BOZEMAN –Bozeman Public Library is encouraging readers 12 years old and up to join in a reading challenge as the new year kicks off. The Ultimate Book Nerd (UBN) Challenge will start Jan. 2 and asks participants to read one book in each of the 50 categories – that’s 50 books in 52 weeks. Winners will receive a prize: a high-quality book bag with the words, “Ultimate Book Nerd.” 

“If you’ve been told your nose is always buried in a book, or your headphones are always tuned into an audiobook, you might be the perfect fit to take on this challenge,” says Becky Kasten, Assistant Library Director at Bozeman Public Library.

“We launched this program to encourage people to challenge themselves to a year of reading and learning, and we’re excited to see who takes us up on it.”

The categories will be listed in a log sheet and vary widely. Readers can interpret categories differently, and the main requirement is that they be 50 different books.

While participants are going through the challenge, the Library will also host quarterly “Meetings of the Nerds” on the second Thursday of March, June, September, and December 2026. These meetings will be a chance to talk with fellow participants about books they have been reading and categories they have yet to finish.

This tough and stimulating program originated in Boise Public Library and is the first time Bozeman is attempting the challenge.

Those seeking more information on this program can stop by the Library or call 406-582-2400.

The Ellen Theatre is thrilled to welcome back legendary comedian Paula Poundstone for one night only on Friday, January 9 at 8:00 PM. Known for her brilliant observational humor and uncanny ability to turn any moment into a laugh-out-loud exchange, Poundstone brings her unmistakable wit to the stage for a performance that promises to be as spontaneous as it is side-splitting. All seats are $57.75.

Poundstone—star of multiple HBO specials including Cats, Cops and Stuff, and Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard—has long been considered one of the most influential comedic voices of her generation. She is a beloved regular on NPR’s hit comedy news quiz, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and reaches audiences worldwide as host of the weekly comedy podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.

In addition to her onstage career, Poundstone is an acclaimed author. Her book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness, was a semifinalist for the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor. The audiobook version earned a nomination for the AUDIE Award’s Audiobook of the Year, cementing her reputation as a powerhouse across multiple mediums.

Poundstone has broken barriers throughout her career: she was the first female comic to perform standup at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and her HBO special Cats, Cops and Stuff became the first comedy special by a woman to win the Cable ACE Award for Best Comedy Special. Her work is frequently cited in documentaries, books, and compendiums chronicling the most impactful comedians of our time.

“No two shows I do are the same,” Poundstone has said of her famously improvised sets. “My shows, when they’re good—and I like to think they often are—are like a cocktail party… You tell a story, meet some new people, spill a drink, mock the person who spilled it. No one applauds when I leave a party, though. I think they high five.”

Audiences at The Ellen know to expect the unexpected. In previous sold-out appearances, Poundstone effortlessly spun entire segments from who happened to be sitting in the front row of the Ellen Theatre—a couple of bear trackers once fueled 30 minutes of hilarity, and another Ellen show, a Life Coach got an extremely funny roast. As always, those who prefer not to become part of the act are gently advised to choose their seats accordingly.

Beer and wine will be available in the lobby beginning at 7 PM, with the evening’s improvisational fireworks launching at 8 PM.

Given Poundstone’s history of sell-out shows, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Tickets are available now at www.theellentheatre.org or by calling The Ellen Theatre box office at 406-585-5885.

Paula Poundstone Friday, January 9 at 8 PM
All Seats: $57.75
The Ellen Theatre – Bozeman, MT

Join us for an unforgettable night of sharp wit, spontaneous comedy, and the inimitable Paula Poundstone.

Corporate travel is essential for businesses that have the financial capacity to explore a new development strategy. We know how important networking is in the corporate world, and the pandemic has been a significant disadvantage in this regard, despite technology allowing people to connect.

Business travel offers plenty of advantages beyond entering new markets. It supports engagement with diverse cultures by enabling employees to attend international conferences, while also fostering creativity through interactions with professionals across different industries. But most importantly, business travel strengthens client and partner relations by proving commitment and professionalism.

Thus, companies should approach corporate travel more often, but in a balanced, efficient way that caters to their needs. Here are some essential services to help reach this goal.

Business booking functions

Relying on booking services is ideal because it helps cut costs in different ways. For example, enrolling the team in a platform membership can offer some of the most affordable trip prices. Since they’re part of an exclusive group now, employees can find some of the best business flights to any location through services like SkyClub, as well as accommodation and care rentals. Offers with extensive inventory are cost-efficient, but finding the best ones may require some research and rate comparisons.

Policy compliance

Usually, the corporate trip must adhere to a set of guidelines for employees to follow throughout. These include aspects of transportation, accommodation, medical expenses, and daily allowances. In other words, it covers employees’ reimbursable activities, those covered by the financing program, and those outside the financing program, along with their responsibilities. A policy compliance solution offers easy ways for both employees and employers to manage trips efficiently and address unexpected situations.

Expense tracking

Following up on expenses is a continuous process that can help minimise costs for the next trip, as well as reallocate expenses to where they are most needed. Such a solution is destined for reporting, monitoring, and analysing costs, which can then be documented and improved. For example, the method of setting travel caps is popular because it prevents overspending and helps employees better adhere to the company policy. These don’t have to be restrictive but rather focused on sustainable choices, corporate cards, and leisure traveling.

Constant employee support

24/7 travel support is one of the most efficient ways to ensure unexpected events can be managed in time. Finding business travel management services with 24/7 customer support is the best fit for navigating challenges like flight delays and lost luggage, especially in international travel, where different country policies hinder communication and problem-solving. Another benefit of this service is that the traveling team has one less thing to worry about, since they can reach out to a team of professionals day and night.

Documentation support

Allowing your team to travel for business requires a set of documents that must be completed throughout the trip, digitised, and kept safely as an addition to the physical ones. The passport, Visa, and boarding pass are always necessary to keep on hand, but having travel insurance and a corporate itinerary completes the list of documents that make the trip efficient. Luckily, you can use software to keep documents in a centralised hub and reduce the risk of misplacing or losing them. It’s also worth noting that not all travel checkpoints follow the same structure, so being prepared is always a good idea.

Risk assistance

Traveling can sometimes expose employees to risks, including occupational dangers or security threats. However, sometimes, the case involves a natural disaster or conflict that hinders the purpose of the trip and puts people’s lives in danger. Preventing such issues is possible with a risk management solution that identifies, evaluates, and mitigates risks through a series of guidelines and policies. In this way, the business fulfils its duty of care, while employees have peace of mind that every possible event can be managed. Handling major incidents is always more efficient than facing them for the first time.

Wellbeing programs

Depending on the aim of the trip, employees might be more likely to experience stress and sleep deprivation, which not only affects the quality of corporate activity but also leads to burnout. Luckily, wellbeing programs are available for corporate trips and include gyms and spas where people can unwind. In some cases, stress management resources, such as guided meditation or mindfulness, can help manage strong emotions and redirect the focus towards an open approach to business.

Group management

More often than not, companies send a group of employees with the best skills in communication, time management, and organisation to represent the company. While this strategy offers additional benefits by attracting diverse collaborations, it can create further challenges in following itineraries or managing logistics. That’s why using a group travel management solution will ensure all team members communicate efficiently and have access to a central point of contact for important travel information, for instance.

Carbon offsetting checks

The carbon footprint of a business trip is often overlooked, and less than 40% of the top companies report them. Unfortunately, this hinders total business transparency for customers and associates, since disclosing the information could reveal the lack of interest in minimising emissions for corporate trips. A software solution for managing emissions could be a great start for businesses that want to monitor their environmental impact while demonstrating social responsibility. But the most important advantage of carbon offsetting checks is that they contribute to sustainability goals realistically, without greenwashing audiences.

Conclusion

Traveling for business seems like a lot of fun, but it is often an activity filled with documents and checks throughout the trip that ensure its efficiency. Making it more productive means using all the tools available to manage expenses and improve them, securing the well-being of employees in the case of overworking, and even prioritizing carbon offsetting for future trips. The main goal of diversity in software solutions or management apps is to continuously improve the experience and still allow employees to have fun and boost their skills.    

BOZEMAN – Hunter harvest rates in southwestern Montana were mixed during the general deer and elk hunting season, according to data gathered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists. Mild weather during much of the general season made it challenging for hunters to find game at some lower elevations.

The general season was held over five weeks and six weekends from Oct. 25 through Nov. 30. During that time, FWP staff operated game check stations at various times and locations in Region 3, including stations in Alder, Cameron, Canyon Ferry, Divide, Gallatin Canyon, Lakeside and Silver City. Collectively, they met with 7,069 hunters who harvested 49 white-tailed deer, 174 mule deer and 355 elk.

Biologists use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. Check station data captures a portion of hunting activity on weekends in specific areas. Hunter numbers and harvest rates can be influenced by weather, changes in hunting regulations from one season to another, and other factors. Biologists also rely on information collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year.

The Alder check station was open on the first, third and sixth weekends of the general season. Over those three weekends, wildlife staff met with 719 hunters who collectively harvested six white-tailed deer, 28 mule deer and 47 elk. The hunter harvest rate for the final weekend was 14 percent, below the long-term average of 20 percent but an increase from the 11-percent harvest rate over opening weekend.

The Cameron check station was open each weekend during the general season. Wildlife staff there met with 2,635 hunters who harvested 25 white-tailed deer, 45 mule deer and 159 elk over the six weekends. Hunter harvest rates ranged from 5.7 percent on Nov. 8-9 to 10.8 percent on Nov. 22-23. The number of hunters checked was above average, but the number of elk checked and hunter success rates were below average. Warm and dry conditions for most of the season kept elk dispersed throughout their range and difficult to track. This year, 73 percent of elk checked were harvested on public land. Whitetail and mule deer harvest were average for this area.

Biologists operated a check station at Canyon Ferry on the first and final weekends of the general season. They met with 602 hunters who harvested one white-tailed deer, 14 mule deer and 15 elk. Hunter harvest was about 7 percent on both weekends.

The Divide check station was also open each weekend during the general season. Wildlife staff there met with 1,464 hunters who harvested four white-tailed deer, 57 mule deer and 64 elk over the six weekends. Hunter harvest rates ranged from 6.3 percent on Nov. 8-9 to 13.4 percent during opening weekend. Hunter numbers were 11 percent greater than in 2024 and 8 percent greater than average. Hunter success was equal to last year and 7 percent below average.

The Gallatin check station operated during the first, third and sixth weekends of the general season. Wildlife staff there met with 457 hunters who harvested four white-tailed deer, three mule deer and 21 elk. Hunter success was highest over opening weekend at 7.5 percent and lowest during the final weekend at 3.2 percent. Overall, this season showed average numbers of elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer harvested, with the number of hunters being below average.

The Lakeside check station was open during the third weekend of the general season, where wildlife staff met with 191 hunters, about 8 percent of whom harvested game.

The Silver City check station operated on opening and closing weekends of the general season, with hunter harvest rates of 6 and 7 percent, respectively. Staff met with 1,001 hunters who harvested four white-tailed deer, five mule deer and 16 elk over the two weekends.

The Toston check station was open on Nov. 9, which brought 73 hunters and a harvest rate of 8.3 percent. Those hunters harvested six mule deer.

Montana State University athletics photography intern Jack Powers photographed from the sidelines of a NCAA FCS college football game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, in Bozeman, Mont. MSU Photo by Colter Peterson

BOZEMAN — Jack Power has walked the halls of the White House. He has stepped foot onto basketball courts across the U.S. during March Madness. He has crouched at the end of a semi-professional soccer field in Italy. Each he pursues with a camera in hand.
And for his next adventure, he will walk across the stage in Montana State University’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for fall commencement on Friday, Dec. 12. The senior from Dallas will graduate from MSU’s photography program in the College of Arts and Architecture and receive an honors baccalaureate degree from the Honors College.

“I think it’s cool to capture a moment in time and share that with other people,” Power said. “My perspective on photography has definitely changed since I started, because I was just taking pictures and seeing what happened. I didn't think I'd end up here or end up as a photography intern at the White House. I never thought I’d be on that path.”

Power initially questioned whether he could find a stable career in photography, and he was drawn to MSU for its engineering program, then its marketing degree. However, as he photographed football and volleyball games during his freshman year, he realized his passions lay behind the lens, and he “might as well just go all in.”

In 2022, he officially joined MSU Athletics' team of visual media interns, now totaling nine students, and had a courtside seat to numerous crucial moments in Bobcat Athletics thereafter.
He photographed the men’s basketball team in two March Madness appearances, the 2024 RMISA Skiing Championship held in Bozeman and Big Sky, two Big Sky Championship meets for outdoor track and field, and multiple Brawl of the Wild football games between MSU and the Montana Grizzlies, including when ESPN’s College GameDay show visited Bozeman his freshman year. When the football team plays at home, Power said he bakes cookies for the Bobcat Athletics staff — he chose double-chocolate peppermint for a recent game against University of California, Davis — a hobby he has enjoyed most of his life.

During games, he constantly moves around each athletic facility to find unique photo angles, from the rafters of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse during spring rodeos to the stands among the Spirit of the West marching band in Bobcat Stadium. Power said photography is a mixture of timing and luck — he hopes he is in the right place at the right moment and crosses his fingers that athletes make a striking play. On bus rides or flights back from games, he edits his images for MSU Athletics’ social media accounts, often with athletes looking over his shoulder when they notice photos of themselves.

Hands-on experience is important in sports media, where there is pressure to capture moments that can’t be recreated and share content with thousands of fans, said Brian Morse, director of MSU Athletics’ creative services. He feels that Power has a genuine passion for storytelling that resonates with young audiences.

“Jack has had a major effect on how fans and students experience Montana State Athletics today. Whether they realize it or not, a huge percentage of the excitement, energy and pride surrounding our programs, especially on social media, has come from the content he’s helped produce,” Morse said. “When you give a talented, motivated student real responsibility and real exposure, they don’t just grow — they elevate the entire department.”

Ian van Coller, a photography professor who teaches Power’s senior capstone class, said Power’s motivation to create opportunities for himself will lead to a successful post-college career. He produces photographs that are vibrant, carefully composed and filled with drama, particularly during fast-paced football games.

“To create a good sports photograph is to compositionally make sense of that chaos,” van Coller said. “That’s where his work stands apart.”
Honing his photography skills took years, starting with a sixth-grade photography class in Dallas. Transitioning to high school in Maine, Power captured and participated in several sports like Alpine ski racing, mountain biking and baseball.
This year, he returned to the East Coast to photograph something a bit higher profile — the White House.
“All my raw photos and all of my edits are going to eventually be put into the Presidential Libraries archives, so anyone can search my name and see all my photos,” he said. “I have a little part in history.”
As an intern working with the White House Photo Office for the summer, he documented several significant events, such as a B-2 bomber plane’s flight over the White House on July 4 and the signing ceremony for the HALT Fentanyl Act, which includes guidelines preventing medical use of fentanyl-related substances and implementing stricter sentencing guidelines. Power said being a “learner” was important in working with professional photographers.

He said he is still processing that he received the opportunity, one he earned with help from connections he forged in Bozeman while photographing a political rally the year prior.
Before moving to Washington, D.C., Power was studying abroad during his spring semester through New York University’s Florence campus. While taking classes and working on his Italian language skills, he photographed the semi-professional soccer team F.C. Pistoiese and worked with teams across the country that play semi-professional American football in the Italian Football League.

After graduation, Power will set forth on another journey abroad to “the extreme,” he said. He and his father will accomplish their goal of setting foot on all seven continents with an expedition to Antarctica. He will also search for a photographer position in collegiate or professional sports or in politics.

“It just goes to show: Don’t be scared to choose what you want to do in college, and choose the major you enjoy,” Power said.

You don’t need a full production crew or a rented studio to create a professional-looking music video. The tools available today paired with some technical awareness and smart planning make it possible to shoot, edit, and publish a polished video from almost anywhere. Artists working from bedrooms, garages, rehearsal spaces, and local outdoor spots are creating visuals that compete with studio projects.

If you’re an independent musician, this approach saves money and speeds up production. It also lets you experiment more, because you’re not tied to studio schedules or expensive gear. Here’s how to make a music video on your own terms, using tools that adapt to your creative workflow.

Start with a Concept That Fits Your Space
Studio-free videos work best when the concept matches the environment. Instead of trying to recreate a huge cinematic look, focus on storytelling that benefits from intimacy or simplicity.

Lyrics-driven tracks pair well with narrative scenes you can shoot locally. Moodier songs benefit from low-light indoor sets or outdoor golden-hour shots. High-energy tracks look great with fast cuts, handheld movement, or performance-focused setups.

Before shooting, sketch a shot list with angles, lighting notes, and locations. This removes guesswork during filming.

Use Natural Light and Simple Lighting Setups
Lighting determines video quality more than any camera. Natural light is free, predictable, and easy to shape. North-facing windows create soft, even lighting for indoor shots. Outdoor filming during early morning or late afternoon produces warm tones and diffused shadows.

For indoor performance shots, use a single key light—a softbox, ring light, or even a diffused LED panel. Keep it at a 45-degree angle from your face to avoid flat lighting. Add practical lights (lamps, LEDs, neon strips) in the background to build depth.

Lighting consistency matters. Sudden changes make editing harder. Test shots before recording full takes.

Choose a Camera You Already Have
A studio isn’t required, and neither is cinema gear. Modern phones can shoot 4K, and entry-level mirrorless cameras offer sharp video with good dynamic range.

If using a smartphone:

● Lock exposure.
● Lock focus.
● Use a small tripod or stabilizer.
● Shoot in 24fps or 30fps for natural motion.
If using a mirrorless camera, choose lenses with wide apertures (f/1.8 or f/2.8). They create soft backgrounds and help in low light.

What matters most is stability, framing, and lighting—not the price of the camera.

Use AI-Powered Tools to Handle Visual Effects
Modern editing tools allow musicians to skip heavy lifting. Some effects that once required skilled compositors can now be automated.

Platforms like music video maker systems generate templates, transitions, visual effects, and audio-reactive elements. You upload your track, select a style, drop in footage, and customize the motion graphics. This cuts editing time dramatically while keeping the visuals polished.

These tools are especially helpful if you want:

● Audio-reactive waveforms
● Neon outlines
● Fast cuts aligned to beats
● Abstract loops
● Lyric overlays
● Animated backgrounds
You spend more time filming and less time learning advanced editing software.

Record Clean, Sharp Performance Footage
Music videos rely heavily on performance shots. Even if the concept is narrative, at least one clean performance angle keeps viewers grounded.

Here’s how to capture strong takes:

● Play the track loudly so your lip-sync stays tight.
● Record multiple full takes from different angles.
● Use both wide and tight shots for editing flexibility.
● Stabilize your camera to avoid micro-shakes.
Keep your background simple unless it plays into the story. Clutter is distracting on video.

Shoot B-Roll That Supports the Song’s Mood
B-roll fills gaps and enhances pacing. It adds transitions, emotional beats, and atmosphere, giving your music video texture and movement. Think in terms of details and environment. Shots like hand movements on instruments, close-ups of surfaces or fabrics, and quick captures of city lights or landscapes help build tone. Crowd silhouettes or motion-blur passes can also create energy or a sense of place.

Shoot more than you think you’ll need. Editors rely on extra footage, especially when performance shots don’t sync perfectly with the music or when transitions feel abrupt. B-roll gives you options, and options keep the final video smooth.

Edit with Rhythm and Structure
Editing determines whether a music video feels professional. Align your cuts with the rhythm. Even simple edits look intentional when they follow beat patterns.

Structure helps too. Try a three-act layout:

1. Intro – establish tone, slow pacing
2. Mid-section – full energy, fastest cuts
3. Final section – resolution and wide shots
Use color grading to unify your footage. Slight warmth or cool tones create consistency between interior and exterior shots.

Add Professional Touches Without Studio Costs
Small technical tweaks can elevate a low-budget video instantly. Adding soft film grain takes the edge off digital footage and creates a more cinematic look. Subtle motion blur smooths out fast movements and reduces jitter. Light leaks or lens flares add warmth and atmosphere, especially in emotional or nostalgic sequences. Masking techniques allow for split screens, layered transitions, and dynamic reveals that look far more complex than they are.

You can achieve all of these enhancements in free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or through built-in effects inside template-driven tools. These details help the video feel intentional and professional even without a studio setup.

Publish Strategically for Maximum Reach
Your music video isn’t finished when you export it. Release strategy matters. Upload to YouTube with keyword-rich metadata. Cut the best sections into short clips for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Use still frames as thumbnails across platforms.

The goal is repetition. A user might watch your short-form teaser three times before clicking the full version.

The data backs this up. According to Statista, short-form video is now consumed by more than 85% of internet users globally, making it one of the most effective formats for discovery.

When your music video is optimized for sharing and reposting, you give it room to grow organically.

Final Thoughts
A studio isn’t required to make a compelling music video. With thoughtful planning, simple lighting, smart camera choices, and modern editing tools, especially automated systems like a music video maker, you can create impressive visuals on your own.

Independent musicians have more freedom than ever. No gatekeepers. No expensive rentals. Just creativity supported by the right tools.