May 2012

WOMEN, FAMILY & SUCCESS

THE LAST PLACE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL

FIREARMS

A MONTANA HERITAGE

ALTER EGOS

THERE’S MORE TO HIM THAN YOU KNOW

the most interesting men in the world live here George Armstrong Custer The man behind the myth

1 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Power Lunches

Mid-day meals that pack a wallop

Desert Adventure

Moab, Utah just a day away

Trying to Get Pregnant?

Many couples need the help of a fertility specialist to become parents.

Dr. Christopher Montville, in Billings, and Dr. Stacy Shomento, in Bozeman, are the only fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologists in Montana.

They provide comprehensive fertility evaluations and treatments with experience, compassion and understanding.

Did you know that the average in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rate is 47% in women younger than 35?* The other medical treatments for infertility may offer only an 8% chance of pregnancy per cycle. IVF offers a greater possibility of pregnancy to many couples who didn’t think a baby was in their future.

Go to www.billingsclinic.com/fertility to watch our 5-minute video about reproductive medicine and IVF at Billings Clinic.

*www.sart.org

Christopher Montville, MD, MS Billings Clinic – Downtown Billings (406) 238-2500 or 1-800-332-7156, ext. 2904 2 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Stacy Shomento, MD Bozeman OB/GYN (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202

MAGIC I may 2012 I 3

4 I may 2012 I MAGIC

MAY 2012

Montana: The last place where a man can have it all ................................. 68

By Dan Carter

Alter Egos:

Meet 8 men with surprising after-hours interests................ 71

By Allyn Hulteng & Brenda Maas

Firearms:

A Montana tradition................................................................ 80

By Russell Rowland

Men and Women:

Dating, Mating & Relating: A Relationship Anthology ... 86

By Brittany Cremer

Montana Outfitters

The many looks of the Montana man.................................... 92

95

Building a Perfect Summer Body

99

MAGIC • BILLINGS’ CITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2003 THE MAN ISSUE • FIREARMS • GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER • ALTER EGOS

WOMEN, FAMILY & SUCCESS

THE LAST PLACE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL

FIREARMS

A MONTANA HERITAGE

ALTER EGOS

THERE’S MORE TO HIM THAN YOU KNOW

the most interesting men in the world live here

MAY 2012

George Armstrong Custer The man behind the myth

Power Lunches

Mid-day meals that pack a wallop

Desert Adventure

Moab, Utah just a day away

Cover photo by caracter

102

105

106

You have the will, we’ll show you the way

By natasha mancuso

A Guy’s Guide to Nipping & Tucking More men are going under the knife

BY ALEXIS ADAMS

Yeah, there’s an app for that

By Julie GREEN

Just Tell Me What You Want

By Craig Lancaster

Money Matters

Top financial gurus give advice

By Laura Tode

MAGIC I may 2012 I 5

MAY 2012

The List Fun, fascinating finds..................................................................................11 Profile Andy Rio: Paying it Forward.......................................................................12 Giving Back Chase Hawks Foundation......................................................14 Artists Loft Clyde Aspevig.......................................................................................16 Featured Block 24th St. W. & Grand Ave............................................... 18 Media Room Books, Movies, Music & Web Reviews ............... 20 Elements Hit the Road .................................................................................................. 22

11

SIGNATURE SECTION

36

Fine Living

43

Great Estates My Space: His, Hers and Theirs..................... 25 Epicure Grills Gone Wild....................................................................................... 36 Power Lunch...............................................................................................

Libations

The Art of Beer.................................................................................

16

39 43

25

Montana Perspectives

Legends George Armstrong Custer......................................................... 46 Photo Journal The Private Side of G.A. Custer.................. 52

Travelogue

Western Weekender Making Tracks........................... 57 Beyond Billings Desert Dreams: Moab, Utah.................. 60

In every issue

Editor’s Letter The Cowboy Way........................................................................................8 Contributors .............................................................................................................................................9 Seen at the Scene ................................................................................................................109 Datebook Your Calendar of Events..........................................................................111 Last Word Best Montana Man-ventions of the past 50 years..............114

6 I may 2012 I MAGIC

60 46

Why Magic City?

In the early 1880s, immigrants and adventurers came in droves to seek their livelihood on the verdant land along the Yellowstone River. The hastily constructed tents and log cabins made it appear as if Billings materialized overnight – thus earning the name “The Magic City.” Today, as the largest city in Montana, Billings proudly retains its ‘Magic City’ moniker. As for Magic City magazine, we promise to continue our mission to uncover all that is unique and wonderful and changing in this great community ... and we guarantee a few surprises along the way.

May 2012

•

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2

Michael Gulledge

Publisher 657-1225

Editorial

Allyn Hulteng Editor 657-1434 Bob Tambo Creative Director 657-1474 Brittany Cremer Senior Editor 657-1390 Dina Brophy Assistant Editor 657-1490 Evelyn Noennig Assistant Editor 657-1226

Larry Mayer, David Grubbs, James Woodcock, Casey Page, Bob Zellar, Paul Ruhter Photographers

Kyle Rickhoff, Preston Stahley

Online Web Designers

Advertising

Dave Worstell Sales & Marketing Director 657-1352 Ryan Brosseau Classified & Online Manager 657-1340 Bonnie Ramage Sales Manager 657-1202 Linsay Duty Advertising Coordinator 657-1254 Nadine Bittner Lead Graphic Artist 657-1286 MAGIC Advisory Board

Jim Duncan, Brian M. Johnson, Denice Johnson, Nicki Larson, Susan Riplett, Nancy Rupert

Contact us: Mail: 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 editor@magiccitymagazine.com Find us online at our newly redesigned Web site www.magiccitymagazine.com Find us at various rack locations throughout Billings: Including area Albertson’s, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Hastings Books, Music & Video, Holiday Station stores and Gainan’s.

Subscriptions are available at the annual subscription rate of $29 (5 Issues). Single copy rate $4.95. Mail subscription requests and changes to address above, ATTN: Circulation Magic City is published five times a year by Billings Gazette Communications Copyright© 2012 Magic City Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.

june 16, 2012 billings, montana 5K 10K

2 mile health walk

micromesh t-shirt finish at dehler park RRCA 5K western regional championship montana active life festival (post-race) registration and information

www.heartandsolerace.org 406.254.7426 Proceeds Benefit

Presenting Sponsors

Major Sponsors

®Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. LIVE SMART. LIVE HEALTHY.® is a registered mark and WAKE UP YOUR LIFESM is a service mark of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Community Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Managed by Montana Amateur Sports

MAGIC I may 2012 I 7

FROM THE EDITOR

this issue

The Cowboy Way

In 1981, my parents took part in an international exchange of lawyers and law professors between the former U.S.S.R. and the United States. For several weeks the group traveled extensively around the republic, attending presentations by high-ranking communist party members extolling the virtues of the Soviet legal system.

During this time, the United States and Russia were in the thick of the Cold War. Mistrust and misinformation between the two nations was rampant, and the U.S.S.R. kept a tight rein on the people and information that passed through the Iron Curtain. It was into this shuttered environment that my parents and their colleagues landed.

Like the Soviet citizenry, everything the American visitors saw, heard and experienced was filtered and pre-approved. The virtual world had not yet been invented, so links to the outside world were non-existent. For their part, the Russian people believed what they had been told – that America was their enemy – so they viewed the Americans with suspicion and approached them warily … except for the cowboy.

Moscow meets Montana Of the 50 or so Americans participating in the exchange, my father was the only man from Montana. A product of the West, my dad routinely sported boots, a western-cut jacket and cowboy hat, and he never felt the need to change his style when traveling abroad.

Wherever the group went, my father and his western attire attracted attention. Passersby in the street would point excitedly saying “Cowboy!” in a thick Russian accent. In hotels and restaurants, English-speaking workers quickly warmed to my father, asking

him to tell them about life in Montana.

It didn’t hurt that my father is, by nature, chivalrous and self-assured. But there was something more. Despite their geo-political isolation, Russians were enthralled with the notion of the American West and the men who lived there. To them, my dad was a cowboy character come to life.

A man among men Portrayed in movies and novels as the classic hero of the American West, the cowboy generated almost universal appeal.

He was independent and self-sufficient. He was strong and gallant. He is the epitome of a man’s man.

And he is real.

The new hero Men of the West subscribe to an enduring set of values that have been passed from generation to generation. Like their forbearers, they embody an independent spirit and innate sense of right and wrong which they are unwilling to compromise.

At a time where there seems to be a lot of rhetoric but very little character, it’s befitting to devote this issue to the real men in our lives—our husbands, fathers, sons and brothers who still live in a time when being from Montana truly means something. It’s an intangible tangible recognized and revered the world over, just ask my dad.

Allyn Hulteng editor@magiccitymagazine.com

8 I may 2012 I MAGIC

contributors

Russell Rowland is the author of two novels and co-editor of the anthology “West of 98: Living and Writing the New American West,” a collection that explores our identity as Westerners. His first novel, “In Open Spaces,” made the San Francisco Chronicle’s Bestseller List, and the sequel, “The Watershed Years,” was a finalist for the High Plains Book Award.

Tim Lehman is Professor of History at Rocky Mountain College where he teaches a wide variety of courses in American, Western and Environmental History. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the author of “Bloodshed at Little Bighorn: Sitting Bull, Custer, and the Destinies of Nations.” He can be reached at lehmant@rocky.edu.

Dennis Gaub spent three decades in the

newspaper trenches, as a reporter and editor in Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan and Montana. Nowadays, he works at a major software company in Bozeman, where he continues his lifelong love of cycling, skiing, hiking and camping – and hopes his fly fishing skills improve someday.

Dan Carter

Born and raised in the Gallatin Valley, Dan spent more than 20 years in journalism before moving into his latest adventure as Director of University Relations and Government Relations at MSU Billings. He and his wife, Lynn, have been enjoying the magic that is Billings with their family since the late 1980s.

NEW

at Gaina n’s

THE THYMES MARKET Gainan’s is proud to be one of five stores in the nation to offer the complete collection of Thymes products.

What it means for you: we have all your favorites!

Stop by our downtown location to shop our new “store within a store.”

502 N 30th | 245-6434

Craig Lancaster is The Gazette’s copy desk chief and the author of two novels (“600 Hours of Edward” and “The Summer Son”) and a collection of short stories, “Quantum Physics and the Art of Departure.”

MAGIC I may 2012 I 9

JUNE 16, 2012

5K • 10K • 2 Mile Health Walk RRCA 5K Western Regional Championship Participants will each receive a free micromesh t-shirt. The race will finish at Dehler Park for the Montana Active Life Festival. Proceeds Benefit YMCA Strong Community Campaign and Billings Trails Development.

Thanks to our great partners in this important community event!

Presenting Sponsors: St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation • Billings Gazette Communications

Major Sponsors:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana • Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation • Wells Fargo Underriner Motors • Stillwater Mining Company

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.HEARTANDSOLERACE.ORG OR (406) 254-7426.

KOHL’S CARES®: KIDS ON THE MOVE Kohl’s Cares® and St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation have partnered to help kids learn healthy habits. Activities Include: Health education programming for students at Broadwater, Newman, and Washington Elementary Schools; school-based walking and running clubs; elementary cross country meet participation; and students and families participating in the Heart & Sole Run. 10 I may 2012 I MAGIC

MAY / JUNE 2012

Fun, fascinating finds we think are great.

Flirty foot fun

The Timo sandal sits on a four-inch covered wedge and features a ruffled design up the front, and the Sima open-toe flat features an intricate knot detail at the toe. From Blowfish, both come in colorful Belize Blanket patterns.

neecee’s wedge – $60 flats – $45

Honor Mom

Don’t forget Mom (or your wife!) on Mother’s Day, May 13. Send a touch of the exotic with this tropical design called “Paradise” featuring birds of paradise, oncidium orchids, ginger and protea with curly willow.

You’ll make her day.

Gainan’s –

$70

That’s brilliant!

The Echo 2GB Smartpen from Livescribe records everything you write and hear so you’ll never miss a word. Replay your meetings or lectures simply by tapping on your notes.

Best Buy.com – $100

Celebrate the cigar

Named the #2 cigar of 2011 by “Cigar Aficionado,” the La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor by Ashton is handmade in small-batch fashion.

Medium to full-bodied, it features a Cubanseed wrapper grown in Mexico and a heady blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos.

Stogie’s – $13

The Room 101 Bling-tastic cigar cutter

From Xikar, this classy cutter features a designer, laser-engraved aluminum body and high-quality 440 stainless steel blade.

Stogie’s – $70

The Element lighter by Xikar features an

easy ignition, double-flame jet, sleek style and boasts a sharp 9mm cigar punch conveniently hidden in the base.

Stogie’s – $60

Backdoor history

Take a tour of the Little Bighorn Battlefield with Lee Christensen, a native Montana interpretive guide. Follow warrior and cavalry footsteps through the facts, stories and research of one of the most famous battles in history.

Montana Fun Adventures, Inc. $145/person – 6-hour tour

MAGIC I may 2012 I 11

By Anna Paige • Photography by Larry Mayer

Andy Rio: Paying it forward

As President/CEO-elect of Little Horn State Bank, Andy Rio works with money on a daily basis. Yet this communityminded professional also knows firsthand what it’s like to do without.

“It’s always been important to me to give back, because at one point in my life I was a recipient of that,” Rio said.

Rio was born in Plentywood, Mont., but moved frequently, as his father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. When Rio was about 9 years old, his parents separated, and he lived with his mother in various stages of homelessness and poverty. At age 17, he moved to Lewistown to live with his father, but it wasn’t long before he was on his own.

Although he worked a janitorial job, Rio couldn’t afford rent so he went looking for work that offered room and board. He worked odd jobs and finished high school, then started saving money for college.

Rio was awarded a small art scholarship, but ran out of money after one semester and enlisted in the army.

Rio is reserved and humble when he discusses being homeless.

“We tend to think of homeless people as the guy in front of Walmart with a sign that says, ‘I need a job,’ but really, he just wants a handout or is a vagrant with nothing going for him. We don’t think of homeless people leading ordinary lives and all of a sudden things go bad, and they found themselves without a home.”

After being honorably discharged, Rio went to work for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where he was employed for 22 years. Rio and his wife decided to relocate to Billings from San Francisco about the time their son entered 5th grade. “One day my son came home and said, ‘I’d like to walk to school,’” Rio recalled. “Chances were he could end up on a milk carton where we were living in California, and one advantage to Billings is that he could walk to school.”

Rio and his family have enjoyed living in Billings for the past 18 years.

“There is a kindness to this part of the country,” he said. “A lot of people have agricultural roots. If you look at farm areas when it’s harvest time, people get together and help each other.”

12 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Recently, Rio was named board president to Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) – a consortium of churches that house homeless families and help them connect with resources to move forward in life. Rio was instrumental in working with the board of directors of Little Horn State Bank to approve $465,000 in “When you are living interim financing to IHN day-to-day worrying to provide transitional housing to homeless about existence, going families. The bank also to college isn’t the donated fees and interest, providing thousands of kind of planning for dollars of savings to IHN. the future that families When he was first approached to serve in that situation do. on the IHN board, Rio You’re worried about said memories from his youth came flooding how you’re going to get back. “Being homeless through today.” is something that you don’t talk about. You just bury it. From a child’s perspective, I always used to feel guilty when things went wrong in the family, that somehow it was my fault, which of course isn’t true, but that is one of the emotional aspects of it.”

Help along the way Hope and inspiration helped me, as did people along the way. There was a high school teacher who believed in me and planted the idea that I had to go to college. When you are living day-to-day worrying about existence, going to college isn’t the kind of planning for the future that families in that situation do. You’re worried about how you’re going to get through today.

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Anger management I had a lot of anger about my youth for a long time. I was 25 when a good friend said, ‘It’s bad what happened to you, but you have to take responsibility for your life.’ I knew that, but this friend put everything in perspective for me. There were a lot of things that I could be angry about in my past, but what good does it do? It really is about what I do with my life and how I accomplish tasks and get on with things. Had I been able to

really, logically control that anger, I would have just set it aside.

Financial literacy Money, like homelessness, is another taboo area. People don’t talk about money, and lots of times there are disappointments and surprises that create strife. I had trouble talking to people about money; it was something I had to learn.

FRANK Schmidt, MD Adam Mattingly, PA-C

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MAGIC I may 2012 I 13

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The Chase Hawks Foundation have two children, we have bills to pay, and then we had the added expenses of being in Billings for Ben’s treatments and surgery,” said Tara. “We needed help.” A social worker at Billings Clinic referred the couple to CHMA. “I filled out a short, easy application and within no time, we received a check for $300,” said Tara. “I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it went a long way to help us with gas, food and lodging during Ben’s surgery.”

The Association raises most of its money at two annual events, the Chase Hawks Roughstock Rodeo and the Chase Hawks Dinner & Dance, both in December. Other events held throughout the year, such as Burn the Point Parade & Classic Car Show and the Pasture Golf Tournament, help add to the coffers.

“We really try to earn the money we give away,” said Bell. “The events we put on are fun. They put smiles on a lot of people’s faces.” Moreover, he said, almost all proceeds from the organization’s fundraising go directly to assist people in need.

“We have very low overhead—just one part-time employee, a secretary. Nearly everything we earn goes back to the community,” he said. “Nearly everything is done by volunteers.

We have a lot of volunteers.”

Bell, who began as a volunteer, has served on the board for four years. “When my board term is over, I’ll go back to being another volunteer,” he said. “That’s how the Association is. It brings out the best in you. It’s just a bunch of good people trying to help their neighbors.”

In 1994, 6-year-old Chase Hawks died in a tragic accident. A joyful little cowboy, Chase touched the hearts of all who knew him. After his death, the boy’s family and friends gathered to try to make some sense of their loss, and out of tragedy sprang hope. The group founded The Chase Hawks Memorial Association (CHMA) with the mission of providing immediate, short-term help to individuals and families in crisis. Today, the Association is still going strong.

The Barnes family of Worland, Wyo. were recent CHMA grant recipients. Photo courtesy of the Barnes family.

Since it began distributing grants in 1996, CHMA has awarded about half a million dollars in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.

“How we help really runs the gamut,” said board member, Jack Bell. “If a family needs travel money to take a sick child to the hospital, we’re there. We’ve helped build wheelchair ramps and house victims of fires and floods.”

Jack Bell Photo courtesy of Jack Bell.

Funding ranges from as little as $100 to as much as $1,000. Grants have paid for therapy sessions and even helped cover funeral costs. “A lot of good has been done in Chase’s name,” said Bell.

Tara Barnes of Worland, Wyo. would agree. In July of 2011, Tara’s husband, 27-year-old Ben Barnes, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. “It began with a mole on his head,” she said, “and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.” The cancer spread quickly, and in February Ben had surgery to remove a brain tumor. “We

14 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Upcoming CMHA Events: Pasture Golf Tournament

June 23, The Branding Iron Bar south of Roundup

CHMA Benefit Trap Shoot

August 19, Billings Trap Club on Lake Elmo Road

Burn the Point Parade & Classic Car Show Labor Day Weekend Parade: Friday, August 31 in Downtown Billings Car Show: Saturday, September 1 at MetraPark

Race For Chase 5K and 10K Run September 30, ZooMontana

Donations and requests for assistance can be made on the Association’s website at chasehawks.com or mailed to: Chase Hawks Memorial Association PO Box 31333 Billings, MT 59107 406-248-9295

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Burning wood is one of the most romantic, beautiful and satisfying ways to heat your home.

Wood burning can be very economical, while also offering the benefits of a beautiful flame, relaxing warmth, and a romantic ambiance.

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MAGIC I may 2012 I 15

By Anna Paige • Photography by Larry Mayer

Clyde Aspevig Visual musician

At first glance, a Clyde Aspevig oil painting appears to be a snapshot from a moment in time – an image only a photograph could capture. Looking deeper into the layers of paint, brush strokes converge into a melding of color and shape, as though the painting were a musical composition.

“A photograph is going to show a very cold, mechanical image,” Aspevig said, “but a painting shows all the human intuition and qualities that make our interpretation of nature beautiful.”

Aspevig paints naturalistic landscapes in the ways that composers create music – describing the syncopation of shapes in his paintings like visual notes on a page.

Orchestrating his works, Aspevig softens the scene as a musician would apply pianissimo to a quiet section of music, then moves toward the center of interest in the piece with powerful brush strokes – building a crescendo of oil paints and textures.

Aspevig describes art and music as interrelated, as both are the earliest forms of expression. “Music, just like art, is innate. It’s something that we have to do. It’s a part of us,” he said.

When Aspevig paints, he looks at his surroundings in an abstract form, taking into account the shapes. Even though his paintings seem detailed, his landscapes are composed of abstractions. “I don’t paint every leaf on a tree and every blade of grass. I paint the idea of it – a symbol of it.”

Aspevig, who grew up near Rudyard in rural northern Montana, didn’t have access to an arts education, but was fortunate to have parents who understood and encouraged his passion for painting.

Though he dabbled in watercolors in college, Aspevig said oil painting has consumed his life. “The fun thing about oil painting is that it’s more forgiving than watercolor. Oil paints have a lot more flexibility and you get to try all these different possibilities.”

When did you first start painting?

From kindergarten on, I was always dabbling in art: watercolor, drawing, pen and ink. One summer, when I was 10, I broke my leg in a horse-riding accident. I was staying with my uncle at the time, and he got me started in oils.

How did growing up in Montana influence your artwork?

Growing up on the highline, the big sky and the flat plains dominated the landscape. Sitting on the tractors as a young boy, looking at the

16 I may 2012 I MAGIC

sky and nature, watching the raptors and hawks following the plow, I developed this attachment to the land that any farmer or rancher understands.

That had a huge impact on my life. Landscape is what I was destined to create.

“Music, just like art, is innate.

It’s something that we have to do. It’s a part of us.”

Describe your technique.

I used to think if I copied every detail, the painting would be more realistic, but that is not the way the human mind sees. We don’t see with our eyes, we see with our brains. I don’t pay attention to detail. I rely on an intuitive reaction to the environment – I have to make up certain symbols in a very immediate way, which helps create my own personal style.

Change the V iew [not the channel] “Prairie Church”

take

adVantage of our

“Montana Moon”

New Book

SPring SaLe and exPerienCe aLL the SeaSonS in

high definition.

Clyde Aspevig, best known for his naturalistic landscape paintings, recently released his fifth book, “Visual Music - The Landscapes of Clyde Aspevig.”

The book is available for order

Pella Window & Door Showroom 2520 Grand Ave., Billings [800] 727-3552 pellaMT.com

at Aspevig’s website, www. clydeaspevig.com, or by calling Juniper Ridge Studios at 406-294-

“Raindrops and Dragonflies”

5677.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 17

1.

Grand Ave.

2. The Joy of Kids

1510 24th St. W. An interactive store where kids are welcome to touch and play.

Here you will find toys that spark the imagination, as well as a large selection of fun, fashionable, functional footwear for your child.

Larry Mayer

3. 6° Gourmet

A relaxing zen-like environment awaits clients at Sanctuary Spa.

1. Sanctuary Salon & Spa

1504 24th St. W. A full-service salon and spa experience where beauty and wellbeing converge. With Sanctuary’s reputation for education and delivering the most current trends, you’re sure to love your new look.

Exotic Pets 18 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Sanctuary Salon & Spa

1520 24th St. W. A gourmet market/deli/espresso bar that serves mouthwatering food ranging from leg of lamb to daily soups and sandwiches.

4. Scandia Down

1524 24th St. W. Scandia Down builds on the rich European heritage of sumptuous down comforters, down pillows, luxury duvet covers and bedding, setting the stage for a refreshing night’s sleep.

Grand A 7.

8.

Alderson Ave.

10.

11.

North 24th St. W.

Spas, eateries, pets and more!

Ave. B

6

9.

24th Street West and Grand

Ave. C

22th St. W.

3. 4.

2. 5.

North 24th St. W.

By Dina Brophy

12.

13.

14.

Lewis Ave.

5. The Joy of Living

Ave. 1528 24th St.Yellowstone W. A gift store for women, featuring inspired, creative and colorful gifts that are as much fun to give as they are to receive.

6. Vision Optical

1331 24th St. W. A full-service optical shop with an on-site optometrist, offering a huge selection of frames, contact lenses and eyeglass repair for the whole family.

7. Exotic Pets

2342 Grand Ave. Exotic Pets offers so much more than puppies and kittens – you’ll find reptiles, rodents and birds, plus everything you’ll need to care for your beloved pet.

8. Fun Trade

2340 Grand Ave. Your family’s resource for buying and trading video games, DVD’s and much more.

Thompson Pools & Spas

20th St. W.

21th St. W.

Ave.

9. Better Body of Montana, Inc.

1310 24th St. W. Specializing in new and used fitness equipment sales and service, Better Body Fitness of Montana, Inc. is a leading source for high-quality home and commercial fitness equipment.

10. Thompson Pools & Spas

1300 24th St. W. Providing Billings and the region with complete spa and pool installation, repair and service for 40 years.

12. Resort Salon & Spa

1211 24th St. W., Suite 4 A full-service hair and nail salon. Bring your daughter, mother, BFF or the whole bridal party and make it an afternoon of beauty and pampering.

13. Gainan’s

1211 24th St. W., Suite 3 Committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, Gainan’s goes the extra mile to give you an unforgettable experience.

OPEN MAY 24, 2012 EXHIBITING WORKS FROM OUR PERMANENT COLLECTION Opening Exhibition: Body of Work 401 N. 27th St. · 256-6804 · artmuseum.org

Larry Mayer

FORGET TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES Gainan’s Flower’s has a convenient West End location.

11. Wild Purls

1206 24th St. W. This yarn shop is a Mecca of colorful inspiration for knitters and crocheters, offering an expansive selection of the latest yarns, tools, patterns and classes.

14. Berean Christian Stores

1211 24th St. W., Suite 1 Featuring Christian books, Bibles, music, gifts, home décor, jewelry and more, Berean Christian Stores is your go-to Christian resource.

6° Gourmet

Smooth, sculptured and translucent

Clarity Braces TM

are a fashion statement in orthodontic wear.

406.655.9300 Your smile is our specialty!

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WWW.KOVACSORTHO.COM • 2820 CENTRAL AVE., STE C, BILLINGS

MAGIC I may 2012 I 19

By Brittany Cremer

MUSIC

“This Girl”

By Patricia Ryan

Book “Montana Watering Holes”

By Joan Melcher Belly-up for a rapscallion, one-toomany Velvet 7s and an unrelenting-desireto-scuffle kind of read. “Montana Watering Holes” celebrates more than 50 of the most iconic, eccentric and entertaining saloons scattered across Montana.

Author Joan Melcher weaves excerpts from the past into her recent quest to reveal the unchanging fabric of the mystical Montana bar.

Web Ed Uncrate.com Billed as “a web magazine for guys who love stuff,” Uncrate posts daily updates about the best guy products found across the Internet and around the globe. Divided into the five basic groups (Gear, Cars, Style, Body, Crib), each item is posted with a small photo, a quick description and a link to more information. (Think Pinterest for men.) Even better, the site features a daily digest sent via email just before quitting time. So when you find yourself fading at about 4:45 p.m., your Uncrate email shows up, demonstrating that something you didn’t even know existed is the very thing that you simply must have.

Gentlemen (and ladies), take notice.

“This Girl” can sing.

Country songbird Patricia Ryan applies an ample dose of fun,

fanciful flare to her album, “This Girl.” Originally from Forsyth, Mont., Ryan has toured all across the country with her catalog of songs full of true-to-life themes. In “Things That Don’t Lie,” Ryan explores reconciling regret after being burned by a mendacious male. Her buttery, Sara Evans-inspired tone comforts the soul like a handmade, patchwork quilt covering your shoulders on a starlit-summer night.

To listen to Ryan’s music, logo on to www.patriciaryan-music.com.

CD available at Amazon.com and cdbaby.com.

20 I may 2012 I MAGIC

DVD / TV “Breaking Bad” The Complete 4th Season Meet Walter White.

Well, if you’re already on Season 4 of “Breaking Bad,” we assume you know his story. From dorky chemistry teacher to million-dollar methamphetamine cook, White’s every-man disposition and life circumstances almost moralize his need to peddle drugs. Almost.

This is one of the darkest, thought-provoking, bestacted shows on TV. If you haven’t watched it, start from the beginning and follow Walt’s odd and morally perplexing adventure into the life of a meth cook.

i n s pi re d g i f t s

… a s mu c h f u n t o g i v e a s t h e y a re t o re c e i v e !

1528 24th Street West (next to Sanctuary) 406.294.1701 | www.thejoyofliving.com

Free gift wrapping M-F: 10 am to 6 pm | SAT: 9 am to 6 pm | SUN: 12 to 5 pm

Swimsuits All Year!

• • • •

Rib-Eye Steaks T-Bone Gourmet Patties Bratwurst, over 10

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meat you love, from people you know

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1400 Broadwater ave

406-655-9400

ExpErt SErvicE • AccESSoriES • pArtS • rEntAlS

MAGIC I may 2012 I 21

By Dina Brophy• Photography by Bob Zellar

Ride in style

Hit the High Road The lastest gadgets for the ultimate ride

Specialized’s Roubaix SL3 Pro Compact pulls out all the stops to blend speed with unmatched comfort. It has plenty of get-upand-go with its boasted compact crankset and Roval wheels that are ultra-light, ultrafast and aerodynamic. The carbon frameset adds incredible comfort to this amazing ride.

The Spoke Shop – $5,500

Urban utility

Mount your panniers to this ultra-narrow, aerodynamic Axiom Alloy Rack, making your commute a cinch.

Detours Panniers are at home both on the bike and in the boardroom.

These panniers feature a shoulder strap for easy off-the-bike use and handy plastic clips that easily attach to just about any rack.

The Spoke Shop rack – $45 panniers – $65 each

Stay the course

You just found your new training partner – the Forerunner®910XT

by Garmin. This allin-one GPS-enabled device also provides elevation, heart rate and distance for cycling and running as well as detailed swim metrics.

Montana Cycling and Ski – $450

22 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Record your ride

GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO is a mountable high-performance video and still photo camera. Secured in waterproof housing, take your GoPro biking, skiing, skating, kayaking and beyond.

The Spoke Shop – $240

Whatever the weather

Don’t let rain showers keep you from your ride. The Endura Gridlock Jacket is waterproof and breathable, featuring a fully seam-sealed design and fast-dry mesh liner. The Gridlock has an anatomic cycle fit with extended back and reflective elements visible 360 degrees.

The Bike Shop– $110

Regain your mobility and muscle tone and start living your life to the fullest.

IN MON TA N A 1739 Spring Creek Lane Suite 300 Billings, MT 59102 1-866-330-1952 1-406-294-5100

IN WYOMING 720 Lindsay Lane Suite C Cody, WY 82414 1-307-578-1952

Don’t stay thirsty, my friends

The Hydrapak Soquel is a lightweight pack with 90 cubic inches of storage and a fully insulated 70 oz. reservoir with classic connector, making it perfect for quick outings.

The Ski Station – $49

STEPHEN F. EMERY, M.D.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 23

Life Happens.

Your wants and needs for your home can change over time.You love the neighbors, mature yard, location or views, but the 1970’s kitchen...not so much.

You can transform your present home into the home of your dreams by giving Freyenhagen Construction a call.

We will meet with you in your home to discuss your desires and your options. Using our state-of-the-art design studio, we will help turn your current home into your dream home.

For more, visit www.freyenhagenconstruction.com

24 I may 2012 I MAGIC

my space his

hers

theirs Three unique spaces ­— one giant wow factor

By Julie Green & Brittany Cremer

FINE LIVING

great estates

Raising the bar

26 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Warning: Ladies, you may want to keep this article away from your husband or boyfriend.

It began as a sketch on a bar napkin, a place to put a pool table and relax. A little something to do with the old garage out back. What it became was the man cave to beat all man caves.

“I knew I wanted to do it right,” said Dave Knudson, “to do it the way I wanted.”

Knudson turned to friend and contractor Bruce Haagenson to help him bring his idea to life. Together, they transformed a large, 20 x 30 foot unused storage space into the quintessential man retreat. Inside, the room comfortably accommodates a regulation-sized pool table as well as the pinball machine and shuffleboard table Dave soon added to his game collection. Off to one side, French doors open to a large outdoor patio perfect for grilling and entertaining, and just beyond the patio he added an enclosed hot tub.

But it was the interior where Dave focused on creating a place that reflected his personality. Inspired by the bar his grandfather owned in North Dakota, Dave installed resilient, oak-patterned laminate on the floor and 24-inch tin tiles finished in antique copper on the ceiling.

Instead of choosing traditional wood for wainscoting, however, he made an unexpected choice: gleaming silver diamond plate metal.

“I wanted something a little different,” he explained. “This was it.”

Dave also knew exactly what kind of décor he wanted for his retreat—and found

two pieces the night he originally came up with the design.

“I was telling a guy at the bar about what I wanted to do, and he said he had a couple of mirrors out in his car,” Dave recalled, gesturing to one Coors and one Budweiser mirror. “I bought them from him that night.”

Now the room is filled with carefully selected mirrors, clocks, signs and other memorabilia from breweries, bars and beer distributors from around the country.

“I actually don’t know how many signs I’ve collected,” Dave said. “But I can tell you there’s more neon in here than in any bar in Billings.”

Although Dave says he’d change a

few things here or there, he’s happy with his unique retreat. And he’s not the only one; it’s a favorite hang out for friends and family looking for a fun escape. Parties with 60 or more aren’t unusual—especially during May, when there are many family birthdays to celebrate.

Left: Dave Knudson stands in his custom-designed bar complete with neon lights, pool table, shuffle board, big screen TV and many collectible liquor decanters. Inset: A patio deck complete with an enclosed hot tub and barbeque that leads guests into Dave’s “bar.” Photos by David Grubbs.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 27

FINE LIVING

great estates

Top: While this man cave was originally conceived to house an 8-foot pool table, there are many other games to play as well.

Right: Dave noted that the 14-foot shuffleboard table is particularly popular.

Right center: Dave ordered the custom-made mahogany bar and back bar from Spain. His original design included a larger L-shaped configuration, but after it was inadvertently sold by the Miami dealer, he opted for the smaller pieces. Far right: The original cast of Baywatch, including Pamela Anderson and “The Hoff� watch man cave guests from their perch above the blinking pinball machine.

Photos by David Grubbs.

28 I may 2012 I MAGIC

A Lender You Can Count On...

Loan Terms You Can Trust

Robin Hanel

Kn ow led ge • In tegr Ity • relIabIlIty

406-860-6181

1575 Shiloh Rd | Ste H | Billings, MT Robin.Hanel@nflp.com Originator #307440 • NMLS #2297/Branch #885

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A clean floor is yours with a quality vacuum.

Visit Stuart’s today to experience a tradition of outstanding customer service from a locally owned business.

VACUUM STORE

MAGIC I may 2012 I 29

FINE LIVING

great estates

That ‘70s Kitchen

30 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Clean lines and a timeless look.

For Mary Jo Johnson, these are the hallmarks of great design and evident in every corner of her early 1970s contemporary home.

Vaulted ceilings, wood-beam construction, an open layout and sweeping 270-degree view through walls of glass have made the home as beautiful as it is unique for more than 40 years.

“When we had the home designed and built, we liked stone, wood and glass,” she said. “It was important to us to have the home fit into its location and take full advantage of the views.

Modern design can scare people, but it really is in how you do it. This house is full of warm wood, balancing against straight, hard lines.”

In 2010, when Mary Jo decided it was time to update her kitchen, she knew she wanted to maintain the home’s original look and feel while incorporating all of the modern conveniences.

Mary Jo turned to architect Brian Johnson (no relation), whom she had met when he designed her daughter’s home.

“When the house was designed, the architect had a great open concept, but ended up walling in the kitchen,” Johnson said. “I told Mary Jo that if she took the walls out, she’d see the views the architect originally intended.”

The 8-foot walls surrounding the old kitchen were the first thing to be demolished. Counters, cabinets, flooring and appliances were also removed by contractor Mac Leffler and his team, as was a wood-burning stove near the breakfast nook.

Using photographs of cabinets and a rock wall Mary Jo had seen in a magazine as inspiration, Johnson designed Europeanstyle cabinetry in a deep charcoal gray, with aluminum hardware and detailing that

mirrored the new stainless steel appliances.

Slender, alternating sections of smooth and tumbled tile, chosen to mimic stone, were transformed into a unique backsplash above the smooth solid-surface counters. Large tiles swirled with grays and light browns were laid through the kitchen and into the original, light-

filled breakfast nook seamlessly tying the spaces together.

A custom cabinet, also in charcoal gray, provides separation between the dining room and the rest of the space while also incorporating display, pantry and storage areas.

The addition of a custom-designed gas fireplace adds a finishing touch to the room’s new look and feel.

“I have to admit I was a little nervous at first when we started taking down walls,” said Mary Jo. “But Brian kept saying ‘this is going to be awesome.’ And he was right. There is nothing I would change.”

Stainless steel appliances, aluminum details and charcoal gray cabinets were selected to keep in harmony with the home’s contemporary architecture and are a striking contrast to the original cedar walls and vaulted ceilings. “I wanted it to have very clean lines, but it was important to me that the space not look too commercial,” Mary Jo said. “The wood provides a lot of warmth in the room.” Photos by Phil Bell.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 31

FINE LIVING

great estates

“I admire the level of artistry of the house and wanted to pay homage and respect to the original architect and his design,” said architect Brian Johnson of Collaborative Design Architects. Johnson began by creating a custom buffet to distinguish the kitchen area from the rest of the open space while allowing unobstructed views of the outdoors and living spaces.

Overhead, a unique floating soffit is penetrated by three 44” pendants, directing light up to the ceiling and down onto the counters below. It is also intersected by an aluminum shaft housing additional lighting as well as the hood for the stainless steel gas range. Incorporating shelves into the design allows for additional storage.

Photos by Phil Bell.

32 I may 2012 I MAGIC

“It was a pleasure to work on this project and to help complete this remarkable home...”

— Adam Sutcliffe 406.628.8443 | 210 S. Washington, Laurel adam@squareonecabinetcompany.com

Expecting?

Sign up for the Bundle of Joy Baby Registry.

We have a gift waiting for you! toys • gifts • shoes M-F: 10 am to 6 pm • SAT: 9 am to 6 pm • SUN: 12 to 5 pm 1510 24th St. W., Billings, MT 59102 (next to Sanctuary and The Joy of Living) 406.294.1717 www.thejoyofkids.com

MAGIC I may 2012 I 33

FINE LIVING

great estates

Outdoor Oasis Trickling tranquility bemused by boulders—an alcove of peace and serenity to be shared by the entire family. That is the inspiration behind this outdoor living space created by McCall Leisure.

34 I may 2012 I MAGIC

“Homeowners are looking to spend more time at home enjoying their families,” said Michael McGullam, owner of McCall Leisure in Billings.

“Expanding living areas outdoors helps satisfy this sentiment.”

Whether it’s sitting around a roaring fire wrapped in a quilt on a brisk summer night or relaxing in the hot tub discussing the minutiae of the day, an outdoor living space is the perfect summer sanctuary for guests to gather ‘round.

Featuring an expansive stone patio and sweeping country views, this outdoor living area is comprised of recessed hot tub, custom fire pit and griller’s dream kitchen.

“It embodies outdoor leisure in every sense of the word,” McGullam said.

The hot tub boasts optimal massage, the perfect end to a trying work day.

The fire pit is comprised of custom-cut sandstone with granite accents, and the

kitchen is outfitted with stainless grill, appliances and awning. Inclement weather won’t interrupt any would-be gourmet grilling masterpieces.

Outfitted with durable, dependable and attractive outdoor furniture from Homecrest, this outside living room can be customized to

fit your entertaining and decorative preferences, McGullam said.

“Leisure isn’t just about the product you’re getting or the image it creates, it’s about the relationship we maintain with our customers during the life of their home and beyond.”

Beautify your Floors

Bottom left: Cultured stone accent both the fire pit and outdoor kitchen areas. Left: A Bird’s-eye view of this local outdoor oasis.

Top: Massaging jets and the serene lull of water wash away the day. Photos courtesy of McCall Leisure.

Creations with Rock

Hardwood Floor Installation Refinish and Restore Custom In-Lays Swedish No-Wax Finishes Quality Material from the Finest Mills Free Estimates

10056 South Frontage Rd. Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-3613 softtouchdesigns.net

D-RockBoyz

Retaining walls, .com Waterfalls & more (406) 425-9979 MAGIC I may 2012 I 35

FINE LIVING

36 I may 2012 I MAGIC

epicure

grills

gone wild

By Alexis Adams

Porterhouse Steak The porterhouse is a tasty, two-part steak that includes portions of the tenderloin (the most tender cut of meat) and the top loin.

The Main Dish:

Herb-Crusted Porterhouse Steak ¼ cup chopped fresh basil ¼ cup chopped fresh sage 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon freshly-ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Oil or cooking spray for the grate

In a small bowl, mix together the basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Add the garlic and oil and stir to form a paste. You will have about 1 cup of paste.

Rub the paste into both sides of each steak.

Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Place steaks on a lightly-oiled grate over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 14 to 16 minutes. If you’re using a gas grill, lightly oil the grate, preheat the grill and cook the steaks over medium heat with the grill covered, 15 to 19 minutes.

For medium rare, shoot for a temperature of 145°F. For medium, your thermometer should read 160°F. Turn once while grilling.

Remove bones from steaks; carve into slices.

The Side:

Grilled Asparagus 1 pound asparagus (approximately 1/4 pound per person) 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt

Steak Toppers

Bleu cheese adds a tang that complements beef rather than overpowering it, but other cheeses pair

Preheat the grill

Place the asparagus stalks on a plate.

Drizzle them with olive oil and turn until they are coated. Sprinkle with salt.

Grill the asparagus for 5 to 6 minutes over a hot grill, until just tender, turning the stalks every few minutes so that they cook evenly.

Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Cook’s Notes: Asparagus

Selecting: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, compact heads. Thinner spears are usually more tender. Preparing: To wash, hold the stalks upside-down under cold water and shake gently to release any sand that might be caught in the tips. Then hold both ends of each spear and bend; the tough, fibrous base should snap right off. (This step is unnecessary with thinner spears, which are completely edible.)

beautifully with steak, too.

After you’ve removed your porterhouse from the grill, try topping it with crumbled goat cheese, gorgonzola or feta, or with shavings of Parmesan or Asiago.

Gourmet cheeses available at: City Vineyard 1640 Grand Ave., Billings Good Earth Market 3204 2nd Ave. N., Billings Babcock & Miles 105 W. 12th St., Red Lodge

MAGIC I may 2012 I 37

Grilling Basics

• •

•

•

• • • •

Always keep your grill clean. This decreases the chance of flare-ups and over-charring food.

To prevent food from sticking, apply non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil on the grates before lighting the grill.

Vegetables tend to cook (and burn) more quickly than meat. Unless your recipe says otherwise, cook them on the grill’s outer, cooler edges.

If you’re marinating, do so at least an hour or so before grilling. This allows for maximum flavor absorption. Likewise, any seasoning, such as salt or a rub, should be applied to the meat at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Don’t puncture or flatten the meat. This squeezes all the juices out.

Turning food too often slows cooking and can make it tough and dry.

Ideally, most fish and meats should be turned only once.

Food will continue to cook even after it’s removed from the grill. Remove it a minute or two before you consider it perfectly done.

38 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Essential Tools

•

Long-handled spatula

•

Grill mitts

• •

Grill brush

•

Basting brushes

•

Long-handled tongs

Meat thermometer

power lunch

By Katherine Berman, Photography by David Grubbs To be a Master of the Universe, one should feast like a king.

The next time you’re in the mood for a spill-over-the-sideof-your-plate kind of palate pleaser, order one of these impressive entrees from some of Billings’ best lunch haunts.

pug mahon’s Pug’s Pork Chop Sandwich $10

An inviting Irish pub located in a 100-year-old building where the soups are made from scratch and everybody knows your name.

an extra morsel Next time you’re there, ask what “Pug Mahon” means in Gaelic.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 39

the windmill

Ribs with Battered Jumbo Prawns $32 This local legend serves up original secret recipes that are much loved by the community.

an extra morsel In the fall of 2005 the Windmill almost closed its doors when the former owners wanted to retire.

Fortunately, a loyal patron recognized that the Windmill’s recipes were too delectable to fall into history.

burger dive Blackened Sabbath Burger and a basket of San Fran Garlic Fries $14 This 1950s-styled diner sources the best local ingredients to create their decadent dogs, abundant burgers and mouthwatering milkshakes.

an extra morsel Live music at The Burger Dive is the only lunch accompaniment that rivals the restaurant’s creative condiments.

40 I may 2012 I MAGIC

don luis Pork Borracho Burrito $10 Mexican fare made from scratch and served by some of the town’s “prettiest servers.”

an extra morsel Borracho means “drunk” in Spanish ... hence the pork is cooked with a hearty pour of White Zinfandel.

rib & chop house Handcut Ribeye with an Awesome Baked Potato $24 A Montana Steakhouse favorite where every steak is grilled to prime-cut perfection.

an extra morsel Only the hungriest of powerhouses should investigate Rib and Chop’s oncea-month-special – the Tomahawk Ribeye.

This 4-pound monster cut doesn’t even fit on a plate!

MAGIC I may 2012 I 41

Billings best

Bankers!

Banks of Service since 1907

MEMBER FDIC

www.yellowstonebank.com

Absarokee 328-4512

Billings Homestead 652-4100

Bozeman

587-9900

QUALITY.INTEGRITY. TIM MOHR WANTED IT AND HE GOT IT. Angry Hank’s Tap Room and Microbrewery General Contractor: Hulteng, Inc 6417 TRADE CENTER AVENUE BILLINGS, MT 59101 (406) 655.1116 FAX - (406) 655.1117 WWW.HULTENGINC.COM COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION • REMODELS • CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 42 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Billings Downtown 248-3600

Columbus 322-5366

Billings Shiloh

294-9400

Laurel

628-7951

Montana is home to a large number of microbreweries and tap rooms where beer aficionados can sample unique blends.

Complementing a brew master’s secret recipes are some brilliant and bawdy labels. Check out some of our uproarious favorites from around the region.

Fun Fact: Angry Hanks brewery got its name from a beloved, albeit at times crotchety, friend of owner, Tim Mohr. “We were frantically trying to file paperwork for the business and were without a name,” Mohr said. “I was getting frustrated, stomping around, and a friend told me to stop acting like our friend, Angry Hank. It stuck.”

Photography by James Woodcock

MAGIC I may 2012 I 43

Buffalo Bill Cody Beer

Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. Billings, for “Wyoming Territory Brewing Co.” The spirit of the Wild West wrangled into a bottle.

44 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Czech Mate

Devils Tower Lager Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. Billings

Modeled after other famous Czech beers, this mouthwatering microbrew will make all the patrons in the bar look like white knights by closing time.

This towering amber, designed for the devil in all of us, is made from Rocky Mountain malt and stream water.

Red Lodge Ales Red Lodge

Scape Goat Pale Ale Big Sky Brewing Co. Missoula Don’t blame yourself.

Blame Big Sky Brewing Company for making this pale ale your favorite beer.

Pigs Ass Porter Harvest Moon Brewing Belt Want to hear a dirty joke?

One pig fell in the mud… with a pint of Pigs Ass Porter.

Bakken Bock Dark Doppelbock Lager Bayern Brewing Missoula Bayern Brewing wanted to recognize the hard-working folks who are “Rockin’ the Bakken” by honoring them with their own black gold.

Widow Maker Lager Red Lodge Ales

Named after one of Red Lodge Mountain’s most treacherous ski runs, this brew takes the sting out of crash-and-burn landings and trying work weeks alike.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 45

46 I may 2012 I MAGIC

GEORGE ARMSTRONG

CUSTER LADIES’ MAN, CIVIL WAR HERO & RECKLESS RACONTEUR Within hours of George Armstrong Custer’s death, Lakota and Northern Cheyenne women walked the grisly battlefield, surveying the corpses lying naked in the baking sun and taking souvenirs. Many of those who fought Custer that day did not know who led the attacking bluecoats, but two Southern Cheyenne women recognized Custer’s body and prevented others from mutilating it, telling them, “He is a relative of ours.”

By Tim Lehman

General Custer in uniform Courtesy of National Archives/MCT c. 1864

MAGIC I may 2012 I 47

George Armstrong Custer stands out in the 19th century as a

hero who lifted himself to fame by force of character and strength of will. This mythological Custer—supremely confident to the point of arrogance, always certain of his own superior abilities— depended more than he realized on his relationships with people who had little or no status in his world. In a profound social sense, if not literally, he was indeed a relative of those Cheyenne women.

Born on December 5, 1839, on an Ohio frontier farm one generation removed from its Indian fighting days, Custer grew up hunting, horseback riding, playing practical jokes on his brothers and flirting with the girls. He was known by his middle name, Armstrong, or to family and friends by his nick-name “Autie,” probably an early childhood mispronunciation of his name. He enjoyed a reputation as a goodhearted, fun-loving child who could out-work and out-play anyone in his Ohio farm town or his adopted home of Monroe, Mich.

For all of his physical vigor, the young Armstrong never showed much aptitude in school. He attended several high school academies and even briefly taught school, but he showed more interest in practical jokes and impressing the girls than he ever did in his studies. During high school he was smitten with Mollie Holland, widely considered the prettiest young lady in the county. He courted her with all of his usual enthusiasm, traveling to visit her and writing love poems and long letters looking forward to another “sleep” together. The young couple even spent time together in the Holland family trundle bed, at least until Mr. Holland found out and put an end to it.

At 18 years old, despite his undistinguished academic record, Custer received a coveted appointment to attend West Point Military Academy. As was common at the time, Custer’s appointment came through family political connections. These connections included Mollie Holland’s father, who was only too happy to recommend Armstrong for a position hundreds of miles away from his daughter.

At West Point, Custer received almost enough demerits to be suspended, graduated last in his class, and had the reputation, one friend remembered, of being “always connected with all the mischief that is going on, and never

48 I may 2012 I MAGIC

studying any more than he can possible help.”

Other cadets nicknamed him “Fanny” for his blond hair and fair complexion, but there was nothing effeminate about his horseback riding or skill with a saber. He also found time to read James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking novels and wrote an essay on “The Red Man.” Cooper’s notions of Indians as “noble savages” were to influence the rest of his life.

His interest in women, perhaps several different women, continued during every break from his studies. When he returned to West Point in 1859, he required treatment for gonorrhea, a fairly common diagnosis for cadets. Many of them contracted the disease from New York City prostitutes during their furloughs, and Custer may have acted in the same way as many of his fellow cadets. In a time of peace, he may have lived his career as an undistinguished army officer. However, he

graduated in 1861, just in time to join a nation at war and find his true element.

During the Civil War, Custer rose to fame as the “Boy General.” At 23 he was the youngest officer to receive the title of brevet brigadier general, a temporary, honorary promotion based on battlefield bravery. At Gettysburg and again during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign, he repeatedly led charges against the previously invincible Confederate cavalry led by Jeb Stuart. Other officers praised him for his “instant, exhaustless energy” and the “relentless power” of his attack.

During the war Custer also met, fell in love with, and married Elizabeth (Libbie) Bacon,

Top left: George and Elizabeth Bacon Custer, c. 1864 Below left: Captain George Custer (left) with General Alfred Pleasonton.

Left: Custer and Akira scouts with Bloody Knife (left), his favorite scout. c. 1874 Photos courtesy of Library of Congress.

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the attractive, intelligent and stylish daughter of Judge Daniel Bacon.

A leading citizen of Monroe, Mich., Judge Bacon was initially reluctant to allow his daughter to marry a military man from a socially inferior family, but like many others, he was eventually overcome by the force of Custer’s personality. For her part, Libbie consented only after the “Boy General” agreed to straighten up some of what she considered to be bad habits. After being embarrassed by getting stumble-down drunk one night, he promised never to imbibe alcohol again. This promise he kept.

He also promised to Libbie that he would give up gambling, a promise he found difficult to keep. But he refused to give up swearing, a habit he considered necessary in combat.

The years immediately after the war must have been the most frustrating of Custer’s entire career. Assigned to Fort Riley, Kan., Custer experienced the hazards of fighting Indians on the western frontier.

Although he thrilled to the excitement of riding horseback over the open Plains, Custer repeatedly led the Seventh Cavalry in pursuit of Indian villages whose tracks dispersed to the point of seemingly vanishing. As other army officers had experienced before him, the problem was not so much fighting the Indians as simply finding them.

It looked like his career might end in disaster. Once he left his column to ride in pursuit of a buffalo. The thrilling chase ended, however, when Custer drew aim with his revolver on the fleeing buffalo and accidentally shot his own horse in the head. Later, he left his command in western Kansas and rode more than 150 miles in order to be with his beloved Libbie. As a result, Custer was court-martialed for deserting his post.

A year later Custer received a second chance, and it became his defining moment. On a bitter cold winter morning in 1867, Custer led an attack on a southern Cheyenne village camped on the Washita River. In a battle the army hailed as a victory and critics labeled as “coldblooded butchery,” the Seventh Cavalry captured Black Kettle’s village, slaughtered its pony herd and took 53 women and children as prisoners.

Among the prisoners was a beautiful young Cheyenne woman named Monahseetah, daughter of a chief. Officially hired as an interpreter, although she spoke almost no English, Monahseetah became the object of Custer’s sexual attentions for several months. According to both Cheyenne and army sources, Custer was deeply attracted to her and the two spent many nights together, perhaps resulting in a Cheyenne baby who Custer never knew or recognized. For the Cheyenne, this union of a

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MAGIC I may 2012 I 49

chief’s daughter and a white general cemented a kinship relation between the two peoples, a relationship which two Cheyenne women recognized later at the Little Bighorn.

For Custer, the battle of the Washita elevated him to national fame as an Indian fighter. He traded in his colorful Civil War uniform for a buckskin jacket and trousers, the symbol of a Plains scout and Indian fighter.

He wrote articles about his adventures on the western frontier for eastern magazines, posing as a mighty hunter, a master of Plains lore, and a sympathetic expert on Indian societies. For the American public, he became another Leatherstocking, while the Indians he portrayed were the “noble savages” he had read about in James Fenimore Cooper’s novels at West Point.

Custer wore this leatherstocking persona for the rest of his life. His death at the Little Bighorn at the age of 36 ensured that Americans would associate his name, for better or worse, with American Indian wars. Newspapers at the time praised Custer for heroic death 2:15:22 PM Magic Mag Aprilhis 2012.pdf 1 3/26/2012

Bloodshed at Little Bighorn: Sitting Bull, Custer, and the Destinies of Nations

By Tim Lehman Winner, 2011 High Plains Book Award, Nonfiction

that would be applauded whenever “civilization battles against barbarism.”

Libbie Custer, the grieving widow, wanted her husband to be remembered “as he should be known.” Personifying the Victorian ideal of feminine loyalty, she assisted biographers and even Buffalo Bill Cody in making sure that “Custer’s Last Stand” was a story of “noble Christian manhood.” Those in the army who knew of Custer’s imperfections and indiscretions refused, by common consent, to reveal these so long as Libbie was alive. And she outlived them all, ensuring that the image of George Armstrong Custer that endures is the one-fashioned and sustained largely by the women in his life.

Commonly known as Custer’s Last Stand, the Battle of Little Bighorn may be the best recognized violent conflict between the indigenous peoples of North America and the government of the United States.

Incorporating the voices of Native

George Custer in familiar leatherstockings (left) with Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovitch. c. 1872 Public Domain

Americans, soldiers, scouts and women, Tim Lehman’s concise, compelling narrative will forever change the way we think about this familiar event in American history.

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“...He grew up a ‘big-hearted, whole-souled fellow,’ one of his friends remembered, with a love of practical jokes and an eye for the girls...”

From “Bloodshed at Little Bighorn: Sitting Bull, Custer, and the Destinies of Nations”

By Tim Lehman

The Private Side of George A. Custer: Fighter, Friend, Family Man

Though volumes have been written about Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the man behind the rank remains an enigma.

These images capture moments in time that speak to the human side of the hardened fighter.

Above: Custer with his dog. Right: George and Libbie Custer with their household cook, Eliza, a runaway slave from Virginia who worked for them for many years. Courtesy of Library of Congress.

52 I may 2012 I MAGIC

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Top: Captain George A. Custer (right) with a Confederate prisoner at Fair Oaks,VA. Above: President Lincoln with a group of officers, Captain George Armstrong Custer far right. (Battle of Antietam, Sept. - Oct. 1862). Opposite page: Portraits of George and Libbie.

Photos courtesy of Library of Congress.

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Move over, Portland! Billings has made the “Top 50” list of America’s Best Bike Cities according to a 2010 ranking by Bicycling Magazine. Designated arterial bike lanes, multi-use off-road trails, local government involvement, savvy bike shops and an enthusiastic cycling community play a role in the kudos received. But the true test is on the trails.

Here’s a sampling of some favorites.

yan r B .

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By Vir

“It’s a magical place,” said Roger Williams (inset photo), a retiree and president of Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA). Williams often cycles on Norm’s Island. “Every time I go, it’s a treat.”

Williams characterizes Norm’s Island and its naturalist namesake, Norm Schoenthal, as “local treasures.” The meandering easy-going dirt trail, also favored by walkers and happy dogs, follows the Yellowstone River shoreline. Norm’s Island is habitat for pelicans, pheasant, blue herons, great horned owls and other birds.

After completing the Norm’s Island 1.7-mile loop one winter morning, Williams headed toward Cochrane Pond on Riverfront Park’s eastern edge via a connector trail that includes a stretch of concrete. Surrounded by dense bushes, Williams realized he was in the midst of “hundreds of robins” who’d opted to stay close given the plentiful berries and cover.

Williams and YRPA had their work cut out for them in 2011. Spring floods washed out several trail sections on Norm’s Island, and the Exxon oil spill resulted in quarantine. This summer, YRPA will advance the Riverfront Trail one mile east to Washington Street, making the Norm’s Island – Riverfront Park combination loop about 6 miles roundtrip.

Norm’s Island

Below-zero temperatures and biting wind in early 2012 didn’t stop nearly three dozen hardy souls, including three cyclists, from turning out to dedicate the latest link in Billings’ multi-use, hard-surface, 36-mile Heritage Trail system. Their fortitude is a testament to the vitality of the now completed Swords Park Trail that spans the city’s sentinel-like sandstone Rims from North 27th

Street to Main Street. Any day of the year, Swords Park is a haven for runners in spandex, tourists with binoculars, brightly clad cyclists, teens on skateboards and young parents pushing strollers.

New interpretive signage quotes Crow Chief Plenty Coups (1848 - 1942), who described Swords Park as a highly spiritual place often frequented for vision quests.

A nob-like outcropping above MetraPark was dubbed “Skeleton Cliff” by early white residents who saw native burial shrouds there, secured to tree limbs with rawhide strips. In 1924, the Rev. Dr. Alsgaard, a Norwegian Lutheran minister, described the panoramic vistas atop the Rims as “one of the most remarkable views

Swords Park Trail

58 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Take 6th Street West to Underpass Avenue. Turn left on South Billings Boulevard and cross the I-90 overpass.

Before you get to the Yellowstone River, look on the right for a gravel road and sign for Norm’s Island and the Audubon Center. At the parking lot, cross Wendell’s Bridge to the familyfriendly trail. Photo Courtesy of Yellowstone River Park Association. Inset photo by Paul Ruhter.

of a city I have ever seen…”

Throughout Swords Park, rock and mortar markers are vestiges of a road first constructed by depression-era work crews. Just past Skeleton Cliff, switchbacks crisscross the hillside above Boothill Cemetery. In its short 1.3-mile span, the new trail provides safe passage at the Airport Road, Aronson Avenue and Alkali Creek Road intersection.

The sweetest surprise of the trail is the arched bridge leading into the tunnel under Airport Road.

Constructed from half-cut large steel culverts and faced with native sandstone, it’s nestled in a grove of trees over a wildlife pond. The Zen-like bridge looks upon an abandoned sandstone chimney from another era, giving on lookers a sense of balance amid our own impermanence.

To access Swords Park’s new trail, go right on Airport Road at the roundabout (toward the Heights). Turn right at Swords Park Road and take the concrete trail going east. Parking is also available adjacent to the 6th Avenue By-pass near Boothill Inn in the Heights.

The switchbacks make this a moderate trail. Photo by Larry Mayer.

Avid cyclists love the high plains landscape, sparse traffic and endurance-building elements of this 40-mile-plus ride south of Billings. They warm up their leg muscles on the undulating curves of Blue Creek Road past Briarwood Country Club before climbing upward out of draws filled with rugged rocks and scrubby pines.

Once atop an elevated plateau, under the sky’s bright blue canopy, the Pryor Mountains, still miles to the south, and Beartooth Mountains, even farther east, seem a mere arm’s length away. The Bull Mountains protrude on the northern horizon.

Large raptors swoop overhead.

Suddenly, the wide-shouldered road drops into the bucolic Pryor Creek drainage. Grizzled cottonwoods and abundant chokecherries crowd the water’s edge and horses graze lazily in lush pastures. Pryor Road, straight, flat, narrow and in disrepair, offers some respite until it intersects with Hardin Road. Then, tight turns careen up the plateau’s backside under the heavy scent of sunbaked juniper and sagebrush. After a long descent into Lockwood, traffic congestion warrants extra caution.

Just past the Yellowstone River’s Dick

Johnston Bridge, cyclists access the concrete trail curving through Coulson and Mystic Parks for the last leg of the ride where river bottom scenery and humidity contrast with earlier dry breezes and spare terrain. A stretch on South Frontage Road completes the circle.

Cycling downhill from the top of Maui’s Halelakala volcano, Red Lodge native Doug Bailey had an idea. “Why don’t we do this on Beartooth Pass?” Bailey left his job as a horseback guide in Hawaii to come home and start Beartooth Bike Tours. He expects 2012 to be his best year yet.

“I’ve been over the Beartooth Pass by motorcycle and car several times,” said Bailey.

“On a bicycle, it’s entirely different. It’s just you and the amazing 360-degree view!”

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Bailey and his crew bus adventurers, bicyclists and their gear to the Montana-Wyoming border high atop the winding road described by Charles Kuralt as

Beartooth Bike Tours

Meet at the Red Lodge Adventure Center, 510 North Broadway, in Red Lodge after you call 406-426-0787 or email info@beartoothbiketours.com for a reservation. It’s all downhill from there. Rides are $35 - $45 depending on age. Photo by David Grubbs.

Pryor Creek Loop The strenuous Pryor Creek loop begins at Norm’s Island.

Backtrack to South Billings Boulevard and follow Blue Creek Road to the “T” intersection at Pryor Road. Go left on Pryor Road to the “T” intersection at Hardin Road. Turn left on Hardin Road back to Lockwood.

A right turn just after the Dick Johnston Bridge (before MetraPark) connects to the river path. After Mystic Park, take South Frontage Road to South Billings Boulevard. Photo by Jim Woodcock.

“the most scenic highway in America.” Bailey gently guides cyclists 12 miles downhill, with rest stops, historic anecdotes and geology lessons along the way. The elevation drops 4,000 feet; the roundtrip excursion takes about three hours. “Come prepared for the weather,” said Bailey. “Temperatures vary as much as 15 degrees. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes.”

June cyclists often tunnel through giant walls of snow. Bailey claims July’s wildflower profusion is so fragrant, it’s “like cycling through potpourri.” Bike tours are offered for those ages 10 and up at 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to miss peak traffic times and prevalent winds.

“We’ve taken folks who haven’t been on a bike for years, others in their 80s and hard core cyclists down the Beartooth Highway,” said Bailey. “It’s a whole new way to experience the pass.”

MAGIC I may 2012 I 59

A day’s drive from Billings puts an adventure seeker in Moab, the full-service base camp for jaunts into Utah’s high desert. Miners, looking for uranium deposits, came here decades ago. Moab’s surroundings also drew film makers, who’ve made multiple box office hits with a backdrop of vast blue skies and table-topped, orange-hued mesas overlooking meandering rivers.

DESERT DREAMS Now, outdoor enthusiasts seeking fun in the Utah desert sun head to Moab.

You can join mountain bikers and off-road vehicle drivers navigating the area’s trademark slick rock, plus rafters, hikers and other modern-day swashbucklers. They’ve experienced – and you can too – two spectacular national parks, a state park with picture-perfect overlooks of deep canyons and island plateaus, mellow rafting or adrenaline-rush whitewater trips and other outdoor play.

Here’s your guide for making the most of a Moab visit.

by dennis gaub Photos courtesy of Moab Chamber of Commerce and Dennis Gaub Right: Canyonlands National Park provides a majestic backdrop for off-road enthusiasts.

60 I may 2012 I MAGIC

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Moab bills itself as home to the greatest mountain biking on the planet – and for good reason. Dozens of singletrack and doubletrack trails give cyclists choices to match their skill levels.

You can challenge yourself on the world-famous and highly technical Slickrock Bike Trail, a 9.6-mile route often labeled the ultimate mountain biking experience. Or, sample the two-wheel smorgasbord at the MOAB Brand Trails (Bar M, Circle O, Rockin’ A, Bar B), where loops range from 3 to 25 miles. The Sovereign Trail mixes smooth-flowing sections with technical sections.

Ready for more? The new Rockstacker/Arch & Jackson trails test even top-caliber riders.

Mountain and road biking Road riders are heading to Moab, drawn by miles of paved routes (some with designated bike lanes) that open up views straight out of the many movies filmed here. If you’re looking for an organized ride to kick off your cycling season, check out the annual Skinny Tire Festival, a four-day, fullysupported event held in early March. The route follows the Colorado River valley and dips into Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park. Of course, you can plan your own trip to those spots at other times of the year – just avoid midsummer days when temperatures routinely approach or top 100 degrees.

Off-highway vehicle riding For nearly a half century, the Moab area has been a Mecca for offhighway vehicle riding. If you’re new to the sport, try the White Wash Sand Dunes and Hurrah Pass Trail. The area, 48 miles northwest of Moab, features cottonwood trees growing in the dunes with a backdrop of of red cliffs to the east.

In the vicinity, the off-road enthusiast can explore miles of dirt road that access Crystal Geyser and the Green River. For a

62 I may 2012 I MAGIC

more challenging outing, try the Monitor & Merrimac Trail.

Note: Off-highway-riding is not allowed within either Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, except for White Rim Road with limitations (street legal road bikes only, 10 mph speed limit.) Montana owners of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles can use their machines in Utah without obtaining a non-resident permit under a reciprocity agreement between the two states.

Water fun Adventures on the Colorado, Green and San Juan Rivers await you. One option – take a morning or afternoon guided rafting trip on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River, a mild outing suitable for everyone from children to senior citizens willing to get their feet wet. Fullday trips are possible.

Want more thrills? Try a whitewater trip in Cataract or Westwater Canyons. Or, if you have the skills, rent a canoe, raft or kayak and head off on your own. And you can spread the fun over several days by camping on the river banks of the Fisher Towers sections or in the canyons.

Canoe trips can also be arranged on the Green River, and outfitters offer rafting on the San Juan River and in the Desolation and Gray Canyons on the Green River.

Sightseeing and hiking No trip to Moab is complete without a visit to at least one of the nearby national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. Make time, too, for sight-seeing in Dead Horse Point State Park.

Arches is closest to town, just 5 miles away. The world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches, more than 3,000 of them, lies within the Park’s 76,500 acres. You’ll see other imposing geological features – sandstone fins, gigantic balanced rocks, and soaring pinacles and spires. A paved scenic drive takes you to many of the top viewing and photography points, but it’s worthwhile to get out of your car for short hikes, some guided by Park naturalists.

A 32-mile drive from Moab brings you to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. True to its name, the district sits atop a 1,500-foot mesa traversed by a

Left top: Slick Rock near Moab provides miles of trails for both mountain bikers and motorized off-road riders.

Left center: Enthusiasts go off-road at Hurrah Pass Trail. Left bottom: The city of Moab looking east toward the Colorado Rockies.

Right: Delicate Arch in nearby Arches National Park. Far right: Fisher Towers reflecting on the waters of the Colorado River.

paved scenic drive. Pullouts provide views of canyon country, and hiking trails and four-wheel drive roads access backcountry areas.

At neighboring Dead Horse Point State Park, a plateau that’s 2,000 feet above the Colorado River gives a panoramic view of Canyonlands’ pinacles and buttes. For a different perspective, bring your mountain bike

(or rent one in Moab) and cruise the Intrepid Trail.

Outside the national and state parks, Bureau of Land Management lands contain pet-friendly trails suited for day hikes. Recommended trails: Negro Bill Canyon, Corona Arch and Fisher Towers.

406.860.1284

MAGIC I may 2012 I 63

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Lodging, dining, guides, outfitters Moab provides a full range of visitor services; almost 50 hotels, motels, resorts and bed and breakfasts; about 50 restaurants; and more than 40 public and commercial campgrounds.

About 60 firms offer guiding and outfitting services and equipment rental.

Getting There: Take I-94/I-90 to Sheridan, Wyo., I-25 to Casper,Wyo., WY-220/US-287 to Rawlins, Wyo., I-80 to Creston Junction/Baggs,Wyo.,WY789 into Colorado, CO-13/ CO-789 to Rifle, Colo., I-70 to Crescent Junction, Utah, US-191 to Moab.

Distance: 776 miles.

For a comprehensive list of area recreation, activities

Top: Red Rock overlook at Dead Horse State Park.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Gaub.

Right: Warner Lake near Moab.

and resources, visit www.discovermoab.com or call1-800-635-6622.

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Why should I choose Dr. Matthew Wolpoe for Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Wolpoe and his staff at Billings Clinic Facial Plastic Surgery seek to provide each patient with a private and singularly personal experience. As a Johns Hopkins trained double-board certified physician in Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology) and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Wolpoe posseses extensive knowledge of anatomy, functionality, and expertise in facial surgery.

Dr. Wolpoe provides significant expertise in non-surgical procedures like Botox® injections and dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra®, as well as surgical procedures such as facelifts, laser liposuction, brow and eyelid surgery, chin implants, and functional and cosmetic nose surgery.

Call (406) 657-4653 for a consultation in a private, state-of-the-art clinical setting.

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Matthew Wolpoe, MD

kindness and listens to your wishes and concerns.

For a list of our monthly specials or to make an appointment, call Michelle at (406) 657-4653 or visit www.billingsclinic.com/facialplastics MAGIC I may 2012 I 65

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Montana: The last place where a man can have it all ................................. 68 Alter Egos: Meet 8 men with surprising after-hours interests.................... 71 Firearms: A Montana tradition.................................................................. 80 Men and Women: A Relationship Anthology......................................................... 86 Montana Outfitters The many looks of the Montana man...................................... 92

MAGIC I may 2012 I 67

Women, Success, Health, Money, Family

The last place where a man can have it all During the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989, Billings Gazette photographer James Woodcock managed to capture this image of what embodied the signature event of that centennial celebration. Embedded in that moment, nabbed in less than a second of time, there is a sense of something more.

By Dan Carter

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It’s freedom in all its manly glory. Freedom to pursue all that Montana has to offer… Freedom to chart your own course… Freedom at its most basic and inviting level to grab life by its horns.

The photograph is of a drover on his horse as they stood alone on a butte overlooking the great Montana prairie. The land and sky are tinged in glorious purples and yellows as the cowboy surveys the current status of the cattle drive on a brown and tan landscape. Just like classic moments in time painted by Charlie Russell, the iconic photo captured one of those moments that crystalized the definition of Montana — and the Montana man.

Yet the image – and what it means – lies not only in what you see, but what you can imagine on the fringes just outside of view.

From the photographer’s vantage point, the image is rich in symbolism and scenery.

The cattle drive celebrated an important part of the state’s history and scores of people saddled up, tilted into the dry summer wind and pointed cattle from Roundup to Billings.

It was hard work, the kind of work that many cattlemen and their families do to this day in the Big Hole Valley, on the base of the Tobacco Root Mountains, along the Mussellshell and in pockets of Eastern Montana breaks country.

It’s pure Montana and it’s a man’s place.

Unseen and to the photographer’s back and only a short drive away, however, was the city of Billings, the retail, medical and financial hub of the state. In the late 1980s, with Conrad Burns starting his term in the U.S. Senate, it was the political center of Montana as well.

Billings, too, is a man’s place. And it’s manliness in every sense of the word.

Billings (and all of Montana, for that matter) is a place where a real man can still make his own future. The place is not coated in plastic and fake promises (like Los Angeles) nor does it hook its residents on a ruthless run to power (like New York). Billings is a man’s place in balance. Consider:

• Substance trumps style.

• Sexy women drive pickups jacked up on 44-inch wheels and also shoot skeet.

• Our neighbors run for office and can still be called by their first names.

• Full ab workouts can involve either • • •

•

buckin’ bales or early morning gym workouts.

Quick hands are gained by dribbling basketballs on gravel roads.

Money can be made and men who make money know it is made to be shared (just ask anyone who knew Sam McDonald).

At every special event, someone will be in a prom dress and someone will be in blue jeans. Any true Montana man will have dated women wearing both at one time or another.

Everyone knows the three most valuable tools in the garage: WD-40, vice grips and duct tape. As Walt Kowalski aptly put it in Gran Torino, “Any man worth his salt can do half the household chores with just those three things.”

Yet every Montana man also knows the importance of family, especially the women in his life.

Chief Joseph knew all about it when, yearning for freedom and embracing his commitment to his family, traveled through these parts in 1877. The great Nez Perce leader put up a fight, but at the end of the day, put his family first. Fast forward eight decades and take a look at the statesman Mike Mansfield.

Nobody embodies the complete Montana man better than Mansfield. The Butte miner-turned-U.S. Senator-turnedambassador to Japan set his legacy of service a million times over. So eager was he to serve his country, he lied about his age to join the Navy during World War I. He came back to Montana to work the mines of Butte as a “mucker” and – with the encouragement of his wife – finished both high school and college in Missoula. And, years later, as the honors were flowing over him like a spring mountain rain, he always made sure his wife was a part of it. In fact, her name was always first.

Maureen and Mike Mansfield exemplify the values and meaning of being a man in Montana. Power, success, a strong family bond with well-placed priorities.

The next time someone suggests you “man up,” Mansfield’s image may very well be the one that immediately comes to mind. Or it might be Chief Joseph. Or that Centennial Cattle Drive drover. Or Sam McDonald.

Put them together, and you know what the Montana man is all about.

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Meet 8 men with surprising after-hours interests.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 71

Nick

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By Allyn Hulteng

By Day: Owner, Federal Business Industries. Provides office supplies to federal agencies around the country Off hours: Comic Strip Co-Creator and Writer: “America Jr.” (www.americajr.net) Age: 50 Married to: Chris Children: Evi, 8

We moved to Billings from southern California in 1996 and immediately liked living here. There is an ease to everyday life, which is very appealing; in California we were used to crazy people and horrible traffic.

Big enough: Billings

is a great sized town. Large enough that you don’t lack for much yet small enough to be personal.

Business benefits:

As a government contracting business, we do everything via telephone or email. The people we work with like dealing with Montanans rather than people in big cities. There are more hustlers in the cities. People seem to trust Montanans … and they’re curious about this place.

Always a funny man: I started doing improv comedy in my 20s. After moving to Billings, I discovered there was an improv group here, and I joined. Recently, I ventured into standup comedy. Standup is different than improv. With improv, you make things up on the spot. Standup routines are rehearsed, but you have to make it sound natural and unrehearsed every time you perform.

Taking laughs online: My friend and fellow comedian, Todd Livingston, called me one day and asked if I wanted to co-write a comic strip. It was kismet, because I had been contemplating calling Todd to ask him the same thing.

The comic strip is called “America Jr”: The

CASEY PAGE

story takes place in the non-descript hamlet of Millerstown.

Back in 1876, the town’s founding fathers were not entirely convinced that joining America was a good idea, so they

72 I may 2012 I MAGIC

included a revocable clause in the original charter, which would grant the town its independence in 2006. The townspeople forgot to revoke the clause, and the town automatically became a sovereign nation. In the words of the town-mayor-turned-president: “The same America – new convenient size.”

No shortage of material:

The storyline pokes fun at America’s political foibles through the lens of the characters in Millerstown. You have a president who used to be the mayor, a congress that convenes in the Cheesy Mouse pizzeria where they take breaks and play video games plus a gaggle of quirky citizens. All we need to do is pick up a newspaper and the material writes itself.

The creative process: Todd and I both write a series of strips,

we then exchange them and critique one another. When we get to where we’re both satisfied, we send the text to Brendon and Brian Fraim who draw the visual art.

Hollywood buzz: Around the time we published our 300th strip the comic started to generate a lot of buzz and talk of TV shows and movies. So far nothing concrete has come through, but you never know…

Terry

Hollister

By Allyn Hulteng

Who am I? You might say my

DAVID GRUBBS

By Day: Chaplin, St. Vincent Healthcare Off hours: Instructor, Montana Motorcycle Safety Program – MSU Northern Age: 58 Married to: Deb Two grown children: John, Laura

current career path was inspired by a mid-life crisis. I had been in the ministry for 20 years, but when I turned 40, I realized I didn’t know who I was deep inside. I began an inward journey to explore ‘who is Terry Hollister?’

The path to self-discovery: The curiosity and courage to

explore my “self” came from faith – activating trust in my Creator.

It was only when I began to abandon what people told me I needed to become and pursue who God had made me to be that I found my sense of vocation coming into focus.

A new chapter: I began pursuing post-graduate clinical pastoral

PAUL RUHTER

DAVID GRUBBS

education, which teaches pastoral care and trains clergy to serve as hospital chaplains. I realized there is an opportunity to bring this education back to Billings and facilitate training the next generation of chaplains. After deep consideration, I knew this vocation was congruent with who I really am.

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MAGIC I may 2012 I 73

A different kind of service: Pastors and chaplains are different. Pastors tell parishioners what to believe and how to act and they embody those things. Chaplains provide care to people of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds. They are supportive and with the family regardless of the outcome.

What I now know: I have learned three

things about myself: I’m an extrovert; I love interacting with people. I’m also analytical, I

need to think about things, find structure and order. And I’m an introvert – peace and quiet feeds and nurtures my soul.

the moment. When I ride, I smell the outdoors and feel the wind and am at one with nature all around me. I feel in touch with God.

Self-nurture: Riding my motorcycle feeds

Motorcycle mentor: Three years ago I became certified to be a motorcycle safety rider coach through the Montana Motorcycle Safety Program. Coaching is different than teaching.

I provide the environment and expertise, but learning is the responsibility of the student.

my soul. When I ride, there’s no electronic noise, no iPod; I enjoy the experience without distractions. Society is bereft of that experience.

The Creator and me: Motorcycling

demands that I pay attention to where I am in

Mike

Scarlet

By Brenda Maas

I didn’t necessarily grow up wanting to be a teacher, and I never saw myself as someone who would stand up in front of group of people. But I did know I wasn’t made for corporate life. I had – and still have – an intense love of learning. My curiosity is natural and persistent.

to me that I do something that makes a difference.

Teaching teachers does that.

In a former life: Before moving to Billings

playing soccer when I was 6 and basically haven’t stopped. I played club, school and college soccer. During college I also started coaching youth and coached high school teams while I was teaching – it was a natural progression. Now I often coach my children’s teams.

I taught in St. Paul, Minn., middle schools for four years, then high school for seven. Teaching at this level can be very rewarding because you see changes in your students on a daily basis.

But it’s also an emotional rollercoaster because there are always changes, always challenges.

Teaching career: For me, teaching really is

about loving your content area. And, it’s about really wanting to work with young people, motivating them to develop their interests.

Professorship: I can influence students in

the classroom by influencing future educators – there’s an exponential impact. It’s important

74 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Futbol: I started

Soccer vs. Futsal: Believe it or not, there’s

a futsal league in Billings. It’s a Brazilian offshoot of traditional soccer, or futbol, and is played indoors with a smaller, heavier ball.

That makes it a fast but controlled game

DAVID GRUBBS

Knowledge nut:

PAUL RUHTER

By day: Assistant professor in the College of Education at MSU-Billings Off hours: Soccer player and coach, futsal player Age: 39 Married to: Ellen Craig Children: Brenden, 10 and Audrey, 7

because the ball doesn’t bounce around as much.

Follow the ball: I am not the type of person who exercises for the sake of exercise. I would much rather run with a ball and goal in front of me. Soccer is a players’ game. Unlike games like football or baseball where the coach calls in the plays, in soccer the player makes decisions on the field. That makes it so much more democratic and fluid.

International intrigue:

the soccer stadium in Spain – that was the highlight for my kids and me. Quite simply, I love the sport.

JAMES WOODCOCK

I guess the love of the sport does permeate our lives. On a recent trip to Spain, we visited Camp Nou,

Les

Best

By day: Outside Sales Rep – Animal Health International Off hours: Silversmith Age: 48 Married to: Edie

Western roots: I grew up on a 30,000-acre

ranch east of Hardin. From an early age my dad taught me how to be a cowboy. He’s 85 years old now and still rides every day. My dad is the best cowboy I’ve ever known.

Roping and riding: I started riding rodeo in

high school and was a member of the Montana State University rodeo team. I continued riding saddle broncs and roping for another 18 years.

Finding his future: After graduating with an Ag Business degree, my wife and I moved to Colorado so she could attend veterinary

JAMES WOODCOCK

By Allyn Hulteng

school. I was riding pens at a stockyard in Fort Collins and became acquainted with an animal health sales representative who suggested I consider a career in animal pharmaceutical sales.

Staying sharp: The animal health business

is dynamic and highly competitive. It’s critical to stay up on the latest information and newest products. Plus, some medicines are highly regulated and subject to federal laws relating to distribution. There’s no room for mistakes.

It’s personal: The best part of my job is working with my customers. I sell to veterinarians, authorized dealers, feedlots and cow/calf producers – every customer is different, but they’re all great to work with.

Open range: In an average week I log 1,500 miles. My week starts at 6 a.m. Monday and I

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work well into the evening most days. You won’t find ranchers at home during the day; this is not an 8-5 job.

Sparking creativity: As a kid I remember watching my dad build saddles. It was a hobby for him, something to do during the long winter evenings. They were beautifully crafted, and he inspired me to find my own hobby.

Becoming a silversmith: After high school

I started making spurs as a pastime. My first efforts were pretty crude. In college, I took a jewelry making class and practiced soldering and working with silver. A lot of my technique was learned through trial and error.

Defining his style: While I always admired the old Mexican-style of engraving using a hammer and chisel, my style is more western engraving. I don’t use any set pattern, I just start etching and the design flows.

Balancing the artist and the cowboy: Over the years I’ve made

spurs, bits, Conchos, buckles and a few pieces of jewelry. A pair of spurs I made was once featured in “Cowboys & Indians” magazine. One day, out of the blue, I got a call from a gentleman in Norway. He had seen my work somewhere and ordered a custom belt buckle – that was a very neat experience.

John

Armstrong

By Brenda Maas

Not the shortest route: When I was 19 years old and in college, I started working on a framing crew as a summer job. I kept learning and building.

Eventually, I founded Armstrong Construction and built houses here in Billings for years. But when the oil boom went bust in 1987, so did home building.

To keep food on the table, I applied for an inspection technician job at the Conoco refinery. My background in math, drafting and construction helped me land the job.

LARRY MAYER

By day: Contracted Plant inspector at Conoco Refinery Off hours: Artist & Owner of Q’s Art & Framing and Gallery 15 North Age: 62 Married to: Lucia Children: Daniel and Amy, both grown

Like father like son: I always dreamt of owning my own storefront. I suppose it’s in my blood because my father owned Q’s Sports Shop downtown in the 1960s – that’s where my business name comes from. I built this building for my frame shop and as an investment in retail space.

The artist within: My artistry sort of came through the

backdoor. After opening Q’s, I began bringing in guest art instructors and figured I should give it a try as long as I was here. My goal was just to see if I had any ability at all. I’m just competitive enough that I keep trying to do the best I can do and then get even better. It’s a never ending process. I want to develop my own style, too. That’s important to me.

76 I may 2012 I MAGIC

JAMES WOODCOCK

A custom fit: As an inspector, I can really use my technical skills. What I do really makes a difference – some of the equipment that I inspect is critical for the safety of the workers and the environment. The documentation and report writing is also a challenge – it keeps me sharp.

Creative forces: For me, art is like building houses. I built a lot of houses that I drafted the plans for and built myself. When I drive around Billings and see those houses, I still feel intense satisfaction. That sentiment correlates to a painting, but the painting is condensed into a tight, little area; I get that same gratification without all the physical work, materials and cost.

Color therapy: There is no doubt that

becoming a watercolor artist has totally enriched my life by opening me to new experiences and meeting a completely different group of people— fellow artists—who I would not know otherwise.

Retooling, again: I’ll be retiring from the

refinery soon. When I do, I plan to really dig into my art by keeping my normal working hours here at the shop. I can’t wait.

His day job: After college, I worked as a

newspaper reporter in the Sacramento area.

One day I interviewed a realtor. She was this dynamic, successful and completely disorganized person who obviously loved what she did. I thought, “This could be the career for me.”

Workin’ it: I love the many wonderful and diverse people I work with. It’s not about a transaction, it’s about the relationship.

Dawson

By Allyn Hulteng

By day: Broker / Owner – Century 21 Hometown Brokers Partner – Classic Design Homes Off hours: Standup Comedian Age: 43 Married to: Angie Children: “My wife says ‘just me.’”

PAUL RUHTER

A firm of his own: Over the years, I saw things I really liked and admired about various agencies, and I wanted to bring the

Mark

He knew he was successful when: I convinced my wife to join the business. That took a while.

DAVID GRUBBS

best of those elements into my own business. It’s important to create a fabulous environment where people are eager to come to every day.

2814 2nd Ave N 259-3624 MAGIC I may 2012 I 77

They told me so: All my life I’ve tried

to stifle my inner smart aleck with varying degrees of success. One night, a bunch of friends went to dinner and then to a comedy show. Afterwards, we realized we laughed more at dinner than at the show. My friend said, ‘your life is a sh**-storm; you should just be honest about it onstage and you could be a comedian.’ I thought, he’s right.

ability for – plus I worked my butt off.

Honing his skills: I asked Lucas Seely, a

professional comedian, to mentor me, and we’ve since become good friends. Lucas taught me that on stage, you must be concise: A point and a laugh, a point and a laugh. There’s a true technique to getting a laugh every seven seconds.

Material matters: I see humor everywhere.

First gig: Open mic night at The Carlin. I didn’t invite anybody, but about 35 friends showed up ribbing me, saying they wanted to watch me crash and burn. Sort of the same reason why people like to watch bull riding.

My style is to take something funny and expand on it, but not at someone else’s expense.

It’s 100 percent safe to be self-deprecating; I draw the line at religion, politics and racism.

Truly funny stuff does not offend.

Afterward: I felt really awesome – it was one

Where day and night intersect: My

of those things that I seem to have a natural

work as a business professional inspired me to

develop a seminar called “Laughter is Key.” It’s a presentation I put on for companies that uses humor as a vehicle to strengthen the corporate culture. A message delivered with humor is far more likely to be remembered, because humor hits both the right and left side of the brain; few other pieces of information hit both.

Finding the funny: Humor helps you see everything – any situation – in a more positive light, especially anything negative or scary.

Humor disarms fear and helps create hope.

Pearl of wisdom: I’ve learned to look at

things a little deeper – to give people the benefit of the doubt in tough situations. Before I make decisions, I ask myself ‘who do you want to be?’ rather than ‘what do I want to get?’

Nick

Molina

By Brenda Maas

By day: Sergeant with U.S. Marine Corps, serving as recruiting officer at Billings Senior, Billings West, Laurel and eastern Montana high schools Off hours: Black belt in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA); wrestling coach at Senior High School Age: 29 Single

Walk the beat: As a recruiter, I am often in the public eye. I visit the local schools every day, hang out with the kids, go to sports events and stuff like that. Recruiting is very dynamic – it has to be. And these kids are great.

Look to the future: When I talk to high

school students, I tell them, ‘You need to have a plan.’ So many kids don’t have their life after high school planned out. They graduate. Then what?

Biggest challenge: If a recruit really wants to enlist, overcoming “Mom” is certainly an interesting dilemma. But she raised him right because he wants to help others. That young man or woman wants something bigger than themselves; he or she wants to make a difference in the world. Humanitarian service

78 I may 2012 I MAGIC

is emphasized by both the U.S. Marines and America’s Millennial Generation.

Proud moment: When I see a kid who is shy, unsure of himself, basically scared of his own shadow walk back in here six months later as a member of the U.S. Marines – the fiercest fighting force in the world – it’s quite a transformation.

Top dog: As a Marine and as a person, I consider myself an alpha male. I have to have a drive, a focus, a direction. As a result, I love competition.

The fit: People sometimes think that mixed martial arts (MMA) is violent, but in reality it’s an art form with a strategy – like a physical game of chess. It really is a thinking man’s

sport. You can’t be a dummy and practice MMA – you have to think fast.

The trail: I wrestled in high school and moved on to boxing after that. MMA is all that and more.

The hook: I served two tours in Iraq

as a helicopter mechanic, and MMA is something that goes with me wherever I go. When I was on the Marine MMA team and realized that I could turn what had

been my hobby into a job – that’s when I was truly hooked.

is instructor, but that will take full-time commitment.

Belted out: I have a black belt – that’s the highest level before instructor – and train rigorously every day. The next step

Turning the crank: When I’m not recruiting or practicing MMA, I am turning wrenches or welding on old cars.

Carl

Strachan

By Brenda Maas

Biggest challenge: Teaching kids from so many different backgrounds the big package of respect and keeping it all positive instead of negative is a teacher’s biggest challenge.

Breaking the mold: I don’t use text books and worksheets any more

than I have to. I create a fun, hands-on atmosphere to keep the kids engaged. Not too many kids – or adults – like to sit for a lecture and take notes.

PAUL RUHTER

Learning by doing: In fifth-grade science, the kids learn about the

opportunities for kids in our community to get outdoors and become obsessed.

You did what? Believe

it or not, I used to go to Mountain Man Rendezvous with my grandparents as a teen where I taught knife and axe throwing to adults.

six simple machines: lever, pulley, wedge, wheel and axel, inclined plane and screw. We do this by making rollercoasters out of popsicle sticks.

Weekend gig:

Literature comes alive: In the book Hatchet, the main character, a 13-year-old boy, is the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness where he has to make arrows out of sticks and stones and constructs a shelter in order to survive. We read the book then try our hand at making arrows and building a shelter.

The next generation:

Outside the classroom: Growing up, I participated in sports like

football and skiing, but it was hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities that stuck. I started Obsessed Outdoors with my friends Jake and Tommy as a natural continuation of my affinity for the outdoors.

And the Spike Club for kids? That’s what I’m all about – creating

DAVID GRUBBS

CASEY PAGE

Pathway to the classroom: I had an eighth-grade teacher who basically turned me around in school—that’s such a tough time for kids. Until that point all my teachers had been women, but three different male teachers made such a difference in my life; they inspired me and taught me life skills.

PAUL RUHTER

By day: Elementary (5-6th grade) Teacher at Blue Creek School Off hours: Co-owner of Obsessed Outdoors, a local web-based, outdoor product and videography company, and founder of Spike Club for kids.

Age: 29 Married to: Mariah Children: Daughter, Mackenzie

My wife might say that I am obsessed with the outdoors. I hunt or fish everything, every season that I can. No kidding.

I hold camps for kids at Blue Creek Shooting Sports Complex whenever I can. I teach skills like winter survival, fly fishing, search and rescue, black-powder shooting, and knife- and axe-throwing. It’s a ton of fun for both me and the kids.

Pet peeve: Here we are, in one of the most amazing places, and so many kids don’t know how to shoot a bow or start a fire from flint or build a survival shelter. But those skills are important because, by knowing them, the kid, who is on his or her way to becoming an adult, learns to rely on him or herself. And that reliance builds the confidence and character these kids need to make their way.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 79

by russell rowland

One of the inevitable challenges of living in the West is coming to terms with how each of us feels about guns. Like the West itself, I’ve had a complicated relat ion sh ip wit h f irea r ms.

From shooting sparrows at my grandfather’s ranch to killing my first deer when I was 16, I had a fascination with the power and the danger of guns. I shot myself in the

booted foot with my BB gun to see if it hurt (yes, it did), and I once shot a gopher to try and impress a girl I had a crush on (no, it didn’t).

On the one hand, the jolt of having a gun go off in my hand is like no other feeling … energized with a power that is both exhilarating and frightening.

On the other is respect for such a force.

a montana tradition

.... in 1889 when Montana was invited to join the union, the territorial leaders had only one condition.

They insisted that individuals had the right to bear arms.

Antiquated to modern: Top right: A Smith & Wesson revolver, c. 1850s. Top: An early 1800s Sharp’s buffalo rifle. (Photos courtesy wikipedia.com) Above: A GL-SHOCK M4/AR-15 Carbine Stock (Photo courtesy 762precision.wordpress.com) Opposite page left: A Glock 33, subcompact pistol. (Photo courtesy wikipedia.com)

MAGIC I may 2012 I 81

Gun lovers hold guns differently. They hold a gun like some people would hold a book, or others hold their children. They cradle it, as if the wood and metal are as tender as skin.

Taming the West Like many, I’ve maintained a fascination with how guns fit into our history of the West.

In 1884, when Teddy Roosevelt lost his wife and mother in the same day, he famously retreated to his ranch on the North Dakota prairie.

Roosevelt spent the next several years ranching, hunting game and writing stories about life in the West which were published in eastern magazines.

These stories contributed to the perception that the American West was the place where a man could prove his character.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the man who wrote the first great Western novel was a friend of Roosevelt’s. Owen Wister, a fellow graduate of Harvard Law School, traveled out West several times with Roosevelt. If you read The Virginian with this in mind, it’s easy to see where some of the more romantic notions of the West originated. The Virginian features a protagonist who embodies most of the qualities we have come to associate with men from the West. He’s stoic, he’s cool under fire, he’s skilled in every discipline necessary for survival in the West – roping, horsemanship, keeping a straight face at the poker table – but most importantly, handling a gun.

The Virginian is an engaging story, and Wister was a talented writer, but what’s important about this book is that it set the tone for Western stereotypes. From Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour to John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, fictional depictions of men in the West had the same laconic swagger that originated with The Virginian. They let their guns do the talking.

The big stick they carried usually featured a trigger.

82 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Target Tradition Somewhere at the confluence of the natural instinct for protection and a legacy of shooting and hunting, guns and gun ownership remain interlaced with the modern West. And for many people, it’s personal.

I have a cousin whose father took him hunting every year at my grandparents’ ranch. He lost his father when we were in high school, and he now has three sons of his own. Every fall, they pack up and go to that same ranch to hunt. It doesn’t take a degree in psychology to understand (or appreciate) their tradition.

Then there is Stan G (not his real name). Stan didn’t grow up in the West, but when he moved to Montana, he discovered hunting. He became involved in shooting competitions. Eventually, he became a collector. He developed a fascination with buffalo guns when hunting with modern equipment didn’t provide enough of a challenge. So he started hunting with guns that were made in the late 1800s to fine tune his shooting eye. Stan goes against the grain in many ways, preferring the Marlin buffalo guns to more modern rifles. But it is his love of the guns themselves that is most striking.

You are making the right choice.

Left opposite page: Gun enthusiasts inspect rifles at a recent gun show in Billings.

Above: A vintage Winchester fetches almost $3000. Above: A collection of vintage rifles are tagged and priced. Below left: A collection of revolvers are neatly displayed on a table at the gun show. Below: Civil War Calvary Colt revolvers range from $3800 to $14,500 in price.

Photos by Larry Mayer.

Gun lovers hold guns differently. They hold a gun like some people would hold a book, or others hold their children.

They cradle it, as if the wood and metal are as tender as skin. And some of them look at it with the same wonder as a mother, as if they can’t believe they’ve been given the opportunity to possess such a thing. This is how Stan holds his gun; you can almost see him flinch when he gives up control of the weapon.

Changing course Brian Kjensmo is of this same ilk. Kjensmo is also in a unique position to observe how gun ownership has changed through the generations. A member of the Weapons Collectors Society of Montana and President of Sport Connections, Kjensmo travels extensively putting on major gun shows throughout the northwest, including the Billings Gun Show. But his interest and expertise in guns started many years before.

Kjensmo grew up in the 1950s on a small farm in eastern Montana. The Internet and computer games with special effects had not yet been invented.

Instead, Kjensmo and young people like him watched old westerns where the cowboy hero wielded a single action Winchester revolver. It was the same type of gun Kjensmo’s father owned, and he used it to teach his son to shoot.

By the 1960s, returning Vietnam veterans created a consumer demand for military-style weaponry. Eager to fill the demand, many gun manufacturing companies began producing the AR15, a semi-automatic version of the M16. “It was a move that signaled a change from the old West gun culture to modern day weaponry,” noted Kjensmo.

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Ready, Aim...

Today, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan also want civilian versions of the guns they had in the military. “It’s what they’re familiar with, plus they’re more affordable than an original, old-time Winchester or Colt,” he said.

Places to practice your marksmanship Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex & Preserve

History in the holster For an outsider, the fact that guns remain an integral part of our culture may not be easy to understand. But what makes sense in Montana may not make sense in Manhattan. Nor does it have to.

It’s interesting to note that in 1889 when Montana was invited to join the union, the territorial leaders had only one condition. They insisted that individuals had the right to bear arms. In fact, the Montana statehood contract, preserved as Article I of the state constitution, affirms gun ownership as an individual right.

More than 120 years later, this independent spirit is remains wholly engrained in the western culture. Yet as every Montanan knows, it’s the caliber of the person, not his firearm that defines a man.

Ladies Take Aim

1767 Bender Rd. Billings, MT 59101 406-670-1183

Billings Rod and Gun Club

Three Sights Indoor Shooting Range

2931 Rod and Gun Club Rd.

1020 Central Ave.

Billings, MT 59106

Billings, MT 59102

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Jim Bailey moved to Montana almost thirty years ago to start a con-

struction company. An avid sportsman and hunter, several years ago he recognized there was a growing demand for outdoor shooting. Bailey hired a professional designer and built the Blue Creek Sports Shooting Complex & Preserve, tucked away in a draw just south of Briarwood Country Club.

“Our big focus is on gun training and safety for the entire family,” Bai-

ley said.

The complex frequently holds classes, including ones specifically for

women. Recently, the club held a women-only class for hand gun certification. Taught by an NRA-certified instructor, the women attended eight hours of classroom instruction followed by certification on the shooting range. Once certified, the individual can apply for a concealed-weapons permit.

Women practice during a special women’s class at Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex. Photo by Paul Ruhter.

fAMily MeMbeRship

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“There’s been a huge increase in the number of women who are inter-

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American Legacy Firearms Presents

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From Pompey’s Pillar and Lewis & Clark, to Jeremiah Johnson and Frederick H. Billings, the action, stock, forearms and buttstock all tell the history of this magnificent city resting on the banks of the mighty Yellowstone River.

T he barrel and receiver are plated with durable 24kt gold, and uniquely engraved on both sides. We have chosen some of the most iconic people and landmarks from The Magic City’s rich and colorful past, to honor it’s lasting legacy. Each rifle is numbered on the left forearm and comes with a French-fitted case.

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dating, mating and rel

Meet Kronk.

During Kronk’s heyday, approximately 50,000 years B.C., it wasn’t uncommon for men to capture prospective wives. With a scarcity of mates, men often raided villages and scooped up the first women they saw.

Not a great way to start a union.

Several years later (much, much later) Kronk’s cowboy cousin curtailed the capturing of his mate by simply placing an advertisement, like this one, which appeared in an Arkansas newspaper in 1841:

“Any gal that got a bed, calico dress, coffee pot and skillet, knows how to cut out britches and can make a hunting shirt, knows how to take care of children can have my services till death do us part.”

What a proposition.

86 I may 2012 I MAGIC

ating: by brittany cremer

MAGIC I may 2012 I 87

Fast forward 100 years: women get the vote, Betty Friedan writes the “Feminine Mystique,” the sexual revolution explodes, birth control, equal pay for equal work, a woman’s right to choose, Clarence Thomas vs. Anita Hill and one female secretary of state later, we pause to reflect at the veritable “We Didn’t Start the Fire” of women’s rights jam-packed into a 50-year span.

But just how did we arrive from point A to point “B quiet, honey, I’m watching Oprah!”?

Instead of Kronk bellowing at his bride to stoke the spit, today’s wife roars at you with the force of 12 mastodons to get dinner started and pick up the kids from basketball practice. What gives?

The tables, it seems, have turned. Or have they?

Who’s the boss?

More than just a cute ‘80s sitcom, “Who’s the Boss” helped spark the social acceptance of men and women assuming nontraditional roles in the household. Even with Tony Danza sporting an apron and Angela wearing shoulder pads bigger than her head, the sexual chemistry between the two was palpable.

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Enter: the real life.

Most men and husbands don’t stay home and watch the kids and oversee the household. According to recent Census data, approximately 2.7 percent of married men report staying at home to oversee the household compared to 23 percent of women.

And since women still appear to be ruling the roost, perhaps it’s no surprise that according to a recent Pew study, 43 percent of women interviewed make all the householdrelated decisions with just 26 percent of men calling the shots. About 31 percent of couples interviewed said they make the decisions together—that’s teamwork.

However, outside the home, it seems public attitudes are mixed.

A related Pew survey asked its respondents whether they were more comfortable dealing with a man or with a woman in a variety of social situations – doctor, banker, lawyer, police officer, airline pilot, school teacher and surgeon.

Among respondents who had a preference, men were favored in some roles (airline pilot, surgeon, police officer, lawyer); women in others (elementary school teacher, banker); and the sample was evenly divided about whether their family doctor should be a man or a woman.

Joy Honea, Ph.D, and assistant professor of sociology at MSUB.

“There is still a dual standard for women.

Most agree that it’s beneficial to give women the choice to work or manage the home or both, but it’s generally a reflection on the women about whether or not the home is tidy and clean.” ­— Joy Honea, Ph.D Among respondents of different education levels, college graduates were the only group in which opinions were evenly split between gender preference and occupation.

Intelligence, it seems, is the evening agent.

Balance of power But how do the ‘gents in Billings feel about the term, “househusband?”

“Attitudes toward family dynamics are

changing, particularly with younger men who are more adaptive and open to change,” said Joy Honea, Ph.D, and assistant professor of sociology at MSUB. “But the traditional family model is still pervasive.”

“For 60-70 percent of couples, it’s a communication problem. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not talking, it just means that their discussions aren’t constructive or resolution-focused.”

—Joe Cassidy, LCP

By traditional, Honea refers to the “Leave it to Beaver” patriarchal model popularized in the 1950s and ‘60s. In this model, the man is the head of the household, major bread winner and the wife cares for the children.

However, this modality, it seems, is slowly morphing to a new paradigm. The largest barometer of relationship equity may no longer be gender, but earning potential.

And the buck doesn’t stop there.

“We see a glimpse of this during the genesis of Women’s Rights in the ‘40s when women went to work during WWII,” Honea said. “Their time and effort were greatly appreciated, but when the men returned from war, they wanted their jobs back.”

The need for just one income combined with societal constructs compelled women to return to the home—to be the homemaker, the wife, the mother.

Another 30 years and the need for a dualincome household would be the straw that breaks the equality camel’s back.

“Emotions start to run hot in the ‘70s as women begin vying for men’s jobs,” Honea said.

At that point, the work place becomes a stomping ground for gender equity bemused by pompous puffery.

The men are saying “Take your pants suit and go home”—the women are digging in their high heels, settling in to stay.

s r a e Y 60 Celebrating of

Horticulture Excellence

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Joe Cassidy, Licensed counselor for Billings Clinic EAP Services.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the median annual salary for a Montana male is $41,000.

This compares to Montana women who make about $30,000 a year.

And of the women in the workforce, just 20 percent are making more than their spouses.

“Equality is deeply-rooted in income earning potential,” Honea said. “It’s easy for the income earner to fall into the routine of making all financial decisions in the relationship.”

And when the concept of traditional gender roles is thrown into the mix as it applies to child rearing, there is an ongoing ambivalence about what is best for society.

Only 21 percent of adults say mothers of young children working outside the home has been a good thing for society, according to a recent Pew study. Some 37 percent say this has been a bad thing, and 38 percent say it hasn’t made much difference. Women themselves report feeling stressed about balancing work and family.

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“There is still a dual standard for women,” Honea said. “Most agree that it’s beneficial to give women the choice to work or manage the home or both, but it’s generally a reflection on the women about whether or not the home is tidy and clean.”

Socially prescribed or not, working fathers don’t seem to feel nearly as harried as working mothers. Only 25 percent of working dads said they always feel pressed for time compared to 40 percent of working moms.

Solving the power differential Fights over family finance are common enough to Joe Cassidy, licensed counselor for Billings Clinic EAP Services, but they’re not the number-one reason couples come in to see him.

“For 60-70 percent of couples, it’s a communication problem,” he said.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not talking, it just means that their discussions aren’t constructive or resolution-focused.”

It has been said that women use words as accessories while men use them like power tools. In general, men are direct and like to fix while women meander and chat it out. Then chat it out some more. Then reflect and blog about it, have a Caesar salad, and chat about it some more.

Tone, nonverbal communication cues and body language all affect how your partner interprets your message, Cassidy said.

“More than anything, couples lose sight of respecting and appreciating one another’s uniqueness and individuality,” he said. “Mutual respect is the necessary ingredient to a harmonious partnership.”

Appreciating your partner, imperfections and all, is also important, considering just 24 percent of behaviors are believed to be truly changeable, Cassidy said, referencing research conducted by renowned marriage and relationship researcher, Dr. John Gottman.

“That’s where the ‘agree to disagree’ philosophy comes into play,” Cassidy added.

Anotherlynchpin ingredient t o r e l a t i o n s h i p longevity—which sounds simple—is often forgotten in the throes of a relationship.

“Choose a mate you can have fun with and continue to figure out ne w w ay s to e njoy one another,” Cassidy said. “This establishes b o t h b a l a n c e a n d satisfaction.”

Reinvention helps, but no amount of role playing or weekend getaways will do the trick if your mate feels like he/she plays second fiddle to your job, hobby or volunteer obligations.

“Make your mate your number-one priority, period,” Cassidy said.

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CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! MAGIC I may 2012 I 91

Although denim, dusters, boots and brims remain menswear staples, today’s Montana man sports a variety of looks. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cowboy Kyle DeSaveur Distribution Center Manager, Shipton’s Big R Wrangler cowboy hat: $100 Cinch button-up shirt: $60 Cinch jeans: $80 Ariat boots: $210 Ariat belt: $50 Montana Silversmith belt buckle: $160 GT4 Rattler Classic rope: $39 Clothes and accessories courtesy of Shipton’s Big R

92 I may 2012 I MAGIC

montana

Urbanite Kris Koessl Construction Administrator, A & E Architects Ben Sherman Plectrum blazer: $259 Ben Sherman white shirt: $89 J Brand jeans: $167 Tretorn shoes: $95 Clothes courtesy of Marcasa Clothing

Harley Rider Scott Godfrey Owner, Stogies Harley Davidson Roadway black leather jacket: $395 Harley Davidson leather Ivy cap: $50 Harley Trademark leather belt: $40 Harley Trademark jeans: $50 Harley men’s Riddick boots: $170 Clothes and accessories courtesy of Beartooth Harley Davidson

a outfitters

Golfer Aaron Pohle Golf Pro, Yegen Golf Club Nike golf shirt: $60 FootJoy FJ Street Shoes: $89 Nike belt: $55 Titleist Tour mesh cap: $26 Callaway Razr Fit driver: $399 Clothes and accessories courtesy

Angler Kendall Van Dyk Montana State Senator and his sidekick, “Duke” the cowdog East Rosebud Fly and Tackle cap: $20 Sun-protecting Big Sky shirt: $80 Simms Freestone Stockingfoot waders: $230 Simms Freestone boots: $100 Clothes courtesy of East Rosebud Fly and Tackle

Executive Chris Hoiness Senior Vice President, Hoiness LaBar Insurance Jack Victor suit: $725 Euro shirt: $85 Dion tie: $115 Neil M. shoe: $210 Clothes courtesy of Desmond’s

of Yegen Golf Club

MAGIC I may 2012 I 93

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BUILDING A perfect summer body

by natasha mancuso There’s a reason why we don’t all look like we fell out of a Sports Illustrated magazine. Building a body worthy of designer board shorts or a string bikini is hard work.

But if you have the will, we’ll show you the way to a sexier, healthier you. Send your love handles packing.

MAGIC I may 2012 I 95

food fitness

on the go

Summer spells vacation, which translates

into meals on the run. Tami Waite, registered dietitian at Billings Clinic, suggests packing

a cooler before leaving the house for a road trip or the park.

“Choose ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit, such as grapes, apples and bananas,” Waite said. “They don’t have to be cooked or even peeled. Add some cheese sticks

or slices of lean meat such as turkey or chicken.”

WebMD warns that many unhealthy calories in the summer come from sweetened, over-sized beverages.

While it is important to stay hydrated, choose water or unsweetened tea over smoothies, specialty coffee drinks or sodas.

“If you or your kids are tired of drinking plain water, add flavor with slices of lemon or cucumber,” Waite suggets. “Also, many beverage manufacturers such as Crystal light, Powerade and Snapple offer single-serving powder mixes. Use those to flavor a bottle of water.”

Convenience is key when cooking at home, too.

“For quick family dinners, fire up the grill, add a good variety of veggies to your choice of lean meat and have those available in the fridge for snacking,” said Waite.

Have an ample supply of fruit and sliced vegetables on hand for snacking on the road or throughout the day, Waite suggests.

“Protein bars, small packages of nuts and single servings of peanut butter are also a good choice,” she added.

Lighter Summer Meals

To keep family meals healthy, try substituting these summer staples with lighter alternatives:

Instead of

Try This

Beef burgers Ice cream cones Rib steak Potato salad Hot dogs Lemonade Fries and ranch Steak kabobs

Turkey burgers Frozen yogurt Sirloin steak Asian coleslaw Turkey sausage Iced tea with lemon Pita chips and hummus Chicken kabobs

TIP: Use free online calorie calculators, such as everydayhealth.com, to find new recipes, reports, activities and helpful information to support your choices.

96 Inutritional may 2012 I MAGIC

cardio

Sexy legs and arms

can be yours this summer, but they won’t sculpt themselves.

“In Billings, almost every other week there is a race you can sign up for,” said Angie Seifred, personal trainer and fitness instructor at the Billings Athletic Club (BAC). You don’t have to run it, if you are just starting out, but it would be a fun way to be outside and get some exercise.”

Interval and circuit training also provide a good alternative.

“Interval training is a program where low-intensity exercise is alternated with highintensity,” explains Seifred. “For example, instead of running for 30 minutes on treadmill, walk a block, run three blocks and repeat. Increase the number of repetitions over time.”

Circuit training alternates weight training with cardio.

For example, one set (3 x10 reps) of squats, 5 minutes of running, one set of push-ups, another 5 minutes on a stair climber.

For variety, Seifred recommends trying a cardio class like Zumba, cycling or step aerobics.

“You get a great workout and the instructor will provide the proper safety, equipment and motivation.”

toning and strength Nathan Barnett, personal trainer at BAC and a football coach at Rocky Mountain College, recommends a highintensity approach to weight training: “50 squats, 10 pull-ups and 10 pushups, repeated as fast as you can in a 30-minute period. Mark the number of repetitions you were able to complete and try to beat it next time.”

For washboard abs by the Fourth of July, Barnett recommends the following: Hold a plank for one minute, side plank for one minute each side, 10 hip-ups on each side and finish with 35 toe touches.

“The whole routine takes 5 minutes to complete,” Nathan said. “Repeat it three times and you are done.”

commit

Making a commitment to a healthy, fit lifestyle is easy, living it is not.

“To prevent relapses, start small,” Waite recommends. “Big changes are overwhelming and are harder to stick to. If you want to eat more fruit and vegetables this summer, start with one vegetarian dinner a week or try one new fruit next time you go grocery shopping.”

As with any other change, anticipate roadblocks. Many people experience setbacks and relapse into old habits. The important thing is not to beat yourself up but to pick up where you left off and concentrate on what you did achieve. If you fail, try to plan for future setbacks.

Ask yourself: When am I likely to fail again and how will I prevent that from happening? Then let it go.

A power-in-numbers approach can also help you stay on track. Workout with a friend or enlist the help of a professional trainer who can design a fitness program for you. Barnett recommends www.bodybuilding.com as a resource for designing a fitness program. With a quick input of your age, gender and fitness goal, you can design a customized program while tracking your progress.

“Visual results will not come over night,” Nathan said. “But notice how you feel. Do you sleep better? Do you have better mental focus? Acknowledge the effects of your new habits and keep going.”

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Poses demonstrated by Nathan Barnett, personal trainer at BAC. Photos by James Woodcock.

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To subscribe call 406.657.1298 your indispensable business resource

A Guy’s Guide to

nipping & tucking In 2010, a total of

1.1 million men underwent cosmetic procedures, representing a 2 percent increase over the previous year.

(American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

BYALEXISADAMS

Say goodbye to those telltale wrinkles, forget that drooping neck, and bid adieu to excess body fat. Though women still account for the majority of cosmetic procedures, an increasing number of men are opting for aesthetic enhancements including Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing, even plastic surgery.

What’s driving men to go under the knife?

“Men aren’t terribly concerned about looking older,” said Dr. Alan Muskett of Billings Plastic Surgery. “Most of them are simply trying to find some harmony between how they feel and what they look like. They’re exercising, they’re eating well, but the image they see in the mirror still doesn’t match how they feel.”

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the top five cosmetic surgeries for men in 2011 were liposuction (to remove fatty tissue), rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), eyelid surgery, breast reduction

(to treat enlarged male breasts) and facelifts.

“We’re seeing an increase in those procedures too,” said Muskett. “There is also an interest in treating male pattern baldness, and we see a lot of men who can’t stand the turkey waddle – the extra tissue in their neck. Even if they don’t mind aging, they still can’t stand the extra that piles up when they put on a turtleneck or tie. We see men who are tired of looking tired or angry, a result of bags under the eyes and drooping brows. Lifting procedures help with that. We’re doing more and more of these types of procedures on men.”

MAGIC I may 2012 I 99

JAMES WOODCOCK

“Today there is less stigma associated with men having cosmetic treatments...Whether they’re here for a massage or for hair removal, men are more and more comfortable visiting our spa.” ­— Dr. Phillip Tallman ­­­Dr. Phillip Tallman of Tallman Dermatology & Medical Spa.

Dr. Phillip Tallman of Tallman Dermatology & Medical Spa is also seeing an increase in male patients. “Last year, men accounted for 5 percent of visits to our clinic’s spa. This year, the number has increased to 7 percent.” Tallman and his staff offer a variety of medical and cosmetic dermatological services. He said the majority of the clinic’s male patients see him for laser treatments, many of those to erase tattoos, but also to remove scars or unwanted hair. “Many men come to the clinic to treat rosacea, especially cowboys and others who are out in the sun a lot.” Other male patients are requesting Botox injections and other fillers to reduce wrinkles and lines. Unlike Muskett, Tallman hasn’t seen a surge in patients seeking hair transplants. “When they launched the drug Propecia for male pattern hair loss, they sent a lot of representatives from the company that made it. The reps quickly learned that in Montana the hairpiece of choice is a baseball cap and they ditched us,” Tallman laughs.

In 2010, a total of 1.1 million men underwent cosmetic procedures, representing a 2 percent increase over the previous year, reported the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The trend is led mostly by baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – who are becoming more comfortable with the idea of getting help for their looks. Among men, facelifts increased by 14 percent and the number of men who chose to excise excess fat with liposuction rose 7 percent. Surgeries that once necessitated a hospital stay are now being done on an outpatient basis, with less time needed for recovery, which means taking less time off from work.

For “Joe,” (not his real name) a 26-year-old Billings-area sales representative, a history of acne led him to seek out cosmetic treatments.

“When I was a college student, I had very bad break-outs. I did a lot of different treatments, and while the acne sometimes cleared up, it inevitably came back. I was in my mid-20s when the acne finally cleared, but a lot of scarring remained.”

Eager to resolve his skin issues once and for all, Joe visited Tallman Dermatology & Medical Spa last year. “I was getting married in July, and I wanted to take the bull by the horns and clear my skin up for our wedding

photos.” Dr. Tallman recommended Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing designed to repair and refresh damaged skin. Joe had two treatments before the wedding and while he was pleased with the results, his family was even more so. “It was tough for me to see just how much it improved my skin because I was looking in the mirror every day. But I could tell that things had really changed when I saw my parents, who I’d not seen for months. They couldn’t believe how good I looked.”

Fractional laser resurfacing is just one of many choices.

“With the technology available now, if there’s something that you want to change, there are so many different options,” said Joe. “It’s more than likely there’s a technology out there that will help you. I was definitely self-conscious about my skin before I sought treatment from Dr. Tallman. I’m so glad I did it. It was expensive, but worth it.”

Feeling and looking your best is not mutually exclusive to the fairer sex.

“Today there is less stigma associated with men having cosmetic treatments,” said Dr. Tallman. “Perhaps social changes account for that.

Whether they’re here for a massage or for hair removal, men are more and more comfortable visiting our spa.”

Whatever the motivation, the impetus is a personal one.

“The decision to seek cosmetic treatments is a very personal thing,” said Muskett. “For my male patients that’s especially true. It’s between them and themselves. It’s not determined by what other people think of them. In a few cases, people are single – perhaps newly-divorced – and want to make themselves more attractive. But I don’t see many patients doing it because someone’s telling them to, or in response to societal pressure or expectations. In most cases, a spouse or a girlfriend will say, ‘You’re fine just the way you are.’”

Joe agrees. “No one ever brought up my skin,” he said, “but I needed to do whatever it took to feel comfortable. If some kind of cosmetic treatment or surgery can help you wake up and feel good about yourself, not selfconscious, that’s great. The result of my decision is a lifetime of being comfortable in my own skin. I’m pretty happy about that.”

“The decision to seek cosmetic treatments is

Larry Mayer

a very personal thing...For my male patients that’s especially true. It’s between them and themselves. It’s not determined by what other people think of them.”

— Dr. Alan Muskett

100 I may 2012 I MAGIC

Dr. Alan Muskett (right) with Billings Plastic Surgery partner, Dr. Steven Grosso.

SURGICAL

Have it your way.

Surgery

What It Does

Full Cost

Full Recovery Time

Liposuction

Slims and reshapes the body’s contours by removing excess fat

$4,000-$6,000

4-8 weeks

Rhinoplasty

Reshapes nose to improve appearance and, sometimes, correct a breathing problem

$5,500-$7,500

Within 2 weeks much of the swelling, bruising and numbness will subside. Minor swelling may remain for several months.

Blepharoplasty

Reduces puffiness, treats loose or sagging skin of the upper and lower eyelids; diminishes wrinkles around the eyes

$2,400-$5,000

2 -8 weeks

Gynecomastia

The surgical correction of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men

$4000-$6,000

Most patients can resume desk work after one week – 6-8 weeks for full recovery.

Rhytidectomy

Reduces signs of aging in the face and the neck, such as deep facial creasing, loose skin beneath the chin and jaw, and jowls caused by loss of muscle tone

$8,000-$10,000

Bruising and swelling persist for 2 weeks. It takes 8 weeks for a full recovery.

(“Nose Job” or Nose Reshaping)

(Eyelid Surgery)

(Male Breast Reduction)

(Facelift)

Top Five Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for Men in 2011 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

MINIMALLY INVASIVE

Treatment Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox)

What It Does

Cost

Temporarily smooths moderate $13/unit to severe frown lines between (for crow’s feet 9-11 units the brows and along the per eye; in between the eyebrows forehead 17-21 units are used; forehead

Healing Time May be tender or red for 4-5 hours. Takes 2-3 days to see full effect.

requires approximately 15 units)

Laser Hair Removal

Full back is $500.

Removes unwanted hair

Beard is $150.

May be tender for up to one day

Varies by area.

Microdermabrasion

Gently “sands” facial skin to rejuvenate it and reduce scarring, sun damage and stretch marks

$110

N/A

Chemexfoliation

Smooths the texture of the face by removing the damaged outer layers

$75

Can have peeling for 4-7 days

Soft Tissue Fillers

Softens facial creases, removes wrinkles and improves the appearance of recessed scars

$400-$700

Can have swelling and bruising for up to 10 days

(Chemical Peel)

PROVIDERS

Top Five Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures for Men in 2011 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

Billings Clinic Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Matthew Wolpoe 801 No. 29th St. 238-2500 billingsclinic.org Billings Plastic Surgery 2510 17th St. W. 245-3238 billingsplasticsurgery.com

ReViVe Facial and Laser Center Yellowstone Medical Center 2900 12th Ave. No., Suite 330W 238-6161 revivefacialandlasercenter.com

Shiloh Medical Clinic 1655 Shiloh Rd., Suite E 252-0022 shilohmedicalclinic.com

Learn More: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery surgery.org

Tallman Dermatology and Medical Spa 2294 Grant Rd. 294-9515 tallmanmedicalspa.com

American Society of Plastic Surgeons plasticsurgery.org

yeah,there’s an app for that by julie green

Whether you want to check sports scores, buy

movie tickets or figure out who’s singing the song you heard on that radio, you can find it all in one place: your smartphone. Here are a few favorite apps you might want to check out.

Team Stream™ from Bleacher Report Sports junkies take note: this 5-star app gives you the latest sports news, from stats and scores to trades. Go to bleacherreport.com/mobile to download. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

The Civil War Today Just over a year ago, The History Channel launched “The Civil War Today” to commemorate the start of the War Between the States on April 12, 1861.

Download this app, and you can see details of the daily progress of the war in “real time,” complete with photos, letters, personal journals and more. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past and sure to capture the attention of folks with a hankerin’ for history. For iPad, $5.99.

Jibbigo If your summer travel plans include a trip abroad and you don’t speak the language, consider downloading Jibbigo. Record a phrase in English, and Jibbigo will translate it (aloud) into another. Choose from Spanish, French, English, Chinese and many more. Available for iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Android devices through jibbigo.com; prices vary.

GasBuddy Tired of high gas prices? Find the cheapest prices in Billings by downloading the free GasBuddy app. This community-based app encourages users to report the prices in their area by offering points and prize giveaways. Available for Android, Blackberry and iPhone.

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Speaktoit Assistant If you have a friend with Siri on their iPhone 4S, you know just how addictive the personal assistant app can be. But what if you have a Droid or an older iPhone?

Enter Speaktoit Assistant, the virtual assistant app that answers questions, performs tasks like sending email and connects you to all of your favorite resources. You can even choose what your assistant looks like! Free at speaktoit.com.

Inside Yellowstone Located in our own backyard, there’s always something interesting to see and do in Yellowstone. The Inside Yellowstone app, developed by Billings Gazette Communications, delivers the latest news, videos, maps and more. Currently available for iPhones, iPod touch and iPad at no charge; learn more at insideyellowstone.com.

Star Chart With summer comes warm, starry nights in Big Sky Country. Using the latest GPS technology, Star Chart calculates where the stars are based on your location. You can even point your device at a bright spot in the sky and learn whether it’s a star or planet. If you love astronomy, download this one from play.google.com for your Android device or through iTunes for $2.99.

Shazam® Have you ever heard a song that you’ve just gotta have but don’t know who’s singing it? Enter Shazam, which not only helps you identify the name and artist, it also lets you stream the lyrics in real time and even gives you the chance to buy it. Shazam is free; Shazam encore (with more capabilities) is $4.99. Works on almost any smart device; find it at shazam.com.

Key Ring™ Loyalty cards are great for saving money, and the mini cards that go on your key ring are darned handy…until you get more than a couple.

Then you get to the checkout counter and instantly feel like your old high school janitor, fumbling for the right key. Key Ring allows you to add all of your reward cards into your phone, sync them with family members and even get coupons and special offers. It’s free—download it for your Android, Blackberry, iPhone or Windows phone at keyringapp.com.

Words With Friends® Say what you want about Alec Baldwin, but once you play Words With Friends, you’ll probably understand why he was willing to get kicked off an American Airlines flight rather than turning off the game. It’s akin to playing Scrabble™ with friends in your office or family halfway across the country, but even a little more fun. Games can go on for hours, days and even weeks, and you can play up to 20 of them at a time. “Join the movement” free at wordswithfriends.com.

Mixologist™ If you’re tending bar at your next party, it might be a good idea to have this app in your back pocket. Mixologist has more than 7,900 drink recipes made with more than 1300 ingredients. Access the “Liquor Cabinet” feature, type in which liquor and mixers you have on hand and it will tell you what cocktails you can whip up in no time.

It’s $.99 for Android and iPhone; free versions available with advertising. Download it from mixologyapp.com.

Mint Everybody’s watching their money a little closer these days, and this free app from Mint.com makes it even easier. Connect your accounts, track the money you’re bringing in and see where it’s all going.

Achieve your saving goals from the convenience of your smartphone.

For iPhone, iPad and Android devices; get yours at mint.com.

Weber’s On the Grill™ Grill masters—this one’s for you. Access classic recipes, learn what you need to concoct a spicy rub, create a grocery list and even time what you’re grilling to make sure it never burns in this app from Weber. Just $4.99 for iPad, iPhone and Android. Find it at weber.com.

Hipstamatic Those square, Instamatic-type photos are fun to see—and Hipstamatic makes them a snap to take on your iPhone. Choose from a variety of textures, share with friends and family or print ‘em—you choose. Just $1.99 at hipstamatic.com.

Runtastic Keep track of your workouts with Runtastic, which allows you to monitor your progress, keep a personal workout diary, set goals and share your successes on Facebook and Twitter. Free versions for iPhone, Android and other platforms; premium versions also available at runtastic.com. (While you’re there, check out versions for road biking, mountain biking, winter sports and more.)

My Pregnancy Today If you or someone you know is expecting, get this free app for iPhone and Android from BabyCenter.com to track baby’s development, get information and watch educational videos. BabyCenter.com also offers the free My Baby Today app for iPhone for new parents.

Kindle (Without Kindle) Flip (electronically, of course) through the 850,000 books and hundreds of newspapers and magazines in the Kindle library… without having to purchase a Kindle reader. Download the app for

MAGIC I may 2012 I 103

free from Amazon; the prices for titles in the Kindle store vary.

Speak the Language Attract prey on your next hunting trip or practice your call skill with the Speak the Language app from Primos. Developed by pro hunters Will and Jimmy Primos, it has options for turkey, elk, deer and more. It’s $1.99 for Android and iPhone; see it in action at primos.com.

doubleTwist Thought you couldn’t access your iTunes from your Android? Oh contraire, mon frère. doubletwist lets you organize music, photos videos and more—for free—on your PC and Android. Get it at doubletwist.com.

Success in school, and in life.

Spending a summer at Sylvan will do more than just keep your child busy. A personalized summer learning plan can build the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs for lifelong success.

Sylvan will develop a program to help your child keep up over summer break.

We have flexible summer hours to accommodate your busy summer lifestyle.

It’s a fun approach that inspires summer learning.

Certified teachers working with your student in an exciting academic atmosphere will keep skills sharp throughout the summer.

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we wish there was an app for this While it may seem there is an app for everything, we think there’s are still a few development opportunities. Here are a few apps on our wish list:

The Mood Detector Ever wish that you’d know exactly a) what mood your co-worker, child or spouse was in; and b) whether or not you were the cause of it? A particularly helpful tool for men, the Mood Detector app would intuit exactly what was happening before you ever walked into a room or through the front door…and whether you should consider stopping by the florist for a bouquet on your way home.

Does This Make My Butt Look Big? Women want to know it, men never want to confirm it. This app (abbreviated DTMMBLB) would snap a 360 photograph, take measurements and give you the results in the privacy of your own fitting room.

Reality Zap App If you hope never to see any Kardashians, Housewives, Jersey Shore kids or anyone named Ice or Coco ever again, the Zap App would do that. Place your phone by your remote, let ‘em sync and the next time you’re tuned in, annoying reality shows would be tuned out.

The Venus-Mars Translator Men and women have never been able to communicate properly… until now. Imagine it ladies—he’ll make a comment and you’ll instantly know what it means. Gentlemen, it’ll actually read her mind, which means no more guessing or trying desperately to decode hints.

Blinkivator You hate it, I hate it, we all hate it: people who refuse to use their turn signals. We know that cars come equipped with them, so why on earth aren’t they utilized more often? Download Blinkivator, and your device would send out subliminal messages to drivers around you, inspiring them to press down on the signal an appropriate distance before changing lanes. Soon to follow? The Speedivator, MoveOutofMyLaneivator and EvenYourTruckWon’tStopOnIceivator.

JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT

By Craig Lancaster

This is indeed a momentous occasion. The proprietor of this collection of glossy pages has invited me to reveal everything I know about what women want. As I’m many things but not a fool, I have accepted this invitation.

Just as I would not presume to know what women want, neither would I presume that all men share the same desires.

So here goes. Everything I know about what women want:

Fortunately, I’ve also been retained for the purpose of revealing what men want. I can probably perform more credibly on this question, as I am, purportedly, a man and am thus in an excellent position to know what I and people like me (God help them) want. The problem is that this hypothesis does not stand up to even a modest amount of scrutiny. Just as I would not presume to know what women want, neither would I presume that all men share the same desires. Some men want to hang faux bull testicles from the back of their overly large trucks (the women who do so are sending a signal that I don’t even want to contemplate), and I’ve never wanted to do that. So let’s just rule out any blanket answers here.

Desperate to gain some insight on myself and my gender, I asked the following question of three very important women in the arc of my life: “What do I, Craig Lancaster, want?”

My wife did not respond to my email seeking answers.

From this, we can deduce that I should not be pursuing happiness but should, instead, push some more clothes through the washer.

The first girl I ever loved also did not respond to my email seeking answers. From this, we can deduce that whatever I wanted when I was 19 years old so repelled her that she cannot bring herself to address it to this day. My mother, ever reliable, did answer my

email. She said that I wanted to be a professional boxer and a fireman and a journalist (which I became – success!) and that she just knows that, most of all, I wanted to grow up to be a good person.

From this, we can deduce that my mother doesn’t know me at all.

Clearly, I’m going to have to rely on my own devices here.

The problem is that considering what I want in a big-picture, cosmic sense makes my head hurt. The obvious things (health and fulfillment for those I love, another Cowboys Super Bowl before I die) are hardly worth noting, as they’re true for everyone (the Cowboys possibly excepted). What I need is specificity. To achieve that, I decided to keep a diary for a single day (March 22, 2012) detailing everything I wanted.

The results were illuminating: 8:17 a.m.: I want our dachshunds to stop stealing the covers

from me. It’s cold.

9:03-11:47 a.m.: I want someone to pay me to play Wii golf.

Because I rule.

12:01 p.m.: I want tacos for lunch.

1:13 p.m.: I want some antacid.

2:51 p.m.: It’s time to go to work. I want independent wealth.

4:17 p.m.: I want to take a nap.

5:11 p.m.: I want being the guy who knows where the

commas go to be a more lucrative, glamorous position.

6:31 p.m.: Dinnertime. I want a big double-meat submarine sandwich.

8:01 p.m.: I want to want a salad sometimes.

Midnight: We’re done here. I want to go home.

1:07 a.m.: I want this novel-in-progress to tell me what it wants. HOW CAN I HELP YOU IF YOU WON’T TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, NOVEL? 1:43 a.m.: Bedtime. I crawl in next to my wife, who’s been asleep for hours. I kiss her forehead.

I want another day just like this one, only with more forehead kisses. And fewer double-meat submarine sandwiches.

I am a simple man.

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Money Matters

By Laura Tode Photos by Larry Mayer

When it comes to financial planning, many families face the same challenges of paying the mortgage, saving for an emergency, paying for college and planning for retirement.

Paying for it all can seem impossible without some good advice.

Financial experts Reed Gerth, financial advisor at Edward Jones, and Todd Vralsted, wealth manager for UBS Financial Services, offer their advice for navigating the complex road to financial management.

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you do to pay for retirement.”

I am ready to downsize and buy a smaller

Both Vralsted and Gerth recommend home, but I wonder, should I sell my current saving for college with a 529 Plan. Each state residence at a much-reduced value or rent administers a 529 education savings program, it out until the housing market improves? and each one is slightly different. You can use There’s little doubt that the housing market is at any state’s plan, so it may take a little research to an all-time low, so it doesn’t make sense to sell, said find the one that works best for you. Almost all of Gerth. However, being a landlord may not make sense them offer the opportunity to invest tax free, and either. the investment grows tax deferred. When your “Keep in mind that when you become a landlord, child heads off to college, distributions from a there’s a tradeoff,” Gerth added. “Ask yourself, ‘Am I 529 plan are tax exempt. willing to get up in the middle of the night to unplug a toilet or deal with some other emergency?’ You have As I think about retirement, should I to look at your own tolerance.” max out my 401K or fund a Roth IRA or Landlord tenant law in Montana is complex and both? favors the tenant. The screening process can be time

If you’re not contributing to your 401K consuming, and the home will need as much repair at least the amount matched by your employer, and upkeep as it did when you lived there, if not more. start doing that right away, Vralsted said, and Vralsted advises his clients to enter retirement Todd Vralsted, wealth manager for UBS Financial Services . make additional contributions to an IRA if you with no debt, so downsizing is a great way to achieve can. that goal. However, in today’s housing market, that advice can’t apply to everyone, he said. Like Gerth, he advised Gerth advises setting a target amount you want to contribute to retirement each year. Contribute at least the matching amount on your thoroughly researching the pros and cons of being a landlord.

“There are some potential opportunities, but do they outweigh the 401K and decide where the remaining dollars will go by weighing the risks? Probably not for a nice, well-appointed, single family home,” tax benefits of IRAs and the 401K plan.

Contributions to the 401K are pre-tax, so at retirement, you’ll Vralsted said. pay taxes on them. Roth IRA contributions are distributed tax free in What is more important, paying down debt or building retirement, but you pay into them after tax. The maximum contribution for a Roth IRA is $5,000 annually for people under 50, and $6,000 for an emergency fund?

Both Vralsted and Gerth said having an emergency fund is critical, people 50 and older. If you’re contributing at least the matching amount especially in these uncertain economic times. The reserve should be on your 401K, and have an additional $5,000 or $6,000 to fund a Roth, equal to about six months of primary living expenses. While some take what is left in your annual target amount and contribute that to families choose to have that in a savings account, Vralsted said it could your 401K, Gerth said.

About half of all 401K plans these days also be in easy-access investments like home equity. have a Roth IRA contribution option for younger “I’d like to see someone build an emergency fund participants, Vralsted said. before paying down debt,” Vralsted said.

“You don’t get the tax benefit up front, Gerth agreed that the emergency fund should be but they grow tax free,” Vralsted said. a priority, but added that a person should be able to

If you’re not eligible for a Roth IRA, pay down at least some debt while saving. consider municipal bonds as an alternative, “They are both important, and the keys are cash Gerth added. flow management and discipline,” Gerth said. “Pay at

least more than the minimum on those credit cards, How can I offer financial help to and figure out what it would take to pay them off in struggling family members without 12 months.” seeing my savings take a huge hit?

“This can be tough,” Gerth said. “You’ve Should I try to pay off my mortgage or save got only one shot at retirement, but family is for my kids’ college? And what college family.” savings plan is best?

He recommends making sure you Again, Vralsted emphasized the importance of stay on track saving for retirement, but repaying off your mortgage before retirement. If you’re evaluate your spending to see if there might be on track to having it paid off before retirement, then Reed Gerth, Financial Advisor for some discretionary funds you can pass along. saving for your children’s education can be a priority.

Edward Jones.

Sometimes the best help isn’t in the form of Gerth always encourages his clients not to money, he added. compromise retirement savings plans to save for education.

“You have one shot at retirement and three ways to pay for college,” Older family members might need your help investigating a reverse mortgage, and younger family members might benefit from some Gerth said.

One way is through savings, another is paying as you go and the financial planning or budgeting workshops. third is paying afterward through loans. A family can also pay for “There are a lot of different ways of providing support,” Vralsted said. “Each person is different. For those that have discretionary college through a combination of all three.

“Your kids have ways of contributing to college costs as well,” Gerth income, financial support is fine, but if they don’t, maybe providing said. “And they’ve got a lot longer period of time to pay for college than more emotional support or advice is the better option.”

MAGIC I may 2012 I 107

Back to the Basics Financial Advice

By Laura Tode

Marsha Goetting, Montana State University professor and family economics expert, offers a helpful track-adjust-save plan that will get you on the right path.

Marsha Goetting, Montana State University professor and family economics specialist. Photo courtesy of MSU.

Track

Gather two months of bills, bank and credit card statements and random receipts for cash purchases and take a look at where your money is going, Goetting advised. Look for spending patterns in your expenditures, and organize them into categories and sub-categories.

Consider using a template, computer software or tracking your spending online.

“It doesn’t matter what system you use to track,” Goetting said. “Just pick something that gets you excited.”

Don’t forget to include non-monthly expenses like insurance, vehicle registration and other expenses that seem to take a random bite out of your income.

“If we’re trying to get a handle on our expenses, we can’t just track one month and think that’s all we have to do,” Goetting said.

When it comes to credit cards, don’t make a single “credit cards” category, but take a look at when it’s used and what it is used for, Goetting said.

If you’re a big credit card user who loves the idea of racking up points or frequent-flier miles, Goetting advises taking a break from the cards to be sure you’re not over-doing it.

“The further away we are from our money the easier it is to spend,” she said.

Adjust

Once you’ve tracked expenses for a few months, it’s time to start talking about adjustments.

Write all your budget categories and their amounts on cards and separate them into three piles. One is a “never” pile and includes things like housing, utilities, fuel and groceries that aren’t negotiable. The other two piles are tiered in order of flexibility in “maybe” piles. Now, add cards for categories for things you’d like to start spending your money on like an emergency fund, the kids’ college fund, holiday gift giving or a family vacation. Then, shuffle the cards and begin trading them around to discover savings and develop spending priorities.

It might be tempting to immediately look for adjustments in the largest expenses like groceries and transportation, Goetting said, but the more flexible and sustainable solutions might be in the smaller categories.

But a bit of advice­—giving up your occasional latte won’t necessarily save you a thousand dollars or more a year, Goetting said. You shouldn’t have to give-up or sacrifice. “I bet there’s something else you can adjust,” Goetting said.

Save

Once you’ve identified adjustments in your spending habits, you’ll

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probably have come up with several savings goals. Display your savings goals in a place where you’ll see them regularly, Geotting advises.

“Research shows that when we write our goals down, we tend to follow them,” she said.

There’s a checkbook-sized tracker available from the Montana State University Extension office that can help, Goetting said.

While Geotting encourages an emergency fund, she believes that each family is unique and has to come up with an amount that gives them peace of mind. Some savings is always better than nothing, she said, and having a defined, pre-set amount may seem unattainable for Financial some new savers.

Resources When you set your emergency fund amount, Goetting said, don’t Free or Low-cost

think of total financial collapse, Here are a few free or lowbut consider expenses outside your cost resources that have budget that you would be forced to Family Economics Professor cover with your credit cards.

Marsha Goetting’s stamp of “Think of those emergencies we approval. all have, like when that appliance goes out, or you’ve got to fly out for www.mymoney.gov a family illness,” Goetting said.

This site, created by the When financial crisis hits, it Federal Financial Literacy can be tempting to tap into longand Education Commission, term investments, but beware of provides simple and straightforward articles, the temptation to liquidate those podcasts and worksheets funds, Goetting said. Cashing in covering all aspects of your investments should be seen as personal finance. a solution of last resort, especially in this down economy, when your www.montana.edu/ investments are worth less than extensionecon/ they will be a few years from now. familyeconomics.html

Adapt

Although Goetting’s plan of track-adjust-save is simple, there are a wide variety of approaches to each piece, and she encourages families to try several different ways of tracking spending, making adjustments and developing savings goals. If something isn’t working, keep looking until you find something that works for you, Goetting said.

The Montana State University Extension offers family economics resources that range from the basic money management to estate planning. The Track’n Your Savings Goals Savings Register and Check Register Tracking System are two of the most popular goodies on the site. www.mint.com This money management site offers a secure, online place to track spending, develop a budget and reach savings goals.

Rimrock Opera Fundraiser 1. Terese Blanding, Douglas Nagel, Lucinda Butler

1.

MSU Billings Foundation’s Food & Wine Festival, Wine 101

2.

3.

2. Front row: Lynnea Leeds, Liz White, Carla Lix, Darlene Bohl Back row: Deb Hennessy, Anne Giuliano, Ann Cantrel, Amy Guelff, Donna Hare, Lori Ryan 3. Stella Fong, Susan Schott, RaDonna McComb 4. Lisa Gilman, Vicki Hughes, Linda Montague

4.

5.

Business After Hours at Billings Clinic Surgery Center 5. Dr. Nicholas Wolter 6. Dennis & Sue Yonts and Bill Dutcher 7. Greg Kohn and John Brewer 8. Joe Giffin, Jeff Giffin, Robin & Mayor Tom Hanel 6.

7.

8.

7.

Photos courtesy of: Gwen Gatzemeier (Billings Clinic), Jennifer Ingraham, Angie Kramer, Jeanne Moller (MSUB Foundation), Brian Wagner

MAGIC I may 2012 I 109

Business After Hours at Billings Clinic Surgery Center (Con’t) 9. Alicia & Quinn Donovan

9.

MSU Billings Foundation’s Food & Wine Festival,Wine 201

10.

12.

11.

10. Front row: Jamee Wilson, Lorri Kroll, Peggy Johnson, April Thomas-Dejongh Back row: Jennifer Brown, Deb Klusmann 11. Joe Howell, Bill Brown, Amy Gibler Brown, Wayne Moller 12. John Battaglia, Sue Rydquist, Rachel and Rodnie Schillreff

13.

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at Alberta Bair Theater

14.

13. Gary Splittberger and Mary Garrow 14. Allyn, Darlyn and Jim Harris 15. Colleen, Harlan & Brian Nichols and Ashleigh Vallejos 16. Kevin & Patty Hawkins

15. 16.

7.

For information on how to have photos from your event featured in Seen at the Scene, e-mail Dina Brophy at: dbrophy@ billingsgazette.com

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June 16, 2012 33rd Annual

Heart & Sole Run Bring the whole family to the 33rd Annual Heart and Sole Run on Saturday, June 16. The 5K, 10K or 2-Mile Health Walk begins at St. Vincent Healthcare with staggered start times beginning at 8:30 a.m. At the race finish, located at Dehler Park, St. Vincent Healthcare and Billings Gazette Communications will host the Montana Active Life Festival featuring interactive booths, kids events and family fun from 8:30 a.m. – noon.

MAY May 4

Magic City Singers Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org 256-6052

May 4-5

Time Out for Women MetraPark Expo Center metrapark.com 256-2400

May 4-6

NILE PBR Invitational Rimrock Auto Arena metrapark.com 256-2400

May 4-26

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com 248-1141

May 11

Montana Mission Banquet with Keynote Speaker George W. Bush MetraPark Expo Center metrapark.com 256-2400

May 11-26

In the Next Room Venture Theatre venturetheatre.org 591-9535

May 14-19

MSU Billings Foundation Wine & Food Festival winefoodfestival.com 657-2244

May 17-20

Bucking Horse Sale Miles City, Mont. buckinghorsesale.com

May 19

Big Sky Chorus Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org 256-6052 Family Fun Day Carnival Eagle Mount Billings Billings Sports Plex eaglemount.us 245-5422 2012 Heritage Home Tour Billings Preservation Society & Moss Mansion mossmansion.com 256-5100

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May 25-27

All-Breed Open & Arabian Horse Show MetraPark metrapark.com 256-2400

May 30

Merle Haggard Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org 256-6052

JUNE June 1-30

Sweeney Todd Venture Theatre venturetheatre.org 591-9535

June 2

SpringFest Moss Mansion mossmansion.com 256-5100

Timing is Everything!

• Residential • Recreational

Don’t miss the Swiss!

Strawberry Festival Downtown Billings strawberryfun.com 294-5060

June 7

Alive After 5 Don Luis Featuring 10ft Tall & 80 Proof aliveafter5.com 294-5060 Food for Thought Parmly Billings Library billingslibraryfoundation. org 237-6149

June 8-23

Maggie’s Getting Married Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com 248-1141

June 10

Festival of Cultures Rocky Mountain College peacestudies@rocky.edu 657-1042

June 12-14

YVKC Dog Show Montana Pavilion metrapark.com 256-2400

June 14

Alive After 5 Billings Gazette Communications Featuring Zen aliveafter5.com 657-1434

June 15

The Montana Band with Rob Quist Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org 256-6052

Maya Burton 406-591-0106 maya@floberg.com

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The Gunfighters from Fort Worth, Texas perform for a crowd under Skypoint during the Wild West Soiree. Photo by Paul Ruhter

June 16

Wild West Soiree Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org 256-6052 Heart & Sole Run and Montana Active Life Festival St. Vincent Healthcare to Dehler Park heartandsolerace.org 254-7426

June 21

Alive After 5 Billings Depot Featuring The Clintons aliveafter5.com 294-5060

June 28

Alive After 5 Café Italia/Q Cuisine/ McCormick Café Featuring Funk in the Trunk aliveafter5.com 294-5060 Groundbreaking for the new Parmly Billings Library Next to the current library 5 p.m.

JULY

June 23

Broadhead Tuning Superior Archery info@superiorarcherymt. com 245-0087

June 24

Symphony in the Park Pioneer Park billingssymphony.org 252-3610

June 26

3rd Annual Purple Crit Downtown Billings purple5k.org 294-5060

July 2-4

Home of the Champions Rodeo - Parade Red Lodge, Mont. redlodgerodeo.com 446-2422

July 5

Alive After 5 YAM Featuring Downtime aliveafter5.com 294-5060

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MAGIC I may 2012 I 113

by brittany cremer

Best Montana man-ventions of the past 50 years Beer Koozie

Ice-cold beer, warm, dry hands— summertime sippin’ never tasted so good.

Wrangler Jeans

Quintessential cowboy wear for the better part of a century, the makers of Wrangler lassoed a winner in realizing the importance of stitching seams on the outside of the pant legs—no more saddle sores.

ESPN Sports Center

Sports go full-time in a station dedicated to verbal pyrotechnics interspersed with pro-athlete commentary and bickering. “That’s turrible, Chuck.” But guys are glued to it.

Remote Control

Rogaine

Heyyyyyy! Fonz-like hair for everyone.

Hoosiers

Three words: “I’ll make it.”

GPS

No more stopping to ask for directions, ever.

The scepter of the 21st century. You mess with his clicker, you mess with death.

ACL Surgery

Glory day dynamos are no longer sidelined by old football injuries. Bum knees be gone.

Boxer Briefs

A happy hybrid for men and women alike. Fashion and function unite in these unmentionables.

Cordless Drill

Suddenly, everyone is Bob Vila.

Virtual 1st and 10 line

Confusing to football neophytes and wives the world over, the imaginary barrier is the coolest yellow line since the Yellow Brick Road.

Viagra

Bob Dole’s little blue pill made the rest of us stand up and take notice, too.

Radar detector

More of an asset in the early ‘90s when the words “safe and prudent” loosely translated to “go buy a fuzz buster.”

Leatherman

Montana men are Jacks of all trades— finally, a tool that translates.

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Xbox

Suddenly, callused thumbs trump jammed fingers as the number-one, digit-related injury.

Grey Goose

A name brand James Bonders can sink their sips into. Shaken, not stirred.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Barbed wire around the bicep—‘nuf said.

Mud Flaps

Embossed lady of the night, optional.

Franks Hot Sauce

A fool-proof fan favorite when paired with chicken wings.

Duct Tape

Used for home improvement projects or painful practical jokes. You choose.

Oakleys

It’s likely the first accessory your husband/brother/boyfriend took care of. Gently shammyed and placed back into their neoprene baggy, Oakleys are worn by Montana cowboys, NASCAR enthusiasts and snowboarders alike.

Premium Products

Every Shot Counts.®

Reloading Tools & Accessories

Consistent, Tough & accurate!

TOUGH SHOTS. ROUGH PLACES.®

Gun Cleaning Kits and Accessories

Scopes & Binoculars

.22 LR Shells

Area’s Largest Selection of Holsters!

Everyday Low Price!

M & RANCH STO T FAR RE BES

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BIG R WEST • 2600 GaBEl Road

(406) 652-9118 • TOLL FREE 877-660-BIGR M-SAT 7:30 am - 9 pm • SUN 9 am - 5 pm

BIG R EaST • 216 N. 14TH ST.

(406) 252-0503 • TOLL FREE 800-552-0503 M-SAT 7:30 am -6:30 pm • SUN 9 am - 5 pm

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