The Treasure Valley:
- ‘Think Nampa First’ to be modeled on Boise business campaign. I’m really glad to hear about this, but it’s going to take a lot to convince the Nampa-chain-loving-masses that your local joints deserve to be supported.
- Caldwell considers elementary school uniforms.
- Boise council member wants city to buy local.
- Ada County baby girl has probable swine flu.
- Coffee mishap ignites Meridian house on fire.
- Paul Deveau: Hydro project is wise for Valley.
- Dreamy Depot. Cool altered pic of the Boise Depot.
- Rotating Tongues CD now Available.
- Cool pics of foxes at Indian Creek Winery in Kuna.
- Nampa Customers Take on Burrito Challenge.
Idaho Politics:
- Kevin Richert — Day 114 and counting: political Darwinism. I posed this question to Thanh Tan of Idaho Reports yesterday; is Sen. John McGee sabotaging his higher office aspirations by supporting Gov. Otter? He’s going to make it easy for a weak Conservative candidate to take him out in what will be a crowded primary.
- Rep. Walt Minnick ‘not interested’ in running for governor in 2010, spokesman says. He’d make a good one, and is one Idaho Democrat who would have a betting shot at winning — depending on his opponent.
- Michael Tomlin (doesn’t get it): The stalemate that is not. This isn’t the legislative process working itself out; this is deciding which faction is in control of Idaho’s GOP right now — at the cost of Idaho taxpayers.
- They can’t find something productive to do? They’re adults in age, adolescents in maturity. Solitaire? Really?
- Semanko: Little link between GOP confab, tax fight. uh huh…
- (via 43rd SB) Jesus’ General punks Idaho militia. Hilarious. In case you need another dose of hilarity, here is the Idaho militia’s website.
- Denney kills Sunshine Law expansion. Works out that being petty also helps conceal where your money comes from. TvA elaborates.
- Idaho Statesman: Like it or not, this should be a slow process.
- Vickie Holbrook: Who will run against Nancolas?
- Randy Stapilus: A divided camp.
Booze:
- I weep in anticipation of trying this brew. Update: Got it!
- Another Deschutes brew I need to get my grubby little paws on. I’d expect this one to make its way to the Co-op. Update: They have it, got it!
- Some of Stone’s freshly kegged beers.
- Pennsylvania Beer Pong game turns deadly.
Grub (in praise of asparagus):
- Serious Eats — In Season: Asparagus.
- New York Times: Asparagus’ Breaking Point.
- Serious Eats — Dinner Tonight: Asparagus and Rice Soup.
- Brick 29 in Nampa has an awesome seasonal asparagus bisque topped with feta that is pretty outstanding.
- Spring’s New Spears.
- Asparagus is one veggie you should be making it a point to buy Idaho, there is no reason to buy asparagus from out-of-state or out of the country. I also dare ya to find out of the area asparagus that is better than the local stuff.
- My favorite way of eating this great veggie: tossed with olive oil, fresh cracked pepper, kosher salt and grilled for about 6 minutes. Divine.
- Slate: Scratch That. How cost-effective is it to make homemade pantry staples? This was a pretty enlightening article, make sure you check it out.
- Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Cabbage Slaw.
- Barbecue Burgers Recipe. Looking like it’ll be a grillin’ weekend.
- Book Review: The Beerbistro Cookbook, Beaumont Morin.
Admin:
- Disqus is gone, it was going away anyway so no big loss. My patience only lasts so long.
Nice grub section today. Add a touch of balsamic to the grilled asparagus and I’m totally with ya, though it’s pretty damn tasty without as well. Starting to see local asparagus in the supermarkets over here now that it’s more the season. Good to have a local source when can’t make it to the Saturday market.
Thanks, there is some good lookin’ stuff up there.
Hey, I’ve got no qualms about adding balsamic to, well, just about anything.
Chris:
Would you consider posting this link - http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/05/hey-sarah-palin-wanna-shoot-wolf-come-idaho
I don’t know much about the wolf controversy, but I am not surprised by the governor’s attitude.
Sure, I’ll put it up in the morning.
Hey–I disagree about the Nampa chain-loving masses! We just need to make sure the good experiences are open to all and staying local is not an elitist proposition. Everyone wants/needs to be made welcome on a genuine level. There is a really wonderful vibe going on in Downtown Nampa right now. I hope the open and artistic feel continues. If it does, word will spread and people will return over and over again. People will show up where their needs are met and they're made to feel welcome. It's about caring for each other as a community. Downtown Nampa is moving in the right direction. It takes time and hard work, but I really like what I'm seeing!
I dunno, as a Nampa guy myself, I think I can say it’s pretty apparent that Nampa people love their chains. I hope people realize that there is nothing elitist about staying local, but it does take some convincing to get people to realize that.
People like what they know, hence they’ll go drop 120 bucks at Outback to eat bagged frozen food, but look at you funny if you suggest they check out Brick 29.
The loss of Market Limone will be a slight blow to Downtown Nampa, but we’ll rebound, it’s progress, two steps forward, one step back, but sometimes that’s just how it goes. You did nail that; “People will show up where their needs are met and they’re made to feel welcome”, that’s why some places have thrived (Flying M Coffeegarage) and others haven’t.
Maybe the House members “leadership” (using that term loosely) could find something productive for them to do?! Get started on the interim committee to deal with highway underfunding say, or a new plan to support education in Idaho?
Yeah I know, I’m talkin’ crazy here.
That’s better than what I was thinkin’; I was kinda goin’ along the lines of dishing out grub at the soup kitchen or something, if they’re on the public’s dime they might as well be doing something useful.
I’d hate to bore them with necessities like you’ve listed above.
Ya know, I’m beginning to think you have ‘this thing’ about beer.