The uncertain future of Holland Lake Lodge

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September 28, 2024

The uncertain future of Holland Lake Lodge has been a topic of considerable interest and debate, reflecting broader themes of development, conservation, and community values in Montana.

Holland Lake Lodge, located in the Swan Valley, was placed back on the market for $3.5 million after previous plans for expansion led by POWDR, a Utah-based ski corporation, were met with significant public opposition.

This opposition was largely due to concerns over the environmental impact and the commodification of public land. Eric Jacobsen, a buyer with a personal connection to the area, and potentially the nonprofit Stewards of the Swan Valley, have expressed interest in purchasing the lodge. Their intentions seem to align with maintaining or restoring the lodge’s historical and community-oriented essence rather than expanding it into a larger resort.

Local sentiment leans towards preservation over commercial expansion. There’s a strong desire to keep the lodge as a modest, accessible facility that honors its legacy and the natural beauty of the Swan Valley. This perspective was championed by groups like Save Holland Lake and the Stewards of the Swan Valley, emphasizing sustainable use of the land and maintaining the area’s rural charm and accessibility to all.

The Stewards of the Swan Valley, among others, have been exploring models where the lodge could be run by a nonprofit, focusing on breaking even or reinvesting profits into maintenance and community benefits rather than profit-driven expansion. This approach aims to ensure the lodge remains a part of the community’s fabric, serving both locals and visitors without straining local infrastructure or altering the landscape significantly.

While the immediate future of Holland Lake Lodge remains uncertain in terms of its new ownership and operational model, there’s a clear community-driven push towards preservation and sustainable use.

The involvement of figures like Eric Jacobsen and organizations like Stewards of the Swan Valley suggests a hopeful path where the lodge might continue to serve as a historical and natural landmark, potentially under a model that prioritizes community benefit over profit.

The discourse around Holland Lake Lodge exemplifies a broader conversation on balancing development with conservation, community needs with economic interests, particularly in areas rich in natural beauty and historical significance. The outcome for the lodge will likely set a precedent for similar scenarios across Montana and beyond, where public land and community heritage intersect with commercial interests.

‘1923’ returns to Butte America

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

‘1923’ returns to Butte America. The production for the second season of ‘1923’, a prequel to the popular series ‘Yellowstone’, has returned to Butte for filming.

This decision marks a continuation of the collaboration between the show’s production and the city of Butte, which has been pivotal in bringing part of the show’s narrative to life.

Here’s what’s been happening:

While a significant portion of Season 2 is being filmed in Austin, Texas, some scenes are specifically set to be shot in Butte. This includes the construction of a Dutton Ranch replica in Feely, south of Butte, indicating that key aspects of the storyline will utilize the unique landscape and historical ambiance of Butte.

The return of ‘1923’ to Butte is not just about filming locations but also has economic implications for the city. The production is engaging local businesses for catering and employing local talent, which was highlighted as a positive aspect by Butte’s Chief Executive, J.P. Gallagher.

This engagement helps in boosting the local economy and provides opportunities for local actors and crew.

The presence of ‘1923’ has stirred excitement among Butte residents, not just for the economic benefits but also for the cultural impact. The filming brings a piece of Hollywood to their community, drawing attention to Butte’s rich history and potentially attracting more tourism.

Butte, with its deep mining history and well-preserved historic districts, offers an authentic backdrop for a series set in the early 20th century. This alignment with Butte’s history not only enhances the series’ authenticity but also celebrates the city’s heritage on a national stage.

The filming in Butte is set to start in October, with some activities like set construction already underway. The production has also made arrangements like paying for the use of certain city facilities, showcasing a formal collaboration between the film industry and local governance.

The return of ‘1923’ to Butte for filming highlights several aspects of how film productions can interact with smaller communities, offering mutual benefits through cultural representation, economic stimulus, and community engagement. This event underscores Butte’s role not just as a historical site but as a living, evolving town that continues to contribute to contemporary American culture through media like ‘1923’.

Lemon Bars

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

Lemon Bars are a beloved dessert that marries a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, lemony custard-like filling.

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup flour,
1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter

Filling:

1 cup sugar,
2 large eggs,
3 tbsp lemon juice,
Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix crust ingredients until crumbly and press into an 8×8 inch pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Whisk filling ingredients until well blended.
Pour over hot crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.
Cool before cutting.

When you bite into a Lemon Bar, expect a burst of lemony tartness balanced by the sweet crust, making it a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer or any time you’re craving something zesty and sweet.

Note:

The base layer is made from a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, which is pressed into a baking dish and pre-baked to create a golden, crumbly texture.

When baked and cooled, the filling should be firm yet tender, almost like a creamy lemony custard. The contrast between the dense, almost cheesecake-like filling and the crunchy crust creates a delightful mouthfeel.

Lemon Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Some prefer them cold from the fridge for a refreshing bite, while others enjoy the slightly softer texture they get when closer to room temperature.

While the classic version is perfect as is, there are variations where you might see additions like blueberry or raspberry for a fruit swirl, or even a hint of lavender for a floral twist.

Lemon Bars are best stored in the refrigerator due to the egg-based filling, and they tend to be even more delicious the next day as the flavors meld together.

Lemon Bars are a staple in many dessert repertoires due to their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. They’re often found at bake sales, potlucks, or as a homemade treat that’s easy to transport and serve.

Enjoy!

National Public Lands Day

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is an annual initiative celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September each year, which in 2024 falls on September 28.

Here’s how you might engage with or understand this event:

NPLD serves as a celebration of the nation’s public lands, promoting volunteerism to help restore and maintain these spaces, which include national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and more. It’s also an opportunity for education on environmental stewardship and encourages public engagement with these natural resources.

On this day, thousands of volunteers participate in activities like trail maintenance, tree planting, beach clean-ups, and invasive species removal across the country. These activities not only improve the lands but also foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

One of the highlights for visitors is that all national parks waive entrance fees on this day, encouraging more people to explore and appreciate these public lands.

Volunteers receive various benefits, including in some cases, a voucher for free entry into national parks on another day. The idea is to give back to those who contribute their time and effort.

The NPLD theme for 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow” and underscores the communal effort towards preserving these lands for future generations, emphasizing unity in conservation efforts.

Beyond the immediate activities, NPLD highlights the importance of public lands in providing recreational opportunities, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of communities. It’s also a platform for political leaders and environmental groups to discuss policies related to land management, conservation, and public access.

If you’re considering participating in National Public Lands Day, whether by volunteering or visiting a national park, it’s an excellent opportunity to engage directly with America’s natural heritage, contribute to conservation efforts, or simply enjoy the outdoors without the usual entry fees. Remember, this day not only encourages personal engagement with nature but also underscores the collective responsibility towards preserving these spaces for future generations.

Poop exploded everywhere in China

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

Poop exploded everywhere in Nanning, China when a sewage pipe ruptured during a pressure test, resulting in an extraordinary incident where human waste was propelled approximately 33 feet into the air, creating what some have humorously dubbed a “poo-cano.”

This event took place around 11am on September 24, 2024, on a busy street, affecting pedestrians, vehicles, and even pets with an unexpected shower of sewage.

See video:

The explosion was not only visually shocking but also led to a significant cleanup operation. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, but the scene was described as chaotic with human waste covering everything in its path.

The incident quickly went viral on all of the social media platforms around the world, where it was met with a mix of horror, humor, and sympathy for those directly affected. Users expressed concern over the infrastructure’s reliability and the immediate health concerns for the people involved.

This incident highlights potential issues with infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. The pressure test that led to the explosion suggests possible errors in either the design, material quality, or the execution of the test itself.

Beyond the immediate shock, there are broader implications regarding public health and environmental safety. Sewage contains pathogens and pollutants, making cleanup not just a matter of aesthetics but crucial for preventing disease outbreaks.

When the poop exploded everywhere, local authorities responded with a massive cleanup effort. However, the long-term effects, including psychological trauma or health issues among those affected, remain a concern.

This event, while initially causing widespread disgust and amusement online, underscores serious questions about urban infrastructure, public safety, and the potential consequences of infrastructural failures in densely populated areas.

Note:

Nanning is the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It is known as the “Green City (绿城)” because of its abundance of lush subtropical foliage. Located in the South of Guangxi, Nanning is surrounded by a hilly basin, with a warm, monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate.