Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate Blog

Dazzling and Refurbished - Ellen Theatre Hosts "A Christmas Carol" - Bozeman, Montana Holiday Events

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:24:34 -0600

Refurbished and dazzling, The Ellen Theatre on Main Street, in Downtown Bozeman, Montana will host the Charles Dickens story, "A Christmas Carol," from December 7 through December 23, 2008.

Presented by Montana Theatre Works, the play begins Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. This classic Christmas story, with 38 characters, is directed by Bozeman's local theatre veteran, Todd Hoberecht. This a highly recommended play to see!

Bozeman's Ellen Theatre opened for the first time on December 1, 1919, and has played its share of parts, including that of movie house, strip tease venue, vaudeville house, wedding venue, high school playhouse, and now returning as Montana Theatre Works' playhouse.

For Ellen Theatre Information and Showtimes, click the link or call 406-570-6199.

Taunya Fagan Montana Real Estate

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Big Sky, Montana: Short-Term Financing at Yellowstone Club Through Spring 2009

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:56:53 -0600

From Moonlight Basin to the Yellowstone Club, most of the Big Sky, Montana ski resort concerns have been fixed for the winter and it's snowing here in southwest Montana. The skis are sharp, the bodies are willing, and 2-4 inches of snow are forecast for this evening; Big Sky's skiing and snowboarding season is here.

Even the Yellowstone Club is back in business, which means work through the winter for its many employees. Because of a Loan by Boston's CrossHarbor Capital of $20 Million, the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana will survive winter 2008-2009. Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Montana, Ralph B. Kirscher, Esquire, approved short-term financing Wed., November 27, 2008 that will allow the exclusive Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, MT, to keep its doors open through the Big Sky, Montana 2008-2009 ski season.

Judge Kirscher, said he will let CrossHarbor Capital of Boston, Massachusetts lend the Yellowstone Mountain Club $20 million at 15% interest, enough to pay its 600 or so employees through the winter, all of which means the Big Sky economy should remain busy and fairly vibrant through Spring 2009. The Yellowstone Club's debts hover around $400 million, with about 77% of that owed to a Credit Suisse-managed investor group.

The Butte, Montana judge was unconcerned, to the chagrin of Credit Suisse, that the ruling would give Cross Harbor additional control over the Club, which is not what Credit Suisse was hoping for. Judge Kirscher wrote that even if the true value of the Yellowstone Club's "assets is only half" of what it claims, "Credit Suisse is still over-secured."

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Taunya Fagan Big Sky Homes - Big Sky Montana Real Estate

Geometric Strategy at The Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, Montana

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:55:32 -0600

Two financial entities are battling for control of Big Sky, Montana's Yellowstone Club, which boasts memberships by some of the world's wealthiest...

Both Credit Suisse and CrossHarbor Capital with financial help offered by some Club members, are battling for control of Edra Blixseth's bankrupt Big Sky, Montana Yellowstone Mountain Club:

Credit Suisse, failing in its attempt to setup a seven-figure loan plan, argues that because it's owed over $300M by the Club it should maintain control and is trying to block a financing deal from Boston-based CrossHarbor Capital, which has offered $20 million to maintain the club through the winter skiing and snowboarding season. Some Club members, siding with CrossHarbor Capital and Sam Byrne, showed up for the Tuesday, November 25th court proceedings, agreeing to inject an additional $5 million into Cross Harbor Capital's plan.

Credit Suisse, with substantially more owed it and carrying more weight into the court room as primary creditor, is in a parlous state because if the judge sides with CrossHarbor's plan, Credit Suisse will lose its primary creditor status, which means it wouldn't be paid first, if and when the Yellowstone Club is solvent again.

In a sort of "geometric strategy," Credit Suisse offered to continue financing the club into the first week of
December 2008, hoping it may be able to scrape up enough cash to gain control, possibly close, and sell the Yellowstone Club...

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Taunya Fagan Big Sky Montana Real Estate - Big Sky Montana Homes

Hidden Gems

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:29:42 -0600

The approximate value of U.S. gross domestic product versus U.S. stock values has dropped from a 2 to 1 ratio in 2000 to a 1 to .6 ratio today, which is a bit below the long-term historical average 1 to .8 ratio, which would indicate that stock values may recover a bit before stabilizing.

September 2008 home sales were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 464,000, which is 33.1 percent or ~9% below the September 2007 estimate of 694,000, which points to the potential for getting into a home for a lot less than one could in the last few years.

In Beverly Hills, the three-month supply of luxury homes seen through the last three years has risen to over a 12-month supply: Luxury home prices are declining around the US...and to the point at which they are beginning to look like good buys...

Congress recently passed a $7,500 tax credit for new-home purchases, which means new-home buyers will be eligible to receive $7500 cash back from Uncle Sam.

National Association of Realtors chief economist, Lawrence Yun, figures each 1% decline in interest rates
may very well increase home sales from 500,000 to 800,000 in 2009; hopefully, rates will drop...again...

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Belgrade Montana Homes - Belgrade MT Homes

This IS Montana! Ennis Montana Land - 20 Acre Parcels - Seclusion - Hunting - Fishing...

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:19:58 -0600

Ennis, Montana Building Lots - Two 20 Acre Parcels in Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ennis Montana

Bluff Lot - $225,000

Incredible Bluff lot with huge mtn views overlooking the Madison River and valley below. For all the hunters, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, horse lovers...you're going to love this place. Fishing access to the Madison River. Just a few short miles to Forest Service Access for all the desired hunting and riding. Only minutes to quaint Downtown Ennis, MT and the local airport. Beautiful location!

Also Available: Interior Lot - $115,000

Taunya Fagan Montana Real Estate , giving you the advantage...®

Taunya Fagan Ennis Montana Real Estate 406.579.9683 Email Taunya Fagan

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Commercial Real Estate - Bozeman Commercial Property

Yellowstone Club Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Big Sky Montana

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:23:35 -0600

The Yellowstone Club, filed for bankruptcy Monday, November 10, 2008 after its inability to secure financing arrangements with its creditors and bondholders.

Yellowstone Club spokesman, Bill Keegan said the Yellowstone Club filed Chapter 11 for protection in Montana federal bankruptcy court to protect the Club and its members.

Two months ago the Club, as it is called in the area, had announced it would begin new growth in conjunction with Arizona-based Discovery Land Company, but the recent national financial collapse forestalled this method.

Ensconced in Montana's Madison Range mountains, between the Gallatin and Madison Rivers, the gated, 13,400 acre Montana ski and golf resort opened in 1999, and holds memberships for former cycling great, Greg Lemond, Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, and former Vice President, Dan Quayle.

"We felt this step was necessary to address short-term liquidity constraints and preserve Yellowstone Club's long-term future," Yellowstone Club CEO, Edra Blixseth said.

Taunya Fagan Montana Real Estate News

Montana Election Results 2008 - Montana's 2008 Elections

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:16:13 -0600

In Tuesday's national elections, Montana's two senators, Max Baucus and Jon Tester along with its one Representative, Denny Rehberg, were re-elected.

According to the State of Montana official election results on the state website, the Democratic party extended its power base; it now controls offices of the governor, the secretary of state, the attorney general, the superintendent of public instruction, and the state auditor. You have to go way back to 1848 for similar, lop-sided, one-party power in Montana.

Regardless, the Montana Democratic count in the legislature diminished somewhat due to Republicans winning a majority of the seats vacated due to term-limits. The House looks like it will come out at a balance of 50-50, and the Senate looks as though it will be 27 Republicans and 23 Democrats.

According to the Council of State Governments: Two of the three ballot measures, Ballot Issue I-155 and LR-118, passed; the third, C-44 lost:

C-44, which lost, would have allowed "up to 25% of all public funds presently restricted to fixed income investments to be invested in private corporate capital stock and provides an immediate effective date."
I-155, which won Will "allow up to 25% of all public funds presently restricted to fixed income investments to be invested in private corporate capital stock and provides
an immediate effective date."
LR-188, which won, Will now "provide for the continuation of a 6-mill levy to support the state university system. The current 6 mill levy is set to expire in January 2009. This would allow it to effectively continue through January 2019."

It's interesting to note that Montana's Land Board, made up of the aforementioned offices, makes land decisions on all state logging and state oil leases, and Montana's educational system, among other agencies, counts on the proceeds from leasing state land to logging, oil, farming, ranching, and other private operations.

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Taunya Fagan Montana Real Estate - Montana Ranches

Big Sky Resort - A Top Ten "Challenging Terrain" Resort

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:58:11 -0600

Regularly in the top North American skiing and North America snowboarding rankings, Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana has claimed the number 9 spot on Skinet's Top Ten Resorts for Challenging Terrain: 2008-2009.

Big Sky Resort is often considered one of America's top ten ski resorts in some category, be it challenging terrain, or simply BEST ski resort. The Big Sky Ski Resort has modern lifts to transport skiers and snowboarders up the slopes of regal Lone Mountain, Andesite Mountain, and Flat Iron Mountain, dropping skiers and snowboarders off for 4,350 vertical feet of down.

Big Sky, Montana, once a highly seasonal, "company town" is now a year-round, small-town, recreational destination town, home to more than 1250 residents, over 350 Chamber members, and four ski resorts.

Big Sky's small-town, big-time skiing atmosphere is great for hard-core and family snowboarding and skiing. Only 45 miles from Bozeman, Montana, it's an easy drive from Gallatin Airport to the slopes.

Montana Skiing & Montana Snowboarding: Come and experience yet another Montana adventure...

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Taunya Fagan Montana Real Estate - Montana Ski Homes

Bozeman Ski Swap - Bridger Ski Foundation - Montana Skiing

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:08:04 -0500

The Bridger Ski Foundation will hold its annual Bozeman Ski Swap on Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, 2008 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black in Bozeman.

Except for the first hour, this annual ski equipment flea market for everything ski- and snow-board related is open to the public. Find alpine, nordic, snowboard, and skate skis, along with poles, boots bindings, clothing, helmets, kids equipment, and more.

This is another one of Bozeman's annual events in which you may witness the camaraderie and fun Bozmanites enjoy. Simply experiencing the masses of ski equipment, the excitement, and the fun the young and old die-hard and beginning skiers have in the old fairground buildings, is worth the $2.00 admission fee (for non-members).

-Bring your Consignments on Friday, November 7 between 10am and 7pm. Costs $1.00 for each item consigned.
-Swap opens to Club Members, Saturday 9am - 10am. (Members Only for first hour.)
-Swap then opens to General Public, Saturday, 10am - 5pm - Open to Everyone. Admission $2.00 for non-BSF members.
-Swap opens to General Public, Sunday, 10am - 2pm - Open to Everyone. Free Admission for all.

Need more information? Call 406-587-2445

Find your ski gear, and be prepared to hit the slopes of The Ridge at Bridger Bowl, Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort, Bohart Ranch's groomed nordic trails, the north side of Lone Mountain at Moonlight Basin, or the nordic trails at Lone Mountain Ranch...soon!

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Southwest Montana Ski Areas - Bozeman Skiing - Big Sky Snowboarding

Montana Ski Homes - Luxury Ski Homes

Montana Skiing For Kids - Big Sky Ski Education Foundation - Nov 7-9 is Bozeman Ski Swap

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:46:37 -0500

Begun in 1993, the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation (BSSEF) offers recreational and competitive ski programs for Big Sky, Bozeman and West Yellowstone children. Your children will be able to ski the uncrowded and friendly slopes of two of North America's finest ski resorts, Big Sky and Lone Mountain.

The BSSEF mission is to "provide the opportunity for kids to become great skiers while promoting good sportsmanship, healthy competitiveness, sound technical skills, and an appreciation for the great sport of skiing and mountain living."

BSSEF programs cater to every skill level for kids from 5 to 17 years old. Programs include:

1. Youth Ski League YSL - 5 to 11 year olds, Saturdays. Students learn fundamental skiing techniques, have fun on obstacle courses, participate in fun ski games, and learn beginning ski racing.
2. Nordic Program students in grades 3 to 8 Tuesdays and Thursdays after school at Lone Mountain Ranch. For kids looking to learn basic Nordic skills.
3. Buddy Werner Program - 12 year olds and under, Saturdays and Sundays. For kids interested in elevating their ski racing skills.
4. Freeride Program - 11 to 17 year olds. Kids learn to ski at a higher level. Includes developing leadership, steep terrain, deep snow, avalanche,
terrain park, and powder skills.
5. Development Team - racers 13 and over. Offers full-day trainings, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm and on weekends.

This year's Christmas Camp is for everyone and is slated for December 27, 2008 through January 2, 2009.

BSSEF offers discounted lift tickets, go to the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation website for more information or call BSSEF's Jeremy Ueland, program director at 579-7005.

Don't forget that Bozeman's Bridger Ski Foundation Ski Swap is November 7th through 9th in Bozeman at the Gallatin County fairgrounds!

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Learn about Big Sky, Montana Big Sky Montana Ski Resort

Montana Taxes: Sales, Income, Corporate, and Property Taxes

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:53:06 -0500

The State of Montana has no use and levies no general sales tax on consumers, a standard also shared by Delaware, Alaska, New Hampshire and Oregon. Two of Montana's excise taxes are the cigarette tax (1921), $1.70 per pack, ranking this tax 13th highest, and the gasoline tax (1947), 27.75 cents per gallon, 18th in United States.

Montana's personal income tax rate is composed of seven individual brackets. The top rate, ~6.9%, is levied when a person's income surpasses ~$14,900. Montana is 15th among states taxing at the individual level. In 2005, Montana taxed the individual $763, 26th in the United States.

Montana has both a state and local property tax, making it one of 37 states levying both. Like the majority of states levying both, Montana's local property tax rate is higher than the state's property tax rate. According to fiscal year 2004 data from the United States Census Bureau, Montana loacalities and communities reaped $774,842,000 from property taxes. During fiscal year 2002, Montana collected $183,937,000 in property taxes. The same year, combined state & local property tax collections equaled close to $959,000,000, which was $1034 per capita, 20th in the U.S. The 2006 figure puts the amount at $3108 per capita, ranking Montana 44th in the United States.

Montana's corporate tax structure consists of a flat rate 6.75%. Among states with a corporate income tax, Montana's is 28th highest in the U.S. In 2006, state-level corporate tax collections (minus local taxes) averaged $162.68 per capita, 18th in United States.

Montana Tax Payer's Association The Tax Foundation - Montana State & Local Tax Burden

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Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate - Montana Ranches

Green Homes - How Going Green Helps More Than Your Pocketbook - Montana Green Homes

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:29:31 -0500

As we all should know by now, not only are green building techniques beneficial to your pocket book by saving on energy costs, but a complete green home building program can:

improve your indoor environmental quality.
reduce natural resources depletion, save natural and man-made resources.
lower your overall environmental impact.
encourage others to go green.
reduce the amount of building/ solid waste sent to local landfills.
reduce the amount of energy drawn from local utility companies - buildings account for 39% of US energy use.
lower air-pollution - buildings account for 38% of US carbon dioxide - CO2 - emissions.
lower green house gas emissions.
lower dependency on foreign energy.
lower water consumption - buildings consume 14% of US potable water.

According to the NAHB Model GREEN Home Building Guidelines, the process of green building incorporates environmental considerations into every phase of the home building process. That means that during the design, construction, and operation of a home, energy and water efficiency, lot development, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, homeowner maintenance, and the home's overall impact on the environment are all taken into account.

On June 20, 2008, the Montana Home Builders Association and Missoula Building Industry Association introduced a new voluntary residential green building program called the Montana Green Building Program, which is partnered with the Green Building Initiative^TM (GBI) and is designed to help produce more environmentally-friendly homes and increase energy-efficiency in Montana. The program has defined a baseline for practical green building methods and training resources for Montana builders.

For More Information Visit The US Green Building Council

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Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate - Find Montana Green Homes

Ensuring Permanence: Affordable Mortgages = Affordable Housing in the Rockies

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:55:15 -0500

The average minimum-wage earner in the 8-state Rocky Mountain Region needs to work no less than two full-time jobs in order to pay rent on a two-bedroom apartment.

In Nevada and Colorado, the two Rocky Mountain states with the most expensive housing, the minimum-wage earner needs to work a minimum of three full-time jobs. Montana and Wyoming have the most affordable housing. Future population growth will continue decreasing affordability, impacting not only minimum-wage earners, but also the higher paid workers, like policeman, teachers, health-care workers, fireman, office workers, etc.

Home ownership is intrinsic to ensuring stable communities by creating an enduring workforce and deepening neighborhood involvement. Affordable first homes, ideally with low, fixed-rate, affordable mortgages, provide both families and the communities in which they live stability and a deeper sense of permanence.

Good wages that maximize the potential for home ownership, a vibrant local economy with stable growth, and planning that minimizies sprawl and transportation costs, will encourage workers to settle down and become permanent, involved residents of the Rockies.

Thanks to Colorado College for the State of the Rockies Report Card map.

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Taunya Fagan Prudential Montana Real Estate Relocation Services

406.579.9683 taunya.fagan@prumt.com

The 4% Mortgage Solution - From Publisher of Dream Homes Magazine - Blassis

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:39:00 -0500

Warren Bufett: "I don't think it's getting worse. I think what people want to do is make it get worse."

* * * * *

What do you think about this 4% Mortgage Solution?

By Michael Blassis, Publisher, Dream Homes Magazines

All Existing Mortgages

Provide 4% Interest-Only loans to ALL homeowners with an existing mortgage from an accredited institution on their primary residences for a five-year term regardless of the homeowner's credit rating. After the first five-year term is up, the maximum interest rate increase is limited to 1% for one more five-year term. After that, the homeowner will refinance based on the market.
If a home is currently valued for less than the homeowner paid for it, the 4% solution will stop the current slide in home prices and the home should be worth its original purchase price or more within the five years.

New Buyers

10% down for first-time buyers.
20% down for move-up buyers.
25% or more down NO docs. The buyer has real skin in the game. The lender should not have to worry about the buyer walking away from the loan because he or she has more than a fourth of the equity. No-docs loans are very important for small businesses and freelancers who have difficulty providing documentation of their incomes since their incomes change year to year.
4% loans will enable buyers to afford higher-priced properties, further stimulating and supporting home prices.

Eliminate Computer Zestimates

Government Tax Benefit

Minimum Overhead and Bank Profits

Conforming Rates

No More Toxic Loans

The complete article, with much more information, is at Dream Homes Magazine

Bozeman Real Estate Report Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate

Bozeman Halloween 2008 - Bozeman Events

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:44:22 -0500

Halloween in Bozeman, Montana 2008 Events

Saturday, October 25, 2008:

2:00pm-5:00pm - Museum of the Rockies Family Halloween Party family-friendly party. "Guaranteed to put everyone in that creepy, crawly Halloween spirit."

Halloween - Friday, October 31, 2008:

9:00am - Halloween Costume Run, Distances: 1.1, 3.0 and 5.4 mile. Begins at Grant and 11th and circles the Montana State University campus. Prizes for best costumes.
No specific time - Trick Or Treating at Bozeman's Gallatin Valley Mall (586-4565)
3:00-6:00pm - Trick or Treating in Downtown Bozeman, Downtown Bozeman More Information (586-4008)
3:00-6:00pm Leaf and Bean Children's Halloween Party at Bozeman's Downtown Leaf & Bean (587-1580)
4:00-7:00pm - Halloween Spook House at Bozeman's Gallatin Pioneer Museum (522-8122)
5:00-7:00pm - Halloween Open House at Bozeman's Emerson Cultural Center (587-9797)

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Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate - More Bozeman Events

406.579.9683 taunya.fagan@prumt.com

Montana's 2008 Business Tax Condition 6th in United States

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:50:54 -0500

Montana's 2008 Business Tax Climate Ranks 6th in Nation

Montana ranks 6th in the The Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index.

The Index, ranking Montana 6th, compares US states in five areas of taxation that impact business:

Corporate taxes
Individual income taxes
Sales taxes
Unemployment insurance taxes
Taxes on property, including residential and commercial property.

Montana's neighboring states ranked as follows:

Idaho (31st)
Wyoming (1st)
North Dakota (30th)
South Dakota (2nd)

Also, Montana State-Local Tax Burden Compared to US Average for 2008

Year

Rate

Rank

Per Capita
Tax Paid to
Own State

Per Capita
Tax Paid to
Other States

Total State
& Local
Per Capita
Tax Paid

Per Capita
Income

U.S. Avg.
Rate

U.S. Per Capita
Income

2008

8.6%

40th

$1,960

$1,199

$3,158

$36,793

9.7%

$44,254

Click for more on Montana Taxes

My How Times Have Changed!: WSJ Commentary Claimed US Economy Fine...Little Evidence of Serious Trouble...

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:13:46 -0500

Old insight into the early 2008 economic situation, the housing issue, the pending election, and the real state of the economy...

"It is hard to imagine any time in history when such rampant pessimism about the economy has existed with so little evidence of serious trouble..."

"With housing so weak, the recent softness in production and durable goods orders is understandable. But housing is now a small share of GDP (4.5%)."

"Pumping massive amounts of liquidity into the economy and pumping up government spending by giving money away through rebates may create more problems than it helps to solve."

"The good news is that the U.S. financial system is not as fragile as many pundits suggest. Nor is the economy showing anything other than normal signs of stress. "

For the whole story: The Economy Is [WAS] Fine (Really)

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TaunyaFagan.com - Bozeman Montana Real Estate 406.579.9683 taunya.fagan@prumt.com

Bozeman, Montana's Bridger Raptor Festival at Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:29:54 -0500

Bozeman, Montana's Bridger Raptor Festival happens every year. Bridger's Raptor Festival is dedicated to counting the largest extant Golden Eagle migration in the United States.

The event happens at Bozeman's Bridger Bowl ski area in the Bridger Range of the Gallatin National Forest. According to the Bridger Raptor Festival schedule there will be nature walks and talks, wildlife films, educational events, and a slew of entertainment programs for you, regardless of age.

According to the Bridger Raptor Festival website, the event "promotes an awareness and appreciation for the migration of raptors and other wildlife through the Northern Rockies."

The festival is open to the public. This is a don't miss event...especially for children!

HATCHFest - Bozeman's International Art, Film, Music Festival October 1-4, 2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:25:27 -0500

HATCHFest number five begins TODAY, October 1, 2008 and runs through Saturday, October 4, 2008.

HATCHFest, a year-round international nonprofit film, music, journalism, fashion, architecture, photography, sustainable design, film technology, art (and much more) festival, is predicated upon the idea that the mentoring of creative minds, through programs like this week's HATCHfest and the year-round HATCHlabs, is key to inspiring TOMORROW's artists.

Don't miss it this year! You'll be surprised who you may see...

"Education by day, entertainment by night...From our everyday actions, to break through in innovative ideas for renewable and sustainable energy, solutions for better living are rising up around us," according to HATCHFest.

HATCHFest Home - Bozeman Film, Music, Art Festival HATCHFest Schedule

World's Newest Ski, The Anton Glider, Debuts in Bozeman, Montana

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:54:00 -0500

The world's newest ski, The Anton Glider, will be making its debut this year...first in Bozeman...around North America...and maybe even the world! Assembled in Bozeman, MT by Summit Corporate Services, the parabolic ski mounted with what, at first glance, looks like a compound bow minus its sight, is the brainchild of Anton Wilson, CEO of Anton Dynamics, Inc.

Built from the assembly of more than 12 pieces of ski equipment from near and far, the $3,390 apparatus probably won't be ubiquitous until prices drop, but Wilson believes he's "invented what the shaped ski should have been."

Wilson's is a ski that strives to assist a skier to constantly position weight on the tips of the skis, the physics involved in most easily initiating turns; center of gravity should be less of an issue with these skis. "It's the right device for groomed snow," Wilson says.

The Anton website states, "The Anton Gliders are NOT designed to float in powder, and should not be considered for off-piste, back-country, or spring slush."

Groomed skiing may never be the same. What better place to try out this revolutionary ski, the Anton Glider, than the snowy slopes of southwest Montana's mountains?

See The Anton Glider in Action Anton Glider Facts

Montana Skiing - Big Sky Resort - Bridger Bowl - Moonlight Basin