Laughing Stalk Syndicate, Copyright 2006In a previous job, I used to work with people who are blind or visually impaired. I traveled quite extensively to different conferences and trade shows. During those conferences, I had the opportunity to meet all sorts of people and see all sorts of products related to technology, mobility, and independent living. After a while, everything started running together, and I can't remember where I've been without a datebook and an ... [full story]

A mutant matinee!  Starring "X"-treme, altered egos of derring-do … but with much more BANG! for that proverbial buck than "X"-pected.   Not just on screen, but the filmmaking team of superheros have driven this film to "X"-hilarating heights.  Only superheros could move the action along at a breathtaking pace, keeping the audience riveted in suspense, unsure of any predictable outcome.  Only superheros could throw around such weighty themes as absolute power, homophobia and forced genetic ... [full story]

I know I’m probably not the only one to congratulate you on your first print issue of Bend Weekly.  I applaud you for your foray into a local weekly publication, geared towards family and community.  I appreciate the fact that I was able to share your paper with my wife and kids, without having to censor the articles or the ads.  I especially enjoyed the article on Lap Yan Chan of Chan’s Chinese.  I must ... [full story]

On Saturday, May 13, when Senator John McCain (R-AZ) showed up to speak to the graduating class at the Reverend Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University, hand shakes, smiles and hugs abounded. The key words of the day were “tolerance,” “respect,” and “understanding,” and the Senator’s overarching theme was his defense of President Bush War on Iraq. The Senator was nice; the Reverend was nice, the audience was nice. The bitter Republican Party presidential campaign of 2000 ... [full story]

If you are thinking of going to a modern art show anytime soon, you might want to consider taking your own chair. The husband and I recently toured a minimalist exhibit, which is an art show that looks like the gallery moved all the art to another location except for the pieces that were too heavy and too large to load on the U-Haul.  The first piece of minimalism we encountered looked like a side-by-side ... [full story]

The Thespian Society at Summit High School will conduct a “Pirate Camp” for young performers this summer as a fundraiser for the group. The acting camp will be open to 50 children, grades kindergarten through fifth. It will be held at Summit High School from June 26 through June 30. Wee mateys will work with student directors to learn the basic techniques of successful theatre, following a pirate theme. By the end of the five-day camp, ... [full story]

High School Graduations This Week Over 1000 students will walk through commencement this week as Bend-LaPine Schools holds graduation ceremonies.  With 1023 students set to receive diplomas, the Class of 2006 will be the largest graduating class the district has seen in at least 5 years. LaPine High School will hold its commencement ceremony June 6th at 7 pm at the high school.  They will have 105 graduates. Marshall High School will hold graduation for its 35 students ... [full story]

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon announced earlier this week that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has committed to adding additional staff and equipment to Roberts Field in Redmond, to help improve the efficiency of passenger and luggage security screening.  This fall, TSA will hire six more part-time screeners for the airport and will purchase two Reveal CTX-80 baggage scanners to help reduce delays due to security screening for individuals flying out of Redmond.  TSA also ... [full story]

Due to uncertain road funding, The Board of County Commissioners will consider adopting a policy placing a moratorium on the establishment of any new roads in Deschutes County at their June 7 Board meeting.Today, Deschutes County is responsible for the maintenance of nearly 900 miles of roads in the County. A portion of the funding to maintain these roads comes from federal forest lands revenue in the County.Deschutes County currently receives approximately $3.0 million per ... [full story]

The City has been working toward the adoption of a new Development Code since early 2002.  The process started with the formation of a Citizens Code Advisory Committee.  This committee met regularly with a contract consultant to develop a draft proposal. The Draft Development Code was made available to the public in October 2003.  At that time, staff began a series of public workshops to review the highlights of the proposed Draft Code and receive ... [full story]