Video
First Snow
…of much more to come.
The 9/11 Generation
As part of a 9/11 retrospective running this week, I talked with six middle and high school students here in Casper to see what they remember about 9/11 and what they think it means. It was really interesting to talk with people who were barely more than 5 years old when it happened, while I (and probably you) have vivid memories of that day and how everything changed.
GoPro at the Rodeo
I attached a GoPro to a Wild Horse Racer earlier this week during the Central Wyoming Rodeo. Basically three guys try to saddle a wild horse and ride it. Trust me, it’s harder than it looks.
789 South, Wyoming
Last week Jackie and I took a road trip to Thermopolis for a story, and on the way back we drove through the Wind River Canyon.
Early morning light, Bon Iver on the iPod. Doesn’t get better than that.
Cora’s Community Heart
Last week, I worked on a story with Star-Tribune (and fellow Mizzou alum) Kelsey Dayton about Cora, Wyoming’s post office, which is being considered for closure by the U.S. Postal Service in order to cut costs. In Cora (which has about 75 residents) the building is more than a mailbox, it’s the center, and only significant building, in town.
Faith, the cowboy way
A small piece about Corey Ross, a cowboy preacher who’s ministering at this year’s College National Finals Rodeo.
Khadafy
So far, Wyoming hasn’t disappointed when it comes to interesting stories. Last week, I was sent to a ranch in central Wyoming to meet a legendary bucking horse named Khadafy Skoal. I’ll be the first to admit that I know nothing about rodeo, let alone the legends who’ve competed in it.
Khadafy is a legend. Like a Babe Ruth-type legend. For real.
I got within 15 feet of him at one point. I could see the look in his eyes saying, “Just who the hell are you?”
Very cool. Anyway, here’s the video story I did on him. Still working out this whole “multimedia” thing, but it’s amazing how much you learn when everyday you’re doing something you never have done before. It’s quite the challenge.
The Neighborly Way
During my first full week at the Star-Tribune, I got sent to Saratoga, Wyoming (near the Colorado border) to cover a flood in the town. The North Platte River, which also runs through Casper, was predicted to hit a record 10.5 feet, so I got asked to check it out. I did it all – stills, video and a little writing update – so the day was a long one.
As I was wandering around the banks of the river early in the afternoon, I met Jason Campbell, a resident who offered to drive me around and show me places that had been flooded. What I discovered was that Jason, along with his father and wife, took the whole day to drive around and help their neighbors by pumping water out of flooded yards and anything else that needed done.
The Campbells were nice enough to let me come over to their house for an interview (where I reluctantly declined a glass of wine) then said they might meet up with me later for a drink after I was done editing. It was a great feeling to know that these subjects didn’t just see me as a nosy photojournalist, but as someone who wanted to tell their story. I didn’t see them later that night, but I did have a few beers while hanging out with some residents at my hotel, including the waitress who served me lunch. All in all, a good trip.
A Work of Art
Video from the violin shop as promised.