The Chinese New Year Parade is upon us. Soon Butte's Chinese New Year Parade will being. It's the Coldest, Loudest, and Shortest Chinese New Year Parade In the World. Today was the day to take the dragon out of is home at the Mai Wah Chinese History Museum and put it in the courthouse. The parade will take it back.
And of course like years past there will be firecrackers all along the parade route. However unlike years past this time the whole affair will be illegal. The Council of Commissioners showed a profound disregard for personal freedoms last month and passed an ordinance against fireworks except for immediately before and after New Years and the 4th. This is the face of 0 fireworks related incidents; and after reassurance to the public that Chinese New Year would be specifically excluded from the ban.
Labels: Chinese New Year, image, Montana, politics, rights
Today, April 21st 2007, is Tax Freedom day. Today is the day when the average citizen has worked off their federal and state tax burdens for 2007. The government has contented its self this year with a mere 16 weeks of your earnings.
Aren't you glad you could work 16 weeks out of the year for "The Man"? Look around at all the splendor the government provides you in return. Well maintained and regularly cleaned streets; a foreign policy predicated on making friends and allies around the globe; a top notch ferderal disaster response team; protection from virtually all crime; a transparent government run by politicians of the highest moral fiber; a strong stable currency; a good trade balance with foreign nations; a strong labor market that rarely loses jobs oversees; unintrusive and highly effective airport security; courteous and helpful civil servants who are eager to handle your specific request at the DMV, IRS, TSA, ICE etc; and reasonably priced health care are just a few.
Oh. Um. that 16 weeks (i.e. 1/3 of your pay) doesn't included the hidden tax of inflation (which is caused by the federal reserve using play money to buy the bonds we use to cover the deficit. but thats a whole different topic). Thats an additional two weeks.
Oh and one more thing. April 21st is the Montanan Tax Freedom Date. If you live elsewhere it might be different. Californians (just as random example) will need to work 16 more days (May 7th) to achieve 2007 tax freedom. But its worth it, right?
Further Reading: Tax Freedom Day - The Tax FoundationLabels: big government, California, economics, Montana, taxes
Labels: earth science, economics, global, Montana
I'm making a habit of eating at Duane's Sausage and Specialties. In fact, I just got back from there. I recommend you try it.
Duane's is relatively new. It's located where Spagatini's used to be at 26 North Main. (I would give you a link to a map but Google, Yahoo, and Mapquest all suck and put it in Walkerville.) I tend to eat lunch there on Saturday because it's immediately adjacent to the Farmer's Market. Oh, And it's utterly delightful.
The big thing at Duane's is high quality meat, specifically buffalo. I've devoured a few buffalo burgers and highly recommend them. I've also dined on the grilled pork loin sandwich, also excellent. Duane's also carries premade subs, deli stuff, and preservative free turnovers made by the Amish. (I'm saving my last one for this evening)
Duane also sells frozen meat like a good butcher shop. This week I'll be eating some ground buffalo dishes. I also recommend the pancetta wrapped buffalo filet mignon. That was awesome.
Duane's is a family-run locally owned business, so you can feel good about frequenting it.
The store front doesn't represent the business very well. It would be easy to walk right by it. But that's OK, it makes it our little secret. The front of Duane's Sausage and Specialties is full of brick-a-brack. Just ignore all that and walk towards the back were the good eating awaits.
The following is a list of all the specials for the rest of September- 16th - Double Buffalo Burger with Bacon. $5.95
- 18th - 2 Buffalo Frankfurters with Sauerkraut. $4.95
- 19th - 1/2 Pound Ground Round Cheese Burger. $4.95
- 20th - 1/2 Pound Mild Italian Sausage. $4.25
- 21th - Grilled Pork Loin Sandwich. $4.25
- 22th - Grilled Roast Turkey Sandwich. $4.95
- 23th - Pudgie Burger - 1/2 Pound Bavarian Sausage, 1/2 Pound Ground Buffalo Patty with Cheese. $6.50
- 25th - Grilled Buffalo Cube Steak Sandwich. $5.75
- 26th - Boneless Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich. $4.95
- 27th - 1/2 Pound Grilled Sausage Had with Melted Swiss Cheese. $4.25
- 28th - Old Fashioned Chili Cheese Dog. $3.75
- 29th - 1/2 Pound Buffalo Bacon Cheeseburger. $4.95
- 30th - 1/2 Pound Hot Italian Sausage Sandwich with Provolone Cheese. $4.25
Order ahead at 406-782-3030. You know you want to.
Labels: Butte, food, Montana, recomendation, review
Lets role play! I'll play the part of the Butte-Silver Bow Fair organizer and you play a guy pretending to be a member of the band Redbone.
ME (as BSB fair) : Who are you again? YOU (as fake Redbone) : I'm the founder of Redbone. ME (as BSB fair) : Your known for what songs, again? YOU (as fake Redbone) : {fumble with crumpled list} Says here: "Come and Get Your Love.", "Maggie", "And witch Queen of New Orleans" ME (as BSB fair) : Great! I'd love to pay you $6500 to play at our fair. I wont be needing any proof that you are indeed Redbone; Nor will I bother to do even cursory Google search. YOU (as fake Redbone) : Cool. Uh, one thing though: half the band will have the mumps so they wont be there. ME (as BSB fair) : No problem. I am not suspicious in any way. Here is the keys to the city. ... OH! and you can't play the night before at The Party Palace. I want to be known as the guy who did not bring a fake Redbone to town. YOU (as fake Redbone) : Fine.
Wow! That was fun. Even the BBC is covering how the Fair got duped. Fake Band Screws Butte - the BBC.
Some how he managed to get a direct flight from SFO. A sign of the economic progress of Butte? Or perhaps I just need to fly more often.
Labels: Butte, friends, Knievel Week, Montana
Labels: berkely pit, Butte, entertainment, Montana
Labels: friends, kayak, Montana
How many presdants came to your town this week? I thought so. Mary McAleese, the president of Ireland, came for a visit. Apearantly its not uncommon for the president of Ireland to come. Then again I belive I have more fingers than they have past presidents. We went to hear her speak at the MAC.
I dont know much about her politics so as far as I know she is one of those raving euro-socialist types complete with mouth-foam. Regardless she has two good things going for her. 1.) Ireland is becoming a rags to riches story and is probably one of the most succesful members of the European Union; and McAleese has been around long enough to take some of the credit. 2.) She not only came to Butte but thanked the community for all the countless mining dollars that they have sent over the decades back to Ireland. So huzzah for McAleese!
In the photo above I have highlighted the back of McClease's head, Robert and Sabrina. They were so close they could have bit her, or shook her hand. Either way. Specail bonus points for those who noticed that the image overlay was the Irish Flag.
Labels: Butte, global, image, Montana
Spring has sprung in Butte. Which means all the projects that got halted because of weather last year are in full swing. Businesses are painting; the city is tearing up the streets. I came around the corner this morning to discover a crew snapping a chalk line down the sidewalk. "Ga! They are tearing up my sidewalk. Why wasn't I informed?". Turns out its public art. The line speaks to our divisions visa-vi property delineation or whatever. A bit too high concept for my feeble mind. Nice people though.
Read more about the art in the Montana Standard.
Labels: art, Butte, image, Montana
Howdy all. Just back from my late Spring California trip-o-goodness. For the ones I got to see it was fantastic and for the ones I didn't I'll labor extra to catch you next time. I'd like to re-extend my invitation to all you to come visit me in Montana. This spring/summer would be an excellent time. Events of note:
- June 28th - My birthday.
- June 28th - July 4th - "Fireworks Week", the Independence Day Eve fireworks display and the 4th of July Parade. Yes I did say Independence Day Eve. Independance Day Post from last year. Be sure to check out the fireworks movie.
- July 27th - July 29th - Evel Kievel Week Kievel Week Posts from last year
Labels: Butte, California, Montana
Some photos for friday the 13th
The Christmas rush at Blue Glass Enterprises, LLC.
A Logo on a Truck
The name of the local 1/2 A hockey team is the Butte Rough Riders. I'll pause for a bit so you can make your own hockey/Butt(e) jokes. ... Unfortunately they are 4 and 27. Fortunately they are on a streak, having won 3 of the last 4 games. One against a #1 opponent and the other against a #2 team. Robert and I attended a game recently against last place Kent. What a hoot; a 12-2 ass whooping. After a slow first period the Rough Riders seemed to really gel. 8 bucks for a few hours of watching these kids beat the crud out of each other, worth every penny. The Rough Riders play pretty rough, and I suspect it intimidates a number of the other players, and the ones who aren't intimidated end up committing foolish retribution penalties. The Rough Riders, one more reason Butte is awesome.
Butte Rough Riders. I'll post some pictures next time I go to a game.
Labels: Butte, Montana, sports
The Australian Aborigines (I think it's them, perhaps its the Mongols?) rate the coldness of a night by how many dogs you'll need to cuddle with. The coldest is a 3 dog night. It was also a band from the early 70's; but I digress.
For the last couple of days the low has been in the negative 20's and the highs have been in the single digits. Currently its about 2 and I'm enjoying both degrees. Truth be told its not as unbearable as one might think. We don't have winds so no wind chill, normally its sunny, and the air is very dry. Though I've learned a lot of interesting things about the cold. Let me enumerate a few of them.
- Trucks start but they don't like it.
- The refrigerator never turns on. Its more like a cabinet
- Below -10 it hurts a bit to take a deep breath.
- In the short trip from the supermarket to the car flowers will wilt and die.
- Pipes burst
- Locks freeze
- Large amounts of store shelf space that used to hold ice melt, space heaters, and heat-tape sit empty between shipments
- Pedestrians become less willing to dart in front of cars on icy streets.
- Ice cream sounds less appealing
- The office admin has trouble typing with gloves on.
- You find yourself dry-humping a space heater
- You can make zero radius u-turns. With some practice you can even do them on purpose.
- An apparently unfrozen bottle of water will flash freeze when you try to drink it.
- You drink more; not only because it warms you up but also because alcohol remains a liquid at colder temperatures,
Speaking of burst pipes: Over the summer we scavenged the power cords for the heat tape. And come this year only some of it got plugged back in. I discovered the oversight and plugged it all in. It, of course. had froze and burst. That basement is pack to the gills with hastily stacked trim, doorframes and faux brass headboards. To turn off the water I had to scramble over all this while getting drenched. When its -20 out and 20 inside, it's not fun to be wet.
The Continental Divide in the Morning from the Colorado Mineyard
Labels: Butte, earth science, image, Max, Montana
Since the move to Butte my eyes have opened to new host of projection techniques. The repertoire is rich with films that slow to a stop or proceed for minutes at a time without all that pesky audio. Carmike Cinema 6 also has invoked the classic, but rare, on screen melting of a film strip.
But do not suppose for a moment that Carmike is all projection genius, they don't fail to under whelm in a number of areas. The sound proofing is so poor that during the quiet moments in your film you can enjoy the hissing and popping sounds of the next movie over's sound system. Lets also not forget the off brand candy. Why have good candy when you can vend utter crap?
Its not all bad. We do have the Sliver Bow Twin; a two screen drive-in of movie going divinity. It has near perfect throw and they usually pick two decent movies. To bad it's closed during the winter and that I'm too inept to clean my windshield before the show.
But none of that is my point. My point was to mention that I took some free time whilst visiting CA to catch up on some movies. For those with long memories perhaps you'll recall the DSR Movie List. Essentially, the movie ratings of Steve, Chris and myself. Consider this a mini revival. It's not really so much of a current list but rather somthing to consider when your trying to fill your Netflix cue.
What's the over-under on a whole new release, you ask? About 2%. I already burn a lot of time on non-productive ventures, so until y'all start paying to read my blog it will be hard to justify. Step one: get someone to read my Blog...
Rent D+
In a word...inane. Take the medications your prescribed, stop taking the medications you buy on the corner, and get a job. I didn't see the musical version, I mostly dislike musicals, I don't believe good artists are entitled to the artist life much less these talentless hacks, I'm a landlord, and I'm brutish and simple-minded. So perhaps I'm not the target audience. But in any case the suckage was audible.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. B-
These movies leave me feeling that the books are probably better. I'd say it is the best of these Potter movies so far, if only because its darker and less juvenile. If you liked the others then you'll likely enjoy this.
Walk the Line B+
Musician bio-pics tend to be gappy and cliched. Walk the Line is gappy without most of those painful cliches. Joaquin and Reece carry the film and do a surprisingly decent job filing the singing shoes of Cash and Carter.
Jarhead B+
Not a war movie. Just thought I'd warn you. Its not a spoof of Full Metal Jacket either though you'll be tempted to think otherwise at first. It's a comment on what is to be a modern foot soldier, or at least what it was to be a soldier in the early nineties. The main character is a bit blank so when he does show some emotion its hard to tell if he's just being a smart ass. You'll like or hate most of the characters.
Ice Harvest B+
Like a windyroad on a lakebed, it has twists and turns but you can see them all coming. It's a fun movie anyways, and people die when they should. The ending is nice as well. Very much the dark movie you'd expect and enjoy from a Thorton and Cusak team.
Good Night, and Good Luck B+
A short and largely undramatic flick surrounding the clash between Edward R. Murrow and company with Senator McCarthy. Its makes for an interesting story about an interesting time and is told without unnecessary glitz. Think docu-drama but without the painful melodrama.
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang C+
A murder mystery that's a bit strung together. The film manages to be amusing without being funny. It's an excuse to see the chemistry between neurotic Robert Downey Jr., and gay but tough Val Kilmer, with some nudity thrown in. Think: Empty Cake with Cleaver Icing.
Chicken Little C+
Another animated romp for kids with enough little jokes for adults. It's a luke-warm first attempt by Disney at CG animated films. I predict only one direct to video sequel.
Labels: Butte, Montana, movies, recomendation, review
A Church for 2nd marriages?
And low, on the tenth day of the eleventh month this year of our lord two thousand and five, Silver Bow Properties, LLC. has purchased a pink church. Actually the historic placard suggests it was a boarding house for a dozen miners. It will make for a nifty three-plex. It is tucked in a small community between the Stewart and Original mineyards.
Labels: Butte, image, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
My brother was here. It was great to see him. I get the sense he understands now what I'm up to out here. The following are some of his photographs.
The Merry Widow mine is one of those holistic health centers (read: scam). You pay for "treatments" which involves sitting in this old mine with other suckers for thirty-three 1 hour sessions. It was being run by an attractive young lady who let us wander through. It apparently works by triggering our natural healing abilities and ties in some how with our near negligible levels of radiation we produce naturally. I would have asked her out but I don't believe in pixies and gnomes. It was cool of her to lets us wander around.
Merry Widow Mine
We went to the capital building. Way super neat. One of the prettier buildings of the state. Especially considering our legislature is in session for 90 days every two years.
The State Capital Building of Montana (Helena, MT)
On a lark we stopped at this glass blowing shop. We sat in while they made there nifty art. As a former Californian it's bizarre to live in such a cool place. Sure they blow glass in California, sure they let you watch; but they don't let you sit close enough to reach out and touch the molten glass.
Rolling molten glass in a coloring agent
This was pretty awesome.
Sticker on a logging truck
Labels: Butte, family, image, Montana
More Freestyle Motocross Pictures.
A "Back Flip"
A "Superman Seat Grab"
Dueling "Cliffhangers"
A "Superman" and a "Whip" about 6 feet apart.
A "Kick-Out Back Flip". The Clear Crowd Favorite
Some Nifty Stunts.
Evel Days was way super cool. Three days of drinking and music in the streets, women-folk, stunt shows, noise, and we saw a fireman accidentally set himself on fire. How can you not like that?
Labels: Butte, image, Knievel Week, Montana
Evel Days was a bitchen', three-day, free, street-party. A lot of the events occurred in front of our building so Robert was able to get some fantastic images and movies. Here is one of the "Team Xtreem" freestyle streetbike guys.
The SCS Motocross Freestyle Group was probably the coolest bit.
A "Dead Body"
A "Cliff Hanger"
Guy Riding a Bike on a High Wire.
We are just getting started on the weekend so more to come.
Labels: Butte, image, Knievel Week, Montana
I went to the counsel meeting, An agent spoke for the developer. My letter of support was mentioned by an advocate of sticking to original plan. The Counsel more or less didn't grasp the importance and just approved the changes. A commisoner brought up that it was a gas station prior to being an empty lot so more or less any improvement is welcome.
Labels: Butte, mini-golf, Montana
Who likes monkeys? I do I do!
Keeley returned today. She mostly worked on the BGE stuff. I offered her the over time. She was unenthused but didn't say no. She sighted continued illness. She says that Craig was not well. Some cellulitous or such thing. Mosquitoes.
Prior to the meeting I got a call stating that the 651 S Main place (old main) was unsuitable. I presented it as an option anyway. The board couldn't have been less interested in stock and were compelled by the notion that Old Main is a detriment. I was able to convince them to table the issue for a month until the main street place is completed. When done (hopefully the next two weeks) we will get an appraisal. That should satisfy the counsel.
I just found some food stuck to my arm.
I was asked to be at the counsel meeting tonight. The competing bid for the 6 lots on the 200 Park Street guys are trying an 11th hour switcheroo (The competitor for the mini-golf). Or aleast thats whet i've been told. I was asked to decide objectionable I find their new proposal. We would be in a weak position to protest as our idea was to convert it into a miniature golf course. I advised that they contact MERDI. They have an east side development plan. I'm sure they have an opinion on the development. Simply a matter of whether they wish to throw their weight around.
I want to go the movies. The last movie I saw: Batman Begins was quite good. I'm going to chance War of the Worlds.
Robert has left with Christina and Keri to take them to the airport in SLC. I took Billy Bob out and he rolled in animal carcass. Not as bad as before but he will still need to be bathed. He is whiny.
Labels: Butte, friends, Montana, pets, Silver Bow Properties
The Mortgage people handling the loan for the Granite Street purchase took their sweet time getting started. I failed to bust their asses sooner in the process and am paying for it now. They have two options: A full-doc that requires sale proof on 50 E. Valecitus (which I'd have to get from Paul) or a stated that relies on the legal existence of Silver Bow Software, LLC. Bizarre; the value of that which is truly nothing.
I need to give the presentation to the BLDC board tomorrow. I need to convince them to take the Imperial and some combination of stock and the 649 S. Main Street project as collateral. I need to get a real estate guide to pull some comps. I'll do some for the Imperial, though I do already have a comparative analysis from the Real Estate Agent. I'll mostly want it for the Main street property. I'll also want to show the general market appreciation if I can.
Several weeks ago I shot a shotgun off upstairs as a test of how far load goes in a house. It went through a lath/plaster wall and some pellets though the next. Robert shot his nine-millimeter. It went through two walls and then some shrapnel ricocheted off the floor. This more or less matched my original thoughts that a shotgun is the best for home defense and in our case should only be used when cleanly backstopped by a brick wall. Hollow points like in Robert's 9 pack with wall material and more or less gain momentum.
I shall go retrieve the guide I require after this episode of Voyager. "The Omega Directive."
I tried to find the SBS business license but found it missing. The lack of proper filing is driving me crazy. Though it is fair to remember its was further behind before Keeley was here. I do need to spell things out for her more thoroughly than I have been. Mind reading isn't in her job description.
Rocky 2ed out side twice and was 1 and 1 with 1s today. The 2nd 2 was like three tatertots. I think he squeezed them out solely for my benefit. I shall take him with me on my little trip to find a real estate guide. Then it's off to bed.
This morning I took a pee at the 1st alarm of 6:30. I was more awake then than the #3 7:45 alarm later on. I think I'll change up to waking at 6:30 regardless of how nice I might be to get that extra hour plus. This wont be the first time I've fail at making this correction.
Labels: Butte, guns, Montana, mood, pets, Silver Bow Properties, Silver Bow Software
An amusing set of girl-less BBQs has occupied yesterday and early today. girl-less only in sense that no prospects for Mrs. Detjens emerged. Amusing in the sense that it was my first 4th/3rd of July here in Butte. Perhaps the most beautiful display I've ever seen. A whole city celebrating without fear of the capricious and arbitrary stomp of CA government jackboots. Here is a short movie of the civilian fireworks. Robert took some excellent photographs. I spliced them into a time-elapse video of the fireworks display.
Pretty!
I bought so many fireworks I couldn't launch them all.
Billy-Bob growled and nipped at me this morning. I was able to calm him and get him to go where I went.
I'll be going to the BLDC loan committee meeting this week. Wish me luck.
It's been well with Robert and Christina. I needed to remember that I can only modulate my own actions; and that even when it seems the responsibility lies with others changes to improve myself can often have astonishing improvements in my relations with others.
Tomorrow will be a busy day.
So far today (beyond related activities and cleanup) I read some from Game Developer Magazine, watched an episode of Voyager (As I write) an episode of SG-1 (thanks to mom for the recording) and cleanup from yesterdays BBQ. I think that's why I'm such a hit with the ladies.
I am feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Not only for the soon-after activities of today and tomorrow but for the renewed pursuit of even more ridiculous aspirations such as starting a game development company.
It remains for me to layout my apartment upstairs and check on a payroll error. Ralph will be getting his payroll raise next week to 8$. His mother died while mom was here. I owe mom a call. My phone died yesterday. Sumit also called on Saturday. I was good to here is voice. It sounds like he might swing out here whilst on a trip to Idaho (Boise most likely). But I don't have the bastards phone number.
Labels: Butte, culture, image, Montana, Silver Bow Properties, Silver Bow Software
Had dinner at the Broadway Cafe last night with Robert Christina and Keri. Sat next to some local government folk we know. They where debating the realtive merits of some developers packet proposals (which includes the 659 S. Main and 631 W Silver Properties we bid on.) We were told it was unlikely we would get both (probably the Main St. one as we were the only bidder). But Robert seems convinced that the silver one will go to us as well. I think the only other bidder was a war vet with pronounced PTSD.
I'm going to start crate training Rocky today. I'll try to use the one that Robert bought for Billy-Bob but its will likely prove to small. So I'll be ordering one today. Rocky's severe separation anxiety causes him to tear a place up so it's really the only way. He gets trapped in the bathroom and other stuff. I don't want to come home with him crushed under something he knocked over. He did shit two out of three times in the parking lot at the old Pudgies pizza yesterday so that's good.
I figured out the payroll stuff more or less. I should probably have hired someone else to do it but I'd rather figure it out myself and then turn into a data entry spreadsheet activity for Keeley.
An employeed approached me on Ralph Clarke's behalf. He wants us to give him a raise. We have just bumped him to $7, though he clearly should be getting $8. Ralph has been excellent and would be worth every bit of $8. We pay the other two regulars $8. Steve is worth it but Dave has been slacking and largely worthless. I just want to get workers comp coverage before he freaks out and takes off his toe with w/ a nail gun.
Mom comes Thursday night, late. She's here until the morning of the 28th. Insists that she needs to see me on my birthday. I'll show her my little empire. Keeley starts work again the same day.
The BLDC has refused to accept 649-651 S. Main as part of a collateral package for a loan. they say's its un-marketable. I disagree (but my vote doesn't count). I'm going to try to get an appointment with the main shot-caller to discuss collateralization.
Well Lots to do.
Labels: Butte, family, friends, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
The new batman movie was quite enjoyable. I like the usage of the Scarecrow as sorta thinner mid-tier DC baddie that didn't overwhelm the more important hero's journey elements of the batman backstory. A more compelling character like the Joker would have been too much.
Keeley is off for a few days. She sorta sprung that on me after I offered her the job. Rampant grumpiness has ensued.
Keri is in town. We are going to the Virginia City Follies (I think) tomorrow. I'm debating stopping by and hastling Bartender Girl some more. But it's probably a wasteful and self-destructive endeavor. But I don't want her to think I'm seeing Keeley. Keeley and Craig mentioned a hot raven-haired woman was at a newish coffe shop. I saw her at the Art Walk. They are quite right. Very Tasty. It requires further investigation.
The Art-Walk was pretty nifty. Its where a number of temporary "Phantom Galleries" are put up with all manner of artists. We had a "Phantom Gallery" here with a Yellowstone themed ceramics artist and a regional outdoorsy photographer. Very cool.
Labels: art, Butte, culture, Montana, movies, recomendation, review
Keeley is working into things slowly. Her computer skills are a bit light but she seems to learn and retain well. I've spent most of my time working with her. A lot of problems with my processes have cropped up so that's eating time.
The proposal for the west park golf course site fell through. Actually a bit on purpose. We sent a letter of support for the alternate project to the land sales committee. The other project involves 1.5 Million to develop and office building. If they can get that project then that’s the way they should go. We were tentatively offered some unbuildable land over by the pit as a consolation prize. It may not be the way to go considering it's a superfund site (meaning no digging and thus no buildings).
Labels: Butte, mini-golf, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Keeley's computer is only now up and running. The electrical in that area along with phone and the actual counter still needs work but I’m going to move her there when she gets back from lunch today.
Mini-golf course presentation went quite well. Afterwards we ended up at the M&M with Commissioners Sorich, Walker, Dunlap, Bury, and Sheehe (more or less a 1/3 of the council). We didn't talk about the course with the lot of them but did make some new friends and discussed our vision for Butte as well as our projects.
Sheehe had a good idea for the course. Put it under a headframe (he was thinking the Original). We are perusing that idea with some folks up at teh courthouse about a diffrent headframe. Looks great.
This is what a headframe looks like.
In the mean time check out the MiniPut2 game
Caught up with Bartender Girl. She is to call me tomorrow for a lunch date. We shall see.
Labels: Butte, image, mini-golf, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
A quick Butte Civics lesion. There are three towns in Silver Bow County: Butte-bustling city of 35,000, Walkerville-I'd call it Butte's Springtown, and Rocker-a truck stop and a ganky full-nude strip-bar. So since Butte is the only real city in the county in 1977 (A great vintage for babies) the city and county governments merged. The upshot of witch is that while a city has a city council and a mayor, Butte-Silver Bow has a Council of Commissioners and a Chief Executive.
Now a quick Butte Econ Lesson: B-SB is like Flint Michigan in that it was a one-industry town (mining) and then the industry left (prices of metals fell). And like Flint, a some of the Butte citizens choose to stay, and many other chose to leave. Two other employers came in, the Montana Power Company and Touch America (telecommunications not a crazy band of perverts). Well they both went under. Needless to say the economy has had some serious suckage. The upshot of which is BSB has a lot of property that was lost to back-taxes.
More Civics: They used to sell the property at a big tax sale. But bad people took advantage by buying historic buildings on-the-cheap and then gutting them for timbers and brick (largely to ship to the west coast or north east). They would then not pay the taxes leaving BSB with the same property but in far worse condition. The new strategy is to issue Developer's Packets. Which is like a tax auction except that your plans are the more the focus than your bid. Plus you must get reasonably along in your project before you get the deed. (though if they take it back they have to reimburse you for your improvements).
Why was all that important? I am making a presentation to the Council of Commissioners regarding a developer's packet tonight. Its for a small piece of vacant land two blocks east of us. We want to through in a bid just incase no one else does. But we cant just “buy” it so we propose to cram an 18 hole historic Butte and Mining themed miniature golf course.
Labels: Butte, mini-golf, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Had fun camping (even if briefly) with the Yorks (parents of our friend Brandi). Went to the little Joe campground which is to the south in the mountains near Big Hole River. There was the most attractive looking Fly Fishing stream. I'll need to investigate that further.
the world famous M&M.
Labels: camping, image, Montana, pets, videos
The bank at the other end of the block got robbed. The theif left a bag inside so they had the street blocked for a bit while the bomb robot got here. Turns out it was a bag.
OOOH! A Shiny Fire Engine!
I swear I was with my dog the whole time.
We went on a tour of some historic uptown sites. A pretty damn nifty and it only cost a buck. This is a picture of a babershop that was uncovered in the sealed off basement.
Shave?
We bought another property. The idea is to use the rental profits to subsidize construction on the Imperial. We a working on a few such properties.
This is a real crap bucket. The downstairs unit isn't so bad and both units are rented; but the top is kinda a slum and the people are less than stellar citizens.
Labels: Butte, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Robert and I were on the radio. One of the radio stations (three frequencies with different stuff) is trying to raise money to put American Flags on the top of the 12 head frames (left-over historic mining "derricks"). Robert and I donated enough for a flag in the name of Silver Bow Properties, LLC.. They had us come on the air with the DJ (Robin Jordan) and made a big old fuss. Very nice people.
A headframe.
Labels: Blog, image, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Labels: Butte, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Labels: Butte, Montana, Silver Bow Properties
Links to the MAX Blog:
Links of Note:
Montana Bloggers:
This great list was stolen from A History of Montana by Kodak.- Bah Weep Grahna Weep Ninny Bon
- The Bastardization of Me
- Best Buddies
- The Best of the Bozeman Chronicle Police Reports
- Better Living Through Blogging
- Big Sky Blog
- Big Sky Country
- Big Sky Humanist
- Big Sky LiveJournal Community
- Billings Blog
- Bitterroot and Bergamot
- The Bitteroot Life
- Blog.JohnBedard.Com
- Bouncerblog
- Bozeman-mt
- California to Montana
- A Chicken Is Not Pillage
- City Lights
- Collected Nothingness
- Common Sense: for merica
- Daily Life in the Last Best Place
- Dark Creek
- Dave Budge
- David Knobel's Life 2.0
- A Day in the Life of Jer
- Democracy for Montana
- Descend the Spiral Misanthropy
- A Different Lemming
- Digital Scrapbook
- Dirt between light bulbs
- Don't Make Me Get My Flying Monkeys
- Downtown Billings
- DrochKnight Design