Category Archives: Ruminations

Update, concepts.

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, but there’s a lot going on.

My latest dark thriller (I’d tell you the title, but it’s still early) is out on submission with my agent. This should be interesting, as the concept is really cool. I came up with it on a drive from Missoula to Big Timber, Montana. Along the way, I passed a defunct (and toxic) smelter stack. The imposing loneliness of the stack framed the grey mountains behind it. And just like that, the concept trickled into my head organically.

The best ones always do.

I also have several projects out with producers (including my most popular novel). There’s always something. And look for an extensive interview soon on Geeks of Doom.

Hope everyone is well.

Best,

– Michael

Stray dog tries to save man from injured bear as people hang back and film his death.

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This story really, really pissed me off. And that doesn’t happen very often.

In India, a taxi driver spotted a bear along the road, and got out to take a selfie. Sure, this was dumb. There’s almost no commentary required here. To make things worse, the bear was injured and likely felt threatened. So it charged the man.

Here’s the part that gets me: in the video, the man is *slowly* being killed by the bear, while the onlookers (five to six people) *do nothing*. Well, okay, to give them “credit”, they were filming. And one boy tossed a big rock.

This bear could’ve been scared away by several people ganging up on it. Instead, they filmed. As the man died. Slowly.

Yet, there was one animal in this scene that actually tried to do something. A tiny stray dog desperately tried to save the man, and attacked the bear. Unfortunately, the bear seized the man by the head, gave two good shakes, and likely broke his neck.

Cliches are cliches because they’re often true. Man’s best friend is a dog, not people.

You can watch the video at this link. But be warned, it’s distrubing.

Bears.

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This mammoth black bear surprised me while I was busy taking a landscape image in the other direction. Of course, it wasn’t the bear’s fault. I was down wind, and not making noise. As visitors to the bear’s home, we must be aware at all times. Fortunately I had my telephoto lens and was able to grab a crisp shot.

Filmed in Glacier National Park.

Rivers.

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I need to get back to this river. As much as I like Montana west of the divide, my heart is in the Gallatin National Forest. I first discovered this amazing spot in 2001, and have tried to make it back every year since.

And big thanks to my grandfather, who got me hooked on fly fishing. When I was 19 or so he took me into a fancy sporting goods place in St. Charles, and bought me a Sage fly rod. That’s a pretty sweet fly rod for a beginner.

Certain places remain in your blood…the sense of land, of place. Palpable, forever.