“Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson” Tuesday, Aug 12 2008
Movies 10:32 am
Mill levy Tuesday, Aug 5 2008
Government, big and small 11:25 am
Will you support the new $1.28 public-safety mill levy on the Nov. 4 ballot?
The measure would add nine new firefighters, a new fire inspector and two police officers to the city’s payroll. It also would pay for half of the Fire and Police departments’ annual equipment replacement plan and pay for the renovation of the city’s eastside fire station. (more…)
Step Brothers Saturday, Aug 2 2008
Movies 1:36 pm
At the Cinemark Grade: B
I feel a bit guilty for liking “Step Brothers.” It’s the kind of movie I might have liked as a kid in high school, but (I reason) I’ve grown up now. And though I might like my sex and poop jokes in person, they don’t often work for me anymore on the big screen, because the movie they’re contained in is just a ridiculous money-making vehicle for its studio and stars.
But “Step Brothers” isn’t just ridiculous. It’s absurd.
And that’s why it works. (more…)
VP Tuesday, Jul 29 2008
Government, big and small 11:19 am
How important to you are the vice-presidential choices coming soon from John McCain and Barack Obama?
Both campaigns are rather tight-lipped about the process Obama and McCain are using to choose their running mates.
McCain’s choice is anyone’s guess, while Obama seems to be leaning toward Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.
Also, what should be the vice president’s role? Sitting VP Dick Cheney has wielded more power than any other veep in history (someone correct me if I’m wrong). Is there a chance we can return to the lame-duck office we had in the days of Dan Quayle or Al Gore?
‘Dark Knight’ — good, but not great Thursday, Jul 24 2008
Movies 10:01 am
At the Cinemark
Grade: B+
“The Dark Knight” had me hooked in so many moments, pulse-quickening scenes where everything works so darn well. The plot, the score, the cinematography and, yes, the acting — sometimes it all gels together and makes this latest Batman installment a thrill to watch. And believe the hype about the late Heath Ledger’s depiction of the Joker. He’s simply amazing in that role. He owns it.
But in the end, and after a second viewing, I just couldn’t give this movie a top rating. For every scene that works, where the story snaps tight and pulls the viewers along, there’s a shot or two that feels like filler.
Anchor away? Tuesday, Jul 22 2008
Government, big and small 3:33 pm
The Helena chapter of the Navy League wants to move the USS Helena’s anchor, chains, propeller and bell from Anchor Park (behind the Lewis and Clark Library downtown) out to the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison.
City taxpayers wouldn’t be funding the move, though some Helena money likely will be used to add a new attraction to the area if the artifacts are removed.
Officials want feedback from the public. What do you think of the proposal? The pieces were taken from the USS Helena heavy cruiser, which served from 1945 to 1963, and brought to the park in 1976. They’ve become a Helena landmark, but Navy League members say the move to the museum will turn them into an attraction for the institution while providing a secure home, far from the reach of vandals.
The third “R” Wednesday, Apr 23 2008
Uncategorized 11:40 am
Helena’s recycling program has grown exponentially in the past 15 years, yet the city recycles at a third of the national rate. There’s room for growth in the system, but it will take logistical changes and an influx of cash.
Read more about the city’s current recycling program and options for expansion here.
Would you folks support an increase in taxes to support a larger recycling program, perhaps including curbside pickup?
Do you think a fee for service is more appropriate? (In other words, only the people who want extra recycling options would have to pay for pickups, though any new equipment will likely be paid for out of the general fund.)
Or do you think the current system works well enough, and its up to residents to recycle more at existing drop-off sites and through community collection drives?
Bubba in Capital City Friday, Apr 4 2008
Uncategorized 10:37 am
So who here went to see former President Bill Clinton on Tuesday? And what did y’all think about the speech? Anyone impressed enough with the speech to switch from Barack to Hillary?
There’s been a lot of ruckus in the blue party about whether Hillary Clinton should cede defeat to Obama — what do y’all think about that? Will McCain benefit from a drawn-out Dem primary, or will the party faithful coalesce behind one or the other once the dust settles?
And then came Nader Monday, Feb 25 2008
Government, big and small and Queries 3:03 pm
Perennial third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader announced this weekend he’ll once again seek the Oval Office. The 2008 campaign for the White House has already been one for the books — Democrats are choosing between a woman and a black man in a virtual neck-and-neck primary bout; Republicans have watched the revival of a candidacy once considered dead in the water; and there’s still a low-level buzz about the chances of New York City’s billionaire mayor jumping into the fracas. (more…)
Changing skyline Tuesday, Jan 15 2008
Queries 1:55 pm
A new proposal from Downtown Helena Inc. and others would keep Blue Cross Blue Shield in the Queen City’s core, housed in an 11-story building — which would change a skyline static for nearly a century. The IR’s editorial board says it’s a good move. What do you think? (more…)