Almost lost in the recent blather about shutdowns and Obamacare were several news items about “dark money.” Yep, the guck that slimes our politics, or as Wikipedia explains: “funds used to pay for an election campaign without disclosure before voters go to the polls.” First out of the gate was news that U.S. District Judge […]

One of the things I notice while working with clients (and being one) is that some of us are pretty good at making things hard on our customers. Hard on customers? You might be. Let’s clean up a few things so you can make it easier on them (and easier to keep them as clients). […]

My dad called me recently to ask what size jeans I wear. It was the middle of October and he was Christmas shopping with my mom in Seattle. I told him it seemed a little early to be buying presents, but he disagreed. He hates shopping, but strives for efficiency. About two hours later he […]

By John Fuller National news outlets and political pundits are speculating as to whether Brian Schweitzer will or should run for president. Some would say that a small-population-state ex-governor having the audacity to run for president would be pretty cheeky. Others say that Brian’s ego is big enough for the job. And others observe that […]

A while back, a friend sent me a link to an old blog post called “30 things to stop doing to yourself“. It struck me that while the list was intended for application in your personal life, the list could also be applied to your business – with a tweak or two. Rather than talking […]

Whitefish voters already received their ballots in the mail. They are due back on Nov. 5. Any eligible citizen who did not receive a ballot can vote at the election department at 800 South Main Street in Kalispell. Montanans enjoy same-day voter registration, which assures citizens in Whitefish, Columbia Falls or Kalispell who may have […]

The board of Montana West Economic Development has researched the ballot issues surrounding the Kalispell Airport. We compared the economic impact of accepting FAA funds to upgrade the airport to FAA-recommended safety standards and that of not pursuing the FAA funds for upgrades or further maintenance. The results of our research: The airport has a […]

Thank you, Congressman Steve Daines for voting to temporarily reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. Unfortunately, by the time you finally woke up and stopped supporting the whack job faction that closed the government and brought us to the brink of economic chaos, unnecessary damage had already been done: According to the S&P […]

I thought Montana Republican Congressman Steve Daines would soon declare for U.S. Senate – now that the government is reopened and the debt ceiling raised. But the freshman lawmaker recently announced he won’t decide until next year. If he does run, he would still be the frontrunner, but it’s hard to imagine the last few […]

By John Fuller Because of the total capitulation of some House and most Senate Republicans, the government shutdown (or slimdown) is over (temporarily) and the Democrats, their liberal media shills and their low-information followers are claiming victory. And a victory of sorts it is. The Republicans got nothing they wanted. The talking heads will be […]

They say, “70 million French can’t be all wrong!” Not being satisfied with just Americans, President Barack Obama was spying on more than 70 million French phone calls and emails, as well. So, who is left? How do I know they’re don’t have a camera in my toilet bowl? The NSA now has email and […]

Media reports about the impact of the federal government shutdown have interestingly focused on one public impact more than any other – the loss of access to public lands. Barricaded monuments, chained gates at national parks, and refuges closed to hunting became the most visual – and often most emotional – representation of the shutdown. […]

Call me miffed at the National Park Service’s ham-handed federal shutdown management. But you can also count me as grateful the Park Service hosted an event on the Washington Mall. With everyone else banned, an immigration rally went forward, complete with stages, lighting and a popular Norteno band. It was classic Animal Farm two-facedness, with […]

Dan Kennedy is known to say something to the effect of “If I wake up at 2:00 am thinking about you or your business, you’re in trouble.” I can relate. For me, the “are you worth it?” measuring stick is often drama-related. Drama happens. It’s part of life. On the other hand, if you intentionally […]

I really don’t care what party you claim to belong. Have you seen the latest news as to what has happened because of the government shutdown? If I recall correctly when the Republicans were running for seats in the House, their main cry was jobs, jobs and jobs. I didn’t know they were going to […]