Montana Web Blog Awards

retreat activity, originally uploaded by MontanaRaven.

Wulgar over at the blog, A Chicken is Not Pillage, has posted a list of nominations for the 2006 Montana Blog Awards. Last year through the same process, I discovered some gems I have enjoyed reading over the past year. The awards put a spotlight on some lesser-known blogs as well as some gems in several categories, including political blogs and creative blogs.

Thank you, Wulfgar, for hosting the Montana Blog Awards. I know it took time and effort to put it all together. You are much appreciated!

So, to all of my blog readers: even if you don't live in Montana, if you enjoy my blog or any of the others listed below, please head over to Wulfgar's blog to vote for somebody -- anyone can vote.

Of course, I would appreciate your votes for either of my blogs, Raven's Nest or Land of Little Rain. And there lots of other blogs on the list that also happen to be some of my favorite regular reads: Bitterroot and Bergamot is one -- most of my blog readers already visit her blog regularly, but in case you haven't, check it out -- she has an eye for capturing the beauty of Nature - from tiny details to wide open landscapes.

Another of my favorite blogs is Karen's excellent blog about life on a Montana ranch: Karbon Kounty Moos.

Watermark is filled with creative writing and dynamic conversations with her blog readers, always stimulating to read.

Another Missoulian, Patia -- A Drivel runs through It -- writes about life, politics, culture with a subtle sense of humor that makes me snort out loud.

As long as I'm lobbying for votes for my own personal favorites, I can't leave out this irreverent blog, even if I rarely agree with his views. What I Think (as if you Give a Damn) is funny, honest and straightforward. Even if you are easily offended, I dare you to give it a read -- everyone needs a good chuckle now and then. Here's an excerpt on the weather (i'd much rather read about the weather on Justin's blog than watch the weather guy on channel 12 -- anyday!)

Why isn't there a market for snot? I've got barrels of the shit and no end in sight to the supply. So how about it? Anybody want to buy a barrel of snot?

Didn't think so.

Sorry to be so brief once again, but I seriously feel like ass. I'm gonna go have another Airborne and echinacea cocktail and go back to bed. Snow on the ground and one of our drivers is off for the week so I doubt I'll wind up with a night off. I guess if I'm going to be sick I might as well get paid for it. From what I hear, the snow's supposed to be short lived but the cold assed temps are likely to hang around for a few days anyway. Do yourself a favor and dress up like an Eskimo tomorrow night, I wouldn't advise the nude surfer costume.

Now, that's a weather report. Wish Justin had his take on the daily weather in his sidebar.

Here are the nominated Montana blogs, with links so you can check out some of the best blogs in the west.


Montana Blog that best represents popular culture:

Better Living Through Blogging
Bah Weep Grahna Weep Ninny Bon
Patia Stephens/ A Drivel Runs Through It
City Lights
Thoughts From The Middle Of Nowhere

Best Montana History Blog:

A History of Montana By Kodak
Electric City Weblog
Karbon Kounty Moos
Prairie Mary

Blog That Best Represents a Montana Lifestyle:

Karbon Kounty Moos
Thoughts From The Middle of Nowhere
A Chicken Is Not Pillage
Pragmatic Revolt
What I Think (as if you give a damn)

Most Creative Montana Blog:

MOTTO
Watermark
Patia Stephens/ A Drivel Runs Through It
Raven's Nest

Best Photography:

Thoughts From The Middle Of Nowhere
Bitterroot and Bergamot
Out There With Tom
A History Of Montana By Kodak
Karbon Kounty Moos
Land Of Little Rain

Best Written Montana Blog:

A Chicken Is Not Pillage
City Lights
Watermark
4 & 20 Blackbirds
Dave Budge
Intelligent Discontent

Most Humorous Montana Blog:

The Monkey Cage
A Secular Franciscan Life
Bah Weep Grahna Weep Ninny Bon

Best Left Leaning Blog:

A Chicken Is Not Pillage
4 & 20 Blackbirds
Left In The West
Intelligent Discontent
Montana Netroots
Speedkill

Best Right Leaning Blog:

MT Politics
Electric City Weblog
Montana Misanthrope
The Hammond Report

Best Independent or Libertarian Blog:

Dave Budge
Pragmatic Revolt
The Last Best Place

Best Political Blog:

Left In The West
4 & 20 Blackbirds
Intelligent Discontent
MT Politics
Montana Netroots

Blog That Had The Most Impact on the Elections of 2006:

Left In The West
Electric City Weblog
4 & 20 Blackbirds

Thanks again, Wulfgar.