Department of Useless Observations
History Relegated to Mall Bathrooms
In my travels across this great state of Montana, I’ve visited many malls, and used many bathrooms. And I have noticed a peculiar phenomena I have never seen anywhere else. I don’t quite understand what it is about the odd relationship Montana cities have with their past that compels such places to hang the most fascinating, informative historical photographs along the hallways that lead to shopping mall restrooms.
[read more]Year off to a Good Start
Students Settle Back into Classroom
I was assigned to head up the Beacon’s inaugural “Back to School” special, which came out on the stands today and is also on our Web site. Aside from divvying out stories and writing a couple as well, I had the privilege of reminiscing about my school days in the introduction. By forcing myself to recall my own emotions regarding the end of summer and beginning of school, I find myself better able to appreciate the significance of this week: the beginning of school in the Flathead.
[read more]Media, Denver gear up for DNC
Convention Buzz
Last week, as I enjoyed a family vacation in Denver, the excitement building for the Democratic National Convention was palpable. The media is plenty excited as well, covering every conceivable angle of the convention, and judging by viewer predictions, it seems the average citizen is more interested than usual, too. It all makes for some interesting reading. But the funniest piece I stumbled upon is in preparation for the Republican National Convention.
[read more]A Signature Western Issue Pops Up in Presidential Campaign
McCain’s Water Rights Mini-Scandal
Amid the presidential campaign’s mini-scandal du jour – John McCain’s inability to say how many houses he owns – another potential gaffe by the presumptive Republican nominee is picking up steam on a signature issue of the Rocky Mountain West. McCain told a small Pueblo, Colo., newspaper last week he supported renegotiating a 1922 water compact between seven Western states. Western Democrats are pouncing.
[read more]The Age of 24 is Upon Me
Who Wants to Come to My Birthday Party?
It’s my birthday on Saturday. Woo hoo! In reality, the occasion is not what it once was. This year, there will be no cake or noisemakers, though I haven’t ruled out wearing a funny hat. You never know about these things. But I do plan to have fun. I’m heading down to Missoula to attend the River City Roots Festival, a downtown music gathering. I will meet up with a friend and perhaps bring a friend or two, along with my dog and guitar. With my birthday, however, comes the end of summer.
[read more]Lucky to escape with only time lost
Air Travel Tales
As I sat yesterday morning in the seat of a small airplane, my gangly legs pressed against the seat in front of me, waiting on the runway for “mechanical troubles” to be resolved, I remembered a series of travel columns from the San Francisco Chronicle that I read several years ago in a journalism class. In them, author John Finn outlined the seven stories he believes are essential for every traveler, and then recounted his own version of each. After recalling his and hearing a fellow passenger's tale, I was happy to say my travel story of delays and missed connections was rather mundane.
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