010
• 12:57

  Last Comic Standing Winner Performs Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Call it a victory lap of sorts, but the winner of Central Oregon's Last Comic Standing is performing tonight at the Old Stone Church as part of No Contest, a show that gives some stage time to the top funny people from the contest, but this time with no prizes on the line.

  
  

  The winner, Jim Mortenson -- a funny, funny, hilariously funny dude -- will be on hand, as will runner-up Jake Woodmansee. If you want to stretch out the fun that was Last Comic Standing, this is where you should be....

• 12:57

  Last Comic Standing Winner Performs Tonight

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Call it a victory lap of sorts, but the winner of Central Oregon's Last Comic Standing is performing tonight at the Old Stone Church as part of No Contest, a show that gives some stage time to the top funny people from the contest, but this time with no prizes on the line.

  
  

  The winner, Jim Mortenson -- a funny, funny, hilariously funny dude -- will be on hand, as will runner-up Jake Woodmansee. If you want to stretch out the fun that was Last Comic Standing, this is where you should be....

• 8:20

  This New Source Staffer is Kind of a Bummer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  So yeah, this guy came into the office to whip us into shape as some sort of a newspaper bootcamp charade. Yeah...not really feeling his motivational style. And he appears to be made out of plastic, which is troubling.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 600x350]

• 8:20

  This New Source Staffer is Kind of a Bummer

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  video   [edit]

  So yeah, this guy came into the office to whip us into shape as some sort of a newspaper bootcamp charade. Yeah...not really feeling his motivational style. And he appears to be made out of plastic, which is troubling.

  
  

  [video [www.youtube.com] 600x350]

• December 02, 2010
• 11:07

  Win Free Tickets to Two Shows This Weekend: Larry and His Flask, Art For India

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Larry and His Flask   [edit]

  The Century Center, far and away the best new venue for live music in Central Oregon this year, is going to be active this weekend with two big shows. And Rise Up International, the organization behind both gigs is giving away free tickets.

  
  

  On Friday night, the tour-weathered men of Larry and His Flask are playing a homecoming show, and what they've said will be their last of the year, alongside Grant Sabin and Science Heroes. That show kicks off at 8pm.

  
  

  Then on Saturday, the Ce...

• 11:07

  Win Free Tickets to Two Shows This Weekend: Larry and His Flask, Art For India

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  The Century Center, far and away the best new venue for live music in Central Oregon this year, is going to be active this weekend with two big shows. And Rise Up International, the organization behind both gigs is giving away free tickets.

  
  

  On Friday night, the tour-weathered men of Larry and His Flask are playing a homecoming show, and what they've said will be their last of the year, alongside Grant Sabin and Science Heroes. That show kicks off at 8pm.

  
  

  Then on Saturday, the Ce...

• 8:45

  The Aggrolites Added to Bend WinterFest Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Just a day after I got word that Lyrics Born would be headlining Saturday Night of the 2011 edition of Bend WinterFest, I just learned that The Aggrolites will be playing on Friday night.

  
  

  A gritty old-school style reggae band out of Los Angeles, The Aggrolites have played frequently in Bend over the past couple of years, including much-raved-about headlining show at the Domino Room this spring. Although reggae has strayed to the outer regions of my radar, I be...

• 8:45

  The Aggrolites Added to Bend WinterFest Lineup

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Just a day after I got word that Lyrics Born would be headlining Saturday Night of the 2011 edition of Bend WinterFest, I just learned that The Aggrolites will be playing on Friday night.

  
  

  A gritty old-school style reggae band out of Los Angeles, The Aggrolites have played frequently in Bend over the past couple of years, including much-raved-about headlining show at the Domino Room this spring. Although reggae has strayed to the outer regions of my radar, I be...

• December 01, 2010
• 8:54

  Lyrics Born to Headline Winterfest in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:    [edit]

  Looking out the window, it might be difficult to believe that WinterFest is still two months away, but I just learned that the festival already has the music headliner (or at least one of them) lined up.

  
  

  Lyrics Born, the Bay-area jazzy/funky/world beat hip hopper is set to play the festival's headlining slot on Saturday, February 19. The vocalist, who combines big dance music sounds with some old-school hip-hop sounds, seems like a nice fit for the big WinterFest crowds to get down to ...

• 8:54

  Lyrics Born to Headline Winterfest in Bend

   » ‎ The Blender

  Tags:  Upcoming music   [edit]

  Looking out the window, it might be difficult to believe that WinterFest is still two months away, but I just learned that the festival already has the music headliner (or at least one of them) lined up.

  
  

  Lyrics Born, the Bay-area jazzy/funky/world beat hip hopper is set to play the festival's headlining slot on Saturday, February 19. The vocalist, who combines big dance music sounds with some old-school hip-hop sounds, seems like a nice fit for the big WinterFest crowds to get down to ...