Influence Peddling, Foolish Talking, and Coffee Slinging: More Tales from the City of Ashland Oregon

The Outlandia Gazette has been under fire by those we have satirized. Nothing we can’t handle! They’re like a pea shooter launching limp peas against an AK-47. Our artillery required we carefully explain exactly what satire is to these Bumbling Bureaucrats. They still didn’t get it. Which proves the theory that you can smack a Bu Bu over the head with a funny stick, but you can’t make him laugh. Hope y’all find the humor in our articles. Thanks for reading. …Read more »

Rosebud Media: You Are Part of the Problem

America at its ugliest: Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Jr., Tanisha Anderson, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Oscar Grant, Amadou Diallo, Dante Parker, Rayshard Brooks, Travon Martin, Breona Taylor, George Floyd. And so many others. Senseless brutal killings and deaths. All because of skin color. America at its best: Owning up to the systemic racism in our culture and doing something about it. Like spreading awareness that the dominant view of America through white people’s eyes must be eradicated. Like a bad virus. Getting rid of an inappropriate photograph in a local newspaper is a start. …Read more »

New Play about the Earl of Oxford: “To Be or Not to Be Enlightened”

The authenticity of the man named William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon being in fact the person who wrote the Shakespeare canon has been in doubt for hundreds of years. A viable alternative is Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. For one thing, his biography matches the plots of plays and his level of education regarding subjects written about far surpasses the other guy’s. People who believe the theory that de Vere is Shakespeare are called Oxfordians. People who believe the antiquated notion about the Stratford grain seller are called Stratfordians. It’s kinda like the Hatfields vs the McCoys. Only more intellectual. And no guns. (At least not literally.) There are plenty of groups and organizations that support both camps. We at the Gazette are enthusiastically Oxfordian. Unraveling the veracity about the authorship is important if you value Truth–which is in short supply these days. It’s important to us because not only do we value Truth, we also value the written word. Sometimes it’s fun to be aligned with this mission in life. Other times not. Hence the need for this article. Read on, and remember: “The play’s the thing.” No matter who wrote it. …Read more »

The Gazette Has a New Name. Like a rose by any other name still smells as sweet!

The Ashlandia Gazette is headed in a more outward direction, expanding our focus beyond what’s going on outside our front door to include anything that catches our interest in the big ol’ world out there. We feel we need to rename our illustrious rag sheet to: 1) Better encompass this outsized endeavor. 2) Better describe our outlandish writing style. 3) Better illuminate our outspoken opinions. Henceforth, we give you the Outlandia Gazette! …Read more »

Small Thinking Never Leads to Big Things – A Lesson for Ashland, Oregon

To keep the brain functioning it needs glucose–supplied by eating food. Similarly, to operate at its maximum ability, the brain needs daily optimal nourishment–a meal of BIG thoughts. Yummy! Thinking SMALL inhibits the brain. Thinking BIG allows for a brainstorm of creativity, innovation, and productivity. These can improve oneself; one’s community; and the entire world. …Read more »

Censorship Alive and Well in Ashland Oregon – Library Bans This Newspaper

The Ashland Public Library, part of Jackson County Library Services, displays two newsletters in the periodical section. One is a monthly issue from the Parks and Recreation Department and the other is a monthly publication from the Rogue Valley Audubon Society. The Ashlandia Gazette is an independent newspaper, written in editorial form about issues concerning Ashland. The library has BANNED the Ashlandia Gazette from being displayed. Following is our response to this form of censorship. …Read more »

Ashland Oregon’s NPR Station Serves Up Censorship Stew to Silence Women

It is our opinion that the major institutions in Ashland, Oregon exhibit internalized and systemic sexist beliefs, resulting in behavior demeaning to women and attempts to silence them. We’ve seen it at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, OLLI, the Daily Tidings, Jefferson Public Radio, and City Hall. We anticipate that the Ashland Public Library will also shortly fall in line with these other groups. Unfortunately, to fix this horrendous problem, it must first be acknowledged. Good luck with that. …Read more »

Ashland, Oregon’s Female Problem – Bad for Society and Bad for Business

Ashland, Oregon is at a cross-roads with its status as a first-rate city to live, work, and play. The over indulgence of male-dominated thinking and male-dominated priorities have made it out of step with the prevailing mindset of today — ensuring women’s opportunities, rights, and gender parity. Ashland needs to get on the right road before it wanders off into obscurity. …Read more »