As I'm sure you've noticed by now, the Christmas decorations and music are running at full bore. You can see it at most stores and on the downtown streets; you can hear the Christmas songs playing as you peruse the aisles while shopping.

Personally, I don't mind the decorations, but hearing Christmas music in mid-November does seem a little strange. I start playing it on my radio at home...read more

It seems like all sorts of food-related world records have been broken recently, leaving me with cravings and a few questions.

The latest one I heard of was the 330-foot-long California roll constructed using more than 100 pounds of rice, 67 pounds each of cucumber and avocado and 167 pounds of artificial crab at UC Berkeley, according to the North Oakland News. More than 350 volunteers helped...read more

Google continues to amaze with Google Maps and its big brother Google Earth as it adds more and more features to discover the world — and even your own backyard. As a newcomer to Idaho and the Northwest, these features have been an immense help to me in getting to know this great state and this beautiful region in the past four years. I've learned so much that I am often able to help...read more

Hey Crowder fans! For those of you who didn't see it, here's the article that appeared in Oct. 18's IPT (3 Community) about David Crowder's upcoming concert in Eagle.

David Crowder brings "Church Music" to valley Tuesday

EAGLE ― Forget the organs and choir robes. "Church Music," as defined by popular Christian worship artist David Crowder, reflects the...read more

Wow! Has everyone been taking grouchy pills?

Most callers have been ... fairly nice and understanding when we've explained to them why listings for bazaars are being handled a little differently this year at the Idaho Press-Tribune. First of all there's the reduced space of the newspaper, the economy, our efforts to treat everyone the same, and ... the economy!

But then there are those...read more

Although I enjoy bicycling on the Nampa greenbelts and mountain biking in the local mountains, I've only ridden on the Boise River Greenbelt once, and just a portion of it.

With the fall leaves rapidly loosening their grip on the trees and the sun shining brightly enough to make it almost warm, my brother Jason and I decided to tackle the greenbelt Sunday afternoon and see how far we could get...read more

A week ago, I would have considered a four-day doctor-ordered stay at home more of a break than a burden

That was before I encountered the infamous swine flu.

No, unlike my bout with kidney stones earlier this year (lucky aren't I?), I'm not going to give you a blow-by-blow recap of my symptoms. In this case that might be, for lack of a better word, gross.

After I first fell ill over...read more

As an October baby, my curiosity was piqued when I read fellow editor Phil Bridges' blog about October observances. And indeed, according to the omniscient Internet, there are not only hundreds of these "[blank] of the month" observances, but there are several daily ones, too. Photographers, vegetarians, apples and church libraries get the whole month of October to be honored, but...read more

Did you know this is National Medical Librarian Month?

You didn't? And you have the gall to call yourself an American?

Actually, National Medical Librarian Month is just one of the "official" observances set aside for October. Would you believe there are about 100 such observances set aside for this month alone? And that's just for the month. There are about 70 weeklong observances...read more

According to a study released this week, Americans without jobs are four times more likely to suffer from mental illnesses, like severe depression, than those who are employed. Workers whose hours have been rearranged or cut are twice as likely to suffer compared to people with full-time jobs.

Such results might lead one to believe that work keeps a person sane, or at least contributes to mental...read more

From my second year in college to now, two years and change after my graduation, I've lived the majority of my time in apartment complexes. In that time, I've never had a perfect living situation; there always seems to be something that nags at me incessantly or bugs me into looking for a new place the next year. For that reason, I've lived in four apartments in those short years.

Accumulated...read more

I've heard many news stories recently about teenagers having a tough time finding jobs because adults who have been laid off are desperate to take any employment they can find, and thus are beating out the kids for those jobs flipping burgers and mopping floors. Call it a sign of the times.

The country was in the midst of a mild recession when I graduated college — more years ago than I'm...read more

I understand the commute from Boise back to Canyon County can be long, especially with all the construction, but some of what I've been seeing lately in one spot is just plain dangerous.

You might know the spot I'm talking about. For the past couple months in the construction zone, there has been a place just before the Black Cat Road overpass on westbound I-84 where the roadway drops from...read more

I was raised on a small farm, grew up hunting with my dad and grandpa, and generally consider myself a pretty outdoorsy person. But that didn't stop me from doing a double take when I saw a raccoon looking up at me from my cat's dish in the corner of my living room a couple weeks ago

I've seen the animals from time to time in the woods, on the side of roads and crawling in and out of...read more

Given the spate of headlines in recent years regarding violent crimes at universities across the country - the most recent being the Yale murder of 24-year-old graduate student Annie Le - The Daily Beast news site posted the results of its "top 25 safest colleges" survey today. Idaho State University in Pocatello ranked near the top at number five. Among other statistics factored in the...read more

Before I begin, let me first start off with an important disclaimer. Just like everybody else, we here in the word trade dont claim to be perfect. There are time's when I come remarkably close, but even I make no claim's to perfection.

There are occation's when our publication has error's — both in print and online — and we have some loyal reader's who occationally...read more

One of the most evil terrorists in the world arrived in New York today ahead of his scheduled address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. That's right. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, a man Ronald Reagan called the "Mad Dog of the Middle East," is in the United States.

That the United Nations would give this animal any credibility by receiving him at all is beyond me...read more

With all my coworkers mourning the last days of Idaho summer, I'm personally not losing too much sleep about it

Even with a somewhat mild summer - I only remember being outside on assignment in temperatures around 100 a select number of times - I still have a problem with the heat.

And even two years into my tenure, I don't seem to have acclimatized much to the Gem State.

See, in the part...read more

Ponderosa State Park just outside of McCall remains a favorite camping spot for many. Although crowded, the park's wooded campground sits right on Payette Lake with access to hiking paths and beaches.

Last week I spent two nights in one of the park's newest additions: four small cabins right on the lake — a short walk to one of the lake's best beaches.

The cabins are not cheap...read more

I'm one of those people who drives down Idaho 55 every day when I go to work. And like many who use that route, I do get concerned when I hear about traffic fatalities on that road.

Granted, traffic accidents happen everywhere, and transportation officials estimate that, nationwide, about 90 percent of all traffic fatalities are the result of careless or aggressive driving and could easily be...read more

We at the Press-Tribune had to say goodbye this week a few people we have worked with — a couple for a few months, one for several years. Call them casualties of a tough economy.

It's difficult knowing how to say goodbye to people in that situation. You feel badly for them, and striking the right tone can be challenging. You don't want to seem too cheerful when you wish them well because...read more

Admittedly, I used to be an absolute television and movie addict. Growing up, my Dad and I would venture to the movie store every night to pick up a couple $1 new releases. As soon as I got my first job, I bought a cheap cable subscription so I could watch all the shows I heard all my friends talk about at school

It grew from there.

Once I got into college, it got worse. About 40 channels came standard...read more

OK, so I have two disclaimers to get off my chest before I comment on last night's game and the aftermath.

First, I'm a huge Bronco fan. This is my first football season since graduating from BSU (I spent the last four fall semester's planning my classes around the game schedule and counting the days between each game.). As a result, I was super excited for our season opener yesterday...read more

I won't cheer "Go Big Blue" or "Boise! State!" But neither will I assume my usual faux-dejected attitude if Boise State does well this season.

We're in a bleak time, for our state and in our nation. Our governor just announced Idaho's got a projected $150 million deficit to work out. Canyon County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at over 11 percent...read more

Couldn't resist getting a shot of this banner on the way to work this morning. As noted by our sports editor Phil Dailey in a recent blog post, such conspicuous displays of team spirit are rare. Should be a good one tonight!

Of all the words in the English language I love to hear, I can't think of many that are better than these two: It's fall.

OK, I realize the first day of autumn isn't technically till Sept. 22. But as far as I'm concerned, when the kiddies start going back to school, the temperatures begin to drop and Bronco Stadium starts filling up, that's close enough for me.

Fall is, quite...read more

I'll admit it, the lure of free food and scenic train ride along the picturesque Payette River were enough to hook me. So, Sunday afternoon I joined better than 370 patrons in Horseshoe Bend bound for Banks on the Locavore Express.

What's a Locavore Express you ask? We'll it's the delectable and entertaining brainstorm of the folks at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture who...read more

So maybe it is the worst blog post headline of all time. But I can't help feeling a bit blue as summer starts winding down.

Sunday was the last day of summer, or at least their meaning of it, for thousands of Boise school kids, including my daughter. When a school counselor called her on the phone a couple of days ago and asked her how she felt about school starting, she said she had "mixed...read more

I had the TV on the other night and decided I wanted to get a feel for how the great health care debate was moving along, so I did a little channel surfing.

First I came across Keith Olbermann, who said that a poll conducted by a "conservative-leaning group" shows that 58 percent of Americans support universal health care.

A little later, I flipped over to Sean Hannity, who said that a...read more

After a year of flying as a pilot for Skydive Idaho, I made my first jump on Sunday.

It was fantastic. If you have ever even contemplated going skydiving, I encourage you to do it.

The experience goes something like this for the first-timer:

1. Climb aboard a Cessna 182 with tandem instructor and watch the ground get small beneath you. Am I nuts? I fly these things. I don't jump out of them...read more

Hollywood, please listen to me: Enough with the crappy sequels. I know you're desperate to make money, but seriously, you're not doing anyone any favors.

Although filmmakers have learned some valuable lessons from sequels made in the '80s and early '90s – using a completely different cast of actors does not work out well – the mediocre-at-best sequel craze has run rampant...read more

I never believed that planning a wedding would be very stressful, despite stories and anecdotes I heard to the contrary since I became engaged two years ago.

Boy was I wrong.

To all you future brides out there: Never think that everything will go smoothly, because it just won't happen.

With a two year engagement to prepare for a wedding I scoffed at those who asked if I was stressed about wedding...read more

There are just some things in the produce aisle at my favorite grocery store I won't buy. You know- those really strange looking vegetables and/or fruits you take notice of, think you may have seen before, but you don't know where, and you have no idea at all what to do with them?

I have my own private stock of weird produce growing in my garden, as we speak. And that includes the biggest...read more

When I heard the news that the Kings store in Caldwell was going to close its doors, I felt a tinge of sadness.

The store has been a fixture in the downtown area since long before I moved here. But more than that for me, its closing signals another milestone on the road to the inevitable change that occurs in the business world.

The retail department stores of today are the brightly-lit, huge buildings...read more

ONTARIO, Ore. — It was Ontario's answer to American Bandstand and promoter Bob Dye was its Dick Clark.

They were the days of flowered bell bottoms, Go Go boots and Nehru jackets. It was the age of Aquarius when everything was "groovy man." Those teens who packed the Ontario Armory from 1964 to 1970 will turn back the clock when the doors swing open one last time next Saturday...read more

Listening to the president of the College of Western Idaho address faculty and staff at an in-service before fall classes begin, I was reminded of my own experience with community college

Schooled in western Washington, my Dad told me starting in sixth grade that he wanted me to take advantage of the Running Start program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take community college courses...read more

I've written before about kayaking in the Snake River and up in McCall before my workday began as examples of how close our recreational opportunities are here in Idaho. But there are also things to do nearby in our neighbor to the west — a region sometimes referred to as far eastern Oregon.

I had planned to go with my brother and parents up to McCall for a few days of flatwater kayaking...read more

It's NFL 'preseason.' And you know what that means. A bunch of sports fan asking why in the world anybody would watch these exhibition contests involving guys who will have to look for work outside of professional sports by September.

The answer is as simple as a quarterback sneak: Because there aren't any regular season games on.

In Dallas, Cowboy preseason games got larger TV audiences...read more

Here's a Washington Post article with an update on Lubna Hussein, the woman from Sudan who faces 40 lashes for wearing pants, supposedly violating a national decency law. Apparently France's President Nicolas Sarkozy invited Lubna to visit Paris Friday, but her name has been blacklisted and she is not allowed to travel.

Lubna's attorney, according to the article, states that this...read more

I am not a person who gives much respect or attention to superstitious mumbo-jumbo, but I do believe I have seen an omen that forebodes the end of civilization as I thought I knew it.

Whilst searching for updates today on the copy desk for stories related to Travis the face-eating chimp, I came across this intellectually malodorous gem from the Associated Press:

Chimp's memoir among contenders...read more

I can't begin to tell you what a relief it is to know that I will never — ever — have to replace another lousy bicycle inner tube again! Ever!

I put a lot of miles on my non-motorized two-wheeler, and in the last year or so have found myself changing bike tubes more often than the Detroit Lions change starting quarterbacks. I'll bet I single-handedly kept the inner tube company...read more

Had me on a hunt for the missing Sept. 2007-Feb. 2008 photo disc archive album recently - the e-mail that came from Greg, the head of the photo department.

The reason for my panic?

I misread his instructions.

"If you have it, return it to the photo 'god' immediately," I thought the message said.

The word was in reality "pod." But it got me thinking how much power and/or...read more

For some people, the drive from the Boise area to McCall on State Highway 55 is a commute. I guess I can see why they want to finish it in as little time as possible.

But it seems to me that a large percent of people who drive between Boise and McCall are so intent on getting to their destination 15 minutes faster than the next guy they are willing to risk their lives to do it. And I'm not sure...read more

The recent White House "beer summit" involving the Massachusetts police officer and the college professor who had gotten into, if you'll pardon the pun, the brouhaha (get it, brew-haha?) got me recalling some of my own experiences.

The issue of police doing their jobs without "going overboard" has always been a contentious one. The definition of "going overboard"...read more

When reviewing photographs from the month of July, I couldn't help but notice a theme. Here's a different look at a few photos from last month with the isolation of a little red white and blue.

As I sit at my computer and write this blog post, freely voicing my opinions and sharing my thoughts, a woman in Sudan stands trial and faces a punishment of 40 lashes. She's not a thief, an embezzler, a batterer or a child molester — she wore pants.

Lubna Hussein, a 43-year-old journalist, has decided to fight the Sudanese authorities' accusations that by wearing pants, she broke a...read more

There are a great many unwritten rules of the universe.

For example, Unwritten Rule No. 37,988 states: if you find yourself driving behind someone who has his or her entire arm hanging out the driver's side window, you can expect that person to drive slowly.

The subject of this post is Unwritten Rule No. 6,912 — When Hollywood makes movies, a great many of them are aimed at 15-year-old...read more

A couple of the activities I really enjoy in Idaho are flatwater kayaking and river tubing. Idaho has an abundance of natural venues for both. But last week after getting invited on a whitewater rafting trip down the Payette River with my brother and his co-workers, I decided to try out the big leagues.

We signed up a dozen people at Cascade Raft & Kayak, just a few miles north of Horseshoe...read more

The Yoyo, The Zipper, The Paratrooper: Scenes from the rides that filled the midway at the Canyon County Fair filled our pages for the last week, showing ecstatic children letting loose as they were dipped, dropped and swung about

It wasn't too many years ago that I would have been on the ground itching to get my turn. But no more.

I'm not sure if my family grew tired of my whining in my...read more

Out of the numerous cars I've owned and driven since turning the magical age of 16, my current vehicle is the newest: A 1997 Buick Park Avenue that several coworkers have dubbed a "land yacht."

Yes, it's big, and that's part of what I like about it. Like the musclecars of old that I've always loved, it has a whole lot out front and in back to protect me from becoming a fixture...read more

Here's my advice for all those would-be handymen (women) out there who like me just can't seem to talk themselves out of trying to repair household items that in reality have served us good and long and deserve to be put down.

Take for instance my watering wand, purchased about 10 years ago with the promise (attached to the tag) that never again would the owner have to stretch or bend to...read more

I thought it was kind of funny-looking to have a little disclaimer, "Sharon Strauss is the parent of a student who is enrolled at an Idaho virtual academy" at the end of the print version of my recent Sunday articles on virtual schooling. But we at the IPT do want to be forthcoming when there is a potential conflict of interest between a reporter and a story. In this case, the fact that...read more

To be effective in this business, you have to notice things. In fact, you could say that we're "professional noticers." We then do our best to determine what, out of all the things we notice, are the most significant, important ones, and then pass that information along to the public.

This would not fall under the catogory of "important," but recently my noticing instincts...read more

In general, whenever I've looked up in the daytime sky above the valley in the past week or so, I see blue. Everything looks normal. Maybe a few white clouds here and there, but nothing that really screams out "air pollution."

That is, until I go to work at my other job as a pilot and climb up 10,000 feet above the ground. Then, the contrast is stark and undeniable. A clearly discernable...read more

Wednesday evening I headed out to the Idaho Center to cover the Tough Enough for Pink night at the Snake River Stampede. Having grown up in Germany where there are no cowboys or rodeos (at least none that I ever heard of) I was heading into completely unknown territory.

I won't lie, I was very nervous when I found out that I would be covering the rodeo. Knowing nothing about the events, I imagined...read more

In response to Phil Bridges' post "Jogging is a bore," I am publicly disclosing something only a few people knew about me up to this point: I like to run.

Yes, I said it. As of about a month ago, I officially like to run.

In disclosing this fact about myself, I am unfortunately also exposing myself as a hypocrite – running is the one exercise I vowed I'd never take up...read more

Often you'll hear stories in the national news about how someone in a big city who's hit by a car or suffers some sort of medical condition lies for hours before getting help.

That's clearly not the case here in Canyon County.

As I was walking through downtown Nampa before work today, a man walking with his wife on the other side of 2nd Street began to have trouble standing. She struggled...read more

Since moving to Idaho, I've learned what a typical Idaho trail is like and the importance of being prepared in case you get lost.

Case in point:

I was up in McCall recently for a family reunion and took a hike above Upper Payette Lake. After reaching the summit of a mountain, the rest of the relatives decided to return to the lake while my cousin and I decided to continue on to Granite Lake...read more

One of the good things about this time of year is that the warm weather provides us with a wider array of opportunities to get exercise. During the cold months, my options are much more limited.

I'm not the kind of person who wants to shell out a bunch of money each year to join a gym. Besides, when you factor in the time it takes to drive there and back, your daily workout can require a time...read more

I never thought I could get lost in Canyon County, but last summer it happened.

After getting into flatwater kayaking for the first time in the lakes around Stanley, McCall, and Bend, my dad, brothers, and I decided to try out the Caldwell-to-Notus stretch of the Boise River. We put in at the north end of Caldwell and enjoyed a calm paddle a couple miles down the river. But then the river forked...read more

The much anticipated sixth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is set for release tomorrow and it's sure to create mania at movie theaters across the nation.

After a quick look online I couldn't see any midnight showings of the movie tonight so I guess fans will have to wait till the first showings in the morning to find out how the penultimate installment of this...read more

It's finally here. After months of anticipation, I can now toss all varieties of my recyclables in the same container.

That may not seem like a big deal. But sorting recycled trash into four or five different categories and putting those items in separate grocery bags every week for eight years has been a giant pain.

So it is with a great deal of glee that I now toss everything — cardboard...read more

Be careful what you say. Someone might listen.

Five weeks ago, I wrote about leeches in the pond at West Park in Nampa in a blog entitled "I almost waded barefoot into a leech-infested pond." It was about how I was ready to wade into the incredibly muddy pond to retrieve a lost Frisbee golf disc when a Wal-Mart employee on break stopped me and showed me all the scars on his leg from...read more

When Managing Editor Vickie Holbrook mentioned a few Mondays ago that she had visited Gold Fork hot springs in the Cascade area the past weekend, it brought back great memories for me of the time I visited there in the winter two years ago. It was my first visit to a hot springs and definitely a lovely one

Since then I have visited two public hot springs that I thought would warrant mentioning...read more

I don't mind gardening. I actually like to plant seeds and watch them come up. I like placing plants in the soil and watching them grow. I even like to weed!

But what is worth all this work? Harvesting!

I had my first new potatoes and peas last week and they made all the work worthwhile. Nothing quite like it anywhere. I don't believe I have ever seen it listed on a restaurant menu.

I...read more

It took me a while to admit it, but really, it's the truth: I'm picky when it comes to movies. Pretty much anyone who has tried to watch or talk about movies with me will attest to the fact, and it's through others' persistent observations that I've eventually come to realize this fact about myself. I am indeed quite particular when it comes to the kind of movies I watch, and even...read more

Either you exercise regularly or you don't. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground in this matter.

There are people who do some kind of aerobic exercise on a regular basis and couldn't give it up if they tried. Others start exercising a hundred different times in their life and end up giving it up after a few days or weeks.

To me, exercise is essential. It can make you feel better...read more

For years I had heard the stories about what traffic was like on Highway 55 between the Treasure Valley and McCall. The stories about the wrecks and near-wrecks that resulted from drivers who were obviously not thinking safety first.

But like so many things in life, you really can't fully appreciate it until you experience it yourself.

I have made the drive before, but always done so during...read more

With tensions still high about the possible closure of an agriculture research station in Parma, a tour set to draw high-level state dignitaries on Wednesday is sure to be interesting

I got the call on June 16 from the lead researcher at the Parma Research and Extension Center, Dr. Essie Fallahi, telling me to come quick because "they're shutting the center down." When I arrived a couple...read more

A Pentagon representative issued an e-mail response Tuesday to the controversy surrounding the denial of a military flyover for this year's God and Country Family Festival.

Regarding the final paragraph, I did not call the phone number because it was well after the listed office hours when I sent my request. My story — which you can read here — should have noted this.

The full...read more

Andy Roddick of the U.S.A. beat British No. 1 Andy Murray in the second Wimbledon semi-final today.

Although Murray (3) was tipped to win by most British sources I looked at, I was rooting for Roddick (6) throughout the intense four sets.

Read the BBC Sport article on the match here.

I know many people back on my home turf were hoping Murray would get to the final, especially since the last time...read more

Here's a look back to a few of my favorite photographs from the month of June. Not surprisingly, they were all made outdoors.

Maybe it's just nostalgia, but I really enjoy seeing a good black and white photograph, especially these days with the abundance of digital photography and high dynamic range imaging. Try it with your photography, instead of over saturating your photographs and giving...read more

I've lived for more than half a century. So I've seen just about every kind of firework there is. I've watched them, lit them and did things with them when I was a kid no sane person should attempt.

I've blown up plastic model tanks with Black Cat firecrackers and gotten caught up in bottle rocket "wars." I've been to a dozen or so commercial or public fireworks displays...read more

Calling all Old Navy fans! Take a hot weather or entertainment item into Old Navy from July 1-5 and receive a 10 percent discount on your purchase!

Part of the Operation Care and Comfort program, Old Navy are offering the discount to get items donated to send to military troops. They will take hot weather items such as sunscreen and unscented baby wipes and entertainment items like DVDs and video...read more

This past weekend, we camped in the Cascade area, and discovered Gold Fork Hot Springs, located just outside of Donnelly, about six miles off Highway 55. The trip on paved and graveled road — including plenty of narrow windy parts — took about 16 minutes. We had no idea what we would find, but decided to check it out. Oh, my!

This was a great find: Six pools, very clean, environmentally...read more

When I moved here from Florida almost seven years ago with my wife, we came for Idaho's outdoor recreation opportunities. And although the skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, mountain biking and fishing have been great, what has kept us here has really been the people of this state.

A couple of days after first arrived here, my wife left her purse in a shopping cart we had left in a busy Meridian...read more

This week I returned from a busy month away visiting family and sightseeing in Europe. Based out of my parent's house in Herford, Germany, I spent time popping around a few surrounding countries and saying goodbyes.

I grew up moving around with my British Military dad over Northwest Germany so despite not speaking the language completely fluently, I still feel like that's my homeland. Next...read more

One year to the week after my move to Idaho to work at the paper, my mother and favorite aunt had finally gotten plane tickets from Seattle to come see me in my new habitat this coming weekend

And with airfare and Idaho Shakespeare Festival tickets already purchased, swine flu decides to rear its ugly head - and just when I thought all the hoopla had subsided.

Yep, my aunt found out this week that...read more

I've heard a lot of griping about the weather this spring (and summer). One good thing that has come from it is a bountiful fruit crop.

I have never thinned so many apricots from my tree or peaches from the church orchard. I think every blossom must have set.

The moist weather has done wonders for my berries, too. Two granddaughters picked the first of my blackcaps last Saturday and Wednesday...read more

As a baby boomer I've heard plenty from my parents and other older relatives about the Great Depression of the 1930s. If you are a boomer or older, you know what I'm talking about.

Most of what I remember about Depression talk are not so much particular stories, but just how hard it was and how it changed the way people thought about work and money.

My late father's aunt, uncle and their...read more

I don't know about you, but one of my all-time favorite hobbies is waiting at red lights. Long red lights. Then, driving a block or two, stopping again and waiting at another long red light.

The scent of exhaust fumes from all the other cars, engines running, wasting gas as they pump pollution into the air. And who doesn't love watching their windows vibrate as they feel the pounding of the...read more

For a few summers, it was like I moved every day. Now, I can't stand the thought of my one move this year.

While in college, my job during the warm months was as a laborer for a Mayflower moving franchise in Western Washington. We had a contract to do all the military moves in our Navy-centric town of Oak Harbor, so we always stayed busy and I quickly learned the ins and outs of a successful...read more

A few weeks ago IPT nice guy, Mike Butts penned a most wonderful blog. "What I like about summer" was the title. His words painted a beautiful picture of fun on the water slide, Saturday afternoon naps, happy vacationing kids, and loose fitting, comfortable warm weather clothing.

Here's my rebuttal or what I don't like about summer ... especially THIS YEAR

Coming to work without...read more

A few evenings ago, my editor David Woolsey and I were in the newsroom, the police radio crackling in the background as usual. Someone called dispatch because they were locked out of their car. Then there was a call from a suicidal military vet standing at a pay phone at a gas station, saying he wanted to jump off a bridge. Law enforcement responded immediately to both.

The calls themselves weren't...read more

"What is so rare as a day in June?" the poet asked. (Just a second, let me Google it to find which one.) Ah, James Russell Lowell (1819-1891), according to a Web site about birds. (Why birds? Maybe June is their favorite month, too.)

The next line of the poem? "Then, if ever, come perfect days."

Days in June in my native state, Texas, were not so much rare or perfect as pretty...read more

After a couple days off that were punctuated by illness and a bustling schedule, I have successfully found a new unit to rent in Boise.

In an effort to save money, I'm going to be living with my girlfriend and another friend, costing us only about $200 per person. I've lived with multiple people before - seven in one house during one semester in college - so I'm sure this will be fun...read more

I understand we're in a recession, but still, this girl's still gotta go clothes shopping. No, it's not a Rebecca Bloomwood-esque addiction. It's a natural byproduct of losing weight. And yes, I've lost more!

The weight has come off a bit slower these last two months — mostly due to the fact that I've been a bit of a slacker on my nutrition — but I've still...read more

Road Rage: (noun) Violent anger caused by the stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions.

... And I never experienced anything like that, until recently.

OK. I don't think it's fair to blame just the folks who've moved here from California for all the stress and frustration I've experienced on Treasure Valley roads. Actually can't blame...read more

A ride down the water slide at The Natatorium.

No panic attacks from my daughter over school assignments.

A hot Saturday afternoon and me asleep on the couch with a baseball game on TV.

Coming to work without a coat.

Hammocks.

A swim in Payette Lake.

The sound of fireworks from Memorial Stadium after a Hawks game.

The Fourth of July and Labor Day.

7 a.m. walks without a jacket or a flashlight...read more

You never truly appreciate the miracle that is a cat's litter box until the day he or she doesn't use it.

That's something I discovered last week. I have a little area set up where I keep my feline companion's litter box and food and water dishes. I set them on a piece of leftover floor tile in the corner of his room, and put some carpet about a foot high along the walls where the...read more

I had the pleasure of attending the Utah-Idaho-Spokane Associated Press Association's awards banquet last week, and the IPT brought home 13 awards.

Multimedia editor Greg Kreller won several for his excellent photography, and other top honors included online breaking news and graphic design.

Greg's a great professional to work with. He, I and other editors confer regularly about the mix...read more

Cheers to the Wal-Mart employee on break who stopped me from wading into a leech-infested pond. I was playing disc golf with my brother in West Park in Nampa this afternoon when my attempt to curve my disc around the duck pond instead landed it in the middle.

I already had my shoes and socks off and was about to brave the murky depths when a friendly Wal-Mart employee materialized and advised me...read more

Recently, because of budget cuts here at the paper, I have been assigned new duties, including photographing the pet of the week that runs in the community section every Thursday.

This relatively simple task of photographing the animal and getting a quick video clip of the cat or dog to post on our Treasure Valley Pets site has turned out to be quite entertaining.

I have tried to show a bit of...read more

It's been about three months since I smoked my last cigarette and bought my first round of nicotine patches.

The patch was an interesting experience. I hadn't really done much research before making the purchase. I had struggled to go without a smoke for about a day and a half, and at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night in downtown Boise I broke down and decided I was either going to buy a pack of...read more

For Memorial Day weekend, my rock climbing buddies and I took a 1,000 mile road trip to Devils Tower (map). I discovered a few things from the experience.

1. Devils Tower is enormous. That's not exactly unexpected, but it's still surprising how tall the 1,300-foot tower looks amidst the rolling Black Hills of northeast Wyoming. "We're going to climb THAT?"
2. It's a one-of-a-kind tower. Devils Tower is composed of phonolite, a rare rock named for the unusual ringing sound it makes when struck. It also reflects sound waves extremely well, making it possible to hear climbers talking a thousand feet away on the cliff face when you're standing at the tower's base. Ninety percent of phonolite in the world is found in Devils Tower and the nearby Missouri Buttes.
3. Scientists still can't agree on how the tower was formed. It's definitely volcanic, and geologists refer to it as a monolithic igneous intrusion, which I believe is Indian for "no clue either."
4. The local Indian tribes have varying folklore regarding the tower's formation. The stories generally involve kids being chased by a bear, at which point the Great Spirit lifts them toward the sky on a rising tower. The massive columns in the tower are said to have been formed by the scratch marks from the bear's claws. That's one big grizzly. Several tribes still consider the tower sacred, and most rock climbers agree to a voluntary climbing ban during the ceremonial month of June.
5. It's very entertaining to watch 30 climbers from around the world navigating their way around each other on the same climbing wall. It's like a giant, badly-choreographed dance that somehow works out in the end. And it's not unusual to see someone beaned by a falling rock or rope. Fortunately, all the climbers wear helmets.
6. Phonolite may look like granite, but it climbs like the basalt Black Cliffs near Lucky Peak Reservoir. It lacks the quartz that gives granite grippy texture, making Devils Tower an even harder climb than it looks (only two in my party of four made it to the top).
7. One of the most popular climbing routes, Durrance, can take 7-9 hours on average to complete. That's a full day's work, and no smoke breaks.
8. The Black Hills are beautiful in spring. The countryside encircling Devils Tower looks like a collision of France and the American Southwest. The meandering Belle Fourche River and scattered groves of pine and broadleaf form idyllic green meadows, contrasting with bright red hillsides and giant rock towers.
9. The average stay at Devils Tower National Monument is 45 minutes. As cool as the tower is to look at, you can only gaze at it for so long. Most of the tourists I met had stopped at the tower during their travels between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Only 1 percent of visitors to the park each year are there to climb.
10. Prairie dogs have hypnotic powers. Much to the bewilderment of us Idahoans who saw little difference between prairie dogs and rock chucks and wished we could have brought .22s for target practice, every other tourist in that parked seemed completely fixated on stopping their cars in the road and jumping out to get pictures of the little vermin. Even the South Dakotans. Don't they have prairie dogs there?
11. "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was definitely not filmed on location.

OK, after reading the posts of my two colleagues (Sharon Strauss on messy desks and Mike Butts on neat freaks) about messy desks vs. neat ones, I just have to toss in my two cents.

There's something about neat freaks that creeps me out a little bit. Sure, many of them are nice people, but to see how passionate some of them get about a few pieces of paper that aren't stacked perfectly...read more

I have to take issue with my colleague Sharon Strauss.

In her recent blog entry, she writes "you can never and should never trust a neat person. They have something to hide."

I know Sharon was only half-serious with this comment. But it's a perspective I've heard before in office settings. It usually goes something like this: "What's wrong with these people whose desks...read more

One Boise eatery's salute to the Gem State's signature spuds has backfired with owners tossed in the fryer if they don't change their branding

In case you haven't heard, the newly-opened Idaho Fry Company is treading in hot oil with the Idaho Potato Commission over the name that apparently was a no-go.

The commission claims rights to anything "Idaho Potato" and has sides...read more

No sooner had I recovered from the shocking results of Dancing With the Stars and the American Idol finals than I recouped, found a new star to root for and was once again blasted from the realm of "high expectations" when Britain's Got Talent, Internet singing sensation Susan Boyle, was also awarded with nothing more than the second place spot and a firm denial to "sing for the...read more

What's on your desk at work? Here's what's on mine:

• A mess: I believe my desk is an accurate reflection of the interior of my mind, and - as a logical extension - my personal life. I also think you can never and should never trust a neat person. They have something to hide. Not me. You can trust me. See? Everything is laid out in the open. My "organizational system" is probably about a half-foot deep, as you can tell. But I know where everything is! Messiness is a sign of creativity, they say. Not to mention a firetrap.

• Someone to look up to: Judge G - Sergio Gutierrez - graces my wall.

• Drawings by children: Like Snow White, when I go outdoors, bunnies and chipmunks are drawn to me and songbirds land on my shoulders. Oh, and children love me, too. Look, they draw things for me all the time!

• Symbolic statue: This is from the South Pacific island of Vanuatu. It's supposed to keep me humble as I climb the ladder of success. I don't know if it's working. As soon as I find the first rung of said ladder, I will let you know.

• The newsroom chicken: This is the newsroom stuffed chicken. It gets passed around to reporters who are having a bad day. Sometimes it gets mysteriously placed on your desk or chair overnight by a caring editor or fellow reporter who is attuned to your stress level. It lives in my cubicle when it's not being circulated. When we IPT reporters get stressed out, we hold the chicken. We hug the chicken. Weird, huh?

One of the great things about Idaho is the ability to enjoy outdoor activities, even on work days. One day last year, I found myself kayaking around a beautiful mountain lake north of McCall in the early afternoon, and by evening, I was back in my cubicle in Nampa. Today I hit a closer destination, the Snake River, before work.

We put in upriver from Givens Hot Springs, and fought against an opposing...read more

You hear a lot of people complaining about the behavior of children in public places these days. Some of it's legitimate. Parents need to keep their kids under a reasonable amount of control in grocery stores and restaurants and the like.

But the next time some toddler throws a tantrum at WinCo or a baby cries in an airplane, don't forget that you were a kid once, too. And you did the same...read more

Now that summer is unofficially here and the temperatures are getting tantalizingly close to the "officially hot" range, some "old friends" are starting to show up again on my front porch.

I'm talking about ants. And not just on my front porch, but all around the concrete on the walkway leading up to the house, not to mention the concrete that makes up my back porch.

It's...read more

I wrote a camping story today and boy, did I feel like a fish out of water. (Hahaha... fish... out of water... camping...) If there's one thing I don't know about it's camping... I've never been! People here in Idaho are horrified when I tell them that. I've also never been horseback riding before. Maybe it's because I was raised by a couple of city slickers. I was raised in...read more

In honor of their second anniversary, Nampa restaurant Brick 29 Bistro will donate all of their net earnings from today to three local charities: the Salvation Army, Treasure Valley Love INC and Nampa First Church Food Bank.

Take advantage of the opportunity today to eat some fabulous food and to give to these very worthy organizations! And props to Dustan Bristol and the Brick 29 staff...read more

A grand entrance is to be expected at the beginning of a concert; as the center of attention, one would usually expect the star of the show to burst out into the spot light.

Not Taylor Swift.

I stared confused at the stage as cheerleaders danced on in front a high school set and football players. Where was Taylor? I could hear her singing but she wasn't dancing around making her self known.

Looking...read more

After more than two decades on this planet, I would have hoped that I'd learned my lesson about sunburns and sunscreen.

As I sit here in my desk Tuesday with my back uncomfortably tingling, reminding me of the glowing red skin on my shoulders, I see I have to wise up a bit more.

Yesterday seemed like a perfect day to tame the jungle that had been gradually developing in my back yard. The grass...read more

With the warm season upon us, it's time for road trips. And being Idahoans, many of us like to exercise our Second Amendment right and may consider taking a firearm along with us for personal defense as we travel in other states. But whether you're carrying open or concealed, make sure you know the firearms laws of every state you'll be traveling through. And make sure you either call...read more

OK, that was bit obnoxious. But it was rather warm on Monday.

As a pilot, I pay extra attention to the thermometer when the mercury approaches triple-digit temperatures. As the air heat up, its molecules spread out and the "density altitude" rises. As this happens, aircraft performance decreases.

As homeowner, I dislike extremely hot days because it means I either have to get up early...read more

"It takes a village to raise a child."

The Caldwell community has taken that axiom to heart through the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign. The campaign's singular goal is to make sure no child is ever turned away from any activities at the Y due to an inability to pay.

These are extremely difficult economic times in the Treasure Valley. Joblessness continues to climb. Increasingly, families...read more

It's Stanley Cup playoff time , so let the whiskers sprout and octopi fly!

See, I grew up Cup crazy. As a kid I'd scramble upstairs to my parent's room every Saturday night where I would jingle and twist the rabbit ears of their black and white TV until a snowy version of Hockey Night in Canada would blink on something called Black Channel 9. I'm a fan of the hockey's Original...read more

If you use Google's search engine, operate an iGoogle homepage, have a Gmail account or depend on Google Analytics for your business ... in other words, if you were on the Internet between 9 and 10 a.m. today, you might have noticed that something had gone awry with Google.

According to The Associated Press (article posted below), Google had a glitch that left people without its services for...read more

Tomorrow (Friday, May 15) is National Bike-Walk to Work Day. Many cities across the nation have celebrated this green-friendly observance all week, including Nampa.

And what's not to celebrate? This time of year, with blooming flowers and trees and mild weather, what could be a better way to start the day than to take to the streets and get in some fresh air on the way to work? I have the good...read more

With the lease on my rental house coming to an end in less than two months and move-in costs for a new place (security, pet deposits and first month's rent) on the nearby horizon, the challenges of sticking to a tight budget have never seemed more daunting — and, surprisingly, fun.

What can I say? I like a challenge. And challenges like living and budgeting in "The Great Recession...read more

I saw a story from The Associated Press, "Tween-teen parents work to ward off summer boredom" (posted below). The story described the dilemma of how to keep young teens with working parents active and entertained during their summer vacations, particularly those kids too young to drive, get summer jobs, or whose families can't afford to put them in summer camps or day programs.

It got...read more

Remember the radio commercial from a year or two ago that advertised buying a company's product as "the biggest no-brainer in the history of earth"?

Well the biggest misnomer in the history of earth — OK, maybe in just the past year or so — is "flat screen" TV. What people almost always mean when they say this — and believe me, if you keep your ears open...read more

Last Thursday vibrant smiles shone from our front page on the face of Darla Dennis, whom I have to say is probably the most inspiring person I have interviewed so far in my career. Darla will have finished up her radiation treatment today, the last step of a difficult and trying road to her recovery from breast cancer.

I had the pleasure to speak with Darla about her journey to recovery last week...read more

My recent days off marked the beginning of my slow but steady search for affordable new rental housing here in the Treasure Valley.

I've grown more and more frugal recently, evidenced by some of my most recent blogs. My first Nampa one-bedroom apartment's rent came in at about $600 a month, my current shared Boise house runs me about $400 every 30 days, and now my girlfriend and I are trying...read more

In these tough economic times, it's always great to read stories of hope and inspiration. We've had several of those in recent days, and I want to make sure folks don't overlook them.

• Darla Dennis' courageous battle to survive breast cancer

• Through the work of the Hope's Door shelter, a local family is now safe

• Two local students who won prestigious Gates Scholarships

•...read more

It was Saturday and I was headed to Pocatello to get my mom to stay with me for a week. I left shortly after 8 a.m. and was snacking on some yogurt, just before the Burley exit. A blue compact car was pulled over on the right side of the road, so I pulled into the left lane like I was suppose to. Just as I was about to have another bite of yogurt, I glanced to the right at the blue car as I was passing...read more

I started my Mother's Day on Sunday as I usually do, with a call to my grandmother, a couple laughs and a lot of memories

Though it may seen strange to some, my sweet grandma, in her 70s and growing more frail every time I get to travel to see her, was the closest thing to a mother's influence that I had for most of my 23 years.

My wonderful Dad was always there for me and raised me with...read more

When I cover the festivities of Cinco de Mayo, I can't help but think back to the years I spent in northern New Mexico. During the summer months it seemed there was a fiesta, parade or pow wow every week. As a photographer, I have always been fond of these events for the regalia worn by the participants. Here is a collection of regalia photos from today's Cinco de Mayo celebration in Caldwell...read more

I planted my garden — finally. I usually get the early veggies (peas, carrots, lettuces, etc.) planted the first of April. But the weather has not cooperated. There was one week in March, I think, that was warm enough to make the fruit trees bud out (enough to get frozen!), but since then it has pretty much been cool.

Early veggies like cool weather; I don't. I don't like slogging through...read more

I began with Star Trek way back when it first began, black and white TV, the first episode the day after my birthday, in September 1966.

Back then, space really was the final frontier. We hadn't stood on the moon yet, and the new civilizations that Capt. James Kirk (those of us who knew him well, called him Jim), Spock, Sulu, McCoy - better known as "Bones," Scotty, Chekov and the...read more

If you're like me and you enjoy stretching out on your recliner and relaxing with a little Major League Baseball on a weekend afternoon, you probably maintain a tight grip on your remote control.

Why? Because as soon as the next half-inning comes to a close or a pitching change is made, the commercials come on. And if you're not poised — like a well-rested cat hovering over a mouse...read more

Lots of sports fans consider fall the best time of year. That's when football, probably the nation's most popular sport, kicks in. The World Series takes place. And basketball gets going later in the season.

But its hard to beat this time of the spring for watching sports on television or following games on the Internet. You've got the NBA playoffs in full gallop, the NHL playoffs (so...read more

The rapid spread of a flu outbreak through Mexico and parts of the United States immediately became a big news story, and we were no exception.

In the early days of the coverage, officials referred to the illness as "swine flu" and that's what the media used. But then, after the term had already become a household name, the Agriculture Secretary and other officials wanted everyone to...read more

You'll never catch me doing that again.

Of course we're all looking for ways to stretch the old paycheck, save money or make a little extra ... with emphasis on the last one. I know I'm not the only one. But I can't imagine what I was thinking to take on not one, but three wedding cakes for the summer.

Oh sure, I used to do them back in the Dark Ages when I was young, full of energy...read more

For those of you Facebook obsessives out there, you may have heard of the newest language option that is sweeping the popular social networking site

Along with English (US) and English (UK), English speakers can now opt to have facebook translated into English (pirate). This hilarious new feature changes all of Facebook (minus what you or friends write) into pirate language.

The clich of how a pirate...read more

What every parent dreads: The phone call in the middle of the night. Come to the hospital. Not the message we had anticipated: Our baby daughter was born at such and such a time.

First thing I learned: You can travel from south Nampa to Meridian in 10 minutes in the middle of the night when you lose a grandbaby before you even held her.

Second: Nurses may know, but only doctors can pronounce...read more

Call me a throwback, but I like reading a printed newspaper more than the online version.

Stories are easier for me to find. I don't have to click through three links to get to what I want. And I'm never sure that I've actually seen the entire paper when I read the online versions.

I know the present and the future for newspapers is all about the Web. But I'm having a hard time making...read more

In my time at the Idaho Press-Tribune, I've been privileged to hear a great many interesting and compelling stories from the local community

After countless hours of reporting and interviewing, some of the most compelling of these have come in my work on the Neighbor to Remember feature.

I worked to contact the families of community members who had recently passed on so that I could showcase...read more

While I'm not the hard-core "Trekkie" type who attends conventions, learns to speak Klingon or dresses up in costume for the premiere of a new movie, I am a fan of the franchise, just the same.

On May 8, a new Star Trek movie hits movie screens across the United States.

From the reviews I've read and trailers I've seen, I think it will be the best one yet. Maybe as good as...read more

Now that spring is here and the last of the holdout brown blades of grass have finally succumbed and turned green, it's now time to start watering regularly.

For many people, that means merely turning the switch on their automatic sprinkler systems to "on." But I'm not one of those people. Yet.

I still can't convince myself to have a sprinkler system installed. I'm one...read more

It's early spring, and that means the foothills around the Treasure Valley are green rather than their usual shade of brown. It's a great time to go walking, hiking, mountain biking, and photographing at elevations around 3000 to 4000 feet while we wait for the snow to finally melt off the mountain tops. And with daytime highs predicted in the 60s this week, it's a great time to exercise...read more

It's that transition time of year. Springtime, where the weather is somewhat unpredictable and temperatures fluctuate distinctly from week to week.

We began last week with some highly anticipated warm weather, although by Thursday it had all but disappeared. Since then we've wallowed in lower temperatures and sporadic sunshine and this week's forecast seems to predict more of the same...read more

After 36 sneeze-free, allergy-free seasons, out of the blue hay fever hit me this year like a ton of bricks. Finally I understand what so many people go through each spring. It's not fun! I've lost count of the boxes of tissues I've reached the bottom of. I've dabbled in various over-the-counter medications with mixed results. I was on furlough all last week, but if I hadn't...read more

One lucky man won the car of his dreams at the 2009 Health Fest and Community Day Saturday at the Idaho Center. Little did he know it was the car of my dreams as well.

Well maybe not that specific car, but I've always been drawn to muscle cars, and the story that unfolded at the Idaho Center Saturday reminded me of all my efforts to someday restore an American classic.

John Alvarez wound up...read more

And no, I'm not talking about my age. I'm talking about my weight loss.

In 14 weeks, I've lost 42 pounds and 24.75 inches. It's still hard to believe sometimes, even when I look in a mirror.

I've been overweight pretty much my whole life — I went on my first diet when I was 10 — but it's been the most out of control over the last two years. It's the classic...read more

Three clowns that threaten the stability of the world. Throw in the wildcard that is nuclear-armed Pakistan, which is now being overrun by the Taliban, and you've got a scary situation indeed.

As the attention of the U.S. has turned to the global economic crisis, I hope world leaders don't ignore the free-roaming, 700-pound gorillas in the room.

These guys worry me more and more every day...read more

Yesterday was my ceremonial first full lawn mowing of the season.

Today I heard a report about Canyon County trying everything it can to avoid having to require mandatory vehicle emissions testing.

Today is also Earth Day.

What do these three things have in common? Well, they give me an opportunity to make a pitch for push-reel lawn mowers.

Yes, those old-school mowers that your grandfather used...read more

IPT photographer Charlie Litchfield took a day off Saturday. But it was still a tough job.

Charlie joined nearly 2,600 diehards in the 32nd annual Race to Robie Creek, the toughest half-marathon in the Northwest. For the unfamiliar, the race is a 13.1-mile trek from northeast Boise eight miles up to 4,797-foot Aldape Summit and a steep, five-mile descent to the Robie Creek picnic grounds on the backwaters...read more

As I try to budget my food purchases and curb wanton spending on meals while I'm at work, I've developed a new appreciation for cheap eats.

I've put together a list of some of my favorite budget-friendly snacks.

WARNING: Some of them might not be health- or waistline-friendly, but I can't personally afford to be very picky in this economy.

Some are on the list because their cheap...read more

With the mercury in the mid 70s and just a light breeze blowing, Sunday afternoon was a great time to take up a new hobby: frisbee golf. And Nampa has its own course. It's located in West Park behind West Middle School near the corner of Midland and Lone Star. It's a 9-hole, well-marked course, but watch out for picnickers. My opponents and I came close to braining several people with our...read more

So I'm not usually one to turn down free food at work - or anywhere really. And when our assistant managing editor David Woolsey offered me a vat of fresh fruit from our community fridge, I was eager to dig in

That is until I found out it was a tub full of berries. The simple suggestion was enough to turn my stomach.

What's my beef with berries? It's all a function of exposure.

I worked...read more

All of the Treasure Valley's diverse outdoor summer recreation is getting closer.

Here are a few things from my life that have signaled the proximity of warmer temperatures and all the great activities that come with them:

1. The mane is tamed: That's right, even I decided to cut my hair with summer and temperatures in the 100s on the way. It had been more than a year (that's right...read more

"I'm gonna make that audience rock."

An unlikely promise from an unadorned 47-year-old woman, unemployed and living alone with her cat, Pebbles. But exactly 4 seconds into her audition for the popular reality show "Britain's Got Talent," a crowd of 4,000 rose to its feet in wild cheers, nearly drowning out Susan Boyle's powerful alto voice.

Hours after the audition...read more

This past weekend marked my fourth year skiing the final day of the season at Bogus Basin.

I've had years with good weather and years with bad...this year was unfortunately in the latter category.

Looking up at the mountain from Boise Saturday morning all I could see was fog: definitely not a good sign. However, I braved the elements and ventured up there, as did a large amount of other locals;...read more

I decided to opt out of the $30 waterproof kayaking backpack, but the little bottles of backpacking soaps, sunblock, and insect repellant were too cheap to pass up. And the discount beef jerky, stuff sacks, and campfire cookware definitely caught my eye. That's just a sample of the bounty I discovered in Sportsman's Warehouse in Nampa, which is expecting to close its doors for good by the...read more

Got one of those forwarded e-mails and it got me thinking, if you can do pears that way, why not other things.

It was one of those tests. Just answer the questions (don't peek at the answers below) and you might just know everything ... it said.

No. 5 caught my eye.

"In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy with a real pear inside the bottle," it said. "The pear is whole...read more

For those of you that read about my mishap with poison ivy, the hard part is finally over. I still have some itchy spots, but for the most part the blisters are healing. If you didn't catch my post, I was fishing near Nyssa with my buddy. To make a long story short, we saw and followed some turkeys and got into some poison ivy. That stuff is a nightmare! My back will be left with some fairly nice...read more

What's this? Criticize the Internet? The greatest creation of mankind in, like, forever and ever? How dare I engage in such heresy!

Actually, my distaste for the Internet is targeted. I realize there are good things you can do on it, like pay bills, order stuff you can't buy locally, and find information quickly and conveniently.

My main beef with the World Wide Wonderful Web is what it...read more

Sure, they smell like Grandma's closet and have enough funky knickknacks to fill a dump truck. But thrift stores are an attractive way to go these days.

Think decent stuff is hard to find at thrift stores? You're right. But it can be just as hard tracking down a shirt that fits your frame and style at a department store.

Get creeped out about the idea of wearing something used? Look at...read more

Over the past few weeks I've written a series of articles looking at different aspects of gangs here in Canyon County. The stories were borne mainly out of conversations with law enforcement officers over the years and informal conversations I've had with parents who didn't realize the grip gangs had on their children until it was almost too late.

The reaction among some of my co-workers...read more

No, that's not referring to America's auto industry, it's The Colbert Report's Steven Colbert in reference to the newspaper industry.

I'm an unashamed fan of both The Daily Show with John Stewart and The Colbert Report. They make fun of pretty much everyone and look at real news issues from a lighthearted and (I think) witty perspective. Along with this they prove themselves to...read more

At the IPT, and I'm sure in most other offices, there seems to be food within easy reach at all times. Cookies, donuts, chips and salsa and other fare magically appear on a pretty regular basis. Just this morning, cellophane bags of caramel corn were generously circulated around the newsroom.

The good news is that snacking between meals isn't a bad thing. In fact, regular consumption helps...read more

A story that caught my eye last week forced me to lower my estimate of the typical human's intelligence. Now, there are a lot of smart people out there. I am not saying that Joe Sapiens is dumb, but the intelligence average is dragged down by people whose mental faculties range somewhere between "brick" and "dead bug."

The IQ-average-lowering story involves seven people who...read more

I swear my cat Charlie must be the most easily amused animal around.

When I first got him in September of last year I immediately discovered that he loves boxes. For some reason he just loves to sit in them, scratch around at the sides, jump in and out, even fight his way out of them when I put one on top of him!

So, instead of playing with all the toys that I brought for my new kitty, Charlie chooses...read more

It's finally open — the new Walgreen's next to the IPT building. It's nice and I even bought something I needed — trash bags!

My granddaughter helped clean up some in the garden and filled my trash barrel to the top with leaves, weeds and other accumulated garbage from the garden. She instructed me to buy trash bags; so I did. With the help of by grandkids, my yard may get...read more

After months of waiting, I was finally able to roll my bike out of the garage this past weekend for my first bike ride. As Homer Simpson would so eloquently put it, "Woo Hoo!"

I have been itching to get out and ride for a long time, and always look forward to that first spring ride.

So my inaugural ride of 2009 consisted of a ride down to the bike shop, where I was going to replace the...read more

With time growing short this week and what was left to do as far as my job is concerned, I really didn't think there was time enough for me to come up with a blog that could help stifle my most recent complaint!

I mean I'd already addressed my pet peeves in an earlier blog, which included when you receive a greeting card in the mail, and it contains a bunch of confetti or glitter, and you...read more

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates' proposed overhaul of the Pentagon budget includes pulling funds for the hovering MKV-L, or "multiple kill vehicle."

While the intriguingly named apparatus might sound scary, according to a December 2008 Pentagon press release: "The MKV-L mission is to destroy medium through intercontinental-range ballistic missiles equipped with multiple warheads...read more

As my endeavor to save more money and live within my means continues, I'm picking up new ideas and insight every day

I recently posted a blog about my different efforts to cut expenses - among other things cutting up my credit card to trim back frivolous purchases.

You can read that blog here, and I'm happy to say that my efforts are still going well. I've slowly been seeing the fruits...read more

Two important actions on the gay marriage front today. D.C.'s Council (city council?) voted to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. Vermont's Legislature overturned its governor's veto of a law allowing gay marriage. The state's lawmakers voted an overwhelming 100-49 in favor of the veto override.

According to the Associated Press, 29 states still have constitutional...read more

As far as I can remember, I've never filled out a NCAA Tournament bracket before. While folks around me at three different newspapers buzzed with excitement each spring for two decades, I avoided the fray. Why? I've never been a big basketball fan, and although I understand the mechanics of the game, I know absolutely nothing about any of the teams. I can't recall the last time I watched...read more

On college basketball's biggest stage the glass slipper shattered for Michigan State

But, unless you've experienced firsthand the devastation of lingering double digit unemployment, a collapsed automobile industry and a government in squabbling shambles, you can't fully appreciate what Michigan State's surprise run to Monday's NCAA national championship game meant to this beleaguered...read more

At long last, no more having to cross the boulevard for cans of Starbucks double-shots, Rockstar energy drinks or aspirin - essential dietary needs for reporters.

After months of anticipation and countless hours of building-shaking construction, Nampa's new Walgreens branch will open this Thursday at the Caldwell and Midland boulevards intersection - just three skips and a hop away from the Idaho...read more

Saturday night's Local Legends performance at Caldwell's O'Connor Field House looks like it was a lot of fun.

If you couldn't make it to the event, multimedia editor Greg Kreller and photographer Charlie Litchfield have put together a great video and audio slideshow with super highlights.

To watch the video, click here

To watch the slideshow, click here

Well, I am a bit embarrassed to say this, but I made a big mistake Saturday. As many of you might know, I am the Outdoors editor at the Idaho Press-Tribune. I should know what kind of stuff I am getting into when hiking around Idaho, right? NOT SO MUCH!!!

My buddy and I were fishing near Nyssa this past Saturday. The fishing was not great, but while we were fishing, I spotted some turkeys up on the...read more

The number of animals euthanized at the Canyon County Animal Shelter in 2008 is staggering: 6,024 total, according to info from the shelter.

That's more that 16 animals per day.

That equals one death every hour and a half.

Euthanasia is carried out daily at the shelter via injections.

To watch the video click here

To read the article click here

I admit I'm a die-hard "ER" fan; have been from the beginning. I cried every time one of the main characters "moved on." It was worse when they had to die.

That's why it was so nice to see so many of them Thursday night before the final "ER" was shown and hear them talk about their experiences with the show. I knew I liked the show and the way the camera followed...read more

One great read from master columnist Ken Burger, "Inside the Whirl of Newspapers."

I used to watch Mr. Burger closely from across the newsroom when I started my journalism career years ago as a swing-shift obituary writer at The Post & Courier in Charleston, S.C. Why? Because few do it better than he does.

It's as if North Korea uses Yahoo! Babel Fish to translate its rhetoric.

While they seem to have enough resources to support a "peaceful satellite" program, the communist regime evidently cannot find anyone fluent enough in English to translate their indignant anger for us.

As you may know, the isolationist nation is preparing to launch a rocket that's expected to fly over Japan...read more

Be careful what you wish for. Although human teleportation, if ever possible, is in the distant future, it's fun to imagine the ability to travel to any part of the globe almost instantaneously (limited only by the speed of light: 670,616,629 mph). But aside from the technical problems of breaking down your entire body into digital code and transferring it to another teleporter where it's...read more

UPDATE!:

It's the reason we don't print rumors in the paper.

It looks like the possible move of Carroll College to the NCAA Division II ranks, and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, was just that — rumor.

Thursday, April 2, the Saints big announcement was the retirement men's basketball coach Gary Turcott, who led the Carroll College men to seven NAIA national tournaments...read more

One of my little idiosyncrasies is that any time I hear a phrase that I think is kind-of unique, different, unusual or cool, I say "that would be a great name for a rock group." I have variations on this, such as "that would be a great name for a sit-com" or "that would be a great name for a book."

For example, I used to work with a man named Manny, and one day at work...read more

When the first day of spring (March 20) brought sunny skies and 70 degree temperatures, I was sure we were finally in for some consistently fine weather. It seems I was very much mistaken as lately the wind has been biting cold and the forecast for this week shows temperatures in the 40s.

Last week I was spoiled with a trip to Chico in northern California where the sunshine and moderate temperatures...read more

In Tuesday's edition we published a story about how many people are sticking to their fitness routines despite the tough economic conditions.

I was lucky enough to get to hit the streets to interview people leaving their local gyms about their dedication to staying in shape. I've got to say, the answers I heard are motivating me to get back into the fitness mix.

A few years ago, I actually...read more

The pruning is finished! Had my grandkids out last night and finished up the grapes and fruit trees. The weather has made this project a touch-and-go process!

My extension pruner that I bought this year worked great. My grandson said it would probably take a couple of hours to top my trees (eight of them), but he was finished in about 45 minutes. My arms would have been falling off by then!

Last...read more

Got a kick out of a recent e-mail sent by a friend. It contained a list of "handy tips." You know, simple little things none of us would ever think of, that make even the most humongous task easier.

Now mind you I've gotten other similar lists, and almost always I discard them or make a copy and put it away for another day. I never before had thought about actually trying some of them...read more

It made me take my first sick day in more than a year. Even my good stock and daily vitamin intake were no match against a brutal and vicious cold that set its sights on me last week.

And apparently I'm not the only one being attacked.

I felt the onslaught of cold-like symptoms – sore throat, runny nose, etc. Big deal, I thought, it's just a cold. What I didn't expect was for this...read more

There's not many things in this world that can get me out of bed early on a Saturday morning.

So I'm going to take this opportunity to give myself a self-righteous pat on the back for doing just that this past weekend when I strolled bleary-eyed into the Idaho Humane Society's "education room" just in time for my 9 a.m. volunteer training/orientation class. Kudos to the other...read more

I just love it when I walk through my front yard and have to check every step I take to make sure I don't step in a pile of dog poop.

In New York City they call it "curbing your dog," and one of its meanings is to pick up after your dog, a message that is lost on many dog owners.

A guy down the street from me once had a small, fake headstone on his front lawn that read, "Here...read more

Lately I've had the worst luck with my various electronics, first my computer started acting up and now my iPod doesn't work. But probably the most annoying loss of function goes to the various cell phones I have tried to use over the past few months. Since last August I have been through three phones, the second two of which I acquired used, and all broke over that time.

Finally, I decided...read more

If you're a horse owner, lover or just a fan of horses and what these magnificent animals can do, then today's the day for you.

At the Idaho Center's Horse Park today, March 29, the finals of the National Reined Cow Horse Association's Stallion Stakes take place.

The day gets underway at 8 a.m. and will feature the non-pro and the Open divisions competing for the majority of nearly...read more

With the national economy in recession and consumers tightening budgets nationwide, each one of us has faced everyday decisions about how we can save.

My life has been no different. Last summer as gas prices peaked at more than $4 a gallon, I began thinking about how I could personally protect myself against falling into financial trouble.

The budget cutting began with me contemplating how I get...read more

This morning I covered the first day of ticket sales for the Jonas Brothers concert that's coming this June at the Idaho Center. There were a handful of folks who camped out, but for the most part it was a smaller crowd than I expected. Moments before the tickets went on sale, I captured this image. Earlier today, as I was editing the assignment, I realized I had missed an important shot. Or maybe...read more

WARNING: The following blog entry contains a mild amount of snobbery that may offend teenage girls, bored technophiles and reality show fans. But for the most part, it's about embracing optimism.

Sometimes, bad things come in threes. This year, however, bad things just seem to be coming by the truckload.

The recession. Midwest flooding. Volcanic eruptions. Face-ripping chimpanzees. Twitter...read more

I loved this story from the AP in Spokane. It seems the local officials have passed a law that restricts the sale of dishwasher detergent that contains phosphates. But the green alternatives don't work as well. So folks are heading across the border into Idaho to buy the strong stuff.

It says a lot about the difficulties we face in choosing to be kinder to the environment and getting the results...read more

It's a popular mixer question at group activities: If you could live in any time in history, when would it be? I used to reply "England during Queen Elizabeth's reign," or "The mid-1800s in America so I could travel the Oregon Trail." But when I really think about it, I have to say, it's no contest — I want to live right here, right now. The 21st century life...read more

When it comes to popular mountain ranges in Southwest Idaho, the Boise Mountains and surrounding ranges that make up the larger Rocky Mountain chain get the bulk of the business. The Owyhee Mountains, despite the fact that they form the entire southern and western borders of the Treasure Valley, remain largely untouched.

From a distance, the Owyhees look beautiful in the summer when the evening light...read more

Been noticing those irritating things a lot more lately. You know. It's those once hardly noticeable actions that when they begin to show-up in your conscious mind, nearly drive you nuts!

We have names for them, annoyances, distractions, and pet peeves, to name a few. My top-10 list follows:

• Pictures grouped on a wall that hang crooked despite your constant egging them back to the square...read more

I have literally lost count of how many weddings I've participated in during the course of my 25-year-old life. While I never made it as a flower girl, around age 10, my younger sister and I solemnly watched over the guest book at a family friend's wedding. As a pianist, I booked my first wedding around my freshman year of high school and have averaged musical participation in at least one...read more

What's news? This is a very subjective profession. It's not like, say, hamburgers.

When you make hamburgers, there's not much room for debate. It's either a hamburger or it isn't. If it has two buns and at least one meat patty, it's a hamburger. If it doesn't have these items, it's not. Pretty cut-and-dry stuff.

News, however, is entirely another matter. There are...read more

Monday was the second time dynamic duo Darrien Gish and Delphia the dog appeared in the Idaho Press-Tribune.

Darrien, a Nampa seventh-grade student from Lone Star Middle School, is raising and training a puppy to become a companion dog for someone with disabilities. Delphia is a 9-month-old Goldador puppy who is living with Darrien and his family until she is ready for graduation to her new line...read more

I went to Austin, Texas, last week to help take care of my 88-year-old father. He's been in a skilled-nursing facility for about three weeks now, and it's not pretty. He can't stand up from a seated position or use the bathroom without assistance. He can still wisecrack with the best of them, sing all the words to 60-year-old hit songs, recite off-color limericks and remember details about...read more

It wasn't all that long ago we bit the bullet and purchased another "nearly" new car, putting us in debt for the rest of our natural lives. Can't help that I'm cheap. I'm from that "older" generation, when cars used to last forever. At least it seemed like that. Never had to look at the mileage before the purchase, because if it ceased to work in a month or two...read more

As a pilot, news reports of plane crashes always grab my attention.

Sunday's fatal incident in Montana, in which 14 people (including 7 young children) lost their lives, was no different.

All good pilots are taught to try and consider every possible situation that could jeopardize the aircraft they fly and, most importantly, the people aboard those planes who entrust their lives to us.

One...read more

As temperatures hit 70 degrees in Boise where I live this week, green again began to take over my lawn, a not-so-welcome reminder that it's time to pull out the lawn mower, sprinklers and fertilizer.

It's not that I despise manicuring my grass, it just always seems hard to find enough time. As days become more beautiful and temperatures soar, I'd rather be out enjoying the valley's...read more

IPT intern Tovah Garcia — a big fan of the hit vampire flick "Twilight," wants fellow fans to know about DVD release parties that will take place in a few hours. She sent in this report:

The movie "Twilight," based on Stephenie Meyers's novel, will be released on DVD at midnight. Both Nampa Wal-Mart stores and the Caldwell location will hold release parties where shoppers...read more

I live just off downtown Nampa, and spring always brings a big change.

As I drove into work today along 2nd Street, a crowd of folks appeared out on the sidewalks between 15th and 11th avenues, talking, window-shopping and hanging out at the coffee shops.

Warm weather draws folks to the neighborhood it seems, particularly when the farmer's market revs up and kids flock to the fountain at the...read more

We've all heard about how talking on the phone while driving is distracting and can cause accidents. However, I'm sure I'm not alone in the arrogant assumption that, of course I am a good enough driver to multi-task and I wouldn't let my phone conversation distract me from the road.

Last night, my assumption was unfortunately proved wrong, although not, thank goodness, by getting...read more

On Tuesday, I posted a blog to test your texting fluency (if you didn't see it, click here before you keep reading.)

Here are the answers to the text phrases I posted:

"i dunno w/e" = I don't know. Whatever.

"ur funny. c&g" = You're funny. Chuckle and giggle.

"gg. cul" = Gotta go. See you later.

"aml xoxoxo" = All my love, hugs and kisses

"yg2bkm"...read more

I saw something I just had to smile about while driving to work Thursday afternoon.

Rolling down Midland Blvd., a teenage girl was standing on the sidewalk waving at passing cars holding a sign. Of course, I was thinking she must be selling something, as it's typical to see someone doing that roadside.

Nope, not "Car Wash" or "Girl Scout Cookies," nothing of the sort.

What...read more

With the NCAA tournament back in Boise this week, I can't help but reminisce on the first time I visited the state of Idaho.

It was March of 2002, and I was a junior at Texas Tech working as a staff photographer at the campus newspaper when the brackets were announced.

The successful women's basketball team always had a chance to advance far in the tournament, so where would they go? New...read more

I talked to the Jonas Brothers yesterday. No kidding. (Even though I've been PLAY editor for 9 months, I'm still amazed sometimes at the cool opportunities it provides me.) I called in to an hour-long conference call with dozens of other journalists for the chance to ask the Jonas Brothers, who are bringing their world tour to Nampa in June, one question. Reporters from big-name publications...read more

What's not to prune?

It's pruning time again. If you have fruit trees, grapes, roses, about any kind of bush or tree, you have to clip (saw, cut) out the dead or damaged limbs and shape it the way you want.

I showed my granddaughter how to prune grapes last Saturday and she got the hang of it rather quickly and did several vines herself. I need help in my yard and she needs gas money, so...read more

Technology can be used for a tremendous amount of good things. It can also be used for an incredible amount of bad things.

Cell phones enable us to call for help if our vehicles break down 90 miles from the nearest town. They also can serve as a distraction when we're driving, leading to deadly traffic accidents.

On the Internet, we can buy things we could never find locally with just the click...read more

Trying to be frugal?

The times certainly call for it. However, don't underestimate the cost of such a goal. Take for instance, my recent creative journey into the world of homemade greeting cards.

It all started when I received a lovely handmade edition for my birthday. The design was unique, the placement precise and knowing that someone actually thought enough of me to spend the time to make...read more

KTVB's Doug Petcash did a two-part piece on the future of newspapers. He did a good job relating a very big story in two segments. And it gave a good perspective of what's going on with newspapers.

But it's important to remember that our local newspaper is not one of those big papers going under right now.

For starters, as Idaho Press-Tribune Publisher Rick V. Weaver told Petcash, our...read more

I'm a newbie commuter.

Until last week, when I started driving out here to Nampa from Boise each day, I had never driven to work in my life. During the past years I spent at BSU, I lived close enough to campus that my jobs and classes required only my bike or feet to get me there.

For the first couple of days I listened to the same songs play on the radio over and over. Quickly, I decided I...read more

I was able to talk with Jake Plummer last month quite a bit for my Cavalcade story, and all the recent talk about the Denver Broncos and Jay Cutler has brought the Boise native's name up once again.

Remember, Plummer was essentially booted out of Denver when Mike Shanahan opted to draft Cutler out of Vanderbilt. Well, Shanahan is gone, and new coach Josh McDaniels makes no bones about wanting...read more

I confess - I love muddy trails. And so does Oubles (pronounced Oobles) for that matter

It wasn't always this way. You see, me and Oubles - he's my dog, in case there's any confusion - were perfectly happy on our almost daily hikes in the fall before the wet, wintery fun set in, turning Boise's awesome "Rivers to Ridges" trail network into sheets of ice and then, most recently...read more

After a few months of trying to stop smoking without help, two weeks ago I broke down and bought a box of store brand nicotine patches.

I had been able to cut back substantially. The problem was that I was smoking a lot when I was busy and barely at all weekends and nights. I felt like I was constantly swinging back and forth between withdrawal and overdose.

Since I slapped the first patch onto...read more

Texting is a language unto itself. It perhaps started with e-mail and definitely popularized with instant messaging. But now that we're a generation of frequent texters, phrases like "r u," "gr8" and of course, "lol" are pretty much universally recognized and understood.

Nevertheless, like mastering any language, there's knowing enough to get by, and there's...read more

I don't think I could consider myself a bowler. I mean, I'm not in a bowling league, I don't own my own ball or my own shoes and although I do own a sharp retro bowling shirt, I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a bowler.

I do, however, thoroughly enjoy a game every now and again.

On Saturday, March 14th I traveled over to the Caldwell bowling alley to cover the first-annual...read more

I'm a dog person. I said it. It's not that I dislike cats. I just love dogs.

For pretty much as long as I can remember I have wanted a dog and throughout much of my college years the famous phrase from my mother: "you can have one when you move out" reverberated through my head.

Well, in December I decided that the time was right to adopt a dog. As previously mentioned, this...read more

I'm not really a big fan of the monster trucks and would not pay any amount of money to see them, but I would admit they can be entertaining. The fans at Friday evening's performance is proof of that. Here are some photos of some of the action. Also check out Tuesday Community for some more photos and a slideshow.

For a paper that covers Canyon County, it's interesting to me that currently 100 percent of us news reporters at the IPT commute from Ada County. We all have our reasons for living there — some are long-time homeowners, others want to be near family, others enjoy the pace of life that a bigger city offers. I moved to Boise from Nampa two years ago, but personally, I'd rather live in...read more

Well, if you are a sportsman in the area you have heard about our local Sportsman's Warehouse. It is a sad state of affairs. We NEED places like this in the valley. Our money shouldn't be sent to Meridian or Boise. We need to be investing in this part of the valley. What I can't understand is the swarms of people at the store. OK, let's get realistic, the deals are not great. Some...read more

The recent road rage incident in Boise reminded me of something that happened when I was in my early 20s as a reporter in Little Rock, Ark.

I had been out with friends at a couple of night spots and passed through the Hillcrest neighborhood, which is a lot like the North End of Boise except that it's set on rolling hills and the streets sort of wind around them. I was stopped at a traffic light...read more

As March Madness swings into full effect this week there is plenty to be excited about, however, the sport of baseball will likely be an afterthought at best for most sports fans.

The greatness that is the NCAA Men's basketball tournament has been well documented so I won't waste time to pander to those of you who are in agreement with this fact. Instead I want to remind you that as the...read more

Today's the big day, the brackets will be announced for the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

I know most people are excited, even the non-sports fan. My wife, Kari, has won twice in the past 8 years I think, in "office pools" so even she is excited. And no, she isn't a big basketball fan who follows all the game stuff stuff, just because she is married to a sport reporter.

But...read more

I'm back at work after a successful surgery to remove a kidney stone, but the journey wasn't without its challenges.

I'd hoped to make it back to work by Tuesday after my surgery on March 5. However, because of significant post-op pain and a few unforeseen occurrences, I didn't make it back until this Friday.

The surgery itself went very well. Doctors had me in and out of the operating...read more

I made a photograph today that reminded me of one that I would have loved to have seen as a color negative back in the olden days of film cameras. The frame that would have just popped with the inverse of these primary colors as I would grab the loupe to quickly search the strip of film to find "the shot" without taking the time to have a contact sheet printed.

Long gone are the days of...read more

Anyone who has surfed the Web more than a few times has come across Wikipedia, "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit." As of this writing, the site has 2,791,277 articles in English alone.

While there is a wealth of information available through Wikipedia, users should be wary of implicitly trusting the articles. Always keep in mind that the items can be edited by anyone. I...read more

I count myself very lucky to have found a job in this economic climate. I'm sure not many recent graduates can say they were fortunate enough to find a position in their exact field of study, especially a mere few months after shedding their cap and gown

Naturally, a new job requires some adjustments on my part, getting up early and resigning my jeans to the weekend, etc. But for me, a 35-40...read more

To say it was a rough time for Idaho teams this week at the Western Athletic Conference tournament may be an understatement.

Both the men's and women's teams from Boise State and Idaho fell short in their opening round games. We thought at the very least, one of them would advance to the final —as Boise State did last season when it pulled off a thriller at New Mexico State to advance...read more

Today I was checking out the IPT's Live on Coupons blog. I'm amazed at how much people who are coupon-savvy are able to save on their grocery bill.

That got me thinking about an article I read earlier this week in the current issue of Marie Claire about freeganism. Freegans are people who scavenge for food (and often furniture, housewares and clothing) at the curb or in grocery store...read more

It's often said that freshmen can gain 15 pounds during their first year of college due to their increased intake of alcohol and fast food. But the same can happen in the workplace with the availability of candy, homemade treats, Girl Scout Thin Mints, snacks, and office party leftovers.

While I can't blame every one of the 20 pounds I've gained while working at the Press-Tribune (despite...read more

I'm starting a new diet. No, I hate that word! I'm learning to eat a new way. Does that sound better? Don't we all want to eat "the correct way?"

All my life I have lived to eat the foods that I loved. I have tried many different diets and gained the weight back after I went off the diet. I finally decided it's better not to yo-yo than to be thin.

Why does life have to...read more

"We just won the Itty Bitty Conference Championship! We're going to the Big Dance! North Carolina is going to slaughter us by 50 points in the first round! PAR-TAY!"

For those of you who are wondering, there is no Itty Bitty Conference. But there are lots of itty bitty conferences full of schools with very small enrollments and with at least a dozen words in their titles. Schools and...read more

I'm starting to feel the pangs of that old familiar "get out the seed catalog" fever, as brighter, sunnier and most of all WARMER days happen on a more frequent basis.

Seems like a long time ago since I sat out under my maple tree looking up at the sky through gently blowing leaves. However, I am going to try not to go overboard this year.

Last growing season, my trips to local greenhouses...read more

Barbie celebrated her 50th birthday Monday. It prompted me to pull out my special Barbie. She's aged well. I spent last night reminiscing and reviewing her history. I have many fond memories of playing with Barbie and other fashion dolls with my sister.

Some blame our societal woes on the blonde bombshell. A couple of University of Idaho staffer weighed in. Read the whole story here. But...read more

It's a question that people will sometimes ask me. Usually it's my wife, who's always trying to gain some insight into my thought processes. Usually, the answer is "nothing."

Sometimes, the answer may be profound: M-theory, human psychology, uses for the Large Hadron Collider, the ramifications of Rommel's decision to dig in at El Alamein....

Sometimes, not so much: "Mmmmmm...read more

A tough one to swallow? This isn't digestible.

No. Watching your opponent receive two gift-wrapped points with 25 seconds remaining is like trying to swallow watermelon, and when it's the 4A state title match, it's like being asked to devour an entire elephant. Yet, for all intents and purposes, that's what Miles Hunsinger was asked inside Holt Arena on Feb. 28, as his match versus...read more

This is what I don't like about daylight savings time.

I'm an early riser. And I like to walk for exercise and recreation before I head off to work. I have more energy then, and I can get that part of my routine out of the way when I do it early. I've found the longer I wait to exercise, the more things come up that get in the way of doing it.

So just when it's starting to get light...read more

Saturday, I photographed the 4A championship game in boys basketball between Skyview and Pocatello. It was clearly the best championship game in recent memory. Here is some of the championship action.

One team leaves the floor in a state of pure jubilation, the other, dejected knowing it was one win away from a state championship.

Here are a few of my favorite emotion photos from Saturday evening's Idaho High School State Basketball Championships at the Idaho Center.

The Skyview Hawks defeated Pocatello 59-58 in overtime in one of the most exciting high school basketball games I have ever...read more

A natural gas explosion destroyed half a city block in downtown Bozeman, Mont., on Thursday. Fortunately, only one person is missing, despite the massive damage.

When I heard about it, I was concerned and wondered if anyone I knew was affected. I was flooded with memories of when I lived in Bozeman 30 years ago.

Today's Bozeman is similar in my mind to Aspen, Colo. — an overbuilt, pricey...read more

There aren't many sporting competitions where spectators are allowed on the competition floor, up close with the competitors to cheer them on without guard rails, bleachers, or boundaries to keep them at bay. But that's the nature of the annual Boise State Buck Off Climbing Competition. Just watch out for people falling from the sky.

This past Saturday was my first time as a participant....read more

Things seem to happen in bunches. Have you noticed that? Long spans of time seem to go by, then wham, it all happens at once.

This seems to be one of those times for me when it comes to people I know passing kidney stones. Anyone who has ever experienced this pain can tell you how excruciating it is. I haven't — knock on wood — but a brother of mine who is an auto mechanic had to...read more

"Energy." It's not a shy word, especially when plastered in large print on the front of a box of Crystal Light.

I don't know how I missed it.

For about nine of my 25 years, I was a Dr. Pepper-aholic. It all started with my first job at a grocery store – free fountain drinks while I was on the clock. By the time college came around, I may as well have walked around with a...read more

Getting tired of sitting indoors?

Well, after the rain — and hail — this week, there's a good chance you might be.

The perfect cure might just be a ballgame.

If you like basketball, you can watch the Broncos wrap up their regular season, or watch teams like Skyview and Vallivue chase down state titles this weekend.

But, then again, that puts you right back inside, right?

Well...read more

It's one of the things that first attracted me to journalism. As a reporter, I enjoyed learning and writing about people.

As a page designer/copy editor, I like reading these stories — which also includes the obituaries.

On the nights when I am tasked with posting death notices and obituaries to the Web, I wonder what more there was to the stories of such people. Even a long obit that...read more

I can't believe we're almost upon my favorite day of the year — the day we go on Daylight Saving Time!

Yep, this 2 a.m. Sunday is the time and day. Sure, we lose an hour of sleep. But we gain an hour of daylight in the evening, and to me, that's more than worth it.

Those who know me are more than aware of my aversion to winter. Although it won't be consistently warm for a...read more

On March 1, 2007, I began work as a full time Photojournalist here at the Idaho Press-Tribune. Two years have now passed in what seems to have been the proverbial blink of an eye. For most, two years is not considered a great deal of time to be working in one place and I would generally agree. However, in two years I have seen so much that it almost seems unbelievable to me that it hasn't been...read more

Help! I'm on computer overload and fading fast. And if there is one more username, password or process that I have to squish into my aging brain in order to login into something important, I might just self-destruct.

Ever felt like that? And if you have, what did you do?

The most disturbing result of this hi-tech life we're all living, for me at least, is all that easy stuff that I've...read more

One of the most frustrating parts of spring is the wind. I hate it! I would rather deal with rain than wind. You never really know what you are going to encounter this time of year.

I wait all winter hoping the weather will break into spring.Every year the bright sunny days of early spring finally show up. I have my fishing poles ready, my bow is tuned and waiting to be shot and my turkey gun is...read more

See panorama larger

The panorama of the new printing press on the front of today's paper was made possible with a high-resolution SLR digital camera and Adobe Photoshop CS3. Our photographer Charlie stood in a position in the center of the pressroom where he could see the entire press, then rotated slowly as he captured five photographs of the press from one end of the other, overlapping each...read more

Of all the cool little gadgets I have in my house, my Digital Video Recorder is probably the one which I have the most complex relationship with.

I've been a DVR user for three years now, and quite honestly, I don't know how I ever lived without it. I know for sure that if I took it away now, it would be a tough adjustment for me to get used to.

Honestly, without it, it would be tougher...read more

Boise State senior wrestler Tyler Sherfey has put together an impressive resume thus far.

The three-time NCAA qualifier has not won a Pac-10 title, however, and he'll be hoping to do that when the Pac-10 championships kick off today in Fullerton, Calif.

"It would be great to not only get the title myself, but win the team title again," he said.

Boise State is the defending conference...read more

It has been said that brevity is the essence of wit. If this is true there should be some great nuggets of wisdom on the very popular micro-blogging site Twitter.com where you have 140 characters to answer the question - What are you doing?

You've probably seen it promoted on the top of the IPT website where the paper has been managing a twitter account that sends out breaking news and blog...read more

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about the work that was being done on the 2009 ediion of Cavalcade and how much creativity we were putting into the process. Today, I'm writing to say that our efforts were successful.

The magazine is bundled with the Feb. 28 edition of the Idaho Press-Tribune, and all of us who put so much work into it are proud of our final product.

We took our page design...read more

While my nights at the Idaho Press-Tribune can get hectic and downright frenzied at times, nothing could have prepared me for the fun of working this week while waiting for a kidney stone to pass

One co-worker summarized it as "sitting on a time bomb," a description I find quite accurate and amusing.

Let's start from the beginning.

I woke up last Friday with a slight pinch in my abdomen...read more

My coworkers sometimes make fun of the stockpile of canned fish I keep in or on my desk.

It makes an easy, reasonably healthy meal or snack that I can pop open and eat without having to leave the office if I'm waiting on a phone call or writing on deadline.

For a while, I was eating a can of albacore almost every day. I recently learned albacore generally contains about three times as much...read more

The line between weird and just plain dumb is often blurred (Perhaps melted in this case).

An Indiana teenager, who was soaking her hair in gasoline to cure a case of head lice, suffered second- and third-degree burns when the gas was ignited by a water heater pilot light.

Another story on the unfortunate borderline this week happened in Kansas City. A funeral home returned a body to authorities...read more

Recession certainly isn't for everyone

But after a week of talking with a few fortunate businesses, I found out that for some it's business as usual.

The Idaho Youth Ranch, for one, is thriving. January sales were up 18 percent in January, Ranch officials told me today. As a result of this success, bargain hunters should be delighted to know the nonprofit unveiled its 26th thrift store...read more

One Division I basketball coach in this state has his team playing .500 ball in his first season, and all the talk is about giving him a contract extension.

Another D-I basketball coach has a .654 winning percentage a season after claiming a conference championship and making a trip to the NCAA Tournament, and most of the talk is about firing him.

Something doesn't seem to add up here.

But...read more

I just got a free 12-inch sub from Port of Subs, and the fact that it didn't cost me a dime made it all the more tasty. It was Port of Subs' way of rewarding me for buying their subs 12 times over the past couple years. All I had to do was remember to bring in my Port of Subs reward card each time to get it stamped and signed, and the 13th sub was free. I've found these reward cards to...read more

Canyon County sheriff's captain Dana Maxfield coined a new word the other day when I interviewed him: scannerholics. You know, people (like me) addicted to police radio traffic. The police scanner was going ballistic Tuesday in the IPT newsroom. All day Tuesday it was fight after fight after fight. There were husbands fighting with wives, neighbors getting into it with each other. A fight broke...read more

We received a Cheers and Jeers submission today that I found to be quite revealing. The writer started by cheering a local middle school basketball team for its sportsmanship, but then went on to jeer other schools which, according to the writer, had players who taunt opposing players and coaches, and coaches who yell at other teams' players.

One of the things I've always appreciated about...read more

As John Miller of the Associated Press reported Monday, with Micron's latest round of layoffs, Wal-Mart and St. Luke's Regional Medical Center become Idaho's largest private employers.

Ouch! I hope people like working at Wal-Mart as much as they like shopping there. From Micron to Wal-Mart could be a major step down for someone's personal finances. But Treasure Valley people looking...read more

This past weekend, horse people got a great opportunity as Horse Affairs put on a wonderful show at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds.

You could buy saddles and tack, take a few "how to" classes, even buy or win a horse.

My wife, Kari, and I spent the day on Sunday and took advantage of two of those three things - no, we didn't add any horses to our family.

We even got to enjoy a little...read more

It's almost Cavalcade Day. Every year at the end of February we publish a very special magazine with great stories about Idaho or her people. We featured some great folks last year: Steve Appleton, Troy Mc-Clain, Butch Otter ...

This year the list is equally powerful and entertaining, starting with Bethine Church. We also highlight folk artist Rosalie Sorrels, fine arts champion Sylvia Hunt...read more

If you want to do something really fun this weekend, take a couple of grandkids to the Music Theatre of Idaho's "Suessical the Musical." I took two granddaughters (4 and 5 years old) and it was a treat; much better than if I had gone alone. Watch their reactions out of the corner of your eye and I promise, you will be tickled. Shows are at 7:30 Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Feb. 26...read more

The Boise State Broncos have built themselves as a perennial top 25 football team, and one that can not only reach the BCS, but compete with the big dogs.

But national champions?

ESPN's Bruce Feldman says so.

Click here for his recent chat, and about halfway down, he says "maybe Boise," along with teams like Florida and USC. Also on there? Oregon, against which Boise State opens...read more

In the college game, there's no doubt a coach can carry a team a long way.

As I mentioned in my column after Idaho's win over Boise State last week, I suggested first-year head coach Don Verlin should be well on his way to a contract extension given how he's jump-started the Vandals with his arrival on the Palouse.

Let's make no mistake, he's probably the best hire made at Idaho...read more

It all began with me wondering why wearing the color yellow always makes me feel good. The drab color days before however, are never wonderful. You know. It's those times when I'm committed to staying in ... all day ... dressed in my jammees and house slippers. Don't want to answer the telephone either, just enjoy the time undetected and by myself. But when that "yellow" urge...read more

As a child of the computer revolution and having used the Internet since my childhood, you would think that I'd know the basic rules of technology. I know how to use programs, I know how to surf the 'Net. And, because I design and edit newspaper pages for a living, I know how to save.

Or, at least, that's what you'd think.

One of my greatest weaknesses is that I forget to save until...read more

At last, my French pays off

In high school, I decided to forge into French language. I kept it up in college and even spent some time at the University of Caen on the Normandy Coast.

But unlike my co-workers who speak Spanish, there are few opportunities to actually put the language into practice here in the Intermountain West.

So, I was naturally curious when I came across an e-mail with "Bonjour"...read more

This is a rough time of year.People are getting the urge to venture out, and many are not prepared for the elements. Spring is just around the corner, and most people have been cooped up in their house waiting for the weather to improve. Cabin Fever is a hard thing to deal with. If you are like me, you can not wait to go for a hike or a drive and get back to the reasons we live in Idaho.

Even though...read more

The lady had a chimp.

A chimp that brushed her hair.

A chimp that bathed with her.

A chimp that gnawed her friend's face off.

Just when you think that this end of the galaxy can't get any weirder, out comes the reverse-Jungle Book story of the Connecticut chimpanzee, living the American Dream until he snaps and is shot to death by police after viciously attacking the owner's friend...read more

Many social and political commentators ripped a political cartoon published in the New York Post Feb. 18.

The Post apologized to some for the cartoon.

Is something like this racist even if there is no racist intent?

For some the drawing brought up centuries-long slurs comparing black people to monkeys, a comparison which obviously dehumanizes them. Others said the cartoonist did not mean...read more

Today I met Ray. He wanted only to be known by his first name. Ray is from Texarkana, Texas, and claimed to have carried a wooden cross across 26 states in an effort to "remind people of Jesus."

You might have seen Ray carrying the cross around downtown Nampa this afternoon. I caught up with him on 12th Avenue and took these photos as he walked north to the Canyon County Historical Museum...read more

I know what you're probably thinking when you read the headline to this posting. You're probably expecting me to start ranting about how certain people within the government are taking over, or how this or that person from this or that political party is, as we speak, swooping down in a dark-hued helicopter, ready to whisk you away to an "undisclosed location," where you will be...read more

As the horrific story of a pet chimpanzee that mauled a Connecticut woman appeared before my eyes, I began to get curious about what other kinds of exotic pets people choose to take home.

Sure enough, one visit to exoticpetcenter.com yielded quite the education for me. From ground squirrels to sugar gliders, this place has a little something for everyone, though I must admit I didn't see any...read more

Reporter Jon Meyer reminds me of my grandmother.

No, he doesn't look like her, but I just learned he does ferret away ketchup packets and plastic utensils like she used to.

I'm assuming he's just trying to be prepared for future in-office meals and that he's not some sort of "collector."

My grandmother, or "Nana," as I called her, was a woman who lived through...read more

I just wrapped up a day of proofreading stories for our annual Cavalcade magazine that comes out Feb. 28.

Cavalcade will feature 10 Idaho icons.

And wow - what amazing stories I have read.

Sylvia Hunt, manager of Caldwell Fine Arts, has touched thousands of lives through her passion for art and music. CFA has flourished and expanded under her direction for the past 28 years. I enjoyed reading about...read more

The shrieks echoed across the Mountain View gymnasium — screaming sounds of pain, agony and more pain.

Shawn Heckathorn wailed in anguish, his left arm lying across the mat, his elbow positioned in not-so-ordinary stature. This was something you never wanna see. No. Never.

Seconds earlier, the 152-pound Caldwell grappler got caught in an odd position, resulting in a dislocated elbow. The...read more

With the winter sports season winding down, here are a few thoughts.

— The girls 5A state tournament could have as many as three undefeated teams when it starts next week at the Idaho Center. The favorite to win the state championship will be Coeur d'Alene.

The Vikings beat Vallivue last year for the state title and return almost everybody from that team. With wins against some of the...read more

Idaho ranks third in the nation in three statistical categories that measure economic woes.

The rankings include January foreclosures rates, unemployment growth and food stamp use.

The statistics are on the the Kaiser Family Foundation Web site. The foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation that focuses on the major health care issues facing the U.S.

While Idaho's state government...read more

I've discovered a couple really useful Web sites through my work as the IPT's public safety reporter. Here are some you might want to check out for yourself:

Caldwell Police Department: CPD's Street Crimes Unit put together a great page about gang awareness and current local gang trends.

Traffic cams: Ada County Highway District maintains live camera feeds of I-84 in Ada and Canyon...read more

This past weekend, I joined the ranks of more than 175 million active Facebook users. So far I have 26 friends. I know them or know of them through professional colleagues. This has been an interesting exercise. I'm still a little hesitant how far I want to venture into this new method of communicating. But I'm keeping an open mind.

I twitter. I blog. I'm a linked-in person. I text, mostly...read more

I have seen Tim Behrens perform his one-man act of Patrick McManus several times, and loved it each time. The first time Dan and I saw the show, we were off to one side and could not see the performance very well. That was instrumental in my purchase of season tickets so I could sit in the middle and see everything.

I invited my son and his wife to the show last Friday. Neither had been to a show...read more

A few weeks ago I noticed peeking up out of my mulch and bark front garden, some tiny green leaves.

"What? Flowers are coming up already," I thought.

There were still patches of snow in the yard, and it was much too cold for any serious contemplation of spring! Easy to fix. Just kick the surrounding mulch over the offending shoots and we're back to winter. ... Or so I thought.

Seems...read more

Facebook, like many other social networking Web sites popular these days, has become widespread, making it a useful tool for connecting with friends. It's even found an application in the business world for connecting with clients and interviewees. However, along with Facebook come the many users that spend hours a week sending each other messages, playing games, answering quizzes like "Which...read more

On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Boise State Men's Basketball team upset the No. 21-ranked Utah State Aggies at Taco Bell Arena in Boise. The Broncos put a halt to the Aggies 19-game win streak and their undefeated run in Western Athletic Conference games. Here are a few photos from the game.

Before moving out here nearly four months ago, I had never been to Idaho. Most of my life had been spent east of the Mississippi River, so I really didn't know what exactly to expect. All I really knew about the Treasure Valley was what I had seen on television and what I had been told during my interview process.

One thing I had been told, but had trouble believing, was that there wasn't...read more

If you're planning a skiing or snowboarding trip for your day off Monday, please remember to be safe.

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area announced that Saturday brought 10 inches of new powder to the slopes just in time for the typically busy Presidents Day holiday.

Officials hope the new snow and vacation time could bring back the 10,000 people who crowded the resort in a single Saturday...read more

The Boise State softball team opened up its first-ever season last weekend, and after a pair of losses, won their final two games.

In those wins, the Broncos averaged 10.5 runs per game. Boise State is second among all WAC teams in batting average, hitting .314.

"We hit .360 in our very first game, and that really gave the girls confidence and showed they could play at the Division I level...read more

As a function of my late schedule at the Idaho Press-Tribune, I was privileged to be assigned to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

I got to sit in awe in the Idaho Center and watch as the ceremonies bookended a historic week in Idaho that saw thousands of athletes welcomed, lessons learned and lives changed.

Throughout the week, events...read more

Our breaking news hotline was ringing off the hook: multiple patrol cars had surrounded a home in a south Nampa neighborhood, officers had barricaded the streets, what was going on? A few moments later, more calls came in: a woman was found unresponsive in the street on Powerline Road - or maybe the callers were saying she was trapped under a power line? It all happened so fast I wasn't sure....read more

When you work on the copy desk of a daily paper, it's very easy to fall into a routine, doing the same thing day after day. But the Idaho Press-Tribune prides itself on unique and innovative alternative story formats, featuring different stories and designs than the norm.

And now, work on this year's edition of Cavalcade has started.

While I won't be the one to ruin the surprise of what's...read more

Have I mentioned that there is never a shortage of strange news stories? This week is no exception.

The most bizarre item I saw this week was this one: The city of Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, is missing its "municipal pornography archive." Hmmm.

Leeuwarden historical center spokesman, Erik Krikke, agreed it is unusual for the town to have a pornography collection, then made the mistake...read more

Recently I photographed local celebrity political philosopher Ralph Smeed for an upcoming article in our Cavalcade publication. A lot of us know Smeed for his giant billboard at the corner of 21st Avenue and Franklin Road where he spreads his message and voices his opinion for all passersby to see.

While there, under the new electronic version of the famous billboard, Smeed asked what I thought about...read more

I must admit, I'm becoming more and more of a sports fan these days. And I owe it all to ESPN's "Streak for the Cash."

I never knew I liked English League soccer (if that's even what it's called). I never knew anything much about rugby, let alone heard of the Six Nations Championship. That is until I became addicted to Streak for the Cash.

So what's Streak for the...read more

My daughter recently asked for a raise in her allowance. She is 8 ½; her cost of living has gone up just as it has for her parents. In exchange for the renegotiated allowance, she agreed to increased family duties.

I come from a family where some distasteful tasks are foisted off on the young. Actually, in my case, the jobs were usually foisted without pay and were sometimes not only unpalatable...read more

This time of year, most sports fans start thinking about tournaments — even non-sport fans.

Yep, March Madness is just around the corner and hundreds of thousands of people will fill out those brackets, picking teams to win it all in the NCAA college basketball national tournament.

Heck, a couple years ago I actually won a pool, and my wife, Kari, has won twice. And just a note, marrying a...read more

On Thursday, Feb. 12, I had the opportunity to photograph Vice President Joe Biden landing at the Boise Airport prior to his appearance at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games later that afternoon. Having the opportunity to see the vice president of the United States deboard Air Force Two was quite exciting, however, I was surprised to find that my excitement for the afternoon did not end...read more

Let's face it, much of the news out there downright depressing. Unemployment, foreclosures, crime and Wall Street swindlers steal (no pun intended) the headlines daily.

So, it is does me good to hear something heartwarming once in a blue moon. It restores my faith in man and woman-kind. They are stories of boundless generosity, caring and selflessness. They are tales of neighbors helping troubled...read more

I still really can't get over US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's successful water landing in the Hudson River last month. I don't know the first thing about flying, but I find this incident endlessly fascinating. Sullenberger and his crew (including first officer Jeffrey Skiles and flight attendants Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh and Sheila Dail) appeared on David Letterman...read more

According to an article through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one in four people living in northern latitudes (i.e. Idaho), suffer from seasonal affective disorder. I know several of my friends are starting to feel the effects of it. Of course, you always hear the typical threats to skip the country for a warmer place when snowflakes fly, but between the everlasting inversion and lack of...read more

So I'm sitting here thinking about what the topic of my posting for this week could be, and I pick up an envelope on my desk and look at the return address. Hand-written in blue ink, it identifies the sender as "A. Joe."

Immediately I was transported back in time to my college internship one summer at a radio station in New Mexico. At that time I was planning on going into broadcasting...read more

Several celebrities came to the Global Youth Rally Monday in Boise to spread the word about acceptance of disabilities and a community spirit. Here are some photos of the event.

When I'm not working here at the Idaho Press-Tribune, I try to spend as much time as I can putting my commercial pilot's license to good use by flying skydivers at Skydive Idaho in Star.

I am supposed to go flying tomorrow, but with tonight's storm and the clouds that will no doubt linger, I'm starting to wonder if that will pan out.

Although I'm instrument-rated, skydivers like...read more

Saturday my wife said that she had a trip planned for the family so I should not make plans for Sunday. OK, this sounded like fun ... but what were we going to do? I am not a fan of surprises. All I could get out of her was that we were going for a hike. Well, Sunday morning came and the kids and I had fun getting prepared. My son Chance had got a hydration pack last year, and we loaded it up with...read more

Before the big day (Valentine's Day) arrives, I just have to take an inch or two and tell you about the marvelous valentine given me by a sweet reader.

You might remember when I admitted recently that I'd made an error in an ingredient amount during the transposing of a wonderful recipe (Nut Chews) sent in by Linda Wade.

During my efforts to get the recipe in and published for the Super...read more

Did you know Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were born on the same day?

The 200th birth anniversaries of the two giants of history and science falls on Feb. 12.

While Lincoln is considered perhaps the greatest president in U.S. history, Darwin remains a controversial figure. He's a hero to some and a menace to others.

From a Feb. 8 Associated Press story out of London: "It's...read more

Idaho senators wasted no time to react to the Senate's passage of a nearly $840 billion stimulus package today by a 61-37 vote.

Here's what they had to say in prepared statements e-mailed to media outlets:

"Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo voted against the Senate version of the economic stimulus bill today, concerned that the legislation may become a 'long-term problem that could plunge...read more

I am not your average "cultured" person. But it seems I have tickets to the Nampa Civic Center for three weekends in a row! It is quite a mix of events, so that definitely crosses out the "cultured" part (the other two events were Michael Cooper on Jan. 30 and McManus in Love this coming Friday).

However, I did enjoy the Boise Baroque Orchestra last Friday. Daniel Stern as conductor...read more

In the summer of 2007, I switched jobs for a week with the assistant managing editor of a sister paper, the Bozeman Chronicle. I enjoyed meeting the staff and bringing home some good ideas from the Bozeman folks. Ever since, I've also made it a point to check in on the happenings there from the online version of the Chronicle.

In Sunday's paper, I found one article particularly interesting...read more

If you are without cable or satellite TV and you've made the leap to digital TV, there's a new free source for movies.

Just turn your dial to 12.2 and kick back for old movies, some kids programming and old network TV shows. I can't find much information. There's none on the KTRV Web site. Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchell, Elvis Pressley, a young Nick Nolte were among the stars featured...read more

It's never fun to move, but I can honestly say after packing up and making, hmm, six, seven, eight — must have been about 10 trips — that I am happy to be back in Canyon County.

My wife and I recently moved to Kuna, and while I liked Kuna and enjoyed being in a bit more rural setting, I must admit, it's nice to be in Nampa once again.

First, I now enjoy my 15 minute drive to...read more

It seems like a new, weird Facebook story comes up on the news every day. Just today, I read about a group of members rallying to get Stephen Fry out of an elevator. But with the fascinating comes the frustrating, which Time has published an article about: 25 Things I Didn't Want To Know About You. The responses to what Internet language has deemed a "meme" range from the silly (taping...read more

We live in a weird, weird world. No extensive search is required for anyone to find evidence of that fact. I see more proof of weirdness than most people, though, because I have the opportunity through my job here to read many Associated Press news stories every day.

Numerous strange stories come across the wire every week. Some of them are interesting, like the report of the discovery in Colombia...read more

NAMPA — It was like 10,000 volts shooting through the gymnasium.

Students and parents stood and screamed. Columbia coach Todd Cady jumped off the mat, multiple times— quite a vertical leap — pumping his arm in exultation. The excitement stemmed from the action on the mat, as undersized Columbia heavyweight E.J. Miranda flipped out of danger and earned points toward maintaining...read more

My family moved to McCall from southern California when I was 9 years old. It was a rather drastic change, going from no snow, at all, ever, to so much snow that some winters it didn't melt until May.

But we loved it. Winter in McCall is one of the best parts of living there. The pace of life is certainly slower, but it allows you to take in the wild and untamed beauty surrounding you.

One...read more

I spoke with former Capital High and NFL star quarterback Jake Plummer recently, and one of the topics we discussed was his friendship with Pat Tillman.

For those who may not know, Tillman played with Plummer at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals. He turned down a three-year, $3.6 million deal before the 2002 season, but enlisted as an Army Ranger. Tillman was killed April 22, 2004 while...read more

Vallivue senior Devyn Christensen and Eagle senior Lauren Lenhardt are certainly no strangers to one another. The two have battled each other the past few years in 5A SIC girls basketball play and have played as teammates as members of the Idaho Flash Summer All-Star Travel team.

Thursday's District III-5A quarterfinal game between the Falcons and Mustangs might have been the last time the two...read more

Beware of Windows 7's Starter Edition. When new software is developed, it usually builds on the backs of older software, bringing with it improved functionality, repaired bugs, and more bells and whistles to entice you to give up your old software and fork over cash for an upgrade. Sometimes it fails. But it's bewildering when a company that has developed an operating system used by the vast...read more

Idaho Public Television will maintain its analog broadcasts until June in line with the Congress' extension of a deadline for broadcasters to go all-digital

Previously, over-the-air signals would have been required to go digital by Feb. 17. Lawmakers voted to extend the deadline to buy more time for consumers who have not adequately prepared for the switch.

Now it's up to local stations...read more

Students from Middleton's Mill Creek Elementary and Star Elementary in Star got to meet torch runners made up of law enforcement officers from around the world and a few of the athletes that will compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games this coming week.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is making its way though Canyon County this week.

Here are a few of the photos.

From my reporter's notepad this week, some favorite quotes that didn't make it to print:

"And in another room, the firefighters get drunk."

Sounds like a good time! How do I get invited to that party? Actually, it's not a party.

Nampa Police Department community service officer Yvette Fickel was telling me about "DUI Night" at the department's popular citizen police academy...read more

A view from the copy desk

The rising waters of ignorance in our country are starting to inundate my mind, leaving my nerves short-circuited.

Today, while building the international page for Friday's newspaper, I came across a story out of Puerto Rico.

As Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, I found this more curious than annoying.

Then I began reading this: "SAN JUAN, Puerto...read more

I don't know if this will be as big of a surprise for you as it was for me. But for once, I did get some very useful information from one of those forwarded e-mails that circulates all over the country.

I'm sure you're not unfamiliar with how irritating rolls of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and well, almost every other roll type product can be! You give it a pull and the whole roll shoots...read more

I've reported on 50 or so city council meetings in both Caldwell and

Nampa. Every one of them has begun with prayers that refer to Jesus Christ.

No one that I know of has questioned these prayers to start government

functions in Nampa or Caldwell. But the practice has stirred controversy

in several other communities in the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court just last month denied to hear...read more

Congress gave many TV-watchers a few months more with their rabbit ears.

Citing millions of unprepared consumers nationwide, lawmakers voted to extend the mandatory changeover to digital-only television broadcasts to June 12. The previous deadline was lurking on Feb. 17, a date that analysts say would have left millions without television access.

However, the extended deadline is not just another...read more

This is my first post to 2C etc., and I'm making it a PSA.

In the spirit of American Heart Month (February), I'm encouraging everyone I know to take a CPR class. You truly never know when you will need it. Last month, my dad went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, my family and I were with him, and fortunately, two of us had already been trained in CPR. Long story short, he's healing...read more

Keep those eyes up when you dribble! Move your feet! Box out!

If you have a child who's taking part in the Nampa Recreation Department's youth basketball league this winter and you hear a vociferous coach yelling those things from the bench, it's probably me. On a scale of 1 to 10 — 1 being the quietest youth basketball coach and 10 being the loudest — I would probably clock...read more

We're coming up on the Valentine's Day week, a.k.a the Week of Love at Your Front Porch. Just a few days ago I sent out a plea to readers to submit their love story in our quest for the Best Love Story Ever. I've gotten two wonderful stories so far, but even more phone calls from folks who don't think they have a story to tell.

"I'd like to enter a story, but we didn't...read more

My husband and I were fortunate to attend Michael Cooper's Masked Marvel Friday, Jan. 30. What was really fun was seeing the children interact with Cooper. He had several children on the stage helping with various stunts and it was wonderful how he worked with them to get them to do what he wanted. There was one fellow, however, who managed to steal the show by doing his own thing!

I met Cooper...read more

The prep basketball season is quickly coming to a close. Later this month girls basketball team from across the state will travel to the Treasure Valley, all with the goal of ending their seasons in Nampa at the Idaho Center.

Two weeks after that, the boys will get their turn.

In the meantime, we have district basketball touraments for the girls taking place throughout the Valley. A couple of tournaments...read more

I don't know about you, but the sunshine is getting me all revved up for spring. I have been stuck at home with cabin fever for a while now; my family can attest to this. About this time every year I begin planning all the fun the spring and summer will bring. I have a slew of projects to get done and fun things to try. The only problem is that once spring finally hits, the snow starts falling...read more

Saturday was the second day of the 2009 McCall Winter Carnival. The highlight of the day was the annual Mardi Gras Parade through downtown.

I thought I'd share a few colorful images of the people from this small mountain town who are as interesting as the giant snow sculptures that have been crafted throughout the town for this week's festivities.

The 10-day carnival runs through this Sunday...read more

At the Nampa State of the City Address last month a woman who had experienced a recent financial crisis spoke about how she coped with it. One of the things she did while she got back on her feet was volunteer. "Volunteering is the most selfish thing you can do," she said.

How true that statement is.

I know this from mentoring a Nampa public school student for the past four years. For...read more

I'll be honest: My driver's side door handle broke more than a month ago, and I haven't gone to the dealership to get it fixed. It has just seemed like less of a hassle and expense to roll down my window every time I want to exit my vehicle rather than have a mechanic take apart my door, fix a broken piece of plastic and charge me money that I could have spent on so many other, more pressing...read more

So, the groundhog (or is it a woodchuck here? ) saw his shadow and proclaimed another six weeks of winter.

Tell it to the birds! They're chirping up a storm outside under the blue sunny sky. And I hear it's supposed to hit 45 degrees today. That would be something. It was 24 when I headed into work this morning.

Oh my gosh, I just looked it up and a woodchuck is a groundhog. I was trying...read more

A view from the copy desk

I pose the above question, as countless many have before me, not as a rhetorical one, but as one I wish could be answered.

My vexation comes after a new year seems to have brought with it new, albeit random and isolated, horrors in the form of news stories illustrating monstrous acts of barbarity and cold-heartedness.

Almost every day as I review the daily Associated...read more

On Monday afternoon Morley the Bald Eagle was introduced as the newly crowned mascot of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games to an assembly of students at Morley Nelson Elementary School in Boise.

The Bald Eagle was selected as it was said to exemplify the spirit of both the state of Idaho and the athletes of the Special Olympics Games and was picked over two other native Idaho animals ...read more

Okay, before you accuse me of climbing on the Steeler Nation bandwagon hear me out.

Back peddle to January 1991. I had been on a quest to see my beloved Detroit Red Wings play in every NHL city and Pittsburgh was next on the list. I'd procured a ticket for the Wings and Penguins at the Igloo, pointed my wheels southeast out of Michigan and arrived only hours before the puck was to be dropped...read more

Considering I've not seen every Super Bowl, I can't be too sure, but Sunday's Super Bowl XLIII was pretty solid.

Was it the improbable interception by James Harrison — the longest play in SB history?

How about the hold from Pittsburgh lineman Justin Hartwig in the end zone that gave Arizona a chance to take the lead with less than three minutes to play.

Or was it the catch by...read more

With Super Bowl weekend fast approaching, many of us may be wondering how we'll feed the rowdy crowds sure to pile into our living rooms on Sunday.

As fans huddle around television screens, there is a snacking option that doesn't involve leaving the comfort of your La-Z-Boy.

Albertsons stores offer delivery of finger foods and beverages directly to your front door. The only problem with...read more

Last night's meeting to discuss the Midland Boulevard and Lake Lowell Avenue roundabout had some testy moments. Several residents from the Augusta Subdivision near the intersection where the roundabout is planned had plenty of doubts about whether it was the best solution for the busy four-way stop. Here's my story that ran in today's IPT.

Two consultants and Nampa Public Works Director...read more

As small snowflakes began to fall in the early hours of my shift this evening, my 20-mile commute home to Boise made its way to the front of my mind.

As night reporter here in the IPT newsroom, I get to experience any late breaking news firsthand. After 5 p.m., for robberies and high-speed chases around Canyon County, I'm usually one of the first people to hear about it.

Unfortunately, the...read more

Mensch is Yiddish for a good person, and that's what I found author John Updike to be when I interviewed him on the phone a few years ago. Updike died today at the age of 76.

I read a memoir he wrote in which he talked a lot about how he stuttered when he was a kid. At one point during my interview with him he lapsed into that stutter for only a word. I'll never forget the humanness of...read more

Nampa resident, former IPT and Statesman reporter and former Rep. Bill Sali spokesman Wayne Hoffman will serve as executive director for the new Idaho Freedom Foundation. Here's our story about the new organization.

It will be interesting to see what the new nonprofit, nonpartisan group does. Hoffman said it will be unique in Idaho.

"There's no organization in Idaho that is dedicated...read more

Although the content produced by our newsroom has a local, Canyon County focus, that doesn't make it irrelevant to other parts of the state, or even the nation.

We regularly submit stories and photos to the Associated Press, a global network of journalists that supplies news content to media outlets all over the world. Once these stories are submitted — or "on the wire" —...read more

As legend has it, only Bill Cosby and the Obama family eat for free at D.C.'s renowned hotspot, Ben's Chili Bowl. Which is why I was flabbergasted when the bill came last night, and the waitress told me the chili fries — which were heavenly, by the way — were on the house.

Full disclosure: I was actually eating at the adjacent "Next Door Bar & Grill,"owned by the...read more

I left the apartment about 3 a.m. Tuesday, weary after a sleepless night and anticipating huge crowds. While I had initially planned to walk the three miles to the Capitol, I changed my mind after walking a mile in the wrong direction in freezing temperatures

So I went underground, despite all the warnings. While the train was quite crowded, I had no regrets about the decision until the last stop...read more

Just in case you haven't had your fill of Obamamania, a Boise man has directed a short documentary about the Democratic caucus in Boise earlier this year.

"State of Change" (watch it here) focuses on Super Tuesday, when Idaho voters gave Barack Obama the largest percentage margin of victory for any state during the 2008 nomination process - nearly 80 percent of the vote, according...read more

I like virtually anything with pasta, so I was intrigued with this AP story.

By the way, you can find many ways to use pasta here

By David Twiddy

AP Business Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As struggling consumers turn to casseroles, soup, pasta salad and good old macaroni and cheese to stretch their food dollars, the nation's pasta makers are returning to a rolling boil after many years...read more

Many of you are probably familiar with Caldwell native Nora Carpenter. She was the longtime voice of the local Better Business Bureau and helped countless Idahoans avoid schemes and scams.

Now, she is working in the Washington, D.C. area, after getting a promotion. She sent this e-mail describing the atmosphere in the nation's capital, along with some photos.

I thought I'd share them here...read more

TREASURE VALLEY - Officials with Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area told me over the weekend that despite the troubled economy, they're still having an eventful season

Rider visits are up, and season pass revenue has eclipsed last year's marks by about a half million dollars.

As a skier who's felt his snow budget pinched lately, I was a little surprised that many people are still...read more

Co-workers huddled around the television set in the IPT newsroom this afternoon for President Obama's inaugural address. Several listened to the entire 20-minute speech. (Here's a link to the speech on Politico.com.)

I was busy catching up on e-mails and couldn't watch. But the event reminds me that I have seen plenty of presidential inaugurations. The first was in my first-grade classroom...read more

With about four hours to go before I have to rise for a three mile walk to the Capitol (the metro is expected to be PACKED when it opens at 4 a.m.), I really should be sleeping. But there's a party going on above the basement apartment where I'm staying, and the hoots and hollers throughout the city aren't likely to subside anytime soon.

Monday was a busy day for hundreds of Idahoans...read more

The "We Are One" inaugural concert Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C., featuring a smorgasbord of A-list entertainers, was attended by even more people than what TV viewers might surmise. Arriving about a half-hour before the concert started, I couldn't push my way any closer than nearly a mile away from the stage - closer to the Washington Monument obelisk than the Lincoln statue...read more

MIDDLETON - Last night's District 11 precinct chairs vote to name three people for Gov. Butch Otter to consider appointing to replace former Emmett Sen. Brad Little had an interesting twist. (Here's my story on the outcome.)

The precinct chairs decided to vote using elimination rounds to name their candidates. A straight up vote by 21 chairwomen and chairmen was cast for eight candidates...read more

Some readers may wonder why we didn't have a large front-page story about the jet that survived the emergency landing in the Hudson River Thursday. It's clearly an amazing story of heroism and survival. So I thought I'd explain our rationale.

Each afternoon, a group of editors meet and discuss the potential stories for the front page. Thursday, the meeting included Jenessa Farnsworth...read more

I was driving to the office one evening in mid-November for my night reporter shift (I now work days as the business reporter) and had a strange idea. I knew a likely unprecedented number of Idahoans would be making the trek to D.C. for the 2009 presidential inauguration, and I wanted to go. And knowing I had enough frequent flier miles to book the trip for a substantially reduced price and that I...read more

I was reminded that there was an escape from the doom and gloom fog that has blanketed the valley the past couple days when I took a look at the Bogus Basin web-cam Wednesday afternoon. Fortunately, I was able to make it up the mountain just in time to witness the sunset and the nice couple who were enjoying the view. Here are a few images from the world above the clouds.

Congratulations to the Idaho Press-Tribune photo staff, who swept the top Idaho photos submitted to The Associated Press in December.

Photographer Mike Vogt won News Photo of the Month and $150 for an uplifting shot of Sydney Irizarry, 7, geting a kiss from her father, Idaho National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christopher Irizarry, as he arrived home from Afghanistan after finishing a nine-month assignment...read more

With Idaho's 60th Legislature beginning this week, here are some tips on how to keep up with what's going on.

Check out the Press-Tribune's Democratic Legislators' blog and Republican Legislators' blog.

You can call the legislative information center at the Statehouse annex and talk to a real person who will help you with just about anything. You can also leave messages...read more

The Idaho Press-Tribune isn't the same paper it was 50 years ago, or even five years ago. And that's not a bad thing.

One of the ways the IPT has morphed with the times is through streamlined local stories, both in size and format. Certainly, space in the newspaper is a premium, too, so shorter stories mean more stories. In many cases, we're going to start posting additional material...read more

If you're heading into work at 8 a.m. Mountain Time Tuesday when the inaugural festivities start on the U.S. Capitol steps, you can still catch the historic event online. The Idaho Press-Tribune will have live AP coverage of the inauguration at idahopress.com

In a respite from the bad economic news - locally and across the country - Cost Plus World Market is keeping its Nampa store open even as it closes 26 elsewhere in the nation. Read about it here.

If you think it's hard to remember the new year when you write checks, imagine if you're a reporter who types dates all the time or a proofreader who checks the dates on the page numbers and section fronts of the paper every day.

Last year, we had a spate of problems with '08, so Managing Editor Vickie Holbrook came up with the idea of placing small signs on everybody's computer monitors...read more

We'll, it looks like it's going to be foggy for several days to come. Looking out the newsroom door, it's hard to see past the new Walgreen's going up as our new neighbor at Midland and Nampa-Caldwell boulevards.

Some places, like the western part of the county, seem to be especially bad.

Do you know of any trouble spots to avoid - or have tricks on how to make foggy driving easier...read more

Caldwell's downtown holiday light display will be gone by the end of the week. Head over there and check it out if you haven't already. City workers decorated the area surrounding Indian Creek and the Caldwell Train Depot with more than 180,000 colorful LED bulbs. For those who can't make it out, the city posted a high-definition video of the a display here.

This new blog will be under way shortly.