Tuesday, January 21, 2003

 

Undaunted Craziness

Here's an interesting meditative essay on Captain Meriwether Lewis that lays the groundwork for – but never actually mentions – the most common explanation I've heard and read: that Lewis suffered from manic-depression – bipolar disorder, in today's parlance. It can be a prescription for greatness – most often promised, yet never quite realized – as well as intensely felt pain and struggle.
posted by tom 6:14 AM

Sunday, January 19, 2003

 
Lewis and Clark Bandwagon

Varied – and even competing – groups and causes are using the occasion of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial to proselytize. (One of the most interesting, and potentially far-reaching such vehicles – a Montana-based ranching-related program called Undaunted Stewardship – isn't mentioned here, but it will emerge.) Meanwhile, research offers both optimistic and cautionary notes to those banking on increased tourism owing to the Bicentennial.

posted by tom 7:29 AM

Tuesday, January 14, 2003

 

"Montana Wildlife Partnership" Explained

A leader in the Montana Stockgrowers Association explains the organization's "Wildlife Partnership" proposals, separating fact from fiction – and clarifying that the organization is proceeding slowly, in hopes of building agreement rather than inciting a controversy.

A Solution to Diseased Yellowstone Bison?

They're working on the vaccine – and how to deliver it.
posted by tom 7:34 AM

Sunday, January 12, 2003

 
A Dog that
Makes His Home Amid "Superfund" Toxics

The amazing story of a dog called The Auditor.

"Kentucky Fried Cruelty" Campaign
Inspires Questions About the Intelligence of Chickens

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Colonel Sanders to improve the welfare of chickens. "Even so, Mr. Evans conceded, ‘I don't think an argument based on chicken intelligence is going to go anywhere.'"
posted by tom 10:34 AM

Tuesday, January 07, 2003

 

Yellowstone Park's First "Planted" Wolf Killed by Other Wolves

He lived longer than most wolves do in the wild, and now Nature's Way has done him in. "He was a mammoth wolf with one of the biggest, bushiest tails I've ever seen," he said. "But he was old, 8 years old, and a step slower."

posted by tom 8:00 AM

Sunday, December 29, 2002

 

Will Coal-Bed Methane Development
Destroy the Rangelands – and Waters – Where It Occurs?

Urban audiences are only just starting to hear about this controversy, which has been building for years in places like Wyoming and southeastern Montana, where many see coal-bed methane projects as virtually the only serious hope for beleaguered rural economies. The "yes we can" v. "no you can't" rhetoric is classic; proponents and opponents could just as easily be talking about any other recent environmental controversy of consequence. And as with other issues, consensus – if it ever comes – will emerge after the damage has been found either to be lasting – or not.

Ate Too Much?
Relax – You've Got Lots of Company

"It is time to rehabilitate gluttony. We would not be here without it." This article may be music to your ears, solace for your past lives.
posted by tom 7:27 AM

Sunday, December 08, 2002

 
Coming Soon:
The Return of BigSkyView

After a Summer and Fall of densely-packed work, travel and distraction, I've finally had the time to switch to new software that will once again allow me to post here. Watch this space for new posts coming in the near future.
posted by tom 8:23 AM