Momma cochin and her 10-day-old chicklet

Check out New West -- the latest venture of Industry Standard cofounder Jonathan Weber -- for the fabulous news that Pearl Jam will play a benefit August 29 in Missoula for Jon Tester, the president of the Montana state senate who is running against Conrad Burns for US Senate next year.

Go! Go! Go! Jeff's a Montana boy and a dog lover....nuff said.

HT BB.

Jeff's dog, Ruby, died at age 13 in 2004...here's her obituary:

"Ruby, 13, beloved dog dies. She could eat anything. Known as much for her ability to eat virtually any matter as she was for her charm and personality. Ruby entered the afterlife with a head full of memories from her charmed life. Ruby and her constant companion (by whom she is survived) spent the majority of her years in the great state of Montana, where Ruby rubbed shoulders with members of the rock band Pearl Jam. She also managed to dig out some chocolate bars from the luggage of the bassist of the aforementioned rock band...on more than one occasion. She will also be remembered for devouring an entire steak that was cooked by none other than the famous grillmeister Mr. Mike Watt. An attendee of that particular soiree was unfortunate enough to place his steak in the near proximity of Ms. Ruby while taking a croquet shot.

She was a dedicated and loyal friend for her long life, and she will be missed by many. Loving monuments have been created in the companion's home. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice."

Need a cute kitten fix? Kittenwar.com

HT Bruner

How cool is this: Terrapass, an easy way to absolve myself of any emissions-related guilt associated w/ my recent purchase of a GMC Yukon. Oh yeah and along with clearing my conscience, it's actually good for the environment too. Brought to you by some smarty-pants recent Wharton grads.

Thank God, because I love my truck!!

Now if it could just help with my gas bill...

I visited my good friend Kathy at her new place in Sonora last weekend -- man oh man am I jealous. She and her daughter, a dressage trainer, bought an 80 acre facility up there and it is amazing. Their barn is a beautiful, superb quality work of art! And the land is lovely, complete with a pond. Wish I had pictures to post, but I don't.

Ever since she moved there, she's been saying to me that as soon as I saw it I'd want to move there too. She was right. I'm sure my boys (Athos left, Intrepid right)
would think it was just dandy to move up to Gold Country. Along with the rest of my critters. True, they have it pretty darn good right here at home, but it just seems better up there. I want to go.