the unequivocal notion

Today’s Must Read:

• Ysabel Bilbao: Ada County stood to gain lion’s share of gas tax monies.

Ada County would have gotten the biggest share at $3.4 million. Unlike other counties, Ada’s entire share would go to the Ada County Highway District. Because Ada is the only county with this type of entity, ACHD would distribute all the funds to the cities in need.

But Ada County representatives were opposed to the plan.

“You have to remember the families in Idaho are struggling, this is some of the worst economic times some of us have seen, myself and you included,” said Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star. Canyon County was in line for $1.7 million. The city of Nampa would have received around $464,000, and the city of Caldwell more than $230,000.

Despite those large sums, House members voted against the bill.

Call it either courage or stupidity.

The Treasure Valley:

• KBCI: Live cam of falcons nesting in downtown Boise. Webcam here.
• McCall Air to start commuter plane service between Boise and McCall Friday. I saw this was like “sweet!”, I mean, for 50/ ticket I’d be down, but $269-$310?! Oy, I’ll just drive, thanks.
• Nampa man challenges Boise officer to a fight, loses.
• Michael Boss: You say you want a revolution? Great read.
• Idaho Statesman: Less stealth, more openness is prudent.

Idaho Politics:

• Great read from the Idaho Press-Tribune — Otter’s vetoes tough, but road problem merits them: Lawmakers need to make tough decision to address transportation deficiencies this year and worry about their re-elections next year. I hate having House legislators who only think 2 years out, they’re more concerned about staying in office than doing anything while in office.
• Popkey: Gov. Otter takes a different tack by deploying former House Speaker Bruce Newcomb.
• Boise County Republicans vote “non-confidence” in Otter vetos. Ouch.
• House Democrats close caucus again. Close it or keep it open, but for the love of God quit making it a news story.
• Case in point — Kevin Richert: The (occasionally) open caucus.
• Sen. Nicole LeFavour: Dumb Ideas.
• Eye On Boise — House Dems: Leery of general fund shift (as they should be), A four-part plan… and AAA blasts latest road plan, oy, I think we may still have another week of bacon and egos.
• Kevin Richert: Equal-opportunity cartoonists.
• 27 Idaho House members absent or excused Friday. Yay for getting things done. What a waste of a state government.

Politics:

• Sean Hannity Offers To Be Waterboarded For Charity.
• Keith Olbermann offers to donate $1,000 for every second Sean Hannity can endure waterboarding.
• So how much longer will Shepard Smith be at Fox News (NSFW language)? I always knew I liked this guy.

Booze:

• Boozy read from the Boise Weekly: Getting in the Spirit — What’s the real deal with Idaho-made vodkas?
• Hit up the Alberstsons on Greenhurst and 12th yesterday, they had a couple different Lagunitas six-packs, Fat Tire in cans and also Stone’s IPA — first time I’ve seen a Stone six-pack in a grocery store in Nampa. It’s nice to see good craft beer here in Nampa.
• Mint-Infused Bourbon.
• Last night I drank a Budweiser American Ale. I had this one time too, really, all things considered, it isn’t a bad beer.
• Check out this awesome video from Stone Brewing’s Greg Koch. Kinda makes ya want to shed a ltear for the little guys who brew such awesome swill.

Grub:

• Can I Eat Rhubarb Leaves? Love me some rhubarb.
• Scallops and Asparagus: A Perfect Pair. Looks absolutely freakin’ awesome.
• Potato Salad Two Ways.
• Sweet & Sour tofu with garlic and Serrano peppers: