Ear: Googly

In December, the powers that be in Bend got miffed about a popular prank that had the city’s residents laughing with glee.

“While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle,” the city of Bend huffed on Instagram, “it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art.” The post was greeted with snarky remarks, went viral and was even mentioned on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

The googly-eye gluer culprits were unknown, but one has recently revealed himself, according to the Associated Press. He is Bend resident Jeff Keith, founder of a nonprofit working against human trafficking, Guardian Group.

He revealed he used duct tape to attach the googly eyes, and in the past has decorated Bend sculptures with hula skirts and leis. No, he’s not regressing into adolescence. His pranks are an escape hatch from the “emotional toll” of his work dealing with human trafficking victims. And he did offer to pay for any damages.

“I think the biggest thing is, for me, just to get a laugh,” he explained. “When I come up on these roundabouts and I see families laughing, like hysterically laughing at these, it makes for a good time.” (Photo: City of Bend/We are for Good)