Free breakfast at: International Coffee Traders. 720 South 10th Ave.

What is the best/favorite bumper sticker you've seen?
To start things off:
"Smile, one size fits all."

Hi, I am probably the primary admin/moderator on BozemanTalks. In light of some recently posted frustrations, I thought I would explain how the content is displayed, and if there will be any improvements.

First, I do watch daily and throughout the day at what is being posted on BozemanTalks. The “Featured Talk” is posts largely picked by myself to be featured. I look for interesting, potentially engaging posts or posts with interesting comments to feature. So if you want your post to be featured, make good and engaging posts, give your view point on something, don’t just ask a question, and a photo doesn’t hurt either.

The “Your Talk” section which is just under the “Featured Talk” is all the recently posted or commented on posts (that are not featured). This means a couple of older posts could sit right at the top of the list because of all the commenting that is taking place.

Another way to view the content on BozemanTalks would be to select “DISCUSSIONS” on the navigation bar. This will display all discussions...

...has gone full circle. Since its inception it covered alot of immedite issues and had some pretty dumb discussions. But with nothing new in the passed days, it seems to be not worth checking in on anymore.

It was fun, now it's time it get's revamped or dropped,

Looking for an honest vet, who is not geared towards robbing a pet owner, of his or her life savings.

We returned to Bozeman two years ago. Our experience in Texas made us more than leary of vets. We found that vet's today, have found their niche' in guilting pet owners into dozens of tests.

"Oh, we better do blood work."
(Nothing wrong...)
"Oh, it looks like cancer and a very aggressive type."
(Biopsy...)
"Oh, we must clean his teeth every six months, and put him under anesthesia."
"Oh, we better do an x-ray..."

blah, blah, blah...

Found my animals were recieving every test, procedure available. They got more "tests" than I, my wife, or kids have ever had in a combined 170 years of living. (our ages added together)

This was a "Banfield Vet." I found out after several years of my pockets being picked, that several of my other neighbors unbeknowns to all of us, had experienced the same "caring and compassion" from the same PetSmart Banfield Vet.

Looking for a vet who is honest, and does not pray on an owners emotions,...

We are lucky to have such a fine local brew from the folks at Bozone. They took awards in just about every category at the recent beer fest. Their Hopzone Pale Ale took a first place! I agree with that award--its DELICIOUS!

...

As everyone is tightening down on their pocket books and trying to save money, all of the local businesses in the valley are feeling a strain. So not only should you go downtown and shop, you should support all local businesses. Anytime you spend money at a big box store, chain grocery, or any other chain you might be saving a few bucks but your money is going to support other communities and pay salaries of people who don't live here.

So just be mindful - if you do choose to spend local, more of that money stays in the valley. (..."one dollar spent at a local business will return five dollars within the community through taxes, employees' wages, and purchases of materials and supplies from other independent businesses..." www.gviba.org)

Buying local will keep Bozeman the wonderful place it is with unique places to shop, eat, and receive care!

I'd just like to say koodos to the new management of Heebs grocery. I was not aware of the change in ownership, but have noticed the improved selection of produce. I shop at Heebs just about every other day since it is the most convenient store for me on the way home from work. The service has always been friendly, but recently I've noticed the staff making a concerted effort to be helpful. Also, thanks for stocking Hot Mama Salsa. I love that stuff!

Gee, I wonder where the Chronicle got this idea from? hmmm???

Suggestions:

1. Change the format of this blog, it is horrible!
a. "Most Viewed"
b. "Most Commented"
c. "Posted Today"

Then, allow "Discussion Topics" to remain for 5 days only, if there are no remarks or fewer.

As of May 2, there are something like 156 "Discussion Topics." WHO is going to go through all the pages and scroll top to bottom to view each one?

The way you have this set up, a topic that might have been a "hot topic," could be now buried on page 5 as an example only

If you want to include the rest, set it up so that the topics are in order of number of responses or by date.

Just an idea. Also, do a small ad for this blog in the paper every day. Maybe a couple.

Okay, so this is an unusual topic, but I need some input.

Hubby and I are in the market for a new mattress. We've gone to the Sleep Number Store (wow...those puppies are spendy), Mattress Mill (I am liking their Classic model) and Slumberland (I like the Serta Classic model). I tried a few Tempur-pedics, but they were all too firm and I figure that they will be hot in the summertime with that memory foam.

Hubby has arthritis in his back and the current bed makes my hips and lower back hurt. So obviously-IT'S TIME!

What kind of bed do you have and how wonderful or not-wonderful is it? How much was it? How long have you been sleeping on it? You know...all the normal questions!

Thanks in advance!

And yes, that is my pooch sleeping "comfortably" on her bed.

I can barely even imagine what it would be like to be dogless. Over the years, I have had dogs ranging from a great dane to a miniature pinscher. As I get older, my dogs get smaller. By the time I'm 80, my dog will be the size of a mouse. What is your favorite kind of dog, and what is it about that breed that you love?

Same spot, same issue. I know that this guy knows better too. He's working on the Black Street garage (I think) and has been parking here for a little bit. You can see that there is a TON of room upfront, and not enough on either side for another vehicle. JERK!

I hear the Streamline system is great, but I had a not-so-great experience. I wish I could always ride public transit, but living in Manhattan makes it a real pain if not impossible. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take my four year old granddaughter on a bus ride. I stopped in Belgrade, picked her up, and drove into Bozeman. My plan was to catch the bus at Smith's, ride the route around, get off downtown, have coffee, etc., and then board the bus back to Smith's. It was really windy, so we were kind of close to the building, but we were right in front of the Leaf and Bean, which is where the bus is supposed to pick up It was right on time, but never even slowed down. It just raced through the parking lot at about 25 MPH. I thought this was a timed stop-emphasis on stop! I immediately called Streamline. The girl on the phone said she guessed she would tell her supervisor. I said I hoped so. We weren't stranded, but what about those who rely on the bus and would be an hour late for work or a doctor'...

Does anyone still have Turbo Tax 2004??

Is it me or is Bozeman being over run by immigrants in the last 14-18 months? I have lived in the area for going on 5 years and in the last 12-16 months I have seen more gang-banging immigrants then ever before. I actually had a car full of them attempt to fight me at an intersection for simply looking over while at a stop light. It was a 1 second look and then I turned away and they had jumped out of the car and luckily the light turned green or there would have been a HUGE disturbance in the middle of the intersection.

I personally would love to see the MHP and Bozeman Police start busing these folks back to the border before Bozeman is like any other big city and not the beautiful place we all strive for it to be!

ACT NOW, DEPORT IMMEDIATELY!

I would HIGHLY recommend INVESTIGATIVE SOLUTIONS. They handled a case for my business and a case for me on a personal level. They are professional, considerate, efficient, and their rates are reasonable!

we have mobility difficulty and need to park fairly close to the door at most stores. We often see young people parking in the "senior parking" area at Walmart. When we asked one car load of kids why they took the specially marked space, they said well " we are seniors in high school" laughed and roared out of the parking lot. Shame..no respect for those who wish they could move with flexibility.

I'd love to post some pictures of the worst parking I have ever seen anywhere. Bozeman can't park to save the world. There have been a few occasions where I have been so mad at the imbecile that takes up two spaces that (besides leaving notes) I've actually contemplated moving their vehicle (usually a Subaru, but today a Taurus) with my truck to make the point. Can we please post pictures to accompany our stories of bad parking/driving in Bozeman? And how about those yellow/red light runners??? ; )

I have a lung condition and cannot be around cigarette smoke.

It is really difficult for me some days to get in the door at work. The employee entrance is crammed with smokers at times and the only other ways into the building would leave me out in the weather, walking on ice a lot longer, or would make me appear to be anti-social.

I really like the folks who are at the door, and love talking to them, just can't stand to breathe their smoke.

My wish is that we could ban smoking within 25 feet of the building, just like (in theory) the University does. It would be inconvenient for the smokers, but healthier for the rest of us, some of whom have a genuine health concern.

It's not only at work that I have this issue. I've just moved and I share a yard with three other renters. I'm the newest resident in the building, so the others already have their patterns set.

I'm really frustrated about one neighbor. He just loiters outside my kitchen window, not peeping or anything, not even looking in the direction of the...

I was astounded when I moved here, eight years ago, at the relatively low number of churches and worship centers we had in Gallatin County. I came from a place where there were at least three of each mainline Christian denomination in a county this size, plus innumerable independent Christian congregations.

Then, when I began attending church here, I was appalled at the lack of welcome at any church I visited. On an average, it took three visits before someone from any congregation contacted me. One larger church took six visits and a call to the pastor from me before my visit was acknowledged.

And what is up with the way people dress in worship here? NO respect....

...being in an abusive relationship. You think that you are going to find the chutzpah to stand up for yourself and leave, then your partner (Bozeman) reminds you of why you love him/her.

There are so many things to hate, like: the city politics; the poor street maintenance; the "me-first" attitude of all our "trust-fund babies"; the lack of selection in retail goods; the need to travel out of town or out of state for specialized medical care; the cost of living... and much much more!

But, then, Bozeman has so many wonderful qualities to love, like: the arts community here; the politically active citizenry; the selection of groceries and locally-raised meats and produce; the interconnectedness of our populace; our generous and involved community members...

What is your experience of living here?

Who's the best contractor for digging out and finishing earth basements on homes in Bozeman?

For or Against? Is this just a nice thought or a possibility?

This is a beautiful town with one of the most ecologically aware populations I've ever lived amongst. What a place!

One of the coolest things about folks here is their dedication to reducing waste, re-using goods, and recycling.

I've met people who turn junk into art; people who re-purpose things and people who repair stuff really really well. One of the things I do is to crochet plastic bags into very sturdy totes. I also make rag rugs from old clothes...

Over 1200 of the very BEST of Bozeman's nicest people belong to an online community called the Bozeman Freecycle Group. You can find the group at: http://www.freecycle.org/group/United%20States/Montana/Bozeman

The purpose of the group is to keep stuff out of landfills. If you have usable things to get rid of, post it with Freecycle. Someone will probably respond, and make arrangements to pick up your unwanteds.

You also have the chance to get other people's cool junk. I've gotten rid of shoes, books, jars, planters and I've received art supplies, tools,...