Happy 100th birthday, Woody Guthrie -- "He loved writing!"

On the eve of Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday, Nora Guthrie talks about her father's love for writing in an NPR piece: "He loved writing — he loved it. My mother would say, 'He loved the feeling of a pen on paper' — just that visceral experience. He loved that. It was his energy coming out of his fingertips." Pictured is one of Woody's notebooks (circa 1942) from his extensive archive.

Save the Date: Dinner in Jackson July 12 with Mitt and Dick and Lynne for only $30,000

Courtesy of jh underground, which shares with us the address of Dick and Lynne, 4205 W. Greens Place, just in case you lost the invitation.

"Love Can Build a Bridge" concert July 12 in Laramie, July 13 in Denver

From the Matthew Shepard Foundation:

The Matthew Shepard Foundation is proud to present Love Can Build a Bridge featuring the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. July 12 the choruses will present a concert in Laramie, WY at the the University of Wyoming at the Fine Arts Building, 1000 E. University Ave, 8PM. You can by your tickets for that concert here. July 13 they will perform at St. Johns Episcopal Cathedral in Denver, CO, 1350 Washington Street, 7:30PM. You can buy tickets for this concert in our store. If you have any questions about tickets or the event, please call (303) 830-7400 ext 16

Note that a portion of ticket proceeds will go to Wyoming Equality, an organization that works tirelessly for LGBT equality in our state. Check out the WY Equality web site.

Check out the new Wyoming Democratic Party web site and blog

The new Wyoming Democratic Party web site is a lively change from the old static site. It was launched yesterday during the grand opening of the new WDP headquarters at 1909 Warren Ave. in Cheyenne. Read Ken McCauley's "push back" against against Republican Sen. John Barrasso's recent radio address blasting the Supreme Court's ACA decision. In the "Featured Democrat" section, read about retired airline pilot Patrick Vann and his bid to re-energize his fellow Goshen County Dems. There's a comprehensive list of county parties with contact info. Find Democratic Party candidates running in this year's elections. There's a blog by Communications Director Brodie Farquhar that will need constant feeding -- you know how those blogs are! Links to political articles and op-eds in WY media outlets. Make sure you check it out and add your comments. Find the WY Dems on Facebook and Twitter, too.

No hurricanoes for "King Lear" but plenty of rain

Yesterday I joked about watching King Lear rail against "thunderbolts and hurricanoes" while the real thing was happening. The Weather Channel predicted a 60 percent chance of rain with possible flash floods.

The Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company did perform "King Lear" yesterday evening at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens during a rapidly escalating storm. The lightning and thunder did arrive before cue -- act one instead of act three -- but it only added to the anticipation. The actors persevered as the rain waxed and waned and finally just poured down. The bodies of Lear and Cordelia and all the rest (living and dead) were soaked by the time the curtain came down about 7:15 on the 13th season performance of the Lander company.

The audience was a bit drier under umbrellas and ponchos. We were appreciative, giving the cast a rousing round of applause before we headed to our cars. Thanks to Diane Springford and her cast for a great performance and a demonstration of what it takes to be part of a traveling acting troupe. The show must go on!

A final note: Botanic Gardens Director Shane Smith introduced the performance and spoke about the upcoming vote Aug. 21 for additions and renovations to the facility. Interesting to note that interior spaces large enough for theatre performances are included in the plan. Although Shakespeare in the rain is an experience not to be missed, it would be nice to have a place to keep performers and audience members warm and dry. A number of people gave up and left midway through the play, which was a shame.

Shakespeare in the Botanic Gardens -- as long as the thunderbolts and hurricanoes stay away

Cassie Marple as Cordelia and Dave Geible as King Lear

Barring a monsoon downpour to rival the storm that’s part of the play, the Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company performs "King Lear" at 5 p.m. this evening at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Based in Lander, the company enters its thirteenth Summer Season bringing great classical theater with an entertaining Wyoming twist to audiences throughout the state. Last night they performed in Torrington's city park. Saturday's performance occurs north of the Botanic Gardens greenhouse and south of Discovery Pond on the lawn. This event is FREE thanks to Cheyenne, Light, Fuel and Power, Holiday Inn and Davis and Cannon LLP Attorneys. Donations to the troupe will also be accepted.


King Lear during the storm in Act III, Scene II:


Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks!
You sulphurous and thought-executing fires,
Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,
Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,
Smite flat the thick rotundity o' the world!

So where is Wyoming's Health Exchange?

Ever since the SCOTUS ruling on the Affordable Care Act, healthcare topics have been back in the headlines -- with a vengeance. Rodger McDaniel writes today about the Wyoming Health Exchange, and why it's important that the state's lawmakers get busy on this issue. They've already wasted a lot of time in the hopes that the Supreme Court would make the ACA magically disappear. That didn't happen!

Governor Mead earned his spurs opposing the Affordable Care Act. So when he says it's now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work, the Legislature should listen.

Are you listening, Republican-dominated Legislature? I have my doubts...


And Barb Rea of Casper reminds us on Facebook that there will be a public forum about healthcare and Medicaid expansion on Tuesday, July 10, 5-7 p.m., at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. The stakes are high.

If Wyoming decides to opt out of the Medicaid expansion 30,000 low income adults will be left again, with no where to go for insurance contributing to the same cost drviers that are plaguing the entire system. The state is conducting surveys about "the cost drivers of Medicaid and evaluate design options for Medicaid programs mandated by the ACA" (whatever that means).

Whatever that means. That's the problem, isn't it? These are complicated yet crucial issues. Get out to the forum and make your voice heard.

Casting call for Cheyenne Reality TV show

Alan O'Hashi's Wyoming Community Media makes fine films, launched the Cheyenne International Film Festival and is the impetus behind long-range planning for the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne. This guy's the real thing. He also has a sense of fun: 

Wyoming Community Media is casting locally for a TV show pilot. Please pass the info on to 100 of your closest friends. You don't need to be an actor or actress. This is reality TV!

Do you want a chance to be on TV? WCM is working with a New York City based television production company is looking for regular people to drive taxicabs for Cheyenne Frontier Days. 

This is an opportunity to drive for a local cab company, with the potential to participate in a new reality television show. If you appear between the ages of 25-45, and have a valid driver’s license, please send your name, location, phone number, a photo, and a brief description of yourself to cabcasting@gmail.com

Wyoming Dems open new HQ in Cheyenne

From the Wyoming Democratic Party: 

The Wyoming Democratic Party has moved its headquarters and staff from Casper to Cheyenne. For the first time in a decade, Party HQ will be just a few blocks from the Capital, ready to support our Democratic Legislators. To celebrate the move, come for a chili cookoff, see our new website, meet staff, candidates and friends for an afternoon of fun! Beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 1909 Warren Ave.

BTW, I've seen to the test site of the WDP's new web presence. A vast improvement, with actual up-to-date material and a place for us prog-bloggers to sound off. Come to the party tomorrow and check it out.

Summer is the time to relish good books

When I was a kid, books were my constant companions. I also lived in a house filled with other constant companions -- my family -- which included two parents, four brothers, four sisters, and and an assortment of dogs, cats, lizards and gerbils. That was one crowded house.

I mentioned books first. They weren't more important than Mom and Dad and Molly and Tim and Shannon the dog and Polonius the cat. But books did enable me to escape the sometimes frantic pace of daily life. They also helped me understand some odd human behavior. My brother Tommy, for instance, liked to sit down to a bowl of sweet pickle relish for breakfast. While the rest of us munched on Cheerios, Tommy relished his relish. In the beginning, we gave him a hard time, as siblings do. But after awhile, we just had to accept this quirky behavior as you might if coming across something similar in a Dickens' novel.

Summer reading was especially important. We had chores to do and we played baseball and went swimming and spent as much time outdoors as humanly possible. But at some point during the day, I needed time with books. I don't remember official summer reading programs. But Mom took us to the library as often as we needed to recharge the book supply. In elementary school, I read my way through the Hardy Boys series and had a special fondness for dog books ("Lad a Dog," etc.). In junior high, sci-fi was king. I started with the classics -- Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, the Tom Swift series -- and then moved on to the harder stuff. Nothing like spending a lazy summer afternoon sprawled under a cottonwood tree while I traveled to exotic worlds with Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke or Ray Bradbury.     

We moved a lot, so I got to know a libraries in a dozen different places. Just entering a library gave me a feeling of belonging in a strange new town. Whether it was Denver's big main library or the tiny one in Moses Lake, Washington, the books were all arranged in the same order and the card catalogs (remember those?) all looked the same. The librarians, too, all had that schoolmarmish look, or that's how this 11-year-old boy saw them, anyway. 

I was in our local Cheyenne library on Tuesday evening. I selected two novels from the "new books" shelf, and then my laptop and I spent several hours on the third floor revising a short story. The third floor at the Laramie County Public Library is the quiet floor. Back in the day, every floor of a library was quiet (or else!). But libraries are a bit more freewheeling these days, more interactive, and a bit more hectic. So I was working on a story, the gentle tapping of my laptop keys the only sound. A storm blew in and I watched from the big window as lightning snaked across the sky. Below, a mom and her kids clasped their summer books and made a mad dash for the car. At closing time, I checked out my books and realized I hadn't signed up for the summer reading program. I sign up every year, buy a T-shirt, fill in the scorecard to earn ice cream cones and various discounts at local businesses. There wasn't time to do that on this library trip (the guy on the P.A. system was telling me to check out my books as the library was closing), but I knew I would return soon. I always come back to the library.

By the way, if you haven't yet signed up for "Dream Big," LCLS's summer reading celebration, you can by going here. 

Nora Ephron: "Reading is everything"

Flash mob to swarm downtown to query city candidates

Picked this up on Facebook via Wyoming Community Media:

Flash mob! Meet and greet the candidates for Cheyenne mayor and city council on Sunday, July 1, 3-5 p.m., 415 W. 17^th St., downtown Cheyenne

Stop by and visit about the issues facing the broader community with the Mayoral and City Council candidates for each of the three wards:
* Downtown Development
* Optional Sales Tax Projects
* Streets, Water Rates
* Police and Fire Protection Issues
* The Kitchen Sink

While this is primarily an event for municipal candidates, other local, statewide and national candidates are welcome!

If you can or can't make it, this is a flash mob, social media activity, so please invite 100 of your closest friends and family members to attend the event!

See a play in Fort Collins, donate to firefighters

The Bas Bleu Theatre Company in Fort Collins is only one of many arts organizations coming up with ways to support local firefighters who have been battling the devestating High Park fire. Ticket sales for tonight's Bas Bleu presentation of "Buffalo Gal" at 7:30 p.m. will go to the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department. See a play and donate to a great cause. Get tickets at http://www.centerstageticketing.com/sites/basbleu/showdates.php?s_id=202

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition at the Hynds Building downtown this weekend

For the first time, the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition will be held at the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne. It features 70 artistic pieces by artists from throughout the state. The exhibit will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eight of the artists have received purchase awards and will be recognized during the show’s awards presentation ceremony Saturday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

These eight artists include: Mack Brislawn, of Laramie, for his painting “Somewhere in the Powder River Basin;” Travis Ivey, of Laramie, for his painting “Spring Thaw on the Little Laramie;” Tony James, of Cheyenne, for his photograph “High Plains Thunder;” and Georgia Rowswell, of Cheyenne, for her mixed media composition “Paint Pot – Yellowstone.”

GCAE purchase award: Georgia Rowswell, Cheyenne, "Paint Pot - Yellowstone,"
mixed media - compressed fiber, 21" x 21", $1,500.00

Also included are Shane Steiss, of Green River, for his mixed media composition “Aspen #14;” Michele Farrier, of Alta, for her pastel “Stateline Road;” Michael Flicek of Casper for his photograph “Prehistory Revealed;” and Joy Keown, of Laramie, for her painting “Rising From the Plains.”

“In a Hard Place,” a painting by Laramie’s Jerry Glass, received the Juror’s Choice Award.

David Newell, curator of art at the Wyoming State Museum, put this show together.

Take time out this weekend to drop in on this exhibit. Meet the artists and buy some original "Made in Wyoming" artwork.

Democrat Joe Fender kicks off Campaign for Wyoming Legislature June 29

Joe Fender is a Democrat running for the Legislature in House District 7. He's a firefighter, a working guy who says on his web site that he's "a public servant" who looks at this as a way "to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family." He pledges to stand up for the workers of Wyoming and strengthen worker retirements. He'd have my vote on these issues alone. We need someone who will stand up to the extremists who want to gut the state retirement system. Alas, I'm not in Joe's district but an adjacent one. So I can donate and volunteer. And party, too. Joe's having a "Meet, Eat and Greet Kickoff Party" on Friday, June 29, at 5 p.m. at his home, 92 E. Ole Maverick Road (Yellowstone and E. Ole Maverick). Go to his web site for more: http://www.joefender.com

"The Hole" in downtown Cheyenne remains whole, for now

Two interesting front section stories about downtown Cheyenne in this morning's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. First, a bid to buy and build something in "The Hole" has fallen through. Alan O'Hashi of Wyoming Community Media had plans to combine a revamp of the Hynds Building with construction in "The Hole." He had an option to buy the site from Capital Management LLC of Kansas City but he no longer has the option. "That's just how real estate goes," said O'Hashi. He still has plans to build up to 28 condos in the Hynds and to expand on the artistic space known as LightsOn! He says there's about a 65 percent chance this will happen, but mentioned no details.

Meanwhile, the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) plans on joining Wyoming Main Street. This will make it eligible for $20,000 to pay for downtown projects. It also would put them in league with 14 other Wyoming communities, some of whom have accomplished some amazing things with neglected downtowns. Green River and Rawlins come to mind. Laramie has a very active Main Street program and its downtown is thriving -- not just during special events but all the time. The Buffalo Downtown Association (BDA) was recently named the “Wyoming Main Street Affiliate Community Of The Year.” There was a time in the recent past when the BDA was about to call it quits. Now look. None of the 14 Main Street Wyoming communities has a gaping hole in the middle of its downtown. What's their secret?

The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle locates my long-lost twin, Matthew Shay

Bio from book jacket with photo that looks a lot like me (and Matthew)

The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle has apparently found my long-lost twin, Matthew.

On today’s WTE op-ed pages, Matthew Shay penned a rational argument for the Marketplace Fairness Act “which would require online retailers to to comply with state sales tax laws.” I didn’t find too much to argue with in the editorial, although I'm not totally up-to-speed on internet retailing and the tax laws in all 50 states.

But I didn’t write it. Matthew did.

The reason I think he’s my long-lost twin is the head shot accompanying the article. He looks exactly like me. He has the same chiseled good looks and is wearing the same glasses. The haircut is reminiscent of the one I had several years ago right before a friend took a photo that looks a lot like this one for my book jacket. I can’t see much of it but the shirt also looks very familiar.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that it was me. In fact, several people asked me already today if I had switched jobs from arts administrator to president and CEO of the National Retail Federation. I haven’t, although I’m open to offers. Another friend just wondered if the paper had gotten my name and job title wrong. I said, that couldn’t happen, could it? I wondered if the editors had just pulled the wrong photo to go with the article. Could it be? I tried calling the newsroom but no answer. Lots going on today so the newsroom must be deserted. 

I concluded that Matthew must be my twin. I’m glad to discover him, at long last, on the op-ed pages of the WTE. I wish him well with the Marketplace Fairness Act. Matt – can I call you Matt? – feel free to call any time so we can get reacquainted. We have a lot to talk about.

Campaign season ramps up with gigantic yard signs, Rothfuss on the radio and a Superday candidate invasion

Campaign season is in full swing. In my neighborhood, I've been seeing increasingly larger signs for county commission candidates. C. Bud Racicky talked one homeowner to put a huge sign in his yard but it was partially blocked from northbound Yellowstone Blvd. traffic by an evergreen hedge. Today a guy was cutting down the hedge. So much for planning ahead... and isn't that one thing that county comissioners are charged with, planning?

If you like progressive radio, and you happen to live in the Laramie Valley, do this (says Meg Lanker-Simons):

Tune into 93.5 KOCA tonight, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. and keep your dial locked for fab music + Legit Conservative + d-bag o' the week! Our special guest tonight is Wyo. Sen. Chris Rothfuss from SD 9 in Laramie. Have a question for Sen. Rothfuss? Post it! Taking your requests for songs, dedications & d-bag nods til 8 p.m. See us at Laramie Civic Center, rm #255.

Chris really distinguished himself during the most recent legislative session. We need him back to fight the Right Wing loonies.


And Cheyenne's Superday is tomorrow. It is quite super, with a 5K run, the Tour De Prairie bike race, food trucks, vendor booths, good music and candidates galore. They'll be swarming the place so beware. Of course, you could do a good turn and support one of the local Democrats running for a legislative seat. If you need some campaign literature or assorted nifty giveaways, visit the booth of the Laramie County Democrats/LC Grassroots Democrats. Get your photo taken with (a) President Barack Obama (life-size cardboard replica)! Get a whole album's worth of photos to amaze your Facebook friends -- and infuriate your Republican brother-in-law.

Wonder if the Laramie County Republicans will have a booth and, if they do, will feature a cardboard replica of Mitt Romney. Cardboard cutout and Mitt Romney. Isn't that redundant?

Gathering of the Celtic tribes this weekend in Cheyenne

Everything you need to know about this weekend's Celtic Musical Arts Festival at the Historic Depot in downtown Cheyenne: http://www.cheyennedepotmuseum.org/plaza-event/cheyennes-celtic-musical-arts-festival-7th-annual

Dems hold Meet the Candidates Open House June 24

From the Laramie County Democrats:

Dear Friends and Fellow Democrats:

Please join us at a Meet the Candidates Open House Sponsored by the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition  at the home of Joe Corrigan, Treasurer, 3626 Dover Road, Cheyenne, on June 24, 2012 1-5 p.m. 

We are suggesting a minimum donation of $25 for this event, but all donations will be greatly appreciated. If you can't attend the Open House but you want to show your support for the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition, please send your contribution to LCDGC at PO Box 2986, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82003. We hope to see you on June 24!!!

Please RSVP by calling Joe at 630.6192 or Wendy at 635.2609 

My grandmother, the nurse: "We are in the real war zone now"

My sister Eileen is transcribing the World War I diaries of our grandmother, Florence Green Shay.  The entries begin in July 1918 and end in February 1919. If you're counting (or even if you're not), that's almost 100 years ago. Grandma -- or "Mudder" as we called her -- was a 25-year-old Army nurse from Baltimore when the good ship Baltic took her and the personnel of Base Hospital 42 American Expeditionary Force to Liverpool.

During the crossing, she's in high spirits. She dances with a major named Pinky – “the major is some dancer.” She worries about rumors of German submarines – “we are in the real war zone now.” She marvels at the clunky rubber floatation suits they were supposed to wear in the event of a sinking – “they are supposed to keep us up in water for three days.” One evening, she attends “ a dandy entertainment” conducted by the 62^nd Coast Artillery.

It's a young woman’s voice – flirtatious, weary, funny and peeved. I never heard this voice in person -- it would be several decades before me and my eight brothers and sisters would hear her speak. By then, she was a Denver matron in her fifties, a woman who enjoyed her evening highballs, bridge with friends, and cheering from afar for her hometown Baltimore Orioles.She wasn't old exactly, just Grandma, the woman who shrieked with joy when the grandkids came to call and squeezed us into her mighty bosom. 

At Eileen's request, I'm writing the intro for the book. I'm her big brother, after all, and a writer. I thought that I'd read the entries and dash off a jaunty introduction to a book geared mainly for family. But a strange thing happened. By the third entry, I could hear my grandmother's voice. It's a treat to hear her youthful voice. One of her favorite terms is "dandy." She wraps up a long shift at a frontline hospital and makes fudge with other nurses or gets ready for a date with a major or a captain of maybe even the mysterious Lieutenant Colonel S.

We are only 18 and 21 and 25 once. Our voices reveal our hopes and dreams and fears. Grandma didn't seem especially concerned about the future -- the present was plenty interesting.  

There is very little about the suffering of the men under her care. She goes to the Front in August and is the thick of it through Nov. 11. She mentions “those poor boys” and her many shifts in the pneumonia and mumps and surgical wards. In one entry, she talks about working for 42 hours straight. She works through numerous air raids and shellings. ”If we have many more air raids, I am afraid my hair will turn white. No bombs struck our place but oh my."

"Oh my!" An air raid might bring other words to my lips. But that "oh my" says a lot about Grandma. I can hear her say it. It is as fresh as if she were whispering in my ear. And she is, in a way. Diaries are secret things. It's as if she's talked into the pages and the words are now lifting into the air to tell us what Florence was like on a September day near Verdun or Chateau Thierry. People were dying, yes, and there was plenty of suffering, but Florence was alive and bored and hungry and ready for a night out with a fella from Pittsburgh or Charleston who wasn't going to be her boyfriend or husband but was also young and alive and far away from home.

She speaks. I listen. It's more than a dandy entertainment. Thanks to my Sis for transcribing the diary. Now, Eileen, about that intro...

If you're a RINO, CROW wants you to go

Great letter to the editor by Ken McCauley in Sunday's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. In it, he explores the new ultra-conservative Republican group, CROW, which is making a lot of noise in an effort to unseat RINOs in the Wyoming State Legislature. To learn more about this new political menagerie, read Ken's letter at http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2012/06/18/opinion/featured_letter/letter01.txt  

Sample regional beers and music this weekend at Wyoming Brewers' Festival

The Wyoming Brewers' Festival in Cheyenne June 15-16 has beer and music, including Another Kind of Magick Friday night. FMI: http://www.wyobrewfest.com/

Out West at the Autry explores "Same Sex Dynamics" among 19-century Mormons on June 16

My friend, Gregory Hinton, grew up in Cody and spent some quality time there last year on a research fellowship at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. He shared some of his research on these pages. Go to http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com/2012/01/gregory-hinton-at-bbhc-in-cody-out-west.html.

Greg, who's creator and producer of "Out West at the Autry" in L.A., always has some unique offerings about LGBT life in the West, especially the rural West. Here's his latest venture:

Dear Friends of Out West:

Please join us at the Autry in Griffith Park this coming Saturday, June 16, 2 p.m., in conversation with scholar D Michael Quinn and USC Associate Professor William Handley discussing Quinn's "19th Century Same Sex Dynamics Among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example," winner of the Herbert Feis Award from the American Historical Association and named one of the best religion books of the year by Publisher's Weekly.

This ranks among our finest programs - twenty-five and counting - in partnership with museums, libraries and universities in ten states. 

I am so grateful to the Autry National Center, Tom Gregory, HBO, David Bohnett Foundation, Gill Foundation and the Gay & Lesbian Rodeo Heritage Foundation for their continuing support. 

I am especially proud to announce that the CIty Council of Los Angeles has formally recognized Out West as an "Angel in the City of Angels!" 

Gregory Hinton, Creator and Producer, Out West at the Autry at
gregoryhinton@earthlink.net

Get your "slow food" on at Tuesday Farmers Market

Cindy Ridenour, president of the Tuesday Farmers Market board of directors, says that the market will bring in two "slow food" chefs during the summer to teach buyers about using fresh ingredients. Said Ridenour in today's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle: "These chefs will be showing how to get back to cooking with real natural foods that you can get at our market rather than reaching for the Cheez Whiz or Bisquick." So stroll onto the Depot Plaza in downtown Cheyenne to find fresh local foods and fine handmade crafts. Products featured this Tuesday, June 12, 3-6:30 p.m.:

• Locally-raised fresh vegetables
• Colorado Western Slope cherries
• Locally raised mushrooms
• Grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison, pork, poultry, goat's meat
• Farm fresh eggs
• Bratwurst, chowders, bisque, smoked wild-caught salmon, tamales
• Dine on the plaza or take-home BBQ
• Locally produced honey, jams and jellies, hot sauce
• Gourmet pastas, flavored oils and vinegars
• Fresh breads and baked goods
• Natural, locally-produced body care products
• Hand-crafted glass gifts, wood working, alpaca fiber crafts, photo cards and other crafts

Live Music by Franklin Taggart

In memoriam: Colorado writer Ed Quillen

Freelance journalist Ed Quillen died at 61 last Sunday in Salida, Colo., a place he put on the map with his humorous, curmudgeonly columns. For decades, his columns were a must-read for me. His final piece was in the June 6 Denver Post and focused on Colorado’s rep as “home of the Red Scare,” a tradition that goes back to the 1870s, with the labeling of Utes as “indigenous communists” who must go. Big Bill Haywood and other union leaders got the commie label later and now we have the Denver Republican Party inviting Fla. Repub Rep. Allen West to speak about modern-day commies in the ranks of the Democrats. Who’s a Colorado commie in Congress? Rep. Jared Polis, millionaire entrepreneur turned public servant. Ed, We are going to miss you! Read his final column at http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_20543845/yet-another-red-scare?source=pkg. Read his obit at http://www.denverpost.com/obituaries/ci_20781716/denver-post-columnist-ed-quillen-dies-at-age

Democratic candidates drop in on Cheyenne Pride Day festivities

Lee Filer, candidate for Wyoming HD12

Two new Democratic Party candidates for the Wyoming State Legislature attended today's Cheyenne Pride Day picnic at Lions Park. Lee Filer is running in House District 12 and Gary Datus is running in HD 42. Both are newbies. Lee is a hard-working family man -- he's a railroader and a member of the Air National Guard -- and he's fired up to take on the Republican contenders still in the race (incumbent Amy Edmonds chose not to run). He's only 32, which makes him several decades younger than the average Wyoming House member. As a Dem and a Gen Y guy, he would automatically add to the diversity of the Legislature. Gary Datus was in education for 42 years, 27 of them as principal of Triumph H.S., Johnson Junior High, and others. Gary would be a good guy to have in the fight. Judging by their performance during the past two legislative sessions, Extremist Republicans have a low regard for publicly-funded educators -- publicly-funded anybody.

Incumbent Dems Mary Throne and Jim Byrd also spoke at the picnic, which is sponsored by Wyoming Equality. Jim Byrd spoke about the face that WE represents the kind of equality that he thinks the Equality State is all about -- equal right for everyone. He also pointed out that at least five House races in 2010 were decided by 20 votes or less. So get out there and vote, people!

And remember that Wyoming Equality is holding a dance and fund-raiser starting at 8 tonight at Suite 1901 in downtown Cheyenne. Tix are $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Democrats in Laramie County say, "We ain't dead yet!"

This editorial cartoon on WyoFile illustrates the dilemma faced by badly outnumbered Dems in WY. But we Dems aren't ready to North Koreanize our state just yet. Read the comments on WyoFile: http://wyofile.com/2012/06/single-party-state/

From Joe Corrigan and Wendy Soto, Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition:

Please join us at a “Meet the Candidates Open House” sponsored by the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition at the home of Joe Corrigan, Treasurer, 3626 Dover Road, Cheyenne, on Sunday, June 24, 1-5 p.m.

We've all heard fellow Democrats say, "I wish we had more people running on our side of the ticket," or, "I wish our party were stronger." As Wyoming Democrats we are accustomed to playing the role of underdog. However, in these trying times, when ultra conservatives would like to destroy the moderation which is the hallmark of Wyoming politics, we have no choice; we must become stronger NOW.

The truth is the Wyoming Democratic Party is strongest when we all get involved. We must back our candidates, volunteer our time and energy, donate a little of our hard earned cash, and give our candidates the encouragement and support they need to survive the campaign and more important, to win elections. One step in the right direction is to join us on June 24 to meet candidates and raise money for the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition. All money raised will go toward providing resources and support for our candidates. In return, you'll meet these impressive candidates, shake hands with some hard working elected officials, get to know energetic fellow Democrats, enjoy delicious refreshments, and have a good time!

We are suggesting a minimum donation of $25 for this event, but all donations will be greatly appreciated. If you can't attend the Open House but you want to show your support for the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition, please send your contribution to LCDGC at PO Box 2986, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82003. We hope to see you on June 24!!!  

Please RSVP by calling Joe at 630.6192 or Wendy at 635.2609 by June 18, 2012.

WY Wilderness Association hosts a weekend of art and nature at Honeycomb Buttes

From a press release from the Wyoming Wilderness Association:

The Wyoming Wilderness Association is excited to be hosting a weekend of art and nature with Joan Hoffmann, extraordinary oil and pastel artist from Colorado and Vermont, conservationist and teacher.

Friday- Sunday June, 15-17, Hoffmann will inspire painters of any medium or skill level, in a car campout near Honeycomb Buttes. Saturday morning artists will rendezvous to set up car camping near the Honeycombs, with short day hikes to paint, and campfire critiques and stories to follow. Sunday morning, artists will paint the gorgeous Honeycomb Buttes for a grand finale of an inspiring art-filled weekend. This opportunity is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Martha Tate at 307-672-2751 or visit WWA’s website at http://www.wildwyo.org/

Wyoming Wilderness Association encourages everyone to take advantage of the summer, get out and explore the wild parts of the state, and find out what makes Wyoming and its wilderness areas so special.

WY ACLU and WY Equality urge WY to live up to its "Equality State" motto

Say Amen:

The ACLU of Wyoming is teaming up with Wyoming Equality to fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and marriage equality in Wyoming because we believe in a society that values fairness and equality.

Say Amen again, brothers and sisters:

The true measure of us as a state is how we treat each other. Every individual should have the opportunity to make a lifetime commitment legally to the person he or she loves. Want to help us fight for LGBT rights and marriage equality in Wyoming? Please contact us to find out ways to get involved. More info at http://acluwyomingchapter.blogspot.com/2012/06/equal-rights-in-equality-state.html

Cheyenne Pride Day: BBQ by day, dance by night

Cheyenne Pride takes place on Saturday, June 9.

Lions Park Gazebo. Free hot dogs and hamburgers from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Dance at Suite 1901 from 8:00 pm - 1:00 am. Admission: $5.00 members, $10.00 non-members

Sponsored by Wyoming Equality. 

Go cowboy crazy this weekend over Joanne Kennedy's "Cowboy Crazy"

My writing pal Joanne Kennedy debuts her new novel from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow (June 9) at Barnes & Noble in Cheyenne. It's called "Cowboy Crazy" and it's her first novel with a laughing cowboy on the cover. The guys on the cover always look so seriously hunkish. But this one looks positively gleeful (although still equipped with dangerous pecs bared by an open shirt). For years, Joanne was a member of our local writing critique group and I got to know her work well. Not that I'm a fan of studly cowboys, but I am a fan of good writing and of stories well told. Go out and buy "Cowboy Trouble " or "Cowboy Fever" or "Tall, Dark and Cowboy" or... you get the picture.

Petersen: Diverse voices needed in Wyoming Legislature

Kathleen Petersen: Diverse voices needed in Legislature -- Wyoming Tribune Eagle Online:

Giving a voice to the people, especially minority groups, is what prompted Kathleen Petersen's run in state House District 8. 

She hopes to increase the number of women and Democrats in the Wyoming Legislature to offer a more balanced mix of perspectives, she said. 

“I just feel for a good, balanced government, you need to hear from more than one demographic.”

That one demographic is old (or aging) conservative white guys. I have nothing against aging legislators, it's just their calcified brains and hardened hearts that piss me off. So, if we can just get a few more women or minorities or just-plain Democrats in the Legislature, we'll be light years ahead of where we are now, which is somewhere in the Triassic Era.

I especially welcome Kathleen's District 8 bid. That's my district. We used to have a woman legislator representing us -- Lori Millin. Our current rep, Repub Bob Nicholas, is another predictable Republican with predictably bad voting patterns.

Take a serious look at Kathleen for the upcoming election. Read the WTE profile at above link.

Wyoming's only largest Juneteenth celebration set for June 16 in Cheyenne

This comes from Nancy Sindelar's excellent e-newsletter. BTW, the Chris you see named at the bottom of your screen is my lovely wife, YMCA membership coordinator and fellow NAACP member.  You can catch her talking about Juneteenth on Channel 5 tomorrow morning, some time between 6-7 a.m. Here's the news:

Saturday, June 16th, Cheyenne:  Juneteenth Cultural Park Festival.  Celebrate the day the Blacks in Texas finally found out they were no longer slaves, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  Food and merchandise vendors, rap groups, demonstrations and non-profits.  11 AM, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Ames Ave at Martin Luther King Ct.  Info:  Chris, 634-9622 ext13.  Free.  

Wisconsin defeat as seen from Wyoming

There you have it (from Blowing in the Wyoming Wind):

"...with surprising support from union households, Wisconsin voters retained a governor who promised to destroy the labor movement in a state with a proud history of protecting worker's rights... Nearly 40% of Wisconsin union members voted to retain the man [Scott Walker] who loathes them."  

This union member in Right-to-Work Wyoming is disgusted. We start every day knowing the cards are stacked against us. We have to stand together or perish. 

If you like your films wild & scenic...

Multitalented multitasker Forrest King works on four paintings at once for next Art Design and Dine

The next Art Design and Dine Artwalk features "Portraits in Progress – Live painting by Forrest King"

Thursday, June 14th from 5-8 at the Ancient Sage, 1726 Capital Ave in Historic Downtown Cheyenne

Four new portraits in progress by Forrest King, two of which have not been revealed to the public, will be worked on simultaneously!

The paintings worked will be Harry P. Hynds, Alex Frye, A Little Girl Named Jayne, and Leah Zegan.

Other works in progress will also be on display, including the Battered Bride, Repression Number One, and a nameless one!

Stop by for a refreshment, and if you purchase something from the Ancient Sage you will be entered into a drawing for a “one of a kind” signed 8×10 print of your favorite Forrest King painting. (Only customers who buy during the event will be entered)

Happy Mama Conference in N.C. for mothers of kids with real, but invisible, brain-based disabilities

This sounds like a fabulous retreat for mothers (and possibly fathers) of kids with ADHD, OCD, SPD, and so on. From the "Easy to Love but Hard to Raise" blog that I write for occasionally:

The Happy Mama Conference & Retreat will take place July 28–29, 2012, at the Rock Barn Golf & Spa, in Conover, North Carolina. Here’s what the retreat is all about, as described on the Happy Mama website, www.if-mama-aint-happy.com :

What: A CONFERENCE that focuses on your needs as the mom to a child with a very real, but invisible, brain-based disability, like ADHD, ADD, OCD, ODD, FASD, PBD, SPD, PDD, or one of the many other overlapping conditions that make parenting your child an extra challenging situation, and a RETREAT, where we’ll provide you with wonderful food, spa opportunities, fun activities, and camaraderie with other moms who know exactly where you’re coming from.

Why: Because parenting children with invisible disabilities is an extremely stressful, isolating, and emotional job and one which can impact your health and well-being in a negative way.

The retreat, hosted by DRT Press (publisher of Easy to Love but Hard to Raise) and the website {a mom’s view of ADHD} (founded and edited by Penny Williams) and supported by a growing list of sponsors, including CHADD and the Catawba Valley Medical Center, will offer the perfect blend of education, support, and pampering.

Saturday’s speakers will cover: “Parenthood, Stress, Health, and Resiliency,” “Advocating for Your Child in School,” and “How to Be Happy: Calming Techniques for You and Your Child.”Sunday will be devoted to fun and pampering, which may include spa treatments, relaxing by the pool, gem mining, hiking, yoga, horseback riding, or kayaking.

Doesn’t that sound fabulous? I can hardly wait!

Sharon Barbary Bryan registered for the conference, but has since found out that she’s unable to attend. Sharon is donating her conference registration and on-site lodging, approximately a $350 value, to a deserving mom! The retreat organizers are running a contest to determine what lucky mama will be the recipient of Sharon’s generous gift. Here’s how it works: Follow this link. Nominate a special needs mama whom you feel deserves to attend the retreat, by writing a sentence or two in the comments field (of that post, not this one!) explaining why she needs a break. The contest will run June 1 – June 22.

If you are interested in attending whether you win this contest or not, please don’t hesitate to register now. Registration is just $129 until July 1. If you are “in the business” of ADHD, FASD, ASD, or other brain-based disorders and wish to become a retreat sponsor, email happymamaretreat@gmail.com

for their sponsorship package

Meg Lanker-Simons' Cognitive Dissonance gets "Golden Thinkr" honors from ThinkProgress

Laramie blogging pal Meg Lanker-Simons (Cognitive Dissonance) has just been named one of 10 Tumblr Golden Thinkrs by ThinkProgress (see her sardonic visage at bottom left of graphic). Agreed -- Meg's blog is a hoot and filled with cool graphics and digs at wacko conservatives, of which we have many in Wyoming. Meg is off to NN12 in Providence this week where she will earn more fans. Here's the news:

The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here! After months (days) of eager anticipation (quiet indifference), ThinkProgress is pleased to award our inaugural Golden Thinkrs to 10 tumblrs that have made us laugh, cry, think, sing, skip and—in one particular moment of weakness—drink heavily.

There are too many unique and worthy voices on Tumblr to cram into one award ceremony, so instead we relied on a complicated, mathematical formula to whittle down our list to what you see here. We did not—repeat, DID NOT—throw darts at a board and choose the first 10 we hit.

We be ugly in Wyoming

From TV reviewer Mary McNamara's LA Times review of the "Longmire" pilot:

Where Longmire strides, Vic bounces, and though Sackhoff doesn't have quite enough to do in the pilot, the chemistry between the two will no doubt be the river running through the show. While anything can happen over time in a TV series, their relationship appears remarkably, and mercifully, free of sexual or even romantic tension, despite their being the two best-looking people in the county and probably the state. (No offense meant, citizens of Wyoming.)

"Longmire" on A&E is based on the novels of Craig Johnson of Ucross, Wyoming, pop. 25, in Sheridan County, home to several ruggedly attractive people.

Obama for America phone bank June 4 in Cheyenne

From Obama for America, Wyoming chapter:

What: Obama for America team meeting and phone bank in Cheyenne

Where: Laramie County Public Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001

When: Monday, June 4, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Contact: 307-461-1702

M.L. Liebler "rides the quatrains" in Afghanistan

Detroit's "Beat Angel" M.L. Liebler is one of the presenters this weekend at the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference in Casper. He just wrote a great story in the Detroit Metro Times about a recent trip teaching poetry workshops in Afghanistan. Go to this link on the Wyomingarts blog: http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-ml-liebler-poet-and-teacher.html

Dems' Spring Hat Tea postponed until June 24

This just in...

Unfortunately, the Spring Hat Tea, originally scheduled for June 2, has been cancelled due to unforeseen events. However, please save the date for Sunday, June 24, 2012. Another exciting Grassroots Coalition event is being planned.

Wear a fashionable hat -- and raise funds for Dems

From fun-loving Dem Wendy Soto: You are invited to a lovely Spring Hat Tea this Saturday. Come join your Democratic friends for tea and desserts. Let's celebrate Spring by planning to elect Democrats in November.   Please join us and invite a friend!  Saturday, June 2, 2-4 pm  Wendy Soto's home, 3439 Essex Special guest speaker: Robin Van Ausdall, E.D. State Party Tickets $15, second ticket of nonmember guest $10 Show off your most fabulous hat!

Meet upstart Dem Lee Filer at June 1 barbecue

Lee Filer is a Democratic Party candidate for HD 12 running against Republican Amy Edmonds. He is having  a fundraiser on Friday, June 1 at 6:30 at 1503 West College Drive which is AB Camping. The cost is $25 per plate (great BBQ). Please join Lee in his effort to defeat Amy Edmonds in November.

Here's a WTE story about Lee's fund-raiser, followed by some interesting comments. Seems that there are more that a few GOPers in right-winger Amy Edmonds' district who want someone else....

"Are we artists or monkeys?" -- three essays about the current state of "creative placemaking"

We've spent a decade hearing about the "creative class" and "creatives" and "creative placemaking" at one arts conference after another. Young creatives are transforming neglected city centers into arts oases where the artrepreneurial economy thrives, or so the story goes. There are success stories, to be sure, but not every imagined "creative placemaking" project comes to fruition. In Cheyenne, we're still working on several projects that, if successful, can revitalize downtown. But we still have that ugly gaping hole at the core of our city center. Hard to imagine a thriving downtown with a hole in its middle.

A triple dose of reality comes from a story by Ian David Moss at Createquity.com and two others from the Adobe Airstream blog written by arts writer Ellen Berkovitch and "young arts professional" Hannah Hoel about the Imagined Futures project in Santa Fe which hasn't gone much beyond the imagining stage. One only has to look at the URL wording to see the tenor of the articles:

Ian David Ross: http://createquity.com/2012/05/creative-placemaking-has-an-outcomes-problem.html

Ellen Berkovitch: http://adobeairstream.com/art/creative-santa-fe-coals-to-newcastle/

Hannah Hoel: http://adobeairstream.com/art/placemaking-in-santa-fe-are-we-artists-or-monkeys/

Morris House Bistro: Blending the art of food & historic preservation

The Morris House Bistro, a fine dining establishment in downtown Cheyenne featuring South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine, received the Bill Dubois Award for Historic Preservation on Tuesday. Bill Dubois, grandson (and namesake) of Cheyenne's most famous architect, presented the award to Morris House Bistro co-owners Dameione Cameron and Troy Rumpf. The restaurant has been opened barely a year and it's thriving, and soon will offer a Sunday brunch. Read the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle article: Restaurant honored for historic preservation. For more about MHB, go to http://www.morrishousebistro.com/.

A long drive made short -- on the road with the "Blue Heaven" audiobook

Yesterday, Cheyenne writer Karen Cotton's blog featured a Q&A with best-selling writer C.J. Box that included news about the upcoming film of "Blue Heaven." It made me think about the long drive across Wyoming last summer that was made shorter (and much more fun) with the accompaniment of the "Blue Heaven" audiobook.

A long drive made short. That may be the best way to describe the effects of a great audiobook. "Blue Heaven" is that kind of experience. This was Chuck's (that's how most Wyomingites know C.J.) first stand-alone novel, the first outside of his best-selling Joe Pickett series. It came out in 2008 and was a big hit. It was selected by the American Library Association as a 2008 Reading List award winner in the category "Adrenaline." The action is intense as 12-year-old Annie and her younger brother William witness a murder in the Idaho woods and now have to escape pursuit by a group of retired L.A. cops who have big secrets to hide. Some unexpected heroes help them, but readers are kept guessing all the way to the end.

One of Chuck's gifts is his ability to portray "us," those of us who live and work in the Rocky Mountain West. He's adept at showing the clashes between Old West and New West. In "Blue Heaven," rancher Jess Rawlins, one of the main characters, is beset by realtors and bankers and clueless newcomers from "The Coast." While the setting is northern Idaho, this could be Anywhere, Wyoming, those places Chuck knows so well -- Rawlins, Cheyenne, Sheridan, Encampment, even the mythical Saddlestring, Game Warden Joe Pickett's home base. This authenticity has earned the author many fans who aren't necessarily big readers. His book signings features teen boys, retirees, ranchers, bikers, teachers, and diehard Baby Boomer book-buyers like me. His audience is broad and deep. They like him in Germany, France, Japan, the U.K. and 20-some other countries, too.

My preferred delivery system for a good story is the actual book that I can read on a summer afternoon under the shade of a high plains cottonwood. Reading and long-distance driving (especially when you're the driver) aren't a good mix, which led to the invention of audiobooks. Last summer, I listened to the Laramie County Public Library's copy of "Blue Heaven." They may now have multiple copies, or soon will, and copies of the book. Read or listen to it now, before the film comes out and there's a big rush to see what the fuss is all about.

Jalan Crossland's "Portrait of a Fish" tour rolls into Cheyenne

Not a self-portrait of Jalan...

As he wrapped up last night's second set at the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, Jalan Crossland invited the audience to his hometown August hootenanny -- the NoWoodstock Festival in Ten Sleep.

"Did he say NoWoodstock?" my wife Chris asked.

I nodded. And tried to explain. NoWoodstock is not exactly the opposite of the legendary gathering. It is held outdoors, and sometimes it rains, but it's not likely to draw 500,000 retro-hippies for three days of peace and love and cause a blockbuster film and album (remember those?) to be made.

NoWoodstock is a bit like Jalan. A little bit country, a little bit folk, a little bit storytelling, with equal parts singing and picking the guitar and banjo. Throw in some food and drink, mosquitoes and sunburn, and there you have it.

But back to last night. Jalan's solo concert was arranged by the Cheyenne Guitar Society, its third event of the season. The series had a number of sponsors, including the Wyoming Arts Council and the LCCC Foundation. The performance was delayed by 20 minutes so that hotel staff could bring in more chairs. By the time Jalan took the stage, the room was packed and very warm. There was a long line at the ballroom bar.

Jalan writes and plays his own songs. Most come with a splash (sometimes a raging torrent) of humor. So when he said that this was the first time he'd played in Cheyenne outside of a couple of weddings, nobody knew if he was kidding. I didn't get to ask him, but it seems unlikely. In the past couple months, he's been to New Orleans and the annual songwriters' festival in Key West. His next stop is the Upper Meramac Flatpicking Guitar Camp & Americana Music Festival in Steelville, Mo. Then come stops in Nebraska and Iowa before a big concert June 1 at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. He arrives back in Ten Sleep August 12 for NoWoodstock. Get the full concert schedule at http://www.jalancrossland.com/concerts.htm

At the Plains, Jalan played some of his favorites, many of them shouted out from the audience. They included "Don't Taze Me Bro," "Trailer Park Fire," "The Little Girl & the Deadly Snake" and "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance, All-Night Chicken Trucker." We could almost smell the "Trailer Park Fire" -- open doors brought a whiff of wind-blown smoke from the wildland fires burning in northern Colorado. Jalan played some tunes from his new CD, "Portrait of a Fish," including a moving rendition of Gordon Lightfoot's "Don Quixote." He alternated between banjo and guitar. Some of the up-tempo numbers caused some impromptu dancing to break out at the front of the room.

The evening ended too soon. Judging by the crowd at the merchandise table, Jalan was selling a lot of T-shirts and signing scads of CDs and posters. Weddings are nice and all, but it seems odd that Jalan's public appearances in Cheyenne are so rare. But it is a long way from the wilds of Washakie County and NoWoodstock. That's not Jalan's next concert stop, but it may be ours.

Cross-posted to the Wyomingarts blog