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You didn’t mess around with ‘ol Jim Grieve
I have often written about my experiences with Natrona County rancher Jim Grieve because he was such a big influence in my life. As a matter of fact, I wrote a book, "A Growing Season," which revolved around my experiences with him. Great western movies with classic lines
Western movies are my favorite cinematic genre. Even though all have the same central theme, a morality play pitting good against evil, I never tire of them. Some, of course, are better than others, and in my judgment six stand out as the creme de la creme. I pause here to let you know I am well aware Lonesome Dove is the best western ever made. However, it was a TV mini-series, not a movie! That said, here are my picks for the six all-time best western movies and the classic lines that define them. Doug Crowefs eBig beef about politiciansf can be viewed on the Editorial page.
http://www.casperjournal.com/articles/2010/01/29/editorial/edit49b.crowe%20about%20politicians.txt Leave the beauty of Wyoming alone
This is my last column. I have enjoyed writing for the Casper Journal but three years is long enough. Those of you not already tired of my biweekly blathering soon would be were I to carry on much longer. Also, I think I am becoming too grouchy for public consumption. A tribute to Tom Stroock
I’ve never been much of a poetry guy. Most of what I like begins with lines such as “There once was a hermit named Dave…” I am, however, a great fan of the works of Rudyard Kipling, most particularly his poem, “IF.” It goes like this: Tale of a tie
I spent several years in Washington, D.C., as Assistant to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There I obtained an extensive education in how our government works. As part of this education I learned members of Congress come in two categories, 1) self-serving brigands who spend every waking moment blustering, posturing, lining their own pockets and running for reelection; and 2) dedicated men and women who toil 12 to 18 hours a day, giving their all in an effort to make our country a better place. Surviving 'killer bees’ of Africa
There is a place in southern Africa called the Aha Hills. It is deep in the Kalahari along the border between Botswana and Namibia about as far from civilization as you can get. The area, covering perhaps two or three square miles, consists of a few low hills populated by several dozen baobab trees. Mature baobabs are huge, with bark that looks like pink skin and branches that resemble roots. Bushmen believe they are flung from the sky by the gods and, being top heavy, land with their roots in the air. Time in Africa not by design
I spent a lot of time in southern Africa, mainly Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. I grew to love it and had the most exciting and rewarding time of my life while working there. Even so, my tenure there was not by design. You might be a Wyomingite
The other night I watched Jeff Foxworthy do his "You Might Be A Redneck" routine on TV. The legend of Earl Durand
I'll venture a guess that most people in Wyoming today have never heard of Earl Durand. He died a long time ago. Must be something in the water
There are three things only fools discuss in open forum in Wyoming: women, wolves and water. Terror in the ladies’ room
Some of you may recall George Allen. In 2006, he was an up-and-coming star on the political stage. The old and the new
There are two kinds of people I like to hunt and fish with. A party second to nun
A "nun" is a woman who has taken special vows committing her to a religious life of prayer and meditation in a monastery. My best friend
Timothea ("Timmy") Barrett was born on north Melrose Street in Casper. Fish Crick Dick
There is a large cattle operation located in southwestern Natrona County along the Oregon Trail between Ryan Hill and Horse Creek. Wind has its benefits
Perhaps some of you recall a column a while back in which I suggested the pronghorn should be on our license plate instead of the cowboy/bucking horse logo. One big meal
I once worked in Washington, D.C. I learned more then than in any other comparable period of my life. Whatever has become of fishing?
I recently received an e-mail from a reader inquiring as to my age. That seems like a cheeky question. But, what the hell! Hunting vs. shooting
A while back I went buffalo hunting. Words of advice
On the occasion of her son's 18th birthday, a friend wrote asking me to offer advice and guidance for the lad as he journeys into manhood. Get that bear!
In the Spring of 1956, Snider Basin at the head of Casper Creek was a visually splendid, well-wooded, well-watered, extremely remote piece of country. Can you recall the best day of your life?
I'm not talking about compulsory stuff like, "the day I was married" or “the day my first child arrived" or "the day I graduated from college." Those are time-marking events for sure. One tough guy
Back in the days when I was cruising the halls of Natrona County High School, I would, on occasion, engage in the manly art of fisticuffs. Two maniacs go fishing
My father was a fisherman. He would occasionally hunt, but fishing was his passion. It was how he defined himself. Give a snake a break
Eleven kinds of snakes occur in Wyoming, less than 10 percent of the indigenous species found nationwide. What to do with Sage-Grouse?
Sage-Grouse have been causing quite a stir around here over the last couple of years. A look at Casper’s statues
I'm impressed with the statuary I see around town. There are many nice pieces and they dress up the place. Country comes to town
Big cattle drives are a thing of the past. Even 50 years ago, most everyone trucked their cattle to market. Cross one off the list
I maintain a list of "10 Things To Do Before I Die." I started it when I turned 40.
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- Kids' Beat