Pic: I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights. Capital Hill Mall, Helena, MT
I’m not a big fan of malls — overpriced, fluorescent-lit cathedrals of consumerism — but empty malls in particular give me the creeps. I blame Dawn of the Dead (both the 1974 Romero original and the 2004 remake).
What I am a fan of is state capitol buildings. Helena’s is a good one featuring a splendid rotunda, a staircase under painted glass, views of the Sleeping Giant in the mountains to the north, and the sprawling Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross’ Hole by famed Montanan painter C. M. Russell.
Pic: Russell’s “Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross’ Hole” behind the podium of the Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives. Capitol Building, Helena, MT. Larger image
My tour guide, a charming and knowledgeable poli sci/government double-major at a two-named liberal arts college I had heard of but didn’t write down, claimed that there was bad blood between Russell and the Speaker of the House at the time this painting was commissioned. Consequently, Russell placed the lone wolf at the bottom of the frame so it would spook the Speaker whenever he caught a glimpise of the predator prowling over his shoulder.
Apocryphal or not, I respect the hustle.
Danger Beyond This Point 
