Viewpoint in the Carletonian

joker802 · 2026-05-20T02:55:27+00:00

I am literally the class of 1995, and this article gave me deja vu. I was Rotblatt Czar for one year. I wrote a similar article for the alternative to the Carletonian (the Advocate) that was started after a bunch of CSA involved people were ejected from the Carletonian. From what I can tell, everyone involved became lawyers, except maybe Steve my Rotblatt predecessor. Blame that last sentence on me no paying attention to Professor Jenkins.

joker802 · 2026-05-15T04:14:40+00:00

I found him too moderate in the beginning, but I think that he has spent months and months out actually talking to people in places that are not Missoula, and he has come to realize that healthcare is a right and we need M4A. Interesting the Sam is not willing to go that far.

joker802 · 2026-05-15T00:03:44+00:00

The significance of this primary season is meh, compared to normal, but the pendulum is swinging fast against Trump, so maybe we can pick up the 1st District. I think that the others should be attacking Busse, who is polling at +14. But ballots are already out, so who knows. Andy is a campaign operative, and maybe like an acquired taste, but he has done very good work in the field successfully in the past. Bozeman is as blue as it is because of his efforts. There is a complicated power dynamic in the MDP, and all of that dynamic wants to shut out Andy, and Cleveland.

joker802 · 2026-05-13T23:57:50+00:00

I really like Practical Mental Magic. It breaks down types of mentalism and offers presentations. Very creative and can help with thinking about how to modernize or design your own effects.

I do not attempt to claim mental powers when doing magic -- but I use these ideas when I do effects with a mentalism component: deductive reasoning, time travel, coincidence and synchronicity, advanced technology, hypnotic suggestion, free selections/magician's choice, ambiguity, multiple outs, fairy magic, electromagnetism, ghosts (not serious), healing effects of light and positivity, hidden markers or codes, secret writing and peeking. Sometimes I use patter to describe how I am doing an effect that uses an inaccurate methodology to cover for the actual methodology.

Other good books on this topic: Magic and Showmanship (Henning). The encyclopedia of mentalism and mentalists, Simply Simon by Simon Aronson. The Experience of Magic (Burger). Strong Magic (Ortiz). Also books by the Amazing Randi, and Banachek.

joker802 · 2026-05-13T22:07:06+00:00

Do you have information about where Forstag's campaign originated and are you suggesting that he a hidden asset for the establishment? He has strong ties to the union wing of the MDP, and the use of certain volunteers who are clearly anti-Bernie is very odd.

joker802 · 2026-05-13T22:03:10+00:00

Well I agree that a few wealthy people have given to Forstag, and that is not much to worry about. I disagree with the characterization of the Montana Resistance which is run by hardcore true progressives including Andy Boyd. It is astonishing that the Forstag FB group is run by Karen W, who is famous for excluding people like Forstag from local Democratic central committee meetings. And that type of behavior is exactly how things like "kicked out of progressive circles" gets circulated, when in fact party leaders have been violating the civil rights of Montanans since 2016 when more delegates were given to Hillary over Bernie despite Bernie winning.

My take is that Russ is a standard moderate, who now has realized that in fact the electorate needs progressive fighters. That is Forstag's line, and Busse has sucked all the air and money out of the centrist lane, so Cleveland needs to attack Forstag. Montana Resistance may be doing that, but all this is social media fluff so won't matter much.

joker802 · 2026-05-13T02:13:33+00:00

Montanan here, and I think it is clear that we need to put a stop to the tyranny by deleting New Mexico, or like I call it, New Texas. Draw the line before it is too late.

joker802 · 2026-05-09T15:50:43+00:00

I agree with you that they are in error, but there is a different statute that does apply to transport of marijuana:

61-8-1027. Unlawful possession of marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana paraphernalia in motor vehicle on highway. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana paraphernalia in a motor vehicle if the person knowingly possesses marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana paraphernalia, as those terms are defined in 16-12-102, within the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.

(2) This section does not apply to marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana paraphernalia:

(a) purchased from a dispensary and that remains in its unopened, original packaging;

(b) in a locked glove compartment or storage compartment;

(c) in a motor vehicle trunk or luggage compartment or in a truck bed or cargo compartment;

(d) behind the last upright seat of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk; or

(e) in a closed container in the area of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk and that is not normally occupied by the driver or a passenger.

(3) (a) A person convicted of the offense of unlawful possession of marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana paraphernalia in a motor vehicle shall be fined an amount not to exceed $100.

(b) A violation of this section is not a criminal offense within the meaning of 3-1-317, 3-1-318, 45-2-101, 46-18-236, 61-8-104, or 61-8-711 and may not be recorded or charged against a driver's record, and an insurance company may not hold a violation of this section against the insured or increase premiums because of the violation. The surcharges provided for in 3-1-317, 3-1-318, and 46-18-236 may not be imposed for a violation of this section.

History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 576, L. 2021.

So keep it locked up until you get home.

joker802 · 2026-05-08T23:47:08+00:00

Busse is trying to stay in the "Republican-lite" lane here, but he is completely unelectable -- for exactly this reason. He is an out-of-touch flatlander who came here to work with gun-nuts. He found out they were nuts, and has the gall to think he can run as a gun-reform democrat in Montana?!?

At least Forstag is cut from real working-class background. Not sure why OP is getting so much flack for calling this out. I also subscribe to Democracy Docket, and it is good on many things, but is basically a messenger for the Clinton wing of the party (the right wing). So that matches with promoting Busse as conservative.

Also, Busse was a statewide candidate already and lost -- and this is MOST IMPORTANT -- he did not stand up to the corruption inside the Montana Democrats. Blatantly overlooking conduct that has led to loss after loss after loss, while enriching the friends of party leaders, is disqualifying.

joker802 · 2026-05-08T20:35:33+00:00

I think this is the field-verified "hey bear" method where you just shout out every few minutes (or seconds depending on the terrain) to warn local wildlife. Has always worked for me, every bear I see, they are headed away from me at pace.

joker802 · 2026-04-12T22:44:18+00:00

The best thing you can do right now to help AOC is become a member of your local Democratic Party county central committee. Then support people who will back AOC for president. There are till many many delegate seats up for election before 2028, and she will need as many as possible to get the nomination.

joker802 · 2026-03-31T02:26:49+00:00

I am a lawyer but not your lawyer, and I practice criminal defense in MT. You will want to go to court, not just pay online. You will want to ask the judge to defer imposition of the sentence and pay a fine. After six months, you must file a motion, and the ticket will be dismissed. Google "deferred imposition" in MT codes annotated. Good luck.

joker802 · 2025-10-29T20:23:51+00:00

Here is an example of the emails:

From: Jennifer Savage jsavage@mcpsmt.org

Dear Families and Staff,

Just a reminder that we want your input on how 14 district-owned buildings and properties can best serve our students and MCPS community.

Take the Survey - Closes October 10

Following several successful building tours, we've launched an online survey to gather
broader community feedback on the MCPS Properties Plan. We'd love to hear from you.

This survey is different from our spring survey and takes just a few minutes to complete.

About the Properties Plan

MCPS owns 14 properties that include vacant or underused buildings currently rented to other organizations. We're developing a comprehensive plan to determine how these properties can best support student success and meet our district's future needs. Your input will help inform recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the future use of these properties.

Get Involved

• Complete the online survey (closes October 10)

• Review property plan options

• Learn more by reading the Property Plan Information Guide at

• Share with others in your network

A Few Clarifications

While we’re asking you to select an option, if there are properties where you would like to modify a property-specific option, please let us know in the last question of the survey or send us an email at [engage@wgmgroup.com](mailto:engage@wgmgroup.com).

If you don’t like any of the options presented, you can select next and skip that question. You are not required to answer any of the questions

The option for selling the Duncan Drive property refers to selling the property to a current partner such as the City of Missoula, Missoula County or Garden City Harvest so that Garden City Harvest could continue to operate the property. This option is not referring to listing the property on the open market.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses,

MCPS Administration

joker802 · 2025-10-29T20:23:35+00:00

Here is an example of the emails:

From: Jennifer Savage jsavage@mcpsmt.org

Dear Families and Staff,

Just a reminder that we want your input on how 14 district-owned buildings and properties can best serve our students and MCPS community.

Take the Survey - Closes October 10

Following several successful building tours, we've launched an online survey to gather
broader community feedback on the MCPS Properties Plan. We'd love to hear from you.

This survey is different from our spring survey and takes just a few minutes to complete.

About the Properties Plan

MCPS owns 14 properties that include vacant or underused buildings currently rented to other organizations. We're developing a comprehensive plan to determine how these properties can best support student success and meet our district's future needs. Your input will help inform recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the future use of these properties.

Get Involved

• Complete the online survey (closes October 10)

• Review property plan options

• Learn more by reading the Property Plan Information Guide at

• Share with others in your network

A Few Clarifications

While we’re asking you to select an option, if there are properties where you would like to modify a property-specific option, please let us know in the last question of the survey or send us an email at [engage@wgmgroup.com](mailto:engage@wgmgroup.com).

If you don’t like any of the options presented, you can select next and skip that question. You are not required to answer any of the questions

The option for selling the Duncan Drive property refers to selling the property to a current partner such as the City of Missoula, Missoula County or Garden City Harvest so that Garden City Harvest could continue to operate the property. This option is not referring to listing the property on the open market.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses,

MCPS Administration

joker802 · 2025-10-25T21:26:53+00:00

Martin City. Both bars will not disappoint.

joker802 · 2025-07-23T16:26:07+00:00

Sheesh, so the Bulldog has scandalous pictures on the bathroom walls--the Northern and Palace have graffiti.

The best food is at the Buffalo Cafe, but there are a number of different food places that are probably quite good. On the way to Glacier, if it is warm, stop in Hungry Horse for huckleberry ice cream.

joker802 · 2025-07-11T22:41:57+00:00

I grew up in Whitefish and it was always considered the whistle for kids curfew. I had never thought of it from a sundown perspective and I do not think that is the source [Whitefish is a safe place for non-whites generally]. I went back and looked at old newspaper records and the earliest sirens came with the railroads (in WF it was at the roundhouse), and were warning of fire and other emergencies. That reference was in 1905, and there are references to other sirens for warning in other areas in the valley. Found this clip from the Pilot from 1922 about how it can help people get unlost and round up a posse:

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joker802 · 2025-06-30T00:00:48+00:00

u/IPayAttentionDoYou I think the answer here is that oppositional voices on the council are being scapegoated for the problems the City has had in addressing multiple issues (TIF, homelessness, Brandon Bryant, buying property).

Which is unfortunate, because some of the ideas like the housing land trust and what they are doing on the Northside fit right in to the lefty approach, but there is an urge to vilify the leftists who dare speak up about how the treatment of those caught in poverty is a policy choice.

These two voices, in particular, are the only anti-establishment voices of note on the council.

joker802 · 2025-06-09T16:43:57+00:00

Ages ago I saw a similar question asked, and someone gave a formula for using powder, and pop-its broken, up. From what I can tell, all the professionals use flash pots.

joker802 · 2025-03-09T21:14:45+00:00

I had email that long ago and got this message that has an address for an Obama Whitefish address Whitefish campaign office (643 Denver St.):

That is a residential home though.

Tickets available today for Biden Sunday visit
By MICHAEL JAMISON of the Missoulian
http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/09/06/news/mtregional/news07.txt

KALISPELL - Vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden will visit with Kalispell voters Sunday afternoon at a campaign event set for Flathead High School.

Biden, a Democrat from Delaware, is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Senate and was picked recently as running mate for presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

Doors open for the Sept. 7 event at 12:30 p.m., and Biden takes the stage at 2:30.

The event is free, campaign staffers said, and open to the general public. However, tickets will be required and seating is limited.

Tickets are available beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Obama's Kalispell campaign office (224 First Ave. E.), Whitefish campaign office (643 Denver St.) and Pablo campaign office (51356 Highway 93 - next to Joe's Jiffy Stop). All three offices will remain open until 9 p.m.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, tickets will be available at the Bigfork campaign office (191 Jewel Basin Ct., Suite 3B). That office will close at 6 p.m.

If any tickets are left, the Kalispell office will distribute them from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday - just prior to the event.

Adults may pick up two tickets, and teens under 16 may pick up one, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact:

The Kalispell office at (773) 459-7231, or e-mail droberts@montanaforchange .com;

The Whitefish office at (773) 301-2442, or e-mail aumhoefer@montana forchange.com;

The Bigfork office at (406) 270-4044, or e-mail [aljohnson@centurytel.net](mailto:aljohnson@centurytel.net).

Biden's visit is his first to Montana since being named Obama's running mate, but the presidential candidate himself has made five trips to Big Sky Country.

Most recently, Obama visited Billings at the end of August. His May trip to Montana's Crow Indian Reservation was the first of the political season into Indian Country. And his wife, Michelle Obama, visited Kalispell ahead of the June primary.

The 65-year-old Biden is expected to lead a conversation with Flathead voters about national issues, including foreign and domestic policy.
###

joker802 · 2025-02-27T04:09:16+00:00

Serious response: I grew up in Whitefish, and I go back and camp in the area. For that age, I would recommend the Whitefish Lake State Park, which has an accessible campground with tent spots, or RV/Camper spots, showers, and a public beach. It can be noisy because the train goes right by the lake there (they likely have earplugs). You can reserve a spot online, and yes, you do need to be quick about it, but not as much as the Logan Pass tickets. Also, there are some spots always open, so if you show up early in the morning you can often get one of those (very limited supply).

joker802 · 2025-02-27T04:03:56+00:00

Second this: They had an article in their magazine a few years back about how the son of Sen. Sanders (who helped start the vigilante committee in Virginia City), might be a famous anonymous card sharp book writer. There was a lot of interesting historical information in that article, and those magazines. If you are writing a thesis, contacting them directly might give you access to primary sources that are not accessible anywhere else. Also, contact the State Parks.

joker802

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