In the continuing effort to tap on geothermal energy for electricity, engineers are trying to tap on the power of a dormant volcano. In this project, planned for commencement in mid summer 2012, the Newberry Volcano in Bend, Oregon, will be harnessed for energy by pumping 24 million gallons of water into the side of the volcano. At the right depth, the water will come in contact with hot, magma-heated rocks. The super-heated and pressurized water will then be returned to the surface to drive turbines to generate electricity.....

When I moved to Central Oregon 17 years ago, the locals told me that there is the potential for snow to fall on any day of the year. In fact, several old-timers reminisced about that 4th of July snowstorm in nineteen something or other. I kind of swallowed those tales the way one does when a rickety relative brags about walking 10 miles to school in their youth, uphill (both ways) in hip-high snow or driving rain. You smile and nod at the hyperbole while trying to extricate yourself politely from the conversation with internal “whatevers” bouncing around in your brain.

I don’t know exactly why I am drawn to these decaying and often desolate places, but their appeal to me is undeniable.