2005 Weather Summary

And speaking of the unusual winter we’ve had so far, let’s take a look back at 2005 according to the folks at Weather Underground…can’t find the link from a few weeks ago, but I cut-n-pasted the following information:

January 31, 2006 | Filed Under weather | Leave a Comment 

BREAKING NEWS

UNCONFIRMED REPORTS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SHOOTING AT CMR HIGH SCHOOL — THE SCHOOL IS NOW IN LOCKDOWN — ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN PROVIDE, ANY DETAILS THAT MAY HELP OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY (CALM WORRIED PARENTS, ETC). PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS BELOW IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION.

UPDATE via the GF Tribune: “A high school junior died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a restroom near the principal’s office at C.M. Russell High School shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, school officials said. School officials initially told students there was a medical emergency; counselors broke the news of the youth’s death later. Some of the boy’s closest friends were allowed to leave school but classes resumed after the initial investigation was completed. CMR quickly assembled a team of counselors to help grieving students, teachers and staff, said Dick Kuntz, assistant superintendent for secondary grades.”

January 30, 2006 | Filed Under news | 8 Comments 

What’s Up?

Let’s take a look around the Great Falls blogosphere: Aaron points out some big-dollar savings in our local government; GeeGuy reminds us how some of those saved dollars will be spent. Keri provides a review of some new favorite beverages (and today is her birthday - go say hi!), and BestBuddie has a book review. The Raving Norseman is back (w00t!) with a brand-new look, and points out a humourous sign at a local eatery. He also notices some deceptive “advertising.” The York Street Bum is picking on the citizens of Great Falls yet again (in good humor, don’t hurt him!). ZenPanda reflects on the Challenger tragedy. And me? Well, I’ve got some thoughts about country music, and I’ve gotta provide a shoutout to the “Grassroots Gold” program that airs every Saturday morning on 104.9, “KIK-FM.”

January 29, 2006 | Filed Under blogging, people | Leave a Comment 

Where’s My Snow?!

Sure has been an unusual winter so far, eh? Two weeks of winter right after Thanksgiving, and then…well, it’s been beautiful. Beautiful, that is, if you like mild temperatures, no snow, and clear blue skies. Don’t get me wrong — I love that nice weather, too, but come on…living in MONTANA in the month of JANUARY should evoke images of snow, sub-zero temps, shoveled driveways, and people wrapped in layers of sweaters, coats, mittens, hats, and scarves!

January 26, 2006 | Filed Under weather | 5 Comments 

View From Above

Google Maps is very cool; you can see a nifty map of Great Falls right here. Or if you want to see the aerial view, try this. You can zoom in — for example, you can see Holiday Village Mall from above, and here is the Montana ExpoPark. It’s cool to see our city from above!

January 25, 2006 | Filed Under around town | Leave a Comment 

GF Blogger Bash Update

So I took the top two vote-getters (The Breaks and McKenzie River Pizza) and added two other locations that were requested via e-mail (Rikki’s and the Amigo Lounge), and tossed ‘em into a new poll over in the sidebar. Cast your vote — the top vote-getter will be our destination! Sound OK?

January 22, 2006 | Filed Under around town, events, blogging | 2 Comments 

Under The Sea

The Tribune has an interesting article about what it’s like to be a mermaid at the Sip-n-Dip Lounge…a peek behind the scenes at our world-famous attraction! Pretty cool. I wonder, though, if there has ever been talk about allowing “mer-men” into the tank. Any volunteers…?

January 22, 2006 | Filed Under restaurants, business | Leave a Comment 

Live, On-Stage!

From a comment by Dona in the previous entry: Tomorrow night, at Center Stage, music fans have a great opportunity to hear one of the finest blues and folk musicians I have ever known. His name is Spencer Bohren, he’s from New Orleans, and is a close friend of my husband Grant. They grew up together. He appears on Garrison Keillor’s radio show frequently, and has won the New Orleans Big Easy Award for Best Folk Artist four out of the last six years. The tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance at Planet Earth, Rod’s Music, and Bert and Ernies. If you love great music, you’ll really enjoy this show. Beverages (wine and beer) will be available.

January 20, 2006 | Filed Under events | 6 Comments 

Greater Falls Get-Together

OK, fellow Great Falls bloggers, it’s time for us to get together for the first-ever Great Falls Blogger Bash! Let’s kick it down to, say, mid-t0-late February - time enough to plan, but not too far out to forget. How about a Saturday? Should it be a mid-day meal, or a dinner? Location? Let’s talk!

January 19, 2006 | Filed Under blogging, people | 7 Comments 

More Grocery Woes

On the subject of the Great Falls west-side County market closing, it looks like opinions run strong - both here and down in Billings. There’s an awful lot of clamoring and finger-pointing - many are rushing to blame Wal-Mart and the low, low prices that other grocery markets just can’t complete against. In many cases, however, that just isn’t true. For instance, I tried County Market a few times and held my nose each time — both stores seemed rather dirty, poorly stocked, and generally just not pleasant. The people were friendly enough, but the overall experience was just yucky. It had nothing to do with price, and everything to do with service and atmosphere. That’s why Wal-Mart won’t get my business, either…while the low prices and large selection are good, the service and atmosphere just can’t pull me away from Smith’s.

January 18, 2006 | Filed Under business | 5 Comments 

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