A collection of 88 humorous short essays on life, living, and nature, by newspaperman David T. Hays, who leads an uncommon life in wild country just west of Yellowstone National Park.

About the Author

David T. Hays, editor and publisher of The Island Park Bugle, does not subscribe to traditional rule. He's never taken a journalism class, never lived his life by convention. Neither, as is evident from the tiny one-room shack where he compiles the weekly effort with Macintosh, wax and an Exacto knife, is he in it for the money. It's a sense of "noblesse oblige" for Hays, a grateful intensity for the rugged mountains in which he lives and the desire to provide the public with a thought-provoking forum. The public, for more than five years now, has approved. "I'm trying to make (readers) think, period. Ninety-nine percent of the behavior we have is habitual behavior, as if we were on auto pilot," he said, using as analogy a tale from Oriental wisdom. 'The Buddha was once asked, 'Are you a god?' He said no. He was asked, 'Are you a saint?' He said no. He was asked, 'What the heck are you?' and replied, 'I'm awake.' What I want people to do is be awake." His masthead title reads, "Caretaker, Editor and Publisher," and such is the way Hays views his role. Raised in California, degreed in cultural anthropology, an expert in Buddhist history and Chinese literature, he speaks of having been through a couple of marriages, working towboats on the Mississippi and driving moving vans. He has read Nietzsche on freight trains and sought a life of realism. Three years spent as a Buddhist monk in a Chinese monastery formed many of his outlooks, outlooks which carry over to the operation of The Bugle. "The picture in my head was a turn of the century newspaper, non-mean spirited, somewhere between cute and quaint. I hope it doesn't get to be quaint, but I had in my mind that's what I wanted this thing to be because it would pull the community together," he said, explaining that Island Park is a somewhat fragmented area, the actual population a mystery, and that the town was incorporated in 1947 for the purpose of selling liquor by the drink. Hays felt Island Park needed a central focus, something he's attempted to provide with The Bugle. (by Ron Marr Idaho Falls Post Register August 19, 1993)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

ThriftBooks is a fully independent seller of used books, having sold more than 160 million used and new books since we started in 2003. Each quality used book is sorted, graded, shelved and shipped by hand by our team of dedicated employees in our seven warehouses across the US. We have the best selection of books, in the right condition and format, at everyday low prices. We also have a dedicated, US-based Customer Service team, ranked in the top three by Newsweek for Best Customer Service in 2018 and 2019, so you can shop with confidence. We support and invest in our employees, appreciate and value our customers, and truly believe in the power of the written word to educate, energize, and engage readers of all ages and interests.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Thrift Books Global LLC
18300 Cascade Ave S, Ste 150, Tukwila, WA, 98188, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks website. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the "Ask bookseller a question" link to contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.

Shipping Terms

All domestic Standard shipments are distributed from our warehouses by OSM, then handed off to the USPS for final delivery.

International shipments are tendered to the local postal service in the destination country for final delivery – We do not use courier services for international deliveries.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	4 to 8 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 0.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.