the unequivocal notion

House of Kim

We love ya, we really do, but until you get your beer & wine license back -- we probably won't be back.

I'm not sure what the issue is but House of Kim has been beer-less for the last 6 months, and frankly, if you're eating their Mandarin Spicy Chicken ya need a beer. I think I can now say that I'm kinda gettin' tired of being seated and asked what I'd like to drink only to hear that there is still no booze in the house (this would have been the 3rd time).

I don't like leaving restaurants before I've even eaten, but adults like adult beverages, especially with spicy Chinese food -- and I really don't like getting the runaround.

Still some of the best Chinese food in the valley for lunch. Download their menu here. (pdf)

The devil's playground

I had to stop by Karcher Ranch Market on my home for some produce and saw something that I hadn't seen there in the dry chilies bin before; dried habaneros.

No idea what they'll be going into yet, but I'm sure it'll be good. And hot.

"We had two bags of pasilla, seventy-five chipotles, five bags of high-powered chiltepin peppers, a saltshaker half-full of guajillo powder, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, laughers, screamers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a bag of dried habaneros, and two bags of anchos. Not that we needed all that for dinner, but once you get locked into a serious chili collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can. The only thing that really worried me was the habaneros. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an habanero binge, and I knew we'd get into that rotten stuff pretty soon."

*apologies to H.S.T.

Then, um go home and don't come back

Seriously.

Eye On Boise:

Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, opened this morning’s Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee hearing with this comment: “Welcome everyone – we wish we weren’t here.” Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, responded, “The House concurs, Mr. Chairman – we wish we weren’t here either.

I've never understood why people who hate government to no end want to be a part of it.

Idaho's road problem

I wanted to point out an editorial that the Idaho Press-Tribune had in the paper yesterday, but it's not online (update: found it... it was hiding)-- it was however a great read  on the Idaho Legislature's failure to solve our road problems.

So instead I'll point out the Idaho Statesman's Our View, also from Sunday's paper:

Our View: When it comes to road funding, something beats nothing

Gov. Butch Otter has taken a courageous position, on behalf of everyone who drives Idaho's aging or crowded highways.

He has spent months lobbying lawmakers - and taxpaying motorists - on the need for an additional $200 million a year to repair existing thoroughfares and build new ones. For a governor who prides himself on fiscal conservatism, this is a bold step. This is an equally bold step for a conservative Legislature, and Otter knows it.

So it is surprising, and dumbfounding, that Otter has picked a public fight with lawmakers who are willing to meet him part of the way.

read the whole thing...

I'm frankly not sure where the Statesman is going with this... there is no halfway for road funding, these things needed to be done 5-7 years ago. A pretty well respected traffic engineer who I've spoken to said that the valley infrastructure appears to be 10-15 years behind the valley's population. And the current plans for improvement will only bring us up to the present, if not a few years behind. We need to plan and build our infrastructure for at least 15-20 years in advance. At this stage in the game, adding only one more lane between Meridian and Nampa won't really solve any problems, the roads will still be just as treacherous during the rush hours. And if the oversight is like it was after the last phase of I-84 improvements, then we'll have wagon ruts again in a few years.   

It needs to be done, no matter how we have to fund it. I guess after reading the whole piece I'm just a tad confused as to why the Statesman editorial board goes after Otter for trying to get things done and giving the legislature a free election year pass. Idaho's population is exploding whether or not the legislature likes it, there is nothing that can stop that, and it's the legislature's duty to find funding to keep our roads safe. Not to waste time thinking of "state beverages", making up problems like "coerced abortion" or debating "liquor licenses" for special interest groups.

Oh, and speaking of the legislature, I found some laptops for them, they are considerably cheaper than the $2500 per laptop that they requested.

Weekend Tunes

Will it ever stop raining edition.

It's Travis and their video for "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?"

Question...

If Jerry Brady was governor right now and he was getting after Idaho's Legislature would we be calling it a "temper tantrum"?

Let's just call it what it is -- a governor is trying to get things done and he's got a do-nothing legislature in his way.

Otter, laptops and will

Ok, I'll admit, I like this:

Gov. Butch Otter has issued another line-item veto, this time scratching out the funding for the Legislative Services Office for technology upgrades and to purchase 108 laptop computers next year for use by legislators. Though he doesn’t mention it in his veto message, the swipe appears to be payback for the Senate having voted to override his veto of substance abuse treatment funds.

Otter said the $274,000 line-item veto came because the Legislature didn’t join in a new money-saving effort to consolidate computer purchases under the Department of Administration.

1. They don't deserve them. Once they start helping Idahoans, Idahoans will help them. This session has been next to meaningless.
2. If they didn't/wouldn't consolidate their request for laptops with the Dept. of Administration to save Idahoans money then they don't deserve them. If they are incompetent then they also don't deserve them. Give ye and shall receive.

Right now the GOP in Idaho Legislature are playing chicken with Idahoan's lives so that they may stay in office yet another term. They are refusing to address transportation/road issues because it's going to result in taxes being raised -- which they will not do in an election year. Make no mistake, they'll do it once next session starts up, but they won't do it now so they can get elected once again. Elections are more important than lives; don't ever forget that, citizen.

Otter's full statement yesterday:

“I’ve been working hard on this issue ever since I came into office, explaining the statewide needs and the urgency of acting now, developing options and building support. I also have worked with legislators every step of the way. But in the end it’s the relatively narrow focus that goes along with representing an individual district that keeps legislators from acknowledging the challenge of a nearly quarter-billion-dollar statewide transportation infrastructure backlog or embracing any way of addressing it.

Simply put, there is a shortage of vision and political will within the Legislature to do what needs to be done this year.  But the problem doesn’t go away with the 59th Legislature. I will continue working with experts and stakeholders alike to develop a long-term solution for the 2009 session.”

This is exactly what happens when you have one party rule. I'm not saying the Democrats wouldn't do the same thing, but right now it's the Republicans in Idaho. We have to have balance if we want to get anything accomplished. Right now, because the GOP has a super majority of the power they could give a rats ass about doing anything. Sure, once the session is over there will be back slaps, good jobs, and hugs being passed around, but once again, not a damn thing was accomplished.

Yet, Idahoans will continue to put a check mark next to any mass of breathing flesh that has an "R" next to it once again. Then next session they'll go and complain about their grocery taxes, property taxes and roads once again.

On another note:

A commenter at Eye On Boise pointed out that $274,000 for 108 laptops is about $2500 per laptop. Hmm, that's not very fiscally responsible if you ask me, I mean, we're not talking about MAC's here, at least we shouldn't be. Sharon Fischer (whom I hope is in the legislature next year) also pointed out they were using IBM Thinkpads and $2500 is what they paid 4 years ago. Now, I'd say that yes, 4 years ago you had to pay that much for a decent laptop, but now? Um, no.

Hmm, lets see; 15" IBM Thinkpad T61 Series with 80gig HD, 3gigs of RAM w/ Vista Business will only run about 1100-1200. I'd like to know where the rest of that money is going. I mean, we all they are doing is basic word processing, browsing the internet (Lord knows they do a lot of that) and email, right? I mean, we're not talking any audio or video editing and I certainly hope we're not talking about any gaming.

Interesting.

Grilled mahi-mahi w/ honey chipotle pineapple sauce

Not as quick as the pizza, but still only about 30 minutes to get it to the plate.

I wasn't going to take any pictures but it turned out better than I thought it would. I wish I could have gotten a better picture but my wife was yelling at me to sit down. Let's just say my wife isn't as enthusiastic about taking pictures of warm food as I am.

Hmmm...

One would think that a good memory would be a helpful attribute for a County Prosecutor to have.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd... Denied.

A note to Canyon County Commissioner David Ferdinand: Forgetting a loaded gun in your carry-on is not like forgetting a 4 ounce bottle of hairspray in your carry-on.

Idaho Statesman:

Judge denies motion to dismiss Canyon official's gun charge

County Commissioner David Ferdinand is scheduled to stand trial on a charge of trying to carry a weapon past airport security after a motion to dismiss the misdemeanor was denied Wednesday.

Attorney David Leroy filed the motion March 19, the same day Ferdinand pleaded not guilty. Leroy said investigators and Ferdinand agree he was not aware the gun was in his backpack when he went through airport security, so there is no assertion that he knowingly tried to bring a weapon onto a plane.

A judge ruled on Leroy's motion Wednesday with the notation "Denied! Clearly a trial issue." A trial is scheduled July 16 and a pretrial hearing June 17.

While I'm sure jail time isn't necessary, I'm sure he'd have a good time wearing a orange road vest and picking up garbage on the airport grounds for about 120 hours would be sufficient. Oh, lemme guess, $250 fine, 1 day in jail, 1 day suspended -- lesson learned.

First person to mention that damned "personal responsibility" thingy gets a lollipop.

Making Nampa a bit greener

KTRV:

City of Nampa Helps Green Up Homes

Nampa, Idaho- The city of Nampa is so serious about beautifying its neighborhoods, officials plan to help residents green up their front yards.

The city's urban forestry department is buying Maples, Plums and many other trees in bulk.

They're offering them to homeowners at low prices and providing free consultations to help people choose the best type of tree for them.

On top of that, the city is offering to take care of the planting for free.

Nearly all Nampa residents are eligible for the program.

You can read the official press release from the city here (pdf).

Revolving doors

It's always nice when the Idaho GOP show their true values -- profit at the taxpayers expense.

Easy dinners...

...are the best.

Judge tosses Robert Vasquez's legacy

Idaho Statesman:

Appeals court rejects Canyon County's immigration suit
Canyon County had sued four companies and a migrant leader contending that they hired and helped undocumented workers.

A federal appeals court rejected Canyon County's effort to use federal racketeering law to sue four agri-businesses and the former head of the Idaho Migrant Council for allegedly hiring and helping undocumented immigrants.

[...]

Information on how much the county has spent to pursue the RICO suit was not available Monday. After the original suit was dismissed in U.S. District Court near the end of 2005, former Commissioner Robert Vasquez said the case had cost the county $20,000 up to that point and estimated an appeal would cost $2,000 more.

I'm sure they'd say that was money well spent. I'd disagree.

Back story from NPR.

Emissions testing most likely coming to Canyon County

I don't really see any problems with this, we are after all just as much a part of the Treasure Valley as Ada County is.

Idaho Statesman:

Bill that requires emissions testing in Canyon clears Senate
Otter, who had opposed the concept, is expected to sign the measure.

The Idaho Senate Monday voted 20-15 to require Canyon County auto owners to join Ada County drivers in a testing program aimed at reducing air pollution.

The bill would allow the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to test emissions in any state region where pollution levels are close to exceeding the federal health standards and where cars are one of the top two sources. But with the Treasure Valley already exceeding federal ozone standards that could limit road building and add costly restrictions on industry, the debate is mostly about Ada and Canyon counties, where 42 percent of all Idahoans live.

"For those of us who live in this Valley, this may be one of the most important votes we make this session," said Boise Republican Sen. John Andreason.

With how bad the air quality has gotten in the Valley in the last 10 years it was/should have* been clear that something needed to be done.

*"Should have been clear" to the Treasure Valley Senators who voted against the measure: Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian; John McGee, R-Caldwell; Shirley McKague, R-Meridian; Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa.

Legalized poker in Idaho -- why not?

KTVB:

Woman pushes for legalized home poker games

COEUR D'ALENE - Wendy Nutting is moving all in to try and get the state to allow home poker games.

The northern Idaho woman has been named Idaho state director for the national Poker Players Alliance.

She's betting that a lot of fellow residents agree with her that the state is wrong to ban cash games in private residences.

I think we all know how far this will get.

Bryan Fischer's readers

Even he thinks they are idiots.

From an IVA Action Alert RE: the media/pledge non-story:

The editor of the Idaho Statesman, Kevin Richert, has called this nothing more than a "kerfuflle," meaning something light and airy and of no consequence, a tempest in a teacup.

But it is clearly more than that. When the press corps refuses to declare its allegiance to the same Republic we all are part of, it’s no wonder the public at large begins to question the quality and objectivity of its reporting.

Man, I'm glad he defined "kerfuffle" for me, otherwise I'd still be sittin' here thinkin' that Kevin Richert called me a name or something.

Politics touch us all

I admittedly, didn't think much of this as I didn't know much about it, or, know its implications on Idaho's citizenry.

That is until I learned that it affected a member of my own family.

A warning

Stupid -- it's known to burn.

For the record, I thing Rep. LeFavour is going to have a long and legislatively prosperous career in Idaho politics.

Bryan Fischer... an olive branch... lol...

Weekend Tunes

"Thank God it's spring" edition.

It's the Grateful Dead performing "St. Steven" on Playboy's After Dark back in '69.

Time to open the windows, mow the yard and clean out the garage. The patio is once again open for business for yet another summer.

Potential filing from Cramer?

Clayton Cramer:

Not Busy Enough

I spent the evening talking to a very large number of Idaho legislators--and I have been strongly encouraged to run for state senate against Tim Corder. The filing deadline is tomorrow, so I will need to get on this. I'll start begging for campaign contributions soon! You will have to comply, too, so that I don't get corrupted by all those contributions from George Soros, the Violence Policy Center, and the Human Rights Campaign!

This would be interesting.

He says not busy enough, but Jesus, I've never seen someone comment on sooo many different websites all day long. Maybe if he wasn't looking himself up every 15 minutes he could free some time up -- just a thought.

Never forget

The internet is forever.

More on 11th Ave. Crosswalk

Yesterday Nampa residents heard more plans from the city on the new crosswalk that will be constructed on 11th Ave. N. by Paul's Market.

Idaho Statesman:

Residents hear plans for North Nampa crosswalk
Calls to improve safety on 11th Avenue North increased after a woman, 85, was killed March 3rd.

North Nampa residents Wednesday got two pieces of news they've been awaiting for several years.

Walking to their neighborhood grocery will become much safer in about three months when the city installs a lighted crosswalk across a dangerous stretch of 11th Avenue North, with an island midway across the road.

And a long-awaited master plan for the city's north side will be completed and presented to the public as soon as May.

[...]

The crosswalk design divides the crossing into two parts: Pedestrians will cross one direction of traffic to an island, then turn toward oncoming traffic to walk about 20 feet to the lighted path across the remaining two lanes.

Each half of the crossing will have pedestrian-activated flashing lights embedded in the pavement and mounted on poles on either side of the road.

Because of the two-part design, pedestrians won't have to cross more than two lanes at a time, and traffic will continue flowing in the two lanes not being crossed, Dale said.

One tradeoff for drivers: Cars coming from the Lakeview neighborhood on 3rd Street North will no longer be able to turn left on 11th to head downtown.

I'm really glad that the city is doing something here, it's always seemed that this area is one of the only in Nampa where quite a few residents walk to their neighborhood grocery store. Sure, some people do that live around other grocery stores in Nampa, but you always see people trying to cross the road to get to Paul's when you are driving down 11th Ave.

Should this have been built sometime ago? I'm sure if you ask some people that answer would be a resounding "yes", but at least plans are now in motion. Hopefully as Nampa's revitalization projects begin to pick up speed we'll see greater portions of Nampa become more pedestrian friendly.

You learn something new everyday

Today I learned there is a really kick ass band in Nampa that I'd never even heard of in my tiny little bubble.

From IPT's PLAY:

The Invasion begins April 23 …

It’s not often a local band lands on the cover of PLAY (actually “More,” the predecessor to PLAY), but Nampa indie wonders The Invasion are certainly worthy of such distinction.

That’s why it’s exciting to find out the band is set to release their first full-length debut “How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Madness” in April. Judging from a few song samples posted on the band’s web site, The Invasion has taken an ambitious step forward in carving out an identity that transcends obvious comparisons, most notably to Radiohead. I’m looking forward to hearing the entire album.

The band is celebrating the release of the album with a party at Boise’s Big Easy on April 23. Stay tuned.

Check out their website and you can hear samples from the songs on their new album. Really good stuff, and what is surprising for the valley, it is really polished, one of my major complaints about most original bands in our area.

Tamarack get theirs

But you silly citizen; don't get yours.

Gov. Otter signed the all important legislation allowing Tamarack Resort 12 liquor licenses. So, assuming Tamarack Resort has 1200 (I'd think that's reasonable, there didn't seem to be too many people up there the times that we've been) people a day, that'd be one liquor license for every 100 people. Even bumping it up to 2400 people it'd be one license for every 200 people.

What do the rest of us get? 1 liquor license per 1500 people. Special interest politics at its finest.

To be clear, I don't care that Tamarack has that many licenses, I think that it is great, but regular Idahoans shouldn't have to deal with the morality police and their archaic liquor laws. Gov. Otter needs to whip his task force into gear and remove control of Idaho's booze from Idaho's GOP led Legislature. Let's see that "free-market" mentality that we heard so much about during Otter's campaign.

Updated

Well, that was quick. Otter lays the hammer down (thanks Sisyphus!). Full text of Gov. Otter's letter to Idaho's Legislature RE: These stupid goddamn special interest liquor bills.

Lynndie England - still an idiot

Wow.

Updated

Well, that's the last time I link to the Idaho State Journal, apparently they didn't know that changing the story on a URL is a internet no-no.

Funny, kind of, in a bad way

This one story, above all, exemplifies the state of Idaho's GOP led Legislature.

I was going to say something about it, but Sisyphus pretty much sums it up nicely in the comments -- only, I'd cast that comment on about 80% of Idaho's Legislature.

I bet the most hilarious thing about this was that she was probably pissed off after the whole thing transpired. I can only imagine. While it'd be nice the the Democrats to pick up this seat, at least Rep. Snodgrass would be a marked improvement over Sen. McKague.

What a joke.

More at RSR

New local beer blog

Patrick Orr of the Idaho Statesman has started The Beer Nut, a blog about beer on the Idaho Statesman's Voices website.

More roundabouts coming to Nampa

I'd heard about two of these a while ago, but apparently there are even more in the works.

Idaho Press-Tribune:

Nampa looks at more roundabouts

NAMPA — Nampa is looking at building four more traffic roundabout intersections in coming years.

The city opened its first roundabout at South Happy Valley Road and East Amity Road in East Nampa in 2006. Plans are in the works for more roundabouts at North Middleton Road and West Orchard Avenue in West Nampa, South Midland Boulevard and Lake Lowell Avenue in Southwest Nampa and East Franklin Road and Star Road-North Robinson Boulevard in Northeast Nampa.

The city is also looking at a roundabout at East Greenhurst Road and South Happy Valley Road in East Nampa, Mayor Tom Dale said.

As a huge fan of roundabouts I'm glad to see Nampa leading the valley and the state in their usage.

I don't think enough can be said about the safety and ease of use of roundabouts. I had dinner a little while ago with a pretty established traffic engineer (he had constructed Utah's first roundabout) and he couldn't say enough about them -- cheaper, easier to maintain, and once people figure them out much safer than a stop sign or traffic signal.

After all it's always better to get sideswiped at 15 mph in a roundabout than it is to get broadsided by a Suburban going 55 mph that just ran a stop sign.

Dave Young to run for re-election

The only surprising thing that might come of this is that Young just may have too much baggage this time around.

No election day booze for you, ole' chap

Eye on Boise:

Election Day liquor bill killed - on St. Paddy's Day?

In a surprising move, the Senate has just killed HB 348a, the bill to end Idaho’s ban on Election Day liquor sales – on a 16-16 tied vote. But three senators were missing from the floor, including at least one who was delayed in a House committee hearing and wanted to vote in favor of the bill. There may be a move to reconsider the vote. That would require someone who voted on the prevailing side – against the bill – to ask for reconsideration.

Because you citizen, are not smart enough to choose when you should or should not enjoy a cocktail. Idaho's GOP only dislikes big government when it's not their big government.

Well, I guess I'm gonna' hook up my horses to the ole' buggy and head down to the saloon for some warm beer -- 'cause apparently we are still living in the wild west.

We'll have to see if this gets a re-vote, could make it a bit more interesting.

MEDIA: KBCI, KIFI, KTVB

To add insult to injury; our booze squeamish friends to the south approved election day booze sales in bars and restaurants last month.

Updated

The bill passed after a re-vote. Score one for sanity.

Going smokeless in Boise bars?

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this.

KBCI:

Proposed smoking ban in Boise

BOISE - David Crawford, a smoker, knows that 20 years of lighting up have not been the best for his health.

"I've quit 100 times. Maybe one day it'll stick," Crawford said.

A group of health advocates, known as "Smokefree Boise," is proposing a ban on smoking in Boise bars.

"There's a trend towards going smoke-free nationwide. Of course, we're definitely not breaking new ground here. Other states have done it and have had huge successes," said Katie Whittier, a spokesperson for Smokefree Boise.

On one hand I love smoke-free establishments, but on the other hand, that's a choice I make, not a choice I want made for me. It's just a personal preference that I've developed in my elder years, but that is what it is, a preference.

I just don't think that forcing smokers to congregate at the entrance to places where you choose to be is necessarily the right thing to do.

Weekend Tunes

St. Patty's day edition. It's The Pogues and "If I Should Fall from Grace with God"

My wife's family has quite a bit of Irish in 'em so they like to really throw down come St. Patrick's Day weekend. Which is fine by me, lots o' Guinness, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Jameson and other assorted goodies.

Randy Jackson responds

Randy Jackson responds and a Youth4Revolution member leaves an incoherent comment over at New West.

A thought...

While I'm sure that the intention is noble, I can't seem to think that calling your school "Original Gangster's Basic Academy of Delinquency Development" is the greatest idea ever.

Updated

The linked story yesterday had "Delinquency" instead of "Development".

Update II

Linked story correctly labeled the school "Development" and not "Delinquency", it musta been another outlet I read that had it "Delinquency". This is exactly why you can't trust us weblogger people; we have short attention spans, or at least I do.

Update III

I just want to say this is a lot of updates for an original post that was only one line.