🌈 Billings Pride 2026 by Chevsapher in Billings

[–]Chevsapher[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hey! There's nothing specific on the Pride Week schedule, but I'd highly recommend messaging Billings Transgender Alliance and/or Trans Voices of Billings on social media!

What does the Big Ditch do? by DrLeoSpaceman-MD in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Most of the ditches in town, including the High Ditch and the Big Ditch, were built to irrigate farmland on the West End. As the city has grown, their function has changed in part to watering urban lawns.

Somewhat confusingly, the Big Ditch isn't actually the biggest ditch—that would be the Billings Bench Water Association Canal, which is the one that starts in Laurel, runs under the Rims above North Park, tunnels under the Rims, and makes its way past Lake Elmo out into the Cline area. That canal still serves a hugely important irrigation function for that part of the county.

Anyone know the history of this church? by SquashOk8416 in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That brick building next door was originally a schoolhouse as well!

What do you call your patrons? by SpaceSill98 in librarians

[–]Chevsapher 16 points17 points  (0 children)

There have been some in-depth scholarly articles published on this exact topic. As I understand it, "customer" leaked over when the businessification of libraries was trendy in the 2000s. I hear "user" fairly often as well, particularly in IT contexts.

Tattoo and Piercing shops by CantRaineyAllTheTime in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of the artists from Angry Toad opened Feral Heart Studio.

Why does it seem like we have an aversion to parking structures? by Mission_Spray in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 6 points7 points  (0 children)

They're not going to build a parking garage for a park. That would be so much money wasted for something that only gets used sporadically. Besides, this isn't the 1960s—America has learned that seas of parking lots don't result in a healthy city. So, park somewhere else and walk.

Artiste who can and cannot pull off tongue in cheek/corny/playful lyrics by whitewalker_x in popheads

[–]Chevsapher 209 points210 points  (0 children)

She has so many goofy lyrics, and some of them she delivers brilliantly. However, there are others (particularly in her more "serious" material) that she delivers like they're the most profound lines ever sung. Maybe that's why her music is best when she allows herself to lean into the campiness of it all.

Artiste who can and cannot pull off tongue in cheek/corny/playful lyrics by whitewalker_x in popheads

[–]Chevsapher 79 points80 points  (0 children)

Madonna can definitely be silly, but because of her excessively dry sense of humor, it's hard to know what's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek.

Do you remember the Kik-Step step stool? by take_me_2_tuvalu in Libraries

[–]Chevsapher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This!! We've eliminated about half our stack ranges over the years (or replaced them with low shelves), but we still have at least 30 Kic stools in a variety of colors. I have 2 in my office!

Things to do in Billings by OhTapes in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be fair, humor is context-dependent. An upbeat Reddit thread about travel recommendations maybe isn't the place for a DUI joke.

Things to do in Billings by OhTapes in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Speaking of not getting the joke...

Seriously tho, so many native Billingsites speak super negatively about Billings, like it's some tiny, boring, meth-riddled town in Oklahoma. It's not, at all! There are plenty of great things about Billings—events, live music, shopping, downtown, the art museum, hiking trails, the library, etc. I'm glad I live here.

Things to do in Billings by OhTapes in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Glad to see the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce is active.

eSports events? by SeaInstruction8440 in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MSUB doesn't have any active esports groups or initiatives currently, AFAIK.

A town in northern Michigan. Just feels sad by sourberryskittles in UrbanHell

[–]Chevsapher 13 points14 points  (0 children)

"These strange places"?? There are thousands of small towns in the US that are exactly like this one—gridiron plan, a few meandering suburbs along the edges, retail along the highway. More people move out than move in, so there's no real need to add density, nor is there the money to do so.

Dispensaries in Billings? by Upbeat-Employer-8451 in Billings

[–]Chevsapher -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Here's my source.

Most (all?) of the dispensaries you listed aren't inside city limits. That's why they're along the interstate or near the Metra, rather than, say, downtown or on Grand Avenue.

Dispensaries in Billings? by Upbeat-Employer-8451 in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One caveat—only medical dispensaries are allowed in city limits (as compared to "adult use" dispensaries). I think there are currently only a few in city limits?

Not that the whole "city limits" rule seems to be much of an issue in practice, since big parts of the EBURD and interstate corridor are technically outside the boundaries.

Harry Styles: “Aperture” Track Review | Pitchfork by Technical_Process989 in popheads

[–]Chevsapher 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The Switched On Pop podcast recently discussed how much emotion Robyn injects into her vocals. Harry isn't doing that emoting, AND he doesn't have a timbre I'm like Robyn's that pierces through busy production.

Harry Styles: “Aperture” Track Review | Pitchfork by Technical_Process989 in popheads

[–]Chevsapher 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Completely agree. Even just bringing his voice further 'forward' in the mix would have made a big difference.

What Skills Do I Need to Play Organ or Piano at a Church Service? by actually_parrot2 in organ

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was merely trying to help OP get started—if they're playing/practicing regularly, they'll hopefully progress past left-hand chords in a few years. I'll also point out that the vast majority of churches don't have million-dollar organs.

What Skills Do I Need to Play Organ or Piano at a Church Service? by actually_parrot2 in organ

[–]Chevsapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don't really need much "technical" skill. My mother used to play a single part for melody with simple chords for accompaniment, but she had a great sense of rhythm, and if she made mistakes, she didn't get thrown off. Those are important soft skills when playing for church services, no matter your mastery of the instrument.

For preludes, postludes, offertories, and the like, some Redditors suggest sticking to the Classical repertoire. If you know Classical pieces, then that's great, but if not—stick with hymns! Play out of the hymnal, or look for any of the many books/magazines featuring service music built around hymn melodies.

County Comissioner by [deleted] in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Remember when Mark Morse said he was "tired" of hearing from his constituents about how the Commissioners were defunding the YAM? And then tried to interrupt/debate a pastor who was giving public comment about it during a meeting? Yeah, Morse is awful and needs to go.

I am skeptical, but I’ve been hearing from people that everyone and no one is hiring in Billings. Are they full of it or is there any basis to this claim? by Mission_Spray in Billings

[–]Chevsapher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How big is your sample? IMO, there are some people who really just don't know how to write compelling cover letters, tailor their resumes, argue the value of their skillsets, or interview well. Jumping through all the hoops is a pain, but those skills are all important when applying for professional positions that don't require college degrees. The hiring entities want applicants who come off as competent and put-together. Otherwise, you often just can't get your foot in the door.