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

Tickets to CIFF"s screening of "Bully" are free, thanks to Wyoming Humanities Council

All tickets are FREE for the May 17 Cheyenne International Film Festival screening of “Bully” at the Frontier 9 Theater. Thanks to the Wyoming Humanities Council for underwriting the program including discussions before and after the film. Doors open at 6:00pm – movie at 6:30 pm. There is no cost for tickets, but are required for admission to keep a seat count. There may be “Rush” tickets available at the door.

Daniel Junge returns to Cheyenne with an Oscar-winning doc and a new short film

This comes from the CIFF's Alan O'Hashi: The Cheyenne International Film Festival is honoring Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Junge on Saturday, May 19. The full evening event is selling out, but CIFF is offering tickets for the films, interview and questions and answers with Daniel Junge. The films include “One Day” which is Daniel’s latest short film followed by the Oscar-winning “Saving Face.” Tickets are also available at the Phoenix Books and Music walk-up box office 1612 Capitol Avenue in Downtown Cheyenne. Tickets for the reception honoring Daniel Junge are also on sale online and at the box office.

Firefighter Joe Fender announces election bid, warns Legislature: "Don't mess with" state retirement system

From a Wyoming Democratic Party press release:

Cheyenne Fire Fighter Joe Fender has announced his plan to seek the Democratic nomination for the House District 7 seat in the Wyoming Legislature. 

Fender, a fifteen-year veteran of the fire service, is a lieutenant with the Cheyenne Fire & Rescue Department. “I have dedicated nearly my entire adult life as a public servant, so I see serving in the Legislature as a way for me to continue to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family” said Fender. 

Fender said his strengths are his understanding of the legislative process as well as local issues directly affecting the citizens of House District 7. He said his neighbors are concerned about water quality. They are concerned that hydraulic fracturing will damage their drinking water and don’t want to wind up like the people in Pavillion. Fender believes Wyoming can continue the economic development of minerals while protecting the land and water for future generations. 

Fender’s experience as a fire fighter has helped him to understand the role the state can play in making sure Wyoming’s citizens get the critical services they deserve. He said a consistent plan must be put in place to make sure local communities have quality basic services such as safe, well-maintained roads, clean water, good schools and public safety.  

“We need to take a hard look at our finances and determine whether we should continue our current level of Mineral Trust Fund deposits,” said Fender “or whether it is time to invest some of that money into critical infrastructure, where it will directly affect the lives of the citizens of Wyoming”. 

Fender has several important issues for legislative attention. Wyoming ranks at the bottom of the nation in worker deaths and injuries as well as ranks at the bottom in gender gap equality, he noted.“Women in Wyoming make only 67 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts,” said Fender. Fender said Wyoming women are often forced into low-paying jobs, or forced to stay home altogether, because childcare costs eat up too much of their paychecks. “Mothers need access to quality childcare,” he said.

Fender said many citizens worry about where the Legislature is taking the public pension system. Some 89,000 people rely on the Wyoming retirements they have earned for their years of service, he said. Most of them reinvest that money right back into Wyoming’s economy. “The reality is that the average monthly retirement benefit for public employees in Wyoming is $1,200 a month,” said Fender. “Anything we do that interrupts that revenue stream will have serious consequences to retirees and local economies”. Fender said several studies show the Wyoming retirement system is actually one of the most stable in the country. The Wyoming Legislature shouldn’t mess with something that works, he added. 

Fender pointed out that he has considerable experience working with the Wyoming Legislature. “With five years of lobbying experience representing firefighters and public safety under my belt, I feel as though I have the knowledge, skills and abilities to represent my district by being responsive to the constituents.”

From Blowing in the Wyoming Wind: Are we addicted to negative politics?

Cheyenne's Rodger McDaniel explores how the Twelve Steps can help progressives maintain their sanity during the upcoming presidential battle. Go to...

Blowing in the Wyoming Wind: Are we addicted to negative politics?: According to a recent analysis, 70% of presidential campaign commercials run so far have been negative. It will only get worse. ...

My favorite parts:

With one-tenth of one percent of the electoral votes necessary to elect a president, Wyoming voters are powerless to impact presidential elections. Regardless of whom we support, you and I are powerless to avoid the inevitable. Those measly three electoral votes will go to Romney no matter what you think or how much money or time you contribute. While we are powerless over the outcome, we can control our own sanity. But if we remain addicted and follow the campaign, reacting to the daily negativity of the candidates, their TV ads and surrogates, our lives will become unmanageable.

Regardless of how incensed we become listening to the attacks on our candidate, the only impact will be to our own blood pressure and our relationships with others. The same man (and it will be a man) will win regardless of how crazy it all makes us.

Here's what I plan to do during the election. I will keep a positive attitude, avoid those wacky talking heads on corporate news channels, avoid debates with Republicans over which candidate said which stupid thing, eat well, sleep the sleep of the righteous, exercise, and imagine an Obama second term.

Mother's Day has roots in early peace movement

From Nation of Change:  

Mother’s Day began in America in 1870 when Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation. Written in response to the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War, her proclamation called on women to use their position as mothers to influence society in fighting for an end to all wars. She called for women to stand up against the unjust violence of war through their roles as wife and mother, to protest the futility of their sons killing other mothers’ sons. Read more here

. 

Big turnout at Governor's Offfice for signing of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week proclamation

Top photo: Big turnout Wednesday morning for Governor Matt Mead's signing of the proclamation for Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. A large group of concerned parents and children joined with UPLIFT staffers and board members, representatives from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, and Sen. Floyd Esquibel. Everyone received a "Children's Mental Health Matters" ribbon and balloon, even the Governor. Bottom photo: UPLIFT’s Kim Conner asked me, as an UPLIFT board member, to share some national stats on children's mental health with Gov. Matt Mead at Wednesday’s proclamation signing.

Revealed: Full List of ALEC's Corporate Members (and a Wyoming company is on it)

Common Cause has a full list of ALEC's Corporate Members (via AlterNet). Couldn't find the names of any Wyoming corporate members, but there are very few major corporations based in WY. The list shows that Cloud Peak Energy is located in Colorado. But that's not what it says on the CPE web site:

Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is one of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only pure-play Powder River Basin (PRB) coal company. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation, Cloud Peak Energy specializes in the production of low sulfur, subbituminous coal. The company owns and operates three surface coal mines in the PRB, the lowest cost major coal producing region in the nation. The Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines are located in Wyoming and the Spring Creek Mine is located near Decker, Montana.

The company employs lots of people and sponsors worthy causes in the state. So why does it belong to an anti-worker org such as ALEC? Find out more about the American Legislative Exchange Council at ALEC Exposed. Here's a snippet from its site:

Through the corporate-funded American Legislative Exchange Council, global corporations and state politicians vote behind closed doors to try to rewrite state laws that govern your rights. These so-called "model bills" reach into almost every area of American life and often directly benefit huge corporations. In ALEC's own words, corporations have "a VOICE and a VOTE" on specific changes to the law that are then proposed in your state. DO YOU?

Daniel Junge will be on hand to intro his Oscar-winning doc May 19 at CIFF

The Cheyenne International Film Festival program for 2012 is completed. The CIFF May 17-20 is highlighted by Cheyenne native Daniel Junge and his Oscar-winning documentary “Saving Face."

He’ll be on hand and in person at a reception taking place on the Mezzanine of the Plains Hotel on Saturday, May 19. The screening takes place across the street at 1615 Lincoln.

Saturday is full and starts with a return screening of John Ford’s classic western “Cheyenne Autumn” which made its World Premiere at the Lincoln Theater in 1963. Actress Carroll Baker will participate in a live interview via Skype following the movie.

See the entire program here.

Cheyenne lecture about the Indian Removal Act documents "The Dark Side of American History"

Blame "Old Hickory"

A sordid tale, but one that needs to be told, and will be this week at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne:

The Indian Removal Act, an unpopular and controversial part of the settlement of the American West, will be the focus of this month’s Wyoming State Museum lecture series presentation on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

Dr. Robert Munkres, of Estes Park, Colo., presents “Indian Removal: The Dark Side of American History.” His presentation discusses the problematic relations between the Anglo population and the tribes native to the regions being settled.

Increasingly, white authority called for the removal of native tribes to the West, culminating in the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

This presentation describes the implementation of the act, together with the terrible cost it imposed upon the Native American population.

For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7022. The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

Early intervention and prevention crucial for children's mental health

Here are some points to ponder about children’s mental health. As a parent of children with mental health challenges, and as an adult who's dealt with recurring bouts of depression, I ponder these things often and not only during the upcoming week devoted to education and awareness. Governor Matt Mead will sign a proclamation on Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m., designating May 6-12 as Mental Health Awareness Week. The following stats come from the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. 

• One in five young people have one or more mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.  One in ten youth have challenges that are severe enough to impair how they function at home, school, or in the community.
• One-half of all lifetime cases of psychological challenges begin by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24.  In addition, 80% of people who experience multiple issues with mental health and substance abuse report onset before the age of 20.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults. Children experiencing symptoms of psychological challenges, particularly depression, are at a higher risk for suicide.  An estimated 90% of children who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.
• Despite high rates of mental illness in children, 4 out of 5 children ages 6 to 17 who have experience symptoms do not receive any help.  The majority of those who do not receive needed mental health services are minority children.  For example, 88% of Latino children have unmet mental health needs.  In addition, Latino children are less likely than others to be identified by a primary care physician as having a mental disorder.
• Unmet mental health needs may complicate daily activities and education for youth.  Almost 25% of adolescents who required mental health assistance reported having problems at school.  Over 50% of students who experience psychological challenges, ages 14 and older, drop out of high school—the highest dropout rate of any disability group.
• Early detection and intervention strategies for mental health issues improve children’s resilience and ability to succeed in life.  According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, preschoolers at high risk for mental health problems showed less oppositional behavior, less aggressive behavior, and were less likely to require special education services 3 years after enrolling in a comprehensive, school-based mental health program.

What can you do?

Create awareness surrounding positive mental health practices and supports.  Work to reduce stigma!

Contact your local, state and federal legislators to request funding for early intervention and prevention programs. 

Encourage culturally and linguistically competent supports and services.

UPLIFT has a terrific list of resources for Wyoming families at http://www.upliftwy.org/resources.html. I am on the UPLIFT board and admit to a certain bias. But it is a terrific list.

Jalan Crossland -- from Ten Sleep to Key West to Cheyenne

Ten Sleep, Wyoming's "trailer park troubadour" Jalan Crossland will perform in concert on Wednesday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the Historic Plains Hotel ballroom in Cheyenne. Tickets are $10, $5 for students. Sponsored by the Cheyenne Guitar Society. FMI: http://cheyenneguitarsociety.com/

Jalan's on stage this week at the Better Angels Songwriters Festival in Key West..

Jalan's Dylanesque mug graced the Iowa newspapers last December when he was arrested at an Occupy protest in Des Moines during the Iowa Republican caucuses. We expect some new songs emerging from this encounter. Read more at http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com/2012/01/planet-jackson-hole-wy-picker-causes.html

One of Colorado's top ten summer concert destinations is in Cheyenne

Merle

The Denver Post says “don't miss these 10 summer concerts.”

Colorado's legendary summer weather combined with Coloradans' renowned passion for live music creates a maelstrom of good times. And here are 10 shows we're especially looking forward in the next few months.

Some great names on the list. Mana. The Shins. The Denver Ukefest with Jake Shimabukuro, Nellie McKay and Aldrine Guerrero. Slim Cessna's Auto Club.
Number seven on the Post’s top ten list is a concert series in a neighboring state – ours. Pretty unusual choice in this usually Denvercentric Front Range universe.

7. CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS WITH ZAC BROWN BAND, BRAD PAISLEY, MERLE HAGGARD, JOURNEY: Frontier Days always features a big lineup, but this year's is especially mammoth. From country legend Haggard to megastars Brown and Paisley — along with arena rockers Journey — this is as solid a lineup as the event has in years. (July 20-28, Cheyenne Frontier Nights).

Cool.

Read more: Colorado summer music preview: From Drake to Jack White, the UMS to Folks Fest, don't miss these 10 summer concerts

A photo sampler from the Wyoming Outdoor Council's annual calendar contest

Skull Creek Rim, Adobe Town, Wyoming’s Red Desert.

Lupines, Happy Jack Road, Southeast Wyoming

Wyoming is a photographer's dream. Check out some of these shots by Laramie's Ken Driese. Ken submitted them to the annual Wyoming Outdoor Council calendar contest. See more: Photo Submissions: Spectacular Red Desert, Laramie Basin, and More

Rep. Mary Throne -- one of the good ones -- announces reelection bid

I've leafletted a few neighborhoods and made phone calls on behalf of Mary Throne. And I may just do it again, even though I'm not lucky enough to have her as my Rep. This news comes from a WyoDems press release:

Representative Mary Throne, House District 11, announced today she intends to seek re-election to the Wyoming House of Representatives. The House Minority Whip is seeking her fourth term representing her Laramie County constituents.

Throne is widely recognized as a bi-partisan leader, able to work across the aisle on issues of importance to the state of Wyoming and Cheyenne, particularly in the areas of energy and education. In 2011, she was the House sponsor for legislation to provide road assistance for counties impacted by the Niobrara play. Laramie County received $1.7 following the passage of the bill. When she saw her children losing nearly a month of class time to PAWS and learned Wyoming was spending millions of dollars more than most surrounding states on testing, she teamed with fellow legislators to streamline Wyoming’s K-12 assessment system. Rep. Throne was then appointed to serve as the only Laramie County member of the Select Committee on Statewide Educational Accountability. She has been the prime sponsor of successful bills to assist deployed military with child custody orders, to improve Wyoming’s property tax appeal system, and to increase access to legal services, as well as being a strong advocate for worker safety.

“The best legislative work I have done does not carry my name.  When we park our politics and focus on finding solutions to the issues that matter to the people of Wyoming, only then are we doing our jobs. Wyoming is facing an uncertain funding future due to low natural gas prices. Fortunately, we have saved during the good times to help prepare for this situation.  If re-elected by the voters in House District 11, I am committed to working with my colleagues to preserve essential government services.” Throne said.

In addition to her other legislative duties, Rep. Throne serves on Judiciary, Rules, Management Audit, the Select Committee on Capital Financing and Investments, where she is Vice-Chair, the Taskforce on Capitol Building Restoration and Energy Council.   As one of a handful of women serving, Rep. Throne is the Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Wyoming Women’s Legislative Caucus, a group that actively works to encourage women candidates at all levels of government.

Rep. Throne and her husband, Kevin Boyce, a geologist, have three sons at home.  She is a member of Rotary, the First Presbyterian Church, and the Laramie County School District’s Parent Advisory Committee.  Throne grew up on a ranch in Campbell County, earned an undergraduate degree at Princeton and her law degree at Columbia Law School, graduating in 1988. She returned to Wyoming in 1992 to work as an Assistant Attorney General, representing the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality before moving into private practice in 1999.

Local blogger interviews Wyoming author Craig Johnson about his books and upcoming "Longmire" A&E series

Craig Johnson's latest
Walt Longmire mystery
 debuts May 15.

Cheyenne writer Karen Cotton interviewed Ucross, Wyoming, mystery writer Craig Johnson ("The Cold Dish," "Another Man's Moccasins") for a story on her new blog. She got some great quotes. Here's one with Craig describing his ongoing main character, Absoraka County Sheriff Walt Longmire:

“I was looking for an individual that would be emblematic of the American West, but still complex enough to be compelling to readers,” Johnson said. “Walt is, what I refer to as, a detective for the disenfranchised; he cares about the cases that no one else does. He’s an elected official that’s responsible to his community and I like that better than the ‘lone-wolf’ style characters that kills forty people before the book is over. Walt is a little ‘over’—over age, over weight, overly depressed, and facing a lot of the things that the readers face every day and I think that keeps him real.”

The sheriff (portrayed by actor Robert Taylor) will star in a new TV series on A&E, "Longmire." It debuts June 3.

Read more at Karen's blog: http://lifeisassweetascottoncandy.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/new-york-times-bestselling-author-craig-johnson-dishes-about-his-new-tv-series-on-ae-and-his-latest-book/

ALEC influence in Colorado politics tracked by ProgressNow

ProgressNow's blog tracks ALEC influence in Colorado politics. Go to http://progressnowcolorado.org/blog/

Rodger McDaniel: ALEC casts a spell over Wyoming state legislators

Rodger McDaniel writes today about what we've known for awhile -- "ALEC owns your state legislators." Read all about the American Legislative Exchange Council's undue influence on Wyoming lawmaking in Rodger's weekly Wyoming Tribune-Eagle column (if you get the paper), or on his Blowing in the Wyoming Wind blog. Here's a good line:

In a technical sense, ALEC doesn't lobby "in any state" as it claims [on its web site]. It leaves that to legislators who fall under its spell.

Get more details at ALEC Exposed

Forrest King holds art show and sale of his "The Pink Triangle" series to benefit Wyoming Equality

Available for the first time -- the original oil paintings from Forrest King's line, “The Pink Triangle.” Art show and sale at the Rotten Apple Ink, 218 W. 17th St., Cheyenne, on Friday, May 11, 6:30-9 p.m. Complimentary wine and refreshments. Special signed prints will be for sale too, plus other artwork by Forrest King. There will be lots of fine art prints for sale and auction. 100% of the proceeds from prints – and 50% of original arts sales -- go to Wyoming Equality! Wine, food, magic by Aiden Sinclair. Artwork: 50x70-inch woven blanket.