Opinion

Lately I’ve been interested in happiness - scientifically speaking, of course. That sounds counterintuitive, oxymoronic even. How can the cut and dried factual-based world of science have anything to do with something as instinctive and emotional as happiness? Turns out they have more in common than I originally thought. Happiness causes physiological changes within us that science is able to use to identify, quantify and even predict happy. I’ve always thought of happiness as external – something that happens to me. Happiness comes from going to Disney World, opening presents at Christmas, saying “yes” to the dress, a brand new convertible, landing that ...

The only control I have in life is over myself. Regardless of the condition of my body, I am totally in control of my mind. “My thinking makes it so,” Rev. Larry King We are witnessing the tremendous advances our world is making exploring and learning about outer space. It occurs to me that we...

A new year brings with it new hope for a new beginning.  As the ancient saying goes, the old has died that the new may be tried. And so we celebrate the happy holiday time in the spirit that the year to come will bring more peace, good will, and good faith. The outbreak of modern war in Europe will o...

Eight of us lounged around the table, candlelight flickering on crumpled napkins and cracker crumbs. It was the tail end of our yearly holiday party for our neighbors, and our guests – ranging from 30-somethings to 60-somethings – seemed reluctant to leave. Nor did we want them to. Swapping stori...

They sat indiscriminately on the clearance rack marked down like a thousand percent from their initial price. Hand towels. Not your everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill hand towels. These happened to be emblazoned with the letter “P” as in the first letter of my last name. I contemplated my good f...

Editor, On Dec. 6, the Montana Water Court extended the date to make objection to the CSKT water compact. The extension will be to Feb. 9, 2023. The Mission/Jocko Irrigation District will file an objection. It does not appear the Flathead District is going to file an objection. Understand if you do not ob...

Editor, On behalf of the entire volunteer staff of the Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry, Inc. and our clients, we would like to thank those of you in our community as well as several donors outside of our area, for your amazing support. Because of all of you, we were able to make our goal set by the Town Pum...

Editor, On behalf of the entire volunteer staff of the Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry, Inc. and our clients, we would like to thank those of you in our community as well as several donors outside of our area, for your amazing support. Because of all of you, we were able to make our goal set by the Town Pum...

I’m not a pro-marijuana guy. I voted against Montana’s adult-use cannabis initiative (I-190) in the 2020 election. However, since Montanans approved the initiative and recreational marijuana has taken effect in our state, I’ve been committed to following the will of the voters and making su...

There’s one thing (of many) that I love about life: you are never done learning. If you are open to new practices, habits and ideas there is so much more to explore and discover. Big things, little things and everything in between. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living. I believe this...