Boise Weekly Vol. 18 Issue 24

LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWS, OPINION, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WWW.BOISEWEEKLY.COM VOLUME 18, ISSUE 24 DECEMBER 9–15, 2009

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TAK EE E ON E! NEWS 7

CHARTER CONNECTION Are Boise’s charter schools what Obama has in mind FEATURE 11

REAL WORLD REFORM How proposed healthcare bills could affect real lives ARTS 34

NUTCRACKER REDUX Real life sibs play Ballet Idaho parts SCREEN 35

THE MESSENGER Woody Harrelson is the bearer of bad news

“We haven’t had anybody cut their ear off yet.”

FIND 25

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

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BW STAFF PUBLISHER: Sally Freeman Sally@boiseweekly.com Office Manager: Shea Sutton Shea@boiseweekly.com EDITORIAL Editor: Rachael Daigle Rachael@boiseweekly.com Arts & Entertainment Editor: Amy Atkins Amy@boiseweekly.com Features/Rec. Editor: Deanna Darr Deanna@boiseweekly.com News Editor: Nathaniel Hoffman Nathaniel@boiseweekly.com Staff Writer: Tara Morgan Tara@boiseweekly.com Listings: Juliana McClenna calendar@boiseweekly.com Proofreaders: Jay Vail, Annabel Armstrong Interns: Andrew Crisp, Blair Davison, Jeff Lake, Kelly McDonald Contributing Writers: Bill Cope, Bill English, Travis Estvold, Jennifer Hernandez, David Kirkpatrick, Eric Leins, Mathias Morache, Ted Rall, Jay Vail, Jeremiah Robert Wierenga ADVERTISING Account Executives: Meshel Miller, Meshel@boiseweekly.com Chelsea Snow, Chelsea@boiseweekly.com Jessi Strong, Jessi@boiseweekly.com Jill Weigel, Jill@boiseweekly.com CLASSIFIED SALES Classifieds@boiseweekly.com CREATIVE Art Director: Leila Ramella-Rader Leila@boiseweekly.com Graphic Designers: Adam Rosenlund, Adam@boiseweekly.com, Lindsey Loch, Lindsey@boiseweekly.com Contributing Artists: Derf, Mike Flinn, Glenn Landberg, Jeremy Lanningham, Laurie Pearman, E.J. Pettinger, Ted Rall, Brian Sendelbach, Tom Tomorrow CIRCULATION Shea Sutton Shea@boiseweekly.com Apply to Shea Sutton to be a BW driver.

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NOTE NOBODY LIKES TO BE SCOLDED. Especially not people old enough to pay taxes and have children or grandchildren of their own to scold. So let’s not call this a scolding. Rather, let’s call it an intervention of sorts.

Luckily this isn’t the kind of intervention that requires rehab to ween you off of booze, porn, hold ’em or Oprah. Instead it’s the sort of intervention in which I say, “OK, enough is enough. Get it together.” And then you say something like, “But whatever happened to free speech?” And then I say, “If you want to be an ass, start a blog dedicated to who/what/ where-ever it is you want to be an ass hat about, and quit cluttering boiseweekly.com so that I can get on with my day.”

So here goes: When you visit boiseweekly.com and you’re moved to enter the larger discussion through the comments section provided for you, think before you type. Think about the most productive, meaningful way you can offer your opinion. For example, if you have a negative experience at a business, and you want to share it with others, please do log on to boiseweekly.com and speak your mind. In doing so, however, keep it constructive. Rather than calling the manager or owner or counterhelp “a pizza-faced weenie,” give the business owner and future customers a real complaint to weigh. Maybe the pizza-faced weenie pocketed a five spot that should’ve gone into the till. Or maybe he left your food sitting under a heat lamp for 10 minutes while he gabbed on his cell phone.

When a business owner sees a dozen legitimate complaints, it’s harder to dismiss them. Especially without the name calling.

How and whether editors should moderate online comments has been an industry-wide issue that’s been getting attention from every media outlet with the cojones to allow comments. In a panel discussion at BW’s annual association meeting in June, the editor of Seven Days in Burlington, Vt., detailed her paper’s vigilance to remove off-topic or threatening comments, while The Stranger’s Dan Savage said his paper’s policy is to let it all live, warts and all. I’m a proponent of allowing readers’ comments to live without moderation.

Until recently I had a staunch policy to let every comment stand, regardless of its content and target. The anonymity of reader comments can contribute to a more honest discussion, and, in fact, without the ugly comments, we may not getting the most accurate reflection of public opinion. But lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot of “pizza-faced weenie” comments, so to speak. This is the part where I say, “enough is enough.”

—Rachael Daigle

COVER ARTIST SPONSORED BY

BOISE BLUE ART SUPPLY

ARTIST: Cate Strom TITLE: Archangel MEDIUM: Mixed media ARTIST STATEMENT: This new series is based on my travels to the Holy Land. I tried to capture the vast, complex range of emotions I experienced while exploring this ancient mound of stones called Jerusalem. www.catestrom.com “Images of the Holy Land” will hang at the Idaho First Bank in McCall until Jan. 31, 2010.

Boise Weekly was founded in 1992 by Andy and Debi Hedden-Nicely. Larry Ragan had a lot to do with it too.

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SUBMIT

Boise Weekly pays $150 as well as a $25 gift certificate to Boise Blue Art Supply for published covers. One stipulation of publication is that the piece must be donated to BW’s annual charity art auction in November. Proceeds from the auction are reinvested in the local arts community through a series of private grants for which all artists are eligible to apply. To submit your artwork for BW’s cover, bring it to BWHQ at 523 Broad St. Square formats are preferred and all mediums are accepted.

Thirty days from your submission date, your work will be ready for pick up if it’s not chosen to be featured on the cover. Work not picked up within six weeks of submission will be discarded.

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WWW.BOISEWEEKLY.COM What you missed this week in the digital world.

LAU R IE PEAR M AN

INSIDE EDITOR’S NOTE

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BILL COPE

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TED RALL

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NEWS State vs. Fed on charter schools

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CITIZEN

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TRUE CRIME / MONDO GAGA

BOISE’S BEER-FATUATION RAISES MORE THAN $42K New Belgium Brewing released the tallies for this year’s Tour de Fat, which stopped in Boise in September, and Boise—often lambasted for being less bicycle oriented than fellow Northwest cities Portland and Seattle—made an impressive third-place showing. With a total of 6,500 people raising $42,501 for local nonprofits, Boise was behind only Tempe, Ariz., and the brewery’s home of Fort Collins, Colo.

OFFENSIVE AIDS HANDOUT NOT BW’S HANDIWORK

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FIND

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8 DAYS OUT

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SUDOKU

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NOISE Boise’s next-gen bands

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MUSIC GUIDE

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ARTS Nutcracker returns

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SCREEN The Messenger

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MOVIE TIMES

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AIDS AND CIRCUMCISION IN AFRICA

VIDIOT

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Global Post, BW’s world-news source, has stirred up discussion with a series of reports on the use of circumcision to help fight AIDS in Africa. Visit News at boiseweekly.com to read all four reports.

FOOD Guy Fieri’s food-centric rock show heads to Boise 38

The Grip blogger FBM Fidel Nshombo frets about Cote d’Ivoire’s chances to take a World Cup title in June 2010.

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BW PICKS

Did your copy of last week’s BW include a obvious DIY-sabotage job in the form of a rather offensive little photocopied missive? We didn’t do it. More at Cobweb.

YOU SAY SOCCER, I SAY FOOTBALL

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FEATURE What health-care reform really means

BEER GUZZLER

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CLASSIFIEDS

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HOME SWEET HOME

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NYT CROSSWORD

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

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BILL COPE/OPINION

PALIN MANIA Smile and say ‘cheesy’

If I were smart, I’d never put the words “Sarah” or “Palin” in the same sentence again. I truly believe her continuing presence in our national awareness is as contrived and ultimately meaningless as John McCain’s desperate attempt to invigorate his fizzled-out campaign was when he dropped her in our laps some 15 months ago. The only thing keeping her around is that we are still talking about her. Were we to stop, she would thin out like a dollar store perfume stink and drift away.

Besides, most of us know she’ll never be president, don’t we? Most of us know she is to human depth what Toby Keith is to music.

What cowboy poetry is to poetry. What Chef Boyardee is to fine dining. Most of us know that most of us would have more business being president than she does. Right?

I have struggled to understand why she’s still in the nation’s eye when there’s so little to see. It can’t be anything she’s said, I tell myself, because everything she says is baloney. It can’t be anything she’s done, because other than flouncing from one stage to another, she hasn’t done anything. It can’t be because her ideas are so innovative or overpowering or appealing, because she has no ideas.

I admit, however, she’s hard to ignore. For certain Americans, she is the soup du jour.

This season’s Tickle-Me-Elmo. The lite at the end of the tunnel. She is God speaking to them in an uneasy time, and they don’t get that all He’s trying to do is tell them a joke.

For the rest of us, she’s like watching slapstick in slo-mo. Betty Boop barrels around a moose and bonks head first into Joe McCarthy. A Rockette slips on a banana peel and makes an absolute fool of herself on the way down.

To make matters worse, from the beginning I’ve had this creepy feeling I’ve met her before. I mean, before McCain pulled the sheet from her head and introduced us to Wasilla’s bronze-coated baby. Before the campaign and all that race-tinged bile she vomited up before crowds of rapacious Republican rubes, eager to lick her pumps.

Long before I ever heard the words “Sarah” and “Palin” used end to end.

Lately, as I watched her shill a book I doubt she’s even read, it has finally come to me where I know her from. And I warn you, if you are sensitive to the stereotypes men often assign to women (as opposed to the stereotypes women often assign to men), then you aren’t going to like it.

Sarah Palin is Queen of the League, the Belle of the Bowling Ball.

U I’ve come across her not once, but many times. I’ve seen her on bowling leagues and dart leagues and softball teams and bar stools. Sometimes, she doesn’t actually belong to anything, she’s just there, maybe WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

in a tavern where people act friendly to one another through repetition. Maybe in a pumice-block church where people feel obliged to pretend they care for one another.

But it’s most often in a setting where she can use her icky charisma to manipulate herself into a position of inescapable noticability.

The Queen of the Monday Night Gutter Gals League, that’s our Sarah.

She’s the one who always gets your attention because … well, what do you think? … that’s what she does. Gets attention. She starts out by volunteering to be the team’s captain and proceeds from there, deciding what color bowling shirt the team should wear and who should bring what to the Christmas potlucks. She runs for a higher office, of course—no holding a self-proclaimed firecracker like her down to a measly captain’s title—and she accumulates an inner circle of sycophants who secretly hope a little of that cheap firecracker magic rubs off on them. A lot of the Gutter Gals don’t really like her—(they think she’s pushy, phony, irritating like a wad of gum on your shoe, and who wears Levi’s that tight to go bowling in, anyway?)—but they ignore her.

They come to have fun, and who cares who the league officers are?

If it’s a mixed league (The Gutter Gals and Guys), the guys think she’s the next best thing to a free pitcher of Coors. Secretly, they wish their wives would wink like that all the time, and flirt, and be so gosh-darn perky. And as there’s always some matter to discuss with a league officer, there’s always a group of men with league business on their minds, lining up to ask Queen Sarah what she thinks, and did she hear the latest Obama joke, and is she sticking around for an apres kegling drink. They can hardly stay away from whatever lane she’s on—especially when she’s wearing those Levi’s.

Oh, and watch her climb. League president ... regional bowling association rep ... state association something-or-other. Next year, she’s going to the national conference.

She even manages to get the league to pay for one of those snazzy blazers the bowling bigwigs all wear. And doesn’t it look luscious with her leather skirt and alligator heels? Just wait’ll those snobby East Coast bowling elites catch a whiff of our Sarah!

Ah, but time’s running out for the Queen, isn’t it? When your purported appeal has been built on one thing only—and it ain’t your brains—you have to get ’r done before the gravity kicks in, don’t you? And the age spots. And the wrinkles. Why, as early as 2012, you could be shedding sycophants in reverse proportion to that weight you’ve gained. Then it’s back to lowly captain …

Wasilla City Council … whatever … and one day not so distant, we find the words “Sarah” and “Palin” in the same sentence as “flash” and “pan.”

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TED RALL/OPINION

WAR, MORE WAR

Debate freezes out the majority view: get out now

The Best Deals, Specials and Offers from Local Merchants. d nee No h sout to fly gs! for savin

LOS ANGELES—According to White House insiders, President Barack Obama considered three choices for digging our way deeper into the “graveyard of empires�: Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of the occupation forces, asked for 40,000 additional soldiers. Defense Secretary Robert Gates wanted 30,000. Other generals wanted to send 20,000.

Obama, reports U.S. state-controlled media, has chosen the “middle option�— bringing the total American occupation force to 98,000. Obama is not unpredictable. Give the man a middle course, and he’ll split the difference every time. “Hope�? “Change�?

Fifty-two percent of Americans say the war isn’t worth ďŹ ghting, according to the latest ABC News-Washington Post poll. Only 44 percent say it is. Objectively, the “middle groundâ€? is immediate withdrawal. The real “middle groundâ€? sure as hell isn’t Obama’s prescription: 30,000 more troops and completely out by the year 2017, by which time he won’t be president anymore.

You could read newspapers, listen to hours of radio and watch days of television news, and never be exposed to the opinion that the Afghanistan war sucks.

We haven’t had any debate whatsoever, notes Steve Rendell. “Rather than airing a full range of voices on the war, prominent media have downplayed proponents of withdrawal in favor of a debate that reects the narrow range of elite, inside-Washington opinion,â€? Rendell reports in Extra!, the magazine of the media watchdog group Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting.

The nation’s two leading newspapers set

the tone for the lack of debate. “In the Washington Post,â€? found a FAIR study of op-ed pages during the ďŹ rst 10 months of 2009, “pro-war columns outnumbered antiwar columns by more than 10 to 1: Of 67 Post columns on U.S. military policy in Afghanistan, 61 supported a continued war, while just six expressed antiwar views.â€?

There was one major exception. Times columnist Bob Herbert, said the report, is “by far the loudest antiwar voice in the study period.â€? Even though Herbert’s Dec. 1 column opposed Obama’s escalation, he parroted the ofďŹ cial state media line that Afghanistan had once been the “right war at the right time.â€? “There was every reason for American forces to invade Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001,â€? he wrote. “But that war was botched by the Bush crowd, and Barack Obama does not have a magic wand now to make it all better.â€?

Actually, there was no reason to invade Afghanistan after 9/11: UĂŠ "Â˜ĂŠÂ™Ă‰ÂŁÂŁ]ĂŠ"Ăƒ>“>ĂŠLÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ >`iÂ˜ĂŠĂœ>ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ*>Žˆstan. He has been there ever since.

UĂŠ /Â…iĂ€iĂŠĂœiĂ€iĂŠĂŒĂœÂœĂŠ>Â?‡+>ˆ`>ĂŠĂŒĂ€>ˆ˜ˆ˜}ĂŠV>Â“ÂŤĂƒĂŠ in Afghanistan on 9/11. Both were closed.

UĂŠ /Â…iĂ€iĂŠĂœiĂ€iĂŠĂ›iÀÞÊviĂœĂŠ>Â?‡+>ˆ`>ʓi“LiĂ€ĂƒĂŠ in Afghanistan on 9/11. The big ďŹ sh and the big numbers were and remain in—you guessed it—Pakistan.

This information has been known by experts on South and Central Asia, all of whom oppose the war. But none of them have been invited to the nation’s op-ed pages, much less a meeting with the president.

A little birdie told me about this website.

in association with

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NEWS/CITYDESK NEWS

CHARTERS LEFT AND RIGHT Comparing charter schools in Idaho and Chicago NATHANIEL HOFFMAN In an August speech to a group of public school superintendents, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced $650 million in stimulus funding for school innovation, on top of $4.35 billion already promised for the states most prepared to reform their education systems.

In the speech, Duncan reminded the superintendents of the origins of charter schools, public schools that are freed from some of the bureaucracy of traditional public schools.

“Good charter schools increase the number of quality educational options available to parents who previously had no choice where to send their children,” Duncan said.

Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna has also made charter schools a priority in his administration, hiring a school choice coordinator and offering technical assistance to groups wanting to form new charter schools.

Luna, a Republican, also speaks of choice as the way to reform education to “meet the needs of all students,” emphasizing that school choice is a bipartisan concept, which enjoyed support under the Bush administration and now from the Obama administration.

“Their paradigm, when it comes to education, is what they experienced in Chicago,” Luna said of President Barack Obama and Duncan, who was head of the Chicago Public Schools before moving to Washington, D.C. “It’s the same proven principle—give parents more choice.”

But because of different demographics of parents, different choices they make and state education policies, charter schools look a lot different in Idaho than they do in Chicago.

Idaho’s charter schools attract students who are already doing above average in traditional public schools and are less ethnically diverse than the districts in which they are located (by a quarter to a third for Hispanic students), according to a 2006 study led by Vanderbilt University professor Dale Ballou.

For the most part, Idaho charter schools have fewer students who receive free and reduced lunch benefits than neighboring traditional schools, the study shows.

Ballou told BW that it is not possible to generalize when talking about the culture of charter schools across the country.

LEILA RAMELLA-RAD ER

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“There is no one culture of charter schools. That’s the bottom line,” Ballou said.

Idaho is a rural state with a quarter of a million public school students. Chicago is the nation’s third largest urban school district, with almost a half-million students.

But when Obama and Duncan speak of charter schools, they often turn to their experience in Chicago, where 74 percent of students are from low-income households and where charter schools attract more black students and nearly as many Hispanic students as the traditional public schools, according to the Illinois Network of Charter Schools.

Chicago has an Afrocentric charter school named after Malcolm X’s wife and a yoga and healthy eating charter called the Namaste Charter School, which has a long waiting list.

“For some families, that’s a little too hippy dippy for them,” said Carlos Perez, public policy director from the Illinois Network.

“We’ve seen that a parent wants to send their child to a school where, first and foremost, they are safe.”

In Idaho, the largest number of charter schools are either based on the Harbor School method—an educational philosophy first developed in Nampa that stresses academically accelerated lessons and school discipline—or are virtual schools, online charter schools that are popular, particularly with large numbers of homeschooled children in Idaho.

While the Harbor School model was developed by educators, most of the charter schools in Idaho were started by groups of parents who applied for a charter from their local district or from the state.

“Ultimately, the people who decide what a charter school will look like, it’s the parents who choose to attend them,” Luna said.

But Idaho is moving into a second generation of charter schools, with a professionaltechnical charter school and a school focused on learning-disabled students, now in Twin Falls. And more districts are starting their own charter schools, Luna said.

In Chicago, most charters are started by teachers, who have a particular educational philosophy, or by community-based organizations, which start a school as an extension of their service to the community, Perez said.

“It’s not that they are saying the system is wrong, but they are saying this is the way that we want to run a school, so let’s do that,” Perez said.

Parents starting their own charters is more of a suburban phenomenon, he said.

Ballou, an associate professor of public policy and education at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn., said the Obama administration likes charter schools like the KIPP Academies that have proven track records for helping disadvantaged students. But there is no singular vision coming from the administration for what a charter school should be, he said.

“I think they have a general philosophy that we need to open this thing up,” Ballou said.

But there are political limits, and one Idaho charter school is testing them by fighting for the right to use the Bible in classes.

“I don’t think they expect that they are suddenly going to find themselves financing thousands of small schools founded by parents dissatisfied with the lack of school prayer,” Ballou said.

Luna and charter advocates like Perez agree on the concepts of choice and on the politics of charters as well. Having a Democratic administration pushing school choice has changed the thinking on charter schools in a Democratic city like Chicago.

“What we’ve seen, the history of charter schools has been a more conservative history ... the free market piece of the concept is a conservative idea, but we’re finding that what’s happening in the classroom is progressive,” Perez said. “That’s quite nicely confused some folks.”

MIND THE (JOB) GAP Idaho will have paid out federal unemployment benefits to some workers for a continuous 99 weeks by year’s end, including another 14-week extension announced this week. But unemployed and underemployed Idahoans are still living well below the comfort level expected for people in the northwestern United States of America.

Individuals in Idaho need to make $12.41 an hour to cover their housing, food, medical, transportation and other basic costs, according to the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, which conducts an annual job gap study.

That’s $25,818 a year.

A single parent with one child needs to make $21.90 an hour, or $45,549 a year, and a two-parent family of four should bring in a combined $34.97 an hour, or $72,740 a year.

That’s just not happening for the majority of families.

There was one living wage job available for ever y three single adult job seekers in Idaho in 2008 (the latest year for which complete data is available), and one for ever y 16 single parent-two kid job seekers.

And we all know how 2009 has been.

“A living wage is that number where we have health insurance and we are able to save $50 a month for emergencies,” said Terri Sterling, an unemployed community organizer and board member of the Idaho Community Action Network. “The American dream is not to own 3: Job seekers for opena home. The ings that pay at least the American dream $12.41 living wage for a is having the single adult. things that you 16 : Job seekers for need in life.” openings that pay at ICAN, a least the $26.98 an hour member of living wage for a single the Northwest adult with two children.

Federation, wants Congress to create a new federal jobs program that would put some 2.5 million people to work across the countr y, Sterling said.

Sterling’s family was featured in the 1999 job gap study when they were bringing in only $9.50 an hour. After the report came out, many people told her to go back to school and get a college degree.

She did, and even did work toward a master’s degree. She found a job that paid $40,000 a year, but was laid off.

Now she’s pulling in only $362 a week in unemployment benefits and applying—in competition with her friend—for the same handful of jobs that appear in the Lewiston paper ever y week “I can tell you, 10 years later, that it isn’t any better,” Sterling said. “People work at Walmart with a communications degree.”

While 8,500 unemployed Idaho workers will get another 14 weeks on the rolls, benefits are set to decrease in Januar y from $362 a week to $334 a week.

“Unemployment in Idaho is sad,” Sterling said.

Within Idaho, families in Ada, Boise and Blaine counties have the highest needs for living wages, in part because of the higher cost of living. A decent job in Ada County should pay $13.08, and families of four

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NEWS/CITYDESK (two adults, two children) need to bring in $36.93 an hour.

Compared to Washington, Oregon and Colorado, with their higher cost of living and higher unemployment, Idaho workers are doing better.

But Montana’s living wage is well below Idaho’s and there are more decent jobs available there. In Montana, there is almost one living-wage job for each single job seeker.

“That’s good news,” said Gerald “G” Smith, associate director of the Northwest Federation and an author of the job gap study. “There’s good news for single adults, not so much for families.”

Smith said that the differing job gap among states is related to state budgets and how much in the hole a particular state finds itself. But the study did not compare state to state, nor did it hypothesize as to how to bring more high-paying jobs to the Northwest.

Smith said the Recover y Act has helped put people back to work or keep them working, but it is not known how well-paid those stimulus jobs are, though many are in well-paying industries like construction and education.

“It’s not just about jobs creation, it’s about quality jobs creation,” Smith said.

Another umbrella group of which ICAN is a part, United Vision for Idaho, came out of hibernation last week swinging its taxpolicy ax and calling on the feds to allow the Bush tax cuts on the wealthy to expire and apply new taxes to the wealthy.

UVI, which helps a slew of progressiveminded Idaho groups raise money and network, has been pretty quiet for the last year, reassessing its mission. But they have decided to redouble their efforts in rural Idaho, venturing out from Boise occasionally to listen to the folks.

“When I’m talking to people they’re just absolutely blown away that people in Boise care about them,” said Adrienne Evans, UVI’s newly minted director.

While citydesk found it a tad out of touch that UVI’s big announcement was held on a random freezing afternoon on the steps of the Capitol Annex with a handful of people reading speeches about sunsetting the Bush tax cuts in two years, Evans assures us that they have more in store for rural Idaho.

She spent that last six months on a rural listening tour, funded by U.S. Action, aimed at collecting stories of Idahoans and their feelings about taxes and budgets.

“It was really an opportunity to have Idaho voices heard in a way that often doesn’t happen,” Evans said.

—Nathaniel Hoffman

NEWS

BUS CO. WANTS TIGER VRT competing with Boise, state for federal transportation funds NATHANIEL HOFFMAN The City of Boise is not the only Idaho entity waiting to hear from the feds on a major, competitive transportation grant called TIGER, or Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery. Boise, which requested $40 million toward building a downtown streetcar loop, is competing with Valley Regional Transit’s $26-million request aimed at improving the bus system infrastructure, a $13-million application from the Ada County Highway District, as well as three requests totaling $170 million from the Idaho Transportation Department and two other Idaho projects.

The eight Idaho projects are up against 1,380 ideas from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and three U.S. territories, which want a combined $56.5 billion in funding.

Only $1.5 billion is available. While Boise’s streetcar TIGER application is well known, there has been little reporting on the bus company’s projects or the state’s.

VRT, the regional transit authority, which controls public transportation projects in the valley, is requesting funds for a host of busrelated projects, including public transportation hubs in west Ada County and Canyon County, expanded park-and-ride facilities, new buses, new offices, and pilot routes in Garden City, along Ustick Road and in rural Canyon County.

“The gist of the project is to get all of the capital investments in place to really improve the east-west commutes,” said Mary Barker, service planning manager at VRT. “It’s basically our 10-year capital plan, all done at one time.”

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter wrote a letter in support of the VRT grant, and Bieter spokesman Adam Park said the two applications, though competing for the same cash, are complementary.

“To have a successful transit system we need a streetcar and an improved bus system, so we hope that both are awarded,” Park said.

The competitive TIGER grants, part of the Recovery Act, are a new way of doing business for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The money can be used for highways, public transportation, rail, port or other surface transportation and must have a significant impact on the national, regional or metropolitan network. There was no set format for the application, and the requests were put into one big pile, regardless of mode. Federal officials from all the transportation agencies are reviewing the applications. They will report winners in January.

“The criteria wasn’t set, so it was not really easy to tell how they would be scored,” said Toni Tisdale, a planner at the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, or COMPASS.

Tisdale said that she expects future federal funding opportunities to come in a similar competitive grant form.

“They like the nationwide competitive process,” she said of the Obama administration’s DOT. But that makes it more difficult for agencies to plan or to get their hopes up.

“This is such an unusual opportunity that it just makes sense for the community to put in for as wide a variety of projects as we can and hopefully draw some money to the community,” Barker said.

VRT is setting its sights beyond this first round of grants, however, requesting $5.5 million to study a future, high-speed transit connection between Canyon and Ada counties.

The study will consider rapid bus routes along Franklin Road, Fairview Avenue and along the Boise cutoff, the existing rail corridor. It will also analyze light rail along the tracks and along Franklin, as well as commuter rail on the existing tracks.

The study is the first step in seeking federal funding for a high-speed transit project to connect the valley; COMPASS and VRT have already narrowed the route options down from an original list of 14 alternatives, said Charles Trainor, director of planning at COMPASS. “There has been a lot of interest, particularly in the rail corridor, in doing something to preserve that option for the long term,” he said.

VRT hopes that a federal grant for much of its infrastructure needs will free up local contributions for more bus routes and increased service. But the lack of a local option tax or some other dedicated funding source for transit in Idaho is a double-edged sword for the agency.

“It helps in that we probably have a greater need than some regions, but the federal government also looks to the fact that the local and the state governments are also investing in our system,” Barker said.

ACHD is seeking TIGER funds to widen Franklin Road from Five Mile to Touchmark Way, though its request is below the $20 million recommended minimum for TIGER grants.

ITD wants $11.4 million to elongate the container dock at the Port of Lewiston, (Idaho’s only seaport), $18.9 million for improvements to I-84 near Twin Falls and $139.1 million for a new Meridian Road interchange on I-84, as well as to expand the interstate to three lanes all the way to Karcher Road in Nampa.

The other Idaho TIGER grant applications come from Bannock County, for road and bridge repairs.

Adrienne Evans

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

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CITIZEN

FAWN PETTET A sanctuary for all homeless people ERIC LEINS

How do you stay mentally and emotionally positive in a job like this?

Once I get to know people, even the ones I get frustrated with, when I sit down with them one on one—I have a very informal style—they start to share a part of themselves with me. Even if we make the smallest progress, like get them a state-issued ID, that may be the first piece of identification that makes them feel, “I’m a valid person and I have proof.” And that can make them glow for a week and they walk around showing people their picture on their ID. Sometimes I’m thanked for just being nice, for saying hi and asking them how their day went. The depressing parts are fuel for wanting to make bigger changes. Where I am in the organization, we can at least make organizational change and build partnerships in the community to create larger change.

Has the recession made your job more difficult?

Yes. We started to feel the economic

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downturn at least six months before everybody else started to see it. Our numbers never got lighter during that previous summer and the waiting list for all the housing programs got longer. Currently, the Section 8 voucher list is something like five years long. Finding housing is probably the hardest. A lot of our people don’t have a high school diploma. And even those with a high school diploma—they really are not qualified for much above service-oriented jobs.

With a larger part of the higher-educated market fighting for the same lower-paying jobs, our people don’t have a chance.

Do you think the City of Boise should establish donation stations around town?

We’ve talked about that idea a little bit.

There are various ideas of how to allow somebody to give without contributing to panhandling. I like the idea of donation stations because they’re meeting the needs for both sides. I know even for me, when I see a panhandler, and I know most of the panhandlers personally—I know their educational background, their personal background, their family—and it’s still very awkward for me to see them. So I can just imagine how much the general community feels uncomfortable and compelled to do something about it. I don’t know how they would divvy the money up but the partnerships are pretty strong here in the community where even if one agency got the bulk of it, other agencies could refer to it.

I could see that working well.

How is your faith impacted when you see suffering up close on a daily basis?

I am not religious. I don’t fit into any kind of convenient category when it comes to religion. I grew up primarily atheist, and I always thought it was interesting that when

JER EM Y LANNINGHAM

Fawn Pettet has a master’s degree in social work from Boise State, but even she’ll admit that nothing can prepare you for working with the homeless. Pettet spends her workdays and some nights at Interfaith Sanctuary, an emergency shelter in downtown Boise serving indigent men, women and families with children. Pettet, originally from Ontario, Ore., has been the shelter’s support services director and grants administrator the past two and a half years. It’s her job to help Boise’s homeless population get back on its feet, through hands-on case management and by applying for grants that help fund the shelter and its programs. We spoke with her one afternoon shortly before the shelter opened its doors.

I did something nice people would say, “Oh, you’re such a good Christian.” And I would think, “Why do I have to be a Christian to be nice or good?” The inter-faith activity here has been nice. As I’ve worked here, I’ve learned more about integral dynamics, which includes spirituality as part of your whole living. And just through working here and studying more of that and integrating that into our services, it has helped me to see and feel out what I believe and where I fit in the world. I think that I’m here to be as balanced as I can be in myself so that I have positive energy to share with other people.

Interfaith Sanctuary does not require its guests to take part in religious activities. Does this mean Interfaith Sanctuary gets a different clientele than other shelters?

Yes. Some of the other shelters might be mostly well known for having religious requirements, but in general they have more strict program requirements. So the people we end up seeing are the ones who, for whatever reason, do not want to or cannot meet those requirements. We have some very passionate, pious Christians. We have people that don’t celebrate Christmas whatsoever.

If people want to talk about their religion while they’re here, that’s allowed. Preaching, evangelizing—staff does not stop or provoke those kind of conversations.

More sanctuary at boiseweekly.com.

BOISEweekly

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 9

NEWS/TRUE CRIME SPATE OF BOISE THEFTS LEADS TO FOUR ARRESTS It’s the holiday season during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Do you know where your checkbook and credit cards are?

It’s well wor th double-checking, if the unhappy experiences of several Boise residents and business owners are any indication. In just the past week, Boise Police arrested four suspects in separate grandtheft investigations.

In the first case, a 36-year-old Caldwell woman arrested Thursday, Dec. 3, is accused of forging payroll checks at a business on the 2600 block of West Idaho Street and keeping the money. Under investigation since June 2007, the case resulted in a financial loss of thousands of dollars for the company, BPD detectives said.

On the same day, a 20-year-old Boise woman was picked up by cops for allegedly stealing credit cards from the victim at her place of work last July and then using them to make several purchases at various stores during the last few months.

In case No. 3, a 28-year-old man of unknown address is charged with making false deposits into bank accounts before withdrawing cash from them. Detectives believe the scheme netted more than a thousand dollars from various banks in the area during the last month. He was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 2.

And in our last case of the week, a 33-year-old Boise man was fingered for stealing a blank checkbook from a residence on the 3400 block of Nor th Spiceland Drive. The victims told police they know the suspect well. Detectives allege he forged several checks at local businesses with amounts exceeding $1,000.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

All those arrested face felony grand-theft charges, except for our last suspect, who gets an extra forger y charge—also a felony— tacked on for good measure.

PARTY GIRL PITCHES FIT, LANDS BEHIND BARS Monday night. A few drinks with a few friends at a neighborhood watering hole. Maybe some pigskin patter on the widescreen TVs. Not a bad way to ease back into your work week.

Unless a few drinks turn into a few too many.

Such was evidently the case for a Meridian woman on Dec. 1. At about 10:15 that night, Boise Police were alerted to a drunken fool fighting and yelling at people on the 1100 block of North Curtis Road. Officers arriving on the scene shortly thereafter had no trouble locating the suspect, who appeared to be very intoxicated, according to BPD reports. They tried to calm her down.

And just about then, a cab arrived to take the feisty femme fatale home. The cops were only too happy to let the matter drop right then and there.

But no. The woman demanded that one of the police officers open the cab door for her.

Not being stupid, the cop declined to turn his back on the pugnacious party girl. Which must have pissed her off, because she allegedly proceeded to attack the officer.

And so, rather than ending her Monday with just the prospect of a Tuesday-morning hangover and some humiliating memories, our 40-year-old heroine was treated to a stay at the Barrister Charm School of Last Resort. Her parting gifts: a felony charge of battery on a police officer, along with a public-intoxication misdemeanor.

—Jay Vail

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7 H A T H E A L T H C A R E R E F O R M MEANS FOR

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ProPublica, an independent, non-proďŹ t journalism group focused on investigative journalism recently decided to look at what health-care reform means to people. Using a questionnaire done in partnership with American Public Media’s Public Insight Network, journalists Olga Pierce and Sabrina Shankman looked at what the proposed health-care reforms would mean for those in some common health-care insurance situations.

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(ER STORY Tracy Bullion and her husband—along with their three kids, ages 11, 14 and 18—are happy with their health insurance, which they get through her husband’s employer. “We’ve got good eye, good dental,� she said. “And we’ve worked a long time for it.�

The Bullions pay about $350 a month for a premium. The family has enjoyed good health, except for a lump in Bullion’s breast last year, which turned out to be benign. Their payments for tests on the lump amounted to “$50 here, $100 there,� she said.

Bullion worries that an expanded government role in health care, including a public option, would negatively impact the coverage she has—and the federal budget. “I just hope that we see a bill out there that makes sense, that isn’t going to put us in such deep, deep debt to where our children and grandchildren are going to be paying for it for the rest of their lives,� she said.

7HAT CHANGES WOULD MEAN FOR HER Neither the House nor Senate bill would require the Bullions to change plans, and the cost of their health insurance probably wouldn’t change much, but lenient penalties might lead some companies to drop their coverage.

Both the House and Senate bills allow people who are happy with their coverage to keep it, unless it is below a minimum standard, in which case they would have to pay a tax penalty. Since Bullion’s coverage meets the minimum coverage standards set out in both bills, she and her family would not be affected.

There are concerns about employers pushing workers off to public programs, and indeed it has happened before.

The House and Senate bills include tax penalties for employers over a certain size that choose not to offer coverage, but the Senate’s penalty would be much smaller.

Under the House plan, most employers—including Mr. Bullion’s—would be required to provide health insurance, or else they would be ďŹ ned 8 percent of their total payroll. But that might actually cost less than paying for insurance itself because more than half of employers currently pay 10 percent or more of their payroll for health insurance.

The Senate plan would take an even gentler approach. Large employers wouldn’t have to offer health coverage. But for each employee who qualiďŹ ed for a government subsidy to buy insurance—those making less than four times the federal poverty level—the business would be ďŹ ned $750 annually. That’s far less than the roughly $4,000 that companies pay on average now for single employee coverage.

Again, employers would have to decide if the beneďŹ ts of continuing to offer coverage, such as employee morale and avoiding the ďŹ ne, make it worthwhile. But more businesses might decide that it makes sense to end

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coverage and instead just pay the relatively small ďŹ ne.

Of course, currently employers can drop insurance beneďŹ ts with no penalty, and many are doing so as the economy tanks and costs continue to rise.

The reforms being proposed could put some upward pressure on premiums, because both the House and Senate plans would require a comprehensive beneďŹ ts package. That means all insurance plans would have to offer things like pediatric exams, hospitalization and prescription drugs. In general, the more comprehensive a plan’s coverage, the more it costs. Rules against turning down people with pre-existing conditions are in both bills, and a cap on deductibles in the House bill could also drive up premiums.

On the other hand, proponents of health-care reform, including President Barack Obama, have argued that health-care providers charge insured people more for health care to recoup the cost of care for the uninsured.

Reducing the number of uninsured people could reduce the cost of some kinds of care, potentially reducing premiums. But the evidence of this is somewhat limited.

An analysis of the Senate proposal, by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget OfďŹ ce, did indeed ďŹ nd that the cost of coverage in the individual market would go up about 10 to 13 percent, although that effect would be cancelled out for about half of the people buying insurance on their own because they would receive subsidies.

For people who, like Bullion, purchase insurance through the large group market—an estimated 70 percent of people under the Senate proposal—the CBO found the Senate bill would have a “negligible� effect on the cost of insurance.

The answer to how much the reform proposals would cost taxpayers is nearly as complicated. According to CBO estimates, the Senate plan would include $848 billion in new federal spending over 10 years, and

the House plan calls for an eye-popping $1.05 trillion in new spending. Either way, it sounds like a huge drain on the federal budget.

But not so fast.

Both plans would offset the new spending with reductions in other federal health-care costs and new sources of revenue.

Under the Senate plan, changes to Medicare, the penalties individuals and businesses would pay for not having insurance, and revenue from taxes on so-called “Cadillacâ€? insurance plans and the health-care industry, would generate $859 billion. Taking that into account, the Congressional Budget OfďŹ ce estimates that the Senate plan would actually reduce the deďŹ cit by $130 billion over the next 10 years.

The House plan would make many of the same changes, except it would impose a 5.4 percent surcharge on adjusted gross incomes of more than $500,000 for singles and $1 million for joint ďŹ lers instead of the tax on high-cost insurance plans.

Taking that into account, the House plan would reduce the federal deďŹ cit by an estimated $138 billion over 10 years, according to the CBO. The decades after 2010-2019 would be more expensive because many of the reform provisions would not kick in until halfway through this decade, but the cost savings and taxes would start much sooner. For 20202029, the CBO estimate is that the plans would basically break even, or result in a small decrease of the federal budget deďŹ cit.

This all presumes, of course, that the revenue-raising measures, some of which have already drawn ire, actually make it into the ďŹ nal legislation intact. As some longtime observers of health-care reform, like Washington Post columnist David Broder, have pointed out, Congress has struggled before to make some of the proposed changes—especially those pertaining to Medicare.

BOISEweekly

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 11

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(IS STORY Graydon DeCamp said he couldn’t be happier with his Medicare Advantage plan. He switched to it after his premium for traditional Medicare and private supplemental insurance skyrocketed to more than $1,000 a month even though, DeCamp said, he’s a healthy guy.

Now, in Medicare Advantage, he pays $148 per month for a plan that also features low co-payments. A few years ago, he had detached retinas, which resulted in ďŹ ve surgeries. His outof-pocket expenses, he said, didn’t go over $500 or $600. Prescriptions that he takes for ongoing eye problems cost him $55 every three months. “I’ve got no complaints,â€? he said.

!BOUT -EDICARE !DVANTAGE Medicare Advantage has been a major ash point in the health-care reform debate, giving fodder to opponents of reform who say that Medicare would be cut to pay for the proposals. Our analysis of the impact of reforms on one very satisďŹ ed Medicare Advantage member ďŹ nds the changes would be a loss for many seniors, but a win for taxpayers.

The elderly can participate either in traditional Medicare, which is administered by the government, or in Medicare Advantage, which subsidizes managed-care plans administered by private insurance companies.

The private plans offer many perks—low or zero cost-sharing, comprehensive prescription-drug coverage, even gym memberships.

But they also have a downside: As in other managed care plans, prior authorization is needed for many services, and members are limited to certain doctors and hospitals.

The relatively new Medicare Advantage is more expensive for taxpayers, however. In

2003, the Republican-controlled Congress wanted to make sure that seniors, especially those in rural areas, had access to a range of managed-care plans. (This was a problem that plagued an earlier version of the Medicare managed care program.) So it agreed to pay health insurers more per person than it would cost if they were in traditional Medicare. Today that gap is about 12 percent.

Neither the House health-care reform bill nor the Senate Finance Committee bill eliminates Medicare Advantage, but both would reduce what the government is willing to pay. The boon for private insurers from higher premium subsidies has long been a prime target for budget savings, especially among Democrats in Congress. So—not surprisingly—cuts have turned up in the reform bills. Those provisions have proven to be some of the most contentious in the debate. Obama insists there are not cuts to Medicare in the health-care reform packages, though many don’t see it that way.

7HAT HEALTH REFOR M MAY MEAN FOR HIM

LISTEN LOCALLY. THINK GLOBALLY. 12

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

DeCamp’s premiums will probably increase, and he may have fewer plans to choose from. If the government decreases its subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans, the plans will likely pass their increased costs on to people like DeCamp, resulting in higher premiums.

The House bill calls for $172 billion in savings over the next 10 years from reducing Medicare Advantage payments to insurers to the same amount paid for traditional Medicare—a signiďŹ cant chunk of the roughly $570 billion in savings from changes to Medicare overall. Likewise, the Senate Finance Committee’s bill calls for $470.2 billion in Medicare savings, of which 25 percent ($117.6 billion) would come from Medicare Advantage cuts.

The bill would generate those savings by establishing a bidding process for plans.

Because DeCamp lives in northern Michigan, he may also see fewer Medicare Advantage plans to choose from as subsidies under both proposals decrease.

Overall, DeCamp would likely fare better under the Senate Finance Committee

proposal, which includes more protections to soften the impact of reduced subsidies. If the bids include signiďŹ cant cuts to beneďŹ ts, the government would temporarily step in.

The proposed reforms also call for some improvements to Medicare Advantage coverage. The Senate Finance bill prohibits managed care plans from charging people more than traditional Medicare for certain services, such as chemotherapy, renal dialysis and skilled nursing care. It also offers bonuses to plans that offer superior quality of care and care coordination. And the House bill provides bonus payments to high-quality plans, and requires that a list of high-quality and improved-quality plans be provided on the Medicare Web site.

If his plan becomes too expensive, DeCamp could switch back over to traditional Medicare. Under both bills, preventive services would be free (see the Senate provision and the House’s). And both have provisions for reducing fraud and waste, which drive up Medicare costs.

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4HEIR STORY FairďŹ eld Lighting and Design has been in business since 1972, but it is struggling to cope with tough economic times. It has 12 employees, whose average wage is about $20 an hour.

Because of the recession, opportunities to work overtime have dwindled, and the regular hours of some employees have been cut.

The recession has also made it difďŹ cult to keep paying their health-care costs: FairďŹ eld offers health insurance to 10 of its employees, at a company cost of $550 per employee each month.

The costs to each employee are relatively low. They pay only 20 percent of the premium, or $110 per month. Their co-payments are $15 to see a doctor or $500 for a hospital, and medications cost them $15, $25 or $50, depending on the type of drug.

But that could change. FairďŹ eld Lighting and Design was recently notiďŹ ed that its coverage will be taken over by a new company, probably around the beginning of the year. “Hopefully when this whole thing goes through, maybe we can ďŹ nd something less expensive,â€? D’Agostino said. “Otherwise, the employees may have to contribute a bit more.â€?

7HAT HEALTH CARE REFOR M WOULD MEAN FOR THEM Two of the reform bills require that employers provide some minimum health insurance to employees or pay a penalty. The exception is the Senate Finance Committee bill, which has no employer requirement.

But small businesses are exempt. Because FairďŹ eld Lighting and Design has only 12 employees and a payroll of less than $500,000, it would not be required to provide health insurance under any of the health reform bills.

Each of the three bills gives small businesses tax credits for several years to provide relief from high insurance premiums until more comprehensive reforms are in effect— until 2015 for the House bill, and 2017 in the Senate Finance bill. The Senate health committee bill would offer a credit until state exchanges are up and running—up to three years. But some plans offer a lot more help than others. The health-committee bill would offer FairďŹ eld a tax credit of about $10,000 per year. The others use sliding scales based on employee income, and because FairďŹ eld

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pays near the top of those scales, it would get a credit of only about $5,000 under the House bill and $2,500 under the Senate Finance Committee bill.

Small businesses would also have the option under all three bills to buy insurance through a health-insurance exchange, a pooling mechanism that would allow them to choose from a menu of private plans, which the Congressional Budget OfďŹ ce projects would be cheaper than private plans currently out there for small businesses.

Help won’t arrive right away under any of the proposals. The House bill, which phases small businesses into the exchange based on their size, would make FairďŹ eld wait until 2013. The Finance Committee plan would make FairďŹ eld wait even longer—it won’t set up exchanges for small businesses until 2017.

The Senate health committee plan would authorize the Health and Human Services secretary to start giving grants to states to start up exchanges right away, but it is unclear how quickly states would move.

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Handel’s

MESSIAH

The Chorale will perform Handel’s Messiah with full orchestra and soloists. This music is as timeless as the holiday itself.

DECEMBER

18TH, 8:00pm

Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene at 150 Maestra St. in Meridian

DECEMBER

20TH, 2:00pm

Cathedral of the Rockies at 717 N. 11th in Boise

Tickets are available for purchase at www.boisemasterchorale.net or 208-344-4794.

Each performance is $20, and students are free.

}

(ER STORY Anne Johnson lost coverage for herself and her 18-yearold son in February when she lost her job as a secretary at a solar energy company, where she was earning about $25,000 per year.

Shortly before she was laid off, a cardiologist told her she needs her aortic valve replaced, but without insurance, she can’t afford the surgery. She is supposed to get checkups every six months, but that is also too expensive—so she has put them off. Her last visit to the cardiologist was in January, so she is already three months overdue. “Right now, I have no idea what type of condition I’m in,�

Johnson said.

7HAT HEALTH CARE REFOR M WOULD MEAN FOR HER Johnson’s son may already qualify for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, which covers low-income children if they do WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

not have private insurance, because her son is under age 21. (We let Johnson know that her son may be eligible.)

BOISEweekly

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 13

Peter Anastos, Artistic Director

continues the classic holiday tradition

The Nutcracker At the Morrison Center

Friday, December 11at 8 pm Saturday, December 12 at 2 & 8 pm Sunday, December 13 at 2 pm

But if she gets a job that pays roughly the same as she earned before but does not provide health insurance, he would most likely lose his Medi-Cal coverage. The House reform plan and the Senate Finance Committee plan would standardize Medicaid eligibility across states to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, which amounts to $19,378 for a family of two. The plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (known as the HELP committee) would expand it to 150 percent of the poverty line, still only $21,855.

Johnson would be able to purchase private health insurance from a gateway or exchange, a state-based pool offering a menu of private insurance plans. The House and the Senate HELP bills would also offer her a public plan.

Her low income would qualify her for a subsidy to help buy insurance through the exchange, according to all three reform proposals.

The House plan and the Senate Finance

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Committee plan would allow Johnson to choose from four levels of coverage ranging from basic to premium, while the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee does not specify levels of coverage.

But if Johnson remains uninsured, she will have to pay a hefty tax penalty: All three plans impose a highly controversial tax penalty on uninsured individuals. The HELP bill would impose a penalty of $750 per year per person, so Johnson would have to pay $1,500. The Senate Finance plan phases in a penalty of $750 per year per uninsured adult, so Johnson would pay the same amount since her son is 18. The House bill would fine families the cost of a basic health-insurance plan from the health exchange, up to 2.5 percent of their taxable income.

Critics of the requirement that all individuals have health insurance say it would in effect increase taxes for poor and middleclass people for not being able to afford health insurance.

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4HEIR STORY Brought to you by

“From our family to your family”

Mack is a self-employed cab driver and Mary is a self-employed writer; they both pay for their own health insurance. Though together they pay about $600 a month in premiums, they have what Mary Kroner calls “junk insurance.”

Rapidly rising premiums have forced them to increase their deductible every year, and now they have a policy with a $5,000 deductible per illness per year. That means that they’ve been paying essentially all their health-care costs out of pocket. Mary pays $100 for her annual mammogram—a must because her sister had breast cancer—but she skips recommended pelvic exams. A recent colonoscopy recommended for Mack after he showed signs of bowel cancer cost them $1,376, roughly half their monthly income.

“We just bite the bullet and don’t attend to things because we can’t afford it,” Mary said.

7HAT HEALTH CARE REFORM MEANS FOR THEM The Kroners would qualify to purchase insurance through a health-care exchange because they are not part of a government program and do not have insurance through their employers. They could choose from an array of private plans, and one public plan, that conform to set levels of coverage.

The House plan would create a national exchange, the Senate plan state-based exchanges, and states would be able to opt out of the public option.

The plans in the exchange are likely to cost less for individuals like the Kroners because they pool risk, much the way that employer policies do. Setting levels of coverage also encourages plans to compete based on price.

Both the Senate and House plans would help the underinsured by requiring generous coverage for preventive care, like Mack’s colonoscopy and Mary’s mammograms. They would also cap out-of-pocket costs.

The Kroners would also qualify for government help in paying their premiums, but would fare slightly better with the Senate plan. Both plans offer subsidies on a sliding scale, which would ensure that people making less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Line would spend only a certain percentage

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

of their salary on premiums. Mary and Mack make about 300 to 350 percent of the poverty line, which in 2009 is $14,570 for a family of two. Under the Senate plan, the Kroners’ premium would be capped at 9.8 percent ($4,900). That’s $2,300 less than they pay now. Under the House plan, their premium would be capped at 10 to 11 percent of their income ($5,000 to $5,500), which would save the Kroners between $2,200 and $1,700 from their current premium.

Under the Senate and House plans, the Kroners would also qualify for costsharing credits.

If the Kroners decided to keep buying private insurance outside the exchange, they would have to buy a policy that covered preventive services, pre-existing conditions, hospitalization and a series of other services (“essential benefits” in official jargon) or they would face a steep tax penalty under both proposals.

Under the House bill, that tax would equal 2.5 percent of their annual income, or $1,250.

Under the Senate bill, which phases the penalty in over the next six years, by 2016 they would owe $750 a person, or $1,500.

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BOISE ART MUSEUM

RECORD EXCHANGE

Looking for a special gift for someone in your life? A Boise Art Museum membership is your answer. With a basic membership ranging from $35 to $60, a BAM membership is an affordable and unique gift that lasts all year long. Memberships include free admission to BAM for a year, invitations to exhibition previews and special events, discounts at the BAM Store and on classes and camps for all ages, and much more. Visit Boise Art Museum and experience new and diverse exhibitions, BAM’s permanent art collection, special events, education programs, studio art workshops and the unique BAM Store. There’s something for everyone at BAM. Free parking. 670 Julia Davis Drive, 208-345-2247, boiseartmuseum.org.

If you’re looking to fill a vinyl prescription for the lover of vinyl on your list, go to the specialist of vinyl love. That’s right, get your RX at the Record Exchange, it’s the best store in Boise for CDs and vinyl. And while you’re there, why not go ahead and do the rest of your shopping? Because RX is also the must-shop-stop for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers you won’t find anywhere else. You can shop ’til you drop and stay in one place in one, single shop-tastic trip to the RX. The holiday cards are sick, the tokidoki designer pillowcases will make your anime lovers squeal, and don’t forget to peruse the books and mad mags selection. The Doodles coloring and doodle book is way cool. Also, make your go green friends go green with envy: Get a set of recycled-from-bottles glassware. 1105 W. Idaho St., 208-344-8010, therecordexchange.com.

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BOISE ARMY/NAVY We are so in love with this store. Been looking for a one-person biking tent? A three-person mosquito dome? Authentic Mexican wrestling masks? Russian military helmet? You’ll find it here. This place really does have something for everyone. New pea coats in new colors—cocoa, fawn and Baker blue—for men and women, military helmets from all over the world, a variety of camo (you can’t have too much camo) in an assortment of colors, K-Bar knives and, for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list: hand grenades—dummies, of course. Get your Booty Camp undies here, too, plus there’s a large selection of ponchos, M.O.L.L.E. Gear, Aussie oilskins, jackets, dusters and chaps. Ball-and-chain ankle cuffs, handcuffs, binoculars, compasses, cool fingerless gloves, berets, belts, suspenders, German utensil kits, French ammo bags. Skunk tails and rabbit furs. Waders. Boots. And more. Much, much more. 4924 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-322-0660.

BODO: PROTO’S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA Oh boy, do we love pizza. And we can’t think of a better way to cap off a fabuloso shopping spree in Bodo than with a nosh of a fresh tossed and served pie from Proto’s. This here is Neopolitan-style, and that means thin-crust deliciousness to perfection.

And we know it’s the real deal—the brick oven was imported from Rome, plus, you can watch your pie get tossed before your very eyes. Look for daily specials, Clam Pizza Fridays and happy hour specials, Mondays through Fridays, 4-6 p.m., ($1 off all drinks and an assortment of $5 pies). And if you want to take your pie home, they’ll cook it halfway so you can finish up in your very own oven. FYI: Now serving gluten-free crusts so you can bring your wheat-challenged friends to your next pie party. 345 S. Eighth St., 208-331-1400, protospizza.com.

IDAHO POWER Here’s a tip that will keep you perky and percolating. The average coffee pot uses 900 to 1,200 watts of electricity and most of the electricity is used to keep the warming plate hot. If you change your coffee pot system, you could end up with extra change in your pockets. Consider using a coffee maker with a thermal pot so the coffee stays warm without needing to keep the coffee pot turned on. Another option is to use a coffee press and make smaller amounts of coffee at a time. For more energy saving tips, go to the Idaho Power Web site, idahopower.com.

EVERYWEAR We like EveryWear’s credo: “We work when we need to, play when we can, and wear what makes us feel good.”

We like the funky, functional duds even more. Get your Patagonia here (have you seen the hot little black Patagonia dress?). Local lines from Core Concepts and IO/BIO (the local Merino wool company), Unique Lisa belts and ReRide goods, locally made, totally recycled, inner tube messenger bags, purses and pouches. And while they last: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Pink Ribbon ReRides bags, $5 off and $2 goes back to the cause, now until end of the year. Now available: Boise State Bronco dog collars, leashes, belts and more from ReRides for true blue Bronco fans. Check out weekly holiday specials. 1521 N. 13th, Hyde Park, 208-336-1687, everywearsport.com.

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REDISCOVERED BOOKS Got any bookworms on your list?

Run, don’t walk to Rediscovered Books.

It’s a locally owned independent bookstore. Honest. We love this bookstore. It has new books, used books, calendars, cards, puppets and even bath salts. “We buy books every day,” said co-owner Laura DeLaney. So take your old books in and bring back a sack of new ones.

They also have in-store book reviews (everyone there reads, go figure), and you are encouraged to ask for advice.

They also host a slew of author events, 10 in-store book groups (including a fifth to seventh grade boys-only, eclectic reader and Jane Austen group). It’s part of that indie thing, DeLaney said. “We’re all about trying to connect with the community.” Oh yeah, we almost forgot: They also have six writers groups. And Fridays at 10:30 a.m., bring the kids for Storytime Fridays. 7079 Overland Road, 208-376-4229, rediscoveredbookshop.com.

SIERRA TRADING POST Ohh, we love a manly man. And what could be more manly than a lumberjack? That’s who we think of when we gaze longingly at this Moose Creek Brawny plaid shirt in 9-ounce flannel. Sure, it was perfect when the leaves began to turn and football season arrived. But, hey, ’tis the season, and if you want to play flannel shirtwearing Santa, we think we’d love to sit on your lap and whisper what we’d like for Christmas in your ear. Ho, ho, ho. This shirt is constructed from materials for long-lasting style, is made from 100 percent cotton and only needs machine wash, tumble dry. And remember, when you shop at STP, the low, low prices save you up to a whopping 77 percent off regular retail prices. 530 E. Sonata Lane, Meridian, 208-8980261, sierratradingpost.com.

J’S ULTIMATE CAR WASH Hey, baby, it’s cold outside. So this year, give that special “baby” of yours the ultimate treatment. That’s right, take your baby in for a pampering session of TLC at the only hand car wash in town, where “we baby your baby,” owner Jason Smullin said. All services are guaranteed, plus you’ll get your car cleaned in record time: The $14.99 full-service car wash, inside and out, takes 15 minutes or less. The $6.99 outside wash and towel-dry service will get you in and out in eight minutes or less, Smullin said. And, if you really want to baby your baby, get the J’s $24.99 Ultimate car wash. It includes the full-service treatment plus triple-foam conditioner, clear coat sealer, Rain-X protectant, underbody flush with rust inhibitor and your choice of dashboard dressing or shampooed front carpets. Holiday specials: Buy four fullservice car washes (inside and out) and get two free or buy six outside-only washes for just $30. 3756 Chinden Blvd., 208-336-0435, ultimatehandcarwash.com.

BOISE WEEKLY No, it’s not the infamous Justin Timberlake’s “D*** in a Box”, but it is a box chock full o’ BW love—that’s almost as good, right? For a mere $399, you can have your name or your group’s name permanently engraved on a chrome plate, then mounted to the top of one of our famous red boxes. Not only will it keep you off the infamous list (think about your poor ol’ mom), it will help BW do our part to get the country back on track and stay out of the red and into the blue. And don’t forget how much it will mean for free speech and how every little bit helps us keep our freespeech bastion free for all. Besides your own personalized nameplate, as a sponsor you’ll get a certificate of sponsorship, a box christening ceremony and your or your group’s picture published in Boise Weekly. Perhaps best of all, you get to pick your box—prime locations are still available. It’s perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list. Seriously, how many people have their very own newspaper distribution box? For more information or to reserve your own red box, call Sally at Boise Weekly at 208-344-2055.

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EIGHTH STREET MARKETPLACE: PIECE UNIQUE/SHOEZ Forget diamonds. All the females we know say it’s shoes—and boots—that are a girl’s best friends. Put one toe in the door and you’ll think you died and went to shoe/boot heaven. But don’t let the shoes and boots distract you from the hip and chic-ster duds.

Designers kick up their heels here: Halle Bob, Twill 22, Youna Baraschi, Max & Cleo and Virgin Saints & Angels jewelry. And hey, guys, don’t stop at the door, this is your stompin’ grounds, too. You’ll find premium brands here including Adriano Goldschmied, William Rast, Robert Graham, Frye and Olukai. Plus, you can have a shop-till-you-drop experience here and feel good about it. Look for upcoming in-store holiday sales that benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. 404 S. Eighth St., Ste. 188, 208-387-0250, pieceuniqueshoez.com.

Talk about your starry nights. When you go to an Idaho Shakespeare Festival production, you get to gaze at the stars on the stage, under the heavenly mantle of stars in the sky. Bring your own picnic or grab a bite at Cafe Shakespeare. And get your season tickets now so you won’t miss a single show. This year, Idaho Shakespeare Festival presents its 34th season, with a slew of classic Shakespeare delights and other stellar tales to be told: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bat Boy: The Musical, An Ideal Husband, Othello and The Woman in Black.

The 2010 season runs June through October. Hurry, get your tickets before Dec. 31 for big savings and the perfect seats. Tickets and gift certificates make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. For more information, call or visit the Web site. 5657 Warm Springs Ave., 208-336-9221, idahoshakespeare.org.

DK M PHOTOGRAPHY

IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

FUSIONS We know the bit about people who live in glass houses. But we want to put this glass in our house. It’s glass art and you can take your pick: Make it yourself or buy it from other glass artists. Fusions The Studio is a glass kiln-forming resource center, studio and gallery. Fusions offers beginning to advanced classes in kiln-formed (fused) glass, open studio time, kiln-firing services, project consultation and special group events such as ladies-night-out groups or birthday parties. Fusions The Gallery has unique gifts for everyone. Featuring more than 20 local fused glass artists’ work in one location, you are bound to find just the perfect smaller gift for teachers and neighbors, and unique pieces for those a little closer to your heart. Gift certificates for classes, supplies and finished art make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers. The Studio: 2318 W. Holly Mountain Dr., Eagle, 208- 938-1055; The Gallery: 32 N. First St., Eagle, 208- 938-9339, fusions-idaho.com.

IDAHO POWER Eek! Vampires and phantoms aren’t exclusive to horror flicks, but they can all make you want to scream.

Did you know you use electricity even when you’re not actively using an appliance or electronic device? It’s called phantom load, or in less eerie terms, standby power. Culprits include TVs, microwaves, computers, digital monitors, printers and kitchen appliances. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are off. The easiest way to combat vampire power: pull the plug. And, if you have a number of devices that work together (PC, monitor, printer), use a surge protector with multiple sockets. Timers can be used to turn off standby power to devices that aren’t regularly used. Switches can turn power off when the connected device goes into standby. Details at the Idaho Power Web site, idahopower.com.

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DRAGONFLY Sock monkeys? Check. Cool umbrellas? Check. Oracle cards, soy candles, frames, thumb-wrestling masks? Check, check, check and check. In fact, you can shop at Dragonfly and check off every item on your list—and then find some more that you just can’t resist.

Like a Himalayan salt lamp (it puts out negative ions and is said to relieve asthma, sinus troubles and allergies).

They have shopping bags made from 95 percent recycled materials, Maruca bags handmade in the United States and, “I think we have the best sterling silver selection in Boise,” said store manager Sierra Heavin. Sweaters, scarves, pashminas, trapper hats, bamboo fiber tights and you’ve got to check out the sock wall. And the toy wall where you’ll find toys for kids and grownup kids. And calendars, ornaments, pins, buttons and fun and funny gifts you won’t find any place else. 414 Main St., 208-338-9234.

FLYING M Weren’t you just wondering where to find a head scratcher? Cell phone holder? Irresistible, fuzzy holiday hat, complete with furry paw ties? Sip a holiday latte, meet an old friend, munch a sweet or two and shop to your heart’s content, all at the M. We tried on the furry holiday hats and made faces at each other for hours.

Art, journals, wind-up toys, gifts that make you smile or even laugh out loud. Check out the selection of children’s picture books and toys, the huge assortment of ornaments, cards, bags and oh, so much more. And hurry: Get your Holiday Blend coffee while it lasts, it’s only here for a limited time. Flying M Coffeehouse: 500 W. Idaho St., 208-345-4320; Flying M Coffeegarage: 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-467-5533, flyingmcoffee.com.

FLOATING FEATHER DAY SPA Oh. My. Gosh. The shopping.

The traffic. The dog needs a walk and you’ve still got to clean house before the relatives show up.

Don’t worry, take a deep, calming breath and march right down to Floating Feather Day Spa for the ahh-some, relaxing, soothing break you deserve and need. A little FF pampering and TLC from the spa therapists with inspirational and oh-so-tempting treatments will ease the effects of environmental damage, fatigue and holiday stress on your skin and body. Gift certificates (what could be more perfect?) can be purchased at the spa, online or by telephone. Bonus: Say you saw this in Boise Weekly when you buy a gift certificate for $50 or more and you’ll receive a $5 gift card for yourself. After all, don’t you deserve the perfect gift? 602 W. Idaho, 208-424-5153, floating-feather.com.

BODO: SNAKE RIVER WINERY Have your wine and taste it, too.

Harvested from the rolling hills overlooking the Snake River Valley, Snake River Winery’s grapes are handcrafted in small lots to create wines with unique complexity and balance. What a great midway stop as you make your shopping rounds. Stop in for a complimentary wine tasting Tuesday through Sunday and pick up some bottles for later or for gifts. They’re local and easy on the pocketbook. Wine from $9.50 to $25, plus check out the rad gift selection for the oenophile or foodie on your list: martini sets, Riedel glassware, mulling spices, gourmet salts and a whole lot more, featuring a large assortment of gadgets and stocking stuffers (they even have wine wipes to clean away those tell-tale wine stains from your ear-to-ear toothy smile). 786 W. Broad St., 208-345-9463, snakeriverwinery.com.

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RECORD EXCHANGE Don’t go generic—get your name-brand ’scripts at the RX. This holiday season, the RX has boxed CD sets for The Beatles, MJ and Neil Young lovers on your list. And DVD boxed sets for the Lost, Mad Men, Weeds and True Blood suckers on your list. And a h-u-g-e selection of vinyl. The How Tie is the perfect gift for the young entrepreneur.

Get your 2010 calendars here, too (uh-oh, Mormon Muffins may be sold out). Plus there’s a gigantic and hi-larious selection of holiday cards, art books, Lucha Libre and very cool ornaments, gift bags, wrapping paper, funny gag gifts, action figures and more, more, more. 1105 W. Idaho St., 208-3448010, therecordexchange.com.

BOISE ART MUSEUM Think creative and one-of-a-kind gifts, like those you’ll find at Boise Art Museum. Find that special gift at the BAM Store. Choose from textiles, metal and wood items, imported scarves from Asia, metal wall hangings made from recycled oil drums from Haiti, and wooden cutting boards, rolling pins and jewelry boxes crafted by Ed Steckwest. And while you’re there, check out the fun and educational puzzles and games, art materials, craft projects and other creative supplies for the budding artist. Also, for the art-loving grownups on your list, the BAM Store has a large assortment of extraordinary holiday cards, art books and more. Admission is always free to shop in the BAM Store. Free parking and gift-wrapping is available. 670 Julia Davis Drive, 208-345-2247, boiseartmuseum.org.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival, featuring stars under the stars, has some delicious delights coming your way in its 34th season. One not to miss is The Woman in Black, the smash hit of London’s West End for more than 20 years. It’s an electrifying and spine-chilling tale told in the heart-pounding footsteps of the classic ghost story.

Arthur Kipps is deeply troubled by his past. As a junior solicitor, he was summoned to attend to the final affairs of an elderly widow who lived alone in the desolate and secluded Eel Marsh House—a house still filled with uneasy secrets, a house whose associates do not rest in peace. Will Arthur be able to prevent further misfortune?

There’s only one way to find out. Get your season tickets now and save big on ticket prices—up to 37 percent.

Buy tickets for early-bird savings for yourself and get gift certificates, they make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. The 2010 season runs June through October. For more information, call or visit the Web site. 5657 Warm Springs Ave., 208-336-9221, idahoshakespeare.org.

DKM PHOTOGRAPHY

IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

CAFE VICINO “How much longer?” “Hmm, five, 10 minutes.” Don’t risk feeling like you’re in a Seinfeld episode. (“Get out!”) This holiday season, book a table for your Cafe Vicino (va-CHEE-no) party online or call for a reservation. It’s the perfect place for lunch (Chef Steve Rhodes is famous for his tomato basil soup) or dinner for holiday family and friend gatherings—intimate and comfortable, elegant yet relaxing. “Our wait staff is the best in Boise. The excellent service you receive will ensure that you will be able to relax and enjoy your guests and your meal,” said Chef Richard Langston. Cafe Vicino will be open special hours for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Holiday gift certificates are available in any amount.

No wrapping, they’re easy to mail, and even at the last minute, they make a great gift for anyone. 808 W. Fort St., 208-472-1463, cafevicino.com.

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BODO: LUNATIC FRINGE Have a really good hair day. The stylists, er, we mean, artists at Lunatic Fringe are dedicated to giving you the tools you need to re-create the look they give you. Plus, LF promotes good deeds and has a giving-to-others philosophy. Way cool. And, LF recycles glass bottles and foils, collects and sends cut hair to Matters of Trust (an organization that turns it into mats for cleaning up oil spills), uses recycled and recyclable hair color cups and a cleaning system that keeps the chemicals out of our waterways. All while making you look mah-velous. Holiday specials: The Gift of Style (a holiday party updo, soft curls or sexy waves) $30 and up; get a $50 gift card or holiday hair service and get a Paul Mitchell holiday cosmetics bag and Hold-It spray; or get a Kerastase Double Force Limited Edition Hairspray with free travel spray, $42 while supplies last ($51 value). 874 W. Broad St., 208-955-0400, lunaticfringesalon.com.

EVERYWEAR EveryWear means inspired, functional and enduring outdoor and casual clothing, footwear and accessories created for the cool and hip. It’s a totally Idaho, totally North End Boise shopping experience, and every single item of clothing for men, women and children looks cool and hip, feels soft, puffy or both, and comes in our favorite colors like teal and pink and laurel green. We’re supremely confident you could find anything you need for casual Fridays, and for before, apres and during skiing and boarding, hiking, rafting or fireside snuggling. Weekly holiday specials, while they last: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Pink Ribbon ReRides bags, $5 off and $2 goes back to the cause, now to end of the year.

Now available: Boise State Bronco dog collars, leashes, belts and more from ReRides for true blue Bronco fans.

Check out weekly holiday specials. 1521 N. 13th, Hyde Park, 208-336-1687, everywearsport.com.

IDAHO POWER Get charged up, but do it right. If a new cell phone, electric shaver, power tool or MP3 player is on your shopping list, you may want to consider getting an energy efficient battery charger, too, to keep your gifts running smoothly while using less energy. About 230 million products in American homes and businesses use battery charging systems and conventional battery chargers—even when not actively charging a product—can draw as much as five to 20 times more energy than is actually stored in the battery. Energy efficient battery chargers can save more than 1 billion kilowatt hours of energy per year, saving more than $100 million annually, all while preventing the release of more than one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions—equal to the emissions of 150,000 cars. Look for an ENERGY STAR-qualified battery charger that on average uses 35 percent less energy than conventional models. For details, go to the Idaho Power Web site, idahopower.com.

SIERRA TRADING POST All right, time to get layered up. Light as air and soft as a pillow, pull on this Sierra Designs’ Corona down vest, and you’ll be wrapped in a little bit of soft, warm heaven. It is a great way to reacquaint yourself with the celestial lightness—and incredible warmth—of 550-fill power goose down. It’s got a full-zip front with storm flap, a soft chin protector, adjustable draw cord hem, and zippered hand pockets. And after a sweaty day on the slopes, just pop it in the washing machine. As always, Sierra Trading Post’s everyday price is always 35 to 70 percent less than retail. 530 E. Sonata Lane, Meridian, 208-898-0261, sierratradingpost.com.

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DUNIA MARKETPLACE This year, do your holiday shopping in the global marketplace, and at the same time, create a wealth of opportunity for people around the world—and do all that in your own back yard at Dunia Marketplace in Hyde Park. “Dunia” means “world” and “life” in multiple world languages, and Dunia Marketplace (formerly Ten Thousand Villages) is a local, nonprofit fair-trade import store. Step inside and find fairly traded home decor items, rugs, textiles, baskets, coffee, tea, food, jewelry, accessories and musical instruments. You can read the story behind each item, which is cool, but even better, your purchase provides vital fair wages and dignity to those in need. It’s a shopping experience that gives your heart a hug—what’s not to love about that? And in an effort to lend a helping hand to local nonprofits, Dunia Marketplace is hosting Community Shopping events, partnering with area nonprofits to help with their fundraising. During each event, 15 percent of the sales go to that day’s partnering organization. Go to the Web site to learn more. Or just stop and shop. Guilt free. 1609 N. 13th St., 208-333-0535, duniamarketplace.com.

FLYING M Look out, it’s right behind you! Be sure to check out award-winning artist Rick Walters’ abominable snowman window art at the Boise location. And while you’re there, sit down and cozy up to a cup of holiday brew, featuring peppermint mochas, real eggnog lattes and hot spiced cider made with Williamson’s apple cider and the M’s own mulling spices. Holiday sweets for the sweet? How about Flying M’s no-bake cookie, five-food-group cookie, Flying M or vegan nut bar? “This isn’t like any other coffee joint,” Harry said to Molly. “Gee, Harry, you’re right,” said Molly, wandering into the gift shop and getting lost for a while. Molly was enchanted by the huge assortment of unique ornaments, some made of straw, glass or origami. She got lost in locally made stuff: books by E.J. Pettinger and Bob Phaff, Mixed Greens body products, and—in Boise only—jewelry by MaryMakesArt, Miso, Ravishing Jane and M. Kobold. Plus, Holiday Blend coffee while it lasts. Flying M Coffeehouse: 500 W. Idaho St., 208-345-4320; Flying M Coffeegarage: 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-467-5533, flyingmcoffee.com.

FLOATING FEATHER DAY SPA Forget the typical happy hour specials. Who needs ’em when you can get the Tuesday Special at Floating Feather? Get 10 percent off any 55-minute or longer ah-some service. Just think, that means you could get a heavenly Swedish, therapeutic, hot stone, raindrop technique or prenatal massage, cranial sacral therapy, reflexology or a facial. FF also offers esthetic skin care, makeup, hair removal, nail care services, spa packages and more. Gift certificates can be purchased at the spa, online or by telephone. Bonus: Say you saw this in Boise Weekly when you buy a gift certificate for $50 or more and you’ll get a $5 gift card for yourself. After all, don’t you deserve a present, too? 602 W. Idaho, 208-424-5153, floating-feather.com.

BREWFORIA We can’t think of a more apropos moniker than this one. Brewforia. Dissect the name and say it slowly: Brew for ya. “We’re Boise’s only specialty beer store with more than 200 specialty beers from all over the world,” owner Rick Boyd said. We believe him, with names on the shelves like Colorado’s Great Divide, New York’s Ommegang, Maine’s Allagash, Elysian from Washington and, yee-ha, Shiner Bock from Texas. And that’s just us barely getting started. For orders of more than $15, you get free delivery anywhere in the Treasure Valley, including kegs. Stop in the store for beer tastings, and now they’re doing private dinners, functions and corporate gigs (pretty cool office party). 435 N. Milwaukee St., 208-585-7461, brewforia. com.

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BOISEvisitWEEKLY PICKS boiseweekly.com for more events

Everybody knows that wine drinkers make grape lovers.

THURSDAY DEC. 10 wine DOWNTOWN WINE TASTING

Can, can, can you do the cancan?

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY DEC. 9-DEC. 11 recycling

Looking to turn that holiday buzz into one you can feel in your esophagus? Downtown Boise Association is pairing up with the Idaho Wine Commission for a one-night celebration of the almighty fermented grape at the inaugural Downtown Winter Wine Tasting. Ten Idaho wineries will be on hand in the Grove Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to showcase their tastiest varietals and vintages. Downtown revelers will be able to try wines from Davis Creek Cellars, Fraser Vineyard, Bitner Vineyards, 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, Woodriver Cellars, Pend d’Oreille Winery, St. Regulus Wines, Coiled Wines and Seventh Son Vineyard.

From Sandpoint to the Snake River Valley, these Idaho-bred wines are seeking some curious taste buds to tantalize. Wine will be available by the glass along with hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts to combat the chill. While getting good and loopy, participants will also be treated to traditional caroling. Remember: The first hour of parking in downtown garages is free, so convince a pal to be your DD and head down to the Grove for what’s sure to become an annual tradition.

5:30-8 p.m., FREE, The Grove Plaza, Downtown, 208-385-7300, downtownboise.org.

CASH FOR CANS Financial woes while gift shopping can seem like small potatoes compared to the countless Boiseans unable to shop for groceries during the holidays. Luckily, Pacific Steel and Recycling has concocted a plan to combat both lack of funds and hungry tummies. Aluminum hoarders will have the chance to feed the needy as Pacific Steel and Recycling presents the CANned Food Drive. The drive will offer participants a 5-cent per pound bonus on aluminum cans, provided they also clean out their pantries and bring in some unopened canned goods. All cans accepted are donated to local food banks, providing much needed help for those in need.

For those feeling particularly giving, Pacific Steel and Recycling also offers customers the option to donate the money received from their recycled cans and other metal objects to any local charity. It’s not often that you make money by helping others, so scrounge up some canned goods, recycle some cans and help create a merrier holiday season for the citizens of Boise.

Wednesday, Dec. 9-Friday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., FREE, participating locations: 5120 Emerald St., 320 W. Main St., 2515 E. Comstock Ave., 3575 Highway 30 West, 1939 Highland Ave., 208-375-2131, pacific-recycling.com.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 9 party BW CARD HOLDER APPRECIATION PARTY Did you know that Boise Weekly has its own secret society? We give out special membership cards to those in the know, then get togeth-

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er on the weekends and sip delicious cocktails and scoff at people who pay full-price at local restaurants. Tsk. Tsk. On Wednesday, Dec. 9, we’re hosting a highly elite party to congratulate ourselves for being so cool.

So why are we telling you this? Well, we thought we’d let you in on a secret: The only pedigree you need to hobnob on our yacht (Idaho

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

Botanical Garden) is a little plastic BW Card. This money-saving card is your golden ticket to a holiday BW Card member appreciation party, which includes admission to Idaho Botanical Garden’s Winter Garden aGlow along with free food, wine and beer.

It’s our little way to say thank you for supporting Boise Weekly and the local busi-

nesses that are participating card members. If you bring a friend who doesn’t have a BW Card, we’ll hook ’em up with a card and waive the $24.95 sign-up fee. Or get a card for someone/everyone on your holiday list, and we’ll waive the sign-up fee for every card you load up with $60 or more. Don’t have a card but you want in on the action? Call Boise Weekly at 208-344-2055, and we’ll get you all set up so that you’re not left out.

The party starts at 6 p.m. in our heated tent at Idaho Botanical Garden.

Topsiders and Izod sweaters optional.

6 p.m., FREE with BW Card, Idaho Botanical Gardens, 2355 Old Penitentiar y Road. For more information on the BW Card, call 208344-2055 or visit weeklycard.com/boise.

THURSDAY DEC. 10 photography PIX FUNDRAISER The Pix Theatre in Nampa was once the biggest theater in Idaho, featuring 688 spring-cushioned seats and walls covered with heavy damask tapestry. Opened in 1946, this historic building closed in 2002. During the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in the fallen theater and the citizens of Nampa have rallied to bring it back to life.

Diana Shafer of Nampa’s White Pine Boutique will help the Pix raise some much-needed dough with her upcoming fundraiser, Pics for the Pix. Shafer gave four local photographers a challenge— create a six-piece collection

of photographs that captures each artist’s individual styles while incorporating an organic T-shirt sold at White Pine.

Photogs participating include BW freelancer Laurie Pearman, Clayton Borah, Seth Ogilvie and Chloe Myers, all of whom will be seeking the top prize.

An awards show at Flying M Coffeegarage will feature live music, a silent auction and a raffle. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Pix Theatre’s restoration effort, something that Shafer hopes will come to fruition soon.

“I knew that money is holding them back. They’re still doing construction, and I just wanted it to open now.”

7:30-9:30 p.m., $5 suggested minimum, Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-4669083, thewhitepineboutique. com.

WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

SATURDAY DEC. 12

FIND

crafts IDAHO INDIE WORKS HOLIDAY SALE Heavens to Etsy. The Treasure Valley’s Etsy street team, Idaho Indie Works, has nearly split the seams of its hand-knit trousers. During the last year, this collection of 95 local crafters with online Etsy shops has almost doubled in size.

Whether it has to do with the increasing popularity of shopping local or the fact that Idaho Indie Works members have been busting their humps ever y First Thursday peddling their wares at the Pioneer Tent Building, the Etsy gospel is catching on.

If you want to feel a wave of craft worship wash over you—and score some sweet holiday loot like jewelr y, ornaments, chocolate and purses—make your way to the corner of Sixth and Main streets on Saturday, Dec. 12, for a full day of sublime shopping.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., FREE, Pioneer Tent Building, 106 N. Sixth St. For more information, visit etsy.com/ shop/idahoindieworks.

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.

ABSINTHE COCKTAILS

Don’t worry. Baby Jesus has your law-breaking back.

SATURDAY DEC. 12 wtf

SUNDAY DEC. 13

JESUS PAYS YOUR PARKING TICKETS

stage A CHRISTMAS CAROL Crotchety old Ebenezer Scrooge is bah-humbugging back into action with help from the fine folks at Boise Contemporar y Theater.

Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, will be presented as a spirited reading under the tutelage of Carole Whiteleather, who adapted and edited the famous work for the Boise stage.

Audiences get to watch and listen as professional actors bring the stor y to life, following the famous tale of finding Christmas cheer. Stingy sinner Scrooge soars from the past to the future, discovering the true meaning of Christmas with the help of a few ghosts, a bit of magic

S U B M I T

So he died up on that cross and then came back to life to pay our parking tickets?

That’s right, a group of some 90 Treasure Valley evangelical Christian churches—we’ll call them the Churches of the Divine Parallel—will pay up to $10,000 in parking tickets for you, just for asking.

It’s a media stunt, inspired by Jesus and a man named Michael Boerner, now with Unity Media Group, to demonstrate the Christian concept of grace.

“You don’t earn it, you just take it in,” explains Gary Heller, project manager at Mission Media, a local Christian PR firm that aims to inject its religious views into the secular/mainstream media realm by holding events like the Grace Gift Parable. “God’s love is like that. All you have to do is come and ask and he will give it.”

In 2004, the parking ticket amnesty made international headlines and graced the evening news in some 80 domestic markets, Heller said. So if everyone’s doing it, BW may as well jump on the Jesus-fueled ticket-amnesty train.

But we want you to go into this with eyes wide open. Know this, Boise: 1) Parking is a privilege, not a right. You still suck for monopolizing our space. 2) If a man of the cloth pays your fine, you don’t have to drink his blood or eat his cookies. 3) At least the Churches of the Divine Parallel are screwing with our heads and not with impoverished Third Worlders, who probably don’t even have cars. 4) Don’t forget to say thank you. 5) Amen.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., FREE, in front of Boise City Hall, 150 N. Capitol Blvd. Pastors will cut checks to anyone presenting valid, original parking tickets until their $10,000 runs out. You are then responsible for submitting the check to the ticketing agency. Funky Christmas music and snacks provided.

and a little lad named Tiny Tim. Per formances are a kid-friendly 90-minutes or shor ter and include an intermission with tasty

treats. All kiddos must drag their folks along for the show, and tykes 3 or younger get in free.

2 p.m., $8-$12, Boise

A steady procession of icy drops falls onto a slotted spoon holding a cube of sugar. The chilled syrup slips into a glass of absinthe, forming ghostly rivulets. With each swig of the green cocktail, a wave of black licorice fire flames down your throat and out your nostrils. It’s a decidedly romantic pain, one you imagine sharing with tortured poets in a smoky tavern long ago.

The green fairy, long banned in the United States for its purported hallucinogenic properties, fluttered back onto liquor store shelves in 2007 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration green-lighted thujone-free versions. Hoping to cash in on the liquor’s Bohemian mystique, the Idaho State Liquor Dispensary brought on five brands.

Though liquor store sales have been slow, according to dispensary superintendent James M. “Dyke” Nally, the anise-flavored, wormwood-spiked liquor has recently nudged its way onto several local cocktail menus. At Red Feather Lounge, you can grab a Midnight Train ($7) or sample absinthe prepared in the traditional French style described above ($12). At the Modern Bar, you can sip on a Corpse Reviver No. 2 ($8, pictured above) or a champagne-filled Death in the Afternoon ($8). Or, if you’re tough as balls, you can shoot the green beast straight up at Neurolux ($10).

Afraid absinthe will make you Van Gogh insane? Fret not, says Nally: “We haven’t had anybody cut their ear off yet.”

—Tara Morgan

Contemporar y Theater, 854 Fulton St., 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

an event by e-mail to calendar@boiseweekly.com. Listings are due by noon the Thursday before publication.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 25

8 DAYS OUT WEDNESDAY DEC. 9 Festivals & Events ALL-AGES VINYL COLLECTOR MEETING—Vinyl Preservation Society and The Record Exchange have set up a partnership to share the love of vinyl with all ages. The meeting will include a quick presentation by VPS Idaho founders Chad and Travis Dryden, DJ sets by VPS All Ages members, raffle prizes and free drinks. 5-7 p.m. FREE. The Record Exchange, 1105 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-344-8010, www. therecordexchange.com.

BW CARDHOLDER PARTY—See Picks, Page 24. 6-8 p.m. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org.

Concerts BIOTZETIK BASQUE CHOIR— Comprised of 50 Basque and non-Basque singers, Biotzetik, which means “from the heart,” Basque Choir presents traditional songs full of rich harmonies and a capella performances. 7 p.m. FREE, donations accepted.

St. Mary’s School, 2612 W. State St., Boise, 208-342-7476, www.stmarys-boise.org.

Citizen COMMUNITY GARDEN VOLUNTEERS—The Idaho Foodbank is looking for volunteers to help out their newly formed community gardens program, aimed to support, promote and sustain gardens in the Treasure Valley. There are a ton of volunteer opportunities available.

Food will be provided. 7 p.m.

Idaho Foodbank, 3562 S. TK Ave., Boise, 208-336-964, www. idahofoodbank.org.

Odds & Ends INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE—Staff and volunteers from Boise Parks and Recreation, Ridge to Rivers, Ada County, the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Fish and Game and the Foothills Advocates for Shared Trails will be available to answer questions and provide updates on a number of community and city planned projects and surveys. 5:30-8 p.m. FREE. Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Road, Boise, 208514-3755, www.cityofboise.org.

THURSDAY DEC. 10 Festivals & Events PICS FOR THE PIX—See Picks, Page 24. 7-9:30 p.m.

Suggested minimum of $5.

Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-467-5533, flyingmcoffee. com.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

On Stage ANNIE—Brought to the stage by Music Theatre of Idaho, sharing the classic stor y of a spunky, orphaned redhead. 7:30 p.m. $15 adult adv., $14 senior, student and child adv., $20 door. Tickets can be purchased at www. mtionline.org or by calling 208468-2385. Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, www. nampaciviccenter.com.

EUGENE BALLET’S NUTCRACKER—The entire family can enjoy this timeless classic. For more than 20 years, this holiday act has dazzled local families, par ticularly children, with incredible costumes, stages and dances with a local cast of 24. 7:30 p.m. $8-$18.

Jewett Auditorium, The College of Idaho, 2112 E. Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 208-459-3405 or 208-454-1376, www.caldwellfinear ts.org.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL—A spin on the classic tale of Christmas, this time focusing on Scrooge’s longtime par tner and only friend, Jacob Marley. “It’s like the Wicked of the Christmas Carol stor y,” said director Jennifer Dunn. 7:30 p.m. $12. Stage Coach Theatre,

5296 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-342-2000, www.stagecoachtheatre.com.

Food & Drink HOSTING WITH DINNER AND WINE—Join the folks from Brenda’s Simply Made Foods, Bill Davis Construction and Davis Creek Cellars for a holiday dinner infused with cooking tips and delicious wine tastings. 6 p.m. FREE. Held at a Bill Davis Home, 1922 W. Pachino St., Meridian.

WINTER WINE TASTING—See Picks, Page 24. 5:30-8 p.m. www.downtownboise.org. The Grove Plaza, downtown, Boise.

Art JURIED HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBITION RECEPTION— Head over to view a collection of hand-selected works by talented local high school students. Juror Richard Young, chair of the Boise State Art Department, will present awards during the reception.

4:30-6:30 p.m. FREE. Boise State Liberal Arts Building, 1910 University Drive, Boise, boisestate.edu.

NOISE/CD REVIEW HEADLIGHTS: WILDFIRE (POLYVINYL) CD jackets are like book covers: You shouldn’t judge them by what’s on the outside. So, of course, we’ll break the rules because that’s exactly what I did and found the band Headlights. I spotted the pastel pictures on the cover: a grass and fauna backdrop with a simple, white cursive “Wildlife” scrawled across the green grass near a river. Within the multi-fold case were sketches of animals——an aardvark, a bear, a tiger—each on small white pieces of paper.

And it’s while listening to each of Headlights’ songs—whether it be “Telephones” (a look at the death of friends), the upbeat “Get Going” (the first single of the album) or the subdued piano-synth combo of “Love Song for Buddy”—that we learn that Wildlife is all about oddities, like that of all varieties of fauna, and the music personifies this.

Sometimes the songs are more sloth-like creatures, managing only to underwhelm. There’s no song that stands out more than the others, but snippets of breathy, faraway vocals are unforgettable. Each of the songs on the album feels like it could be dropped effectively into an indie film, perhaps to serve as punctuation for a scene of emotional turmoil.

It’s a shame that they’re so not wild in their approach because I want to like them. It’s finding their sound that will strengthen what is already a talented group.

The band makes headway in their experiments, but the plumage of the multi-headed beast could use a trim.

—Andrew Crisp WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

8 DAYS OUT FRIDAY DEC. 11 Festivals & Events CHRISTMAS BAZAAR— Featuring musical presentations by local elementary schools, baked treats and a variety of crafty vendors. A fundraiser for the Bulldog Bowl Field of Dreams Turf Project, hosted by the Nampa High School Football Boosters. 6-9 p.m. FREE. Nampa High School, 203 Lake Lowell Ave., Nampa, 208-465-2760, www.sd131.k12.id.us.

HO HO HOS—Join Victoria, Gina Te’, Martini and special guest Minerva Jane for a nice and naughty holiday ho-down.

Presented by Idaho’s first professional female impersonation troupe. The Balcony is a 21-andolder venue. 7:30 p.m. $15, www.lipsinc.net. The Balcony Club, 150 N. Eighth St., second floor, Capitol Terrace, Boise, 208-336-1313.

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CRAFT FAIR—If you’ve been searching for quirky, local and leather, here’s your stop. Cruise by for a sampling of Boise’s unique holiday goods. Enjoy spinning from a live DJ on Friday night and hot cider on Saturday. 6-9 p.m.

Ophidia Dance and Art Studio, 200 E. 37th St., No. 7, Garden City, 208-409-2403, www.myspace.com/danceophidia.

On Stage

Workshops & Classes

ANNIE—See Thursday. 7:30 p.m. $15 adult adv., $14 senior, student and child adv., $20 door.

Tickets can be purchased at www.mtionline.org or by calling 208-468-2385. Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, www.nampaciviccenter.com.

IDAHO FRIENDS OF JUNG— Discussing Jung’s perspective on the importance of the fourth psychological function, intuition. 7-9 p.m. FREE, $5-$15 donations accepted, www.idahofriendsofjung. org. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City, 208-658-1710.

IMPULSIVE REACTIONS: A DANCE CONCERT OF NEW WORK—A diverse musical performance by more than 25 Idaho Dance Theatre company members, choreographed by students and faculty members Marla Hansen and Kelli Brown.

7:30 p.m. $5 general, $3 seniors and students. Danny Peterson Theatre, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-3980, theatre. boisestate.edu.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL—See Thursday. 8:15 p.m. $15. Stage Coach Theatre, 5296 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-342-2000, www.stagecoachtheatre.com.

THE NUTCRACKER—Ballet Idaho present a seasonal classic with exquisite choreography, costumes and sets. Tchaikovsky’s classic score will be performed live by the Boise Philharmonic, See Arts, Page 34. 8 p.m. $10$50. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-4261609, mc.boisestate.edu.

THE MEPHAM GROUP

| SUDOKU

Odds & Ends IN YOUR FACE OPEN REHEARSAL—Meet the dancers and directors of Idaho Dance Theatre, and get a taste of what they’re working on for the upcoming January show, Figuratively Speaking. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1609, mc.boisestate.edu.

SATURDAY DEC. 12 Festivals & Events CHRISTMAS AT THE WATERFRONT—A grand holiday event featuring a gift showroom with a variety of affordable, unique gifts, a book swap and food a-plenty. Does your librar y need refreshing? Bring up to 10 gently used books to swap.

Photos with Santa will be available throughout the day, as well as 25-cent hot dogs and hot cinnamon rolls from Mrs. Powell’s. This year, the show is in conjunction with the Fine Ar ts Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www. hometownfestival.com. The Water front at Lake Harbor, 3050 N. Lakeharbor Lane, Boise.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR—See Friday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. Nampa High School, 203 Lake Lowell Ave., Nampa, 208-4652760, www.sd131.k12.id.us.

CITY SANTA AT MACY’S— With proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society, for a small donation, visit Santa and have your picture taken. For more information, visit www. downtownboise.org. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Macy’s, 918 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-388-7000.

EAGLE CHRISTMAS MARKET—Holiday events happening all around the Eagle area including live choirs per forming holiday favorites at the Heritage Park Gazebo and kids activities. For more information and a full list events, visit www. eaglear ts.org. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

FREE. Eagle, 10 miles west of downtown Boise, Boise.

| EASY |

MEDIUM | HARD | PROFESSIONAL |

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

Go to www.boiseweekly.com and look under odds and ends for the answers to this week’s puzzle. And don’t think of it as cheating.

Think of it more as simply double-checking your answers. © 2009 Mepham Group.

Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

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LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

GRACE GIFT PARABLE—See Picks, Page 25. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE. Boise City Hall, 150 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise.

THE GREAT FRUITCAKE FOLLIES DOWNTOWN CAROLING CONTEST—Downtown Boise Association and Capital City Market have teamed up to present the first-ever Great Fruitcake Follies Downtown Caroling Contest. A wide array of Treasure Valley school choirs will compete in a contest judged on their moves, style and resonating vocals. The judging panel

BOISEweekly

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 27

8 DAYS OUT will be made up of representatives from the community, Boise School District and the DBA. Today’s par ticipating choirs include East and Nor th middle schools. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

FREE. The Grove Plaza, downtown, Boise.

HO HO HOS—See Friday. 7:30 p.m. $15, www.lipsinc.net. The Balcony Club, 150 N. Eighth St., second floor, Capitol Terrace, Boise, 208-336-1313.

HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET—This market puts a holiday spin on things with the addition of wreaths, floral arrangements, handmade cards, holiday ar t and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held on Eighth Street from Bannock to the Grove, downtown Boise, capitalcitypublicmarket.com.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE—Edwards presents an oppor tunity to take those annual family photos in a lush, beautiful setting during their open house. Stop in to view holiday arrangements of poinsettias, wreaths, amar yllis and holiday baskets. Santa will be on scene for complimentar y photos with the children from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 1-3 p.m. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. Edwards Greenhouse, 4106 Sand Creek St., Boise, 208342-7548, www.edwardsgreenhouse.com.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD—The whole family is invited to join in for food, per formances, activities and crafts from around the world.

There will be a special holiday per formance by Danza Azteca Quetzalcoatl. 6-8 p.m. FREE. Student Union Jordan Ballroom, Boise State, Boise, 208-4261000, www.boisestate.edu.

IDAHO INDIE WORKS CHRISTMAS SHOW—See Picks, Page 25. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Pioneer Tent, Sixth and Main streets, Boise.

YOUNG MAD SCIENTIST DAY—Par ticipants of all ages can join chemistr y students from Boise School District’s Treasure Valley Math and Science Center for a wacky day of presentations, activities and displays, including homemade fireworks, frozen bubbles and charcoal sausage. Yum. Free parking is available under the University of Idaho building. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. University of Idaho Boise Center, 322 E. Front St., Boise, 208-3342999, www.uidaho.edu.

On Stage ANNIE—See Thursday. 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. $15 adult adv., $14 senior, student and child adv., $20 door. Tickets can be purchased at www.mtionline. org or by calling 208-468-2385.

Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, www.nampaciviccenter.com.

IMPULSIVE REACTIONS: A DANCE CONCERT OF NEW WORK—See Friday. 2 and 7:30 p.m. $5 general, $3 seniors and students. Danny Peterson Theatre, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208426-3980, theatre.boisestate. edu.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL—See Thursday. 8:15 p.m. $15. Stage Coach Theatre, 5296 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-342-2000, www.stagecoachtheatre.com.

THE NUTCRACKER—See Friday.

2 and 8 p.m. $10-$50. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1609, mc.boisestate. edu.

Concerts HOLIDAY RENAISSANCE DESSERT CONCERT—Desserts and the Renaissance come together in an evening of live music and delicious treats. There will also be a silent auction.

Proceeds benefit the Creative Arts Campus music scholarship program. 5:30 and 7 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. ArtsWest School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 3415 Flint Dr., Eagle, 208-938-5410, www.artswestschool.org.

Workshops & Classes HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS—Working in pairs, adults and children will create beautiful and lasting Christmas tree decorations from scratch. Participants are asked to bring a rolling pin, mixing bowl, cutting board, wooden spoon, holiday cookie cutters, a spatula and two cookie sheets.

1 p.m. $13 member pair, $18 nonmember pair. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org.

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP—Florist Andrea Thompson will help participants create their own 18-inch holiday wreaths using a variety of evergreens, ribbon and ornaments.

Participants are asked to bring a pair of pruners, needle nose pliers and a pair of gloves. 9 a.m. $30 member, $35 nonmember.

Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208343-8649, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org.

DUDE HOWDY

by Steve Klamm

I’M DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS—Head over to Santa’s workshop for a day full of activities that express the true spirit of the season.

Par ticipants can craft gifts, decoration, ornaments, as well as create wreaths and wrapping paper from natural and reused materials. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Road, Boise, 208514-3755, www.cityofboise.org.

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CRAFT FAIR—See Friday. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ophidia Dance and Ar t Studio, 200 E. 37th St., No. 7, Garden City, 208-409-2403, www.myspace.com/danceophidia.

OLD BOISE N-SCALE MODEL RAILROADERS—Model trains and towns take over Old Boise.

Santa will be available in the Old Boise Sixth and Main streets area for pictures. For more information, visit www. oldboise.com. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

FREE. The Pioneer Building, 106 N. Sixth St. (third floor), Boise.

THIRD ANNUAL ROCKIN BAZAAR 2009—Suppor t local creativity at this year’s third annual bazaar, home to an array of kid-friendly activities and musicians. There will be a bar for those ages 21 and older.

Noon-12 a.m. FREE before 7 p.m., $3 after 7 p.m. Mardi Gras Ballroom, 615 S. Ninth St., Boise, 208-342-5553.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

Dude Howdy by Steve Klamm was the 1st place winner in the 8th Annual Boise Weekly Bad Cartoon Contest.

WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

8 DAYS OUT Odds & Ends

THE INTUITIVE FACTOR WORKSHOP—Incorporate Jung’s perspective on intuition by learning how to recognize your own intuitive factor as a tool in your daily activities. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE, $5-$15 donations accepted, www.idahofriendsofjung. org. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City, 208-658-1710.

MELANIE GRACE DESIGNS HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW— Check out the hot, new fashions from indie designer Melanie Grace, featuring wooly sweater skirts and wraps, soft and sweet cashmere tops, and fun, flirty skirts. 2-5 p.m. FREE. Yoga Tree Studio, 207 W. Washington St., Boise, 208-631-4727, www. yogatreeofboise.com.

Art

SUNDAY DEC. 13

CLAY AND FIRE CERAMICS EXHIBITION SALE—In its 40th year, this semiannual sale features hundreds of original pieces created by Boise State students, faculty and alumni. A portion of the proceeds benefit Boise State’s Visiting Artists in Ceramics program. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Gallery 1 Liberal Arts Building, Boise State, Boise, artdept.boisestate.edu.

On Stage A CHRISTMAS CAROL—See Picks, Page 25. As part of the Family Reading Series, Boise Contemporar y Theater presents A Christmas Carol, the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man with no Christmas spirit whose life was turned around in one ghostly night. 2 p.m. $8 children (4-12 yrs), $12 adults, kids 3 and under FREE. Boise Contemporar y Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-4423232, www.bctheater.org.

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL— Showcasing the works of more than 15 local artists. Also, 10 percent of any purchase by a BAM member will be donated to the BAM. Held in conjunction with Christmas on the Waterfront. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. FREE. The Waterfront at Lake Harbor, 3050 N. Lakeharbor Lane, Boise, www. thewaterfrontboise.com.

THE NUTCRACKER—See Friday. 2 p.m. $10-$50. Morrison Center for the Per forming Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1609, mc.boisestate.edu.

KIKAI: ANIME-INSPIRED ART GROUP—Join other animeinspired artists to discuss different styles of drawing. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE. The Rediscovered Bookshop, 7079 Overland Road, Boise, 208-376-4229, www. rediscoveredbookshop.com.

Art

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM—Speakers Dorgham Abusalim, Reem Anani, Jesse Long and Anne Gough will share firsthand experiences from Palestine, offering a glimpse into what the holy city of Bethlehem has become. 4 p.m. FREE. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City, 208-658-1710, www.boiseuu.org.

Festivals & Events GUY FIERI ROAD SHOW—See Food, Page 38. 7 p.m. $45$250, available through www. ticketmaster.com, www.guyfieri. com. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-4261609.

Art CLAY AND FIRE CERAMICS EXHIBITION SALE—See Saturday.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Gallery 1 Liberal Arts Building, Boise State University, Boise, artdept. boisestate.edu.

Talks & Lectures THE FUTURE OF ENERGY—Join in a discussion about the past, present and future of our energy and how we can best conserve it. 6:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Spirit at Work Books & Beyond, 710 N. Orchard, Boise, 208-388-3884, www.spiritatworkbooks.com.

TUESDAY DEC. 15 Food & Drink

CLAY AND FIRE CERAMICS EXHIBITION SALE—See Saturday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Galler y 1 Liberal Arts Building, Boise State University, Boise, artdept.boisestate.edu.

Talks & Lectures

MONDAY DEC. 14

33RD ANNIVERSARY PARTY— Pengilly’s, happy anniversary!

Head down for a party in honor of 33 years of good times, featuring prizes, music and memories. Hosted by John Hansen with a reading of The Grinch that Stole Christmas by Tyler Nelson, followed by an evening of Booze Clues with EJ Pettinger. 5 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s, 513 W. Main St., 208-345-6344.

Workshops & Classes

EYESPY Real Dialogue from the naked city

BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE BUSINESS WORKSHOP—Head over to hear from female entrepreneurs Kristi Saucerman, Auction Frogs; Shelly Lenhart, Swap Co-Op; and Sonia Rojas, Spanish Electives. Each will address the challenges and successes they have faced as women in business. 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. $20. U.S. Bank Building, 101 S. Capitol, Boise, 208-345-8519, www.unicoprop.com.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 16 Talks & Lectures THE BEAUTY AND SPIRIT OF TIBET—Tim Brim shares stories and multiple slides from his 2007 trip to Tibet. Presented by the Idaho Peace Coalition. 7 p.m. FREE. Shangri-La Tea Room, 1800 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-424-0273, www.shangri-latea.com.

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8 DAYS OUT CONTINUING Holiday GIVING TREE—Pull a tag off the community tree inscribed with a list of items to meet the needs of families involved in the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.

Drop off new, unwrapped gifts Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the WCA or participating Zions Bank locations. For a complete list and more information, visit www.wcaboise.org. Through Dec. 18. The Grove Plaza, downtown Boise.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR—Hop on the trolley for an interactive 60-minute holiday light tour around the great city of trees.

Tours leave on the hour from the Moxie Java at Cole Village Plaza parking lot. Daily. 6, 7 and 8 p.m. $14 adults, $6 children.

Tickets must be purchased via the web, boisetrolleytours.com.

TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHT TOURS—Hop aboard the holiday trolley for a splendid tour of the sweet city of Boise, lit by holiday lights. All passengers receive a free grande barista beverage prior to departure. Fridays, Saturdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. $9.95 adults, $7.95 students, $6.95 children 12 and younger. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Jill at 208-629-9750 or e-mail jill@ tullysidaho.com. Tully’s Coffee, 794 W. Broad St., Boise, 208343-2953, www.tullys.com.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—Idaho Botanical Garden is glowing with more than 250,000 sparkling lights. Families and friends will enjoy the magic of the valley’s lights with views from the top of the Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden, holiday music, hot refreshments and roaring bonfires. Santa will make special appearances throughout the event. Proceeds benefit the garden’s education and horticulture programs. Be sure to check out their online auction at idahobotanicalgarden. org. Daily, 6-9 p.m. $6 adults, $4 children ages 4-12, $4 members. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org.

WINTER WINDOW GALLERY STROLL—Take a stroll through downtown Boise to view beautiful outdoor works from local artists, with carolers and musical entertainment at each location.

For more information, visit www. downtownboise.org.

On Stage ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER—A flighty foray into the lives of origami artist Llana Andrews, child prodigy and calculus student Suresh, and Andy, the professor that brings them all together. Play

by Rajiv Joseph. WednesdaysFridays, 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Continues through Dec. 19. $12-$32. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-442-3232, www.bctheater.org.

A CHRISTMAS STORY—Boise Little Theater puts its theatrical spin on the classic film from 1983. Set in 1940 in the

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

northern Indiana town of Hohman, all 9-year-old Ralph “Ralphie” Parker wants for Christmas is an official Red Ryder carbine-action 00–short range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock.

But everyone’s response is the same: You’ll shoot your eye out.

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Fridays, 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m.

Continues through Dec. 19. $11 general, $9 seniors and students.

Boise Little Theater, 100 E. Fort St., Boise, 208-342-5104, www. boiselittletheater.org.

irreverent comedy about insatiable love and untamed heartbreak. Director Nick Garcia best describes it as “... absurd, ridiculous, completely silly. It doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s a celebration of being silly.” VAC is a 21-and-older venue. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Continues through Dec. 19. $10. A limited number of $7 rush tickets will be available each night., www. alleyrep.org. Alley Repertory Theater at VAC, 3638 Osage St., Garden City, 208-388-4278.

A SEASON OF HOPE—A holiday musical variety show suited for the whole family. No dinner option on Thursday. Thursdays, 7 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.

Continues through Dec. 17. $39 dinner and show, $20 show only.

Knock ‘Em Dead Dinner Theatre, 333 S. Ninth St., Boise, 208-3850021, www.kedproductions.org.

THE X-MAS FILES OR MIRACLE AT AREA 51—Agents Smolder and Scullery are on the scene to keep Christmas in order by solving a mysterious sleigh and reindeer crash. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:15 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.

Continues through Dec. 27. $7-$13. Prairie Dog Playhouse, 3820 Cassia St., Boise, 208-336-7383, www.pdplayhouse.com.

SEX A.K.A. WIENERS & BOOBS—Alley Rep brings the audience an

NOISE/CD REVIEW NIGHT GENES: TWO PHANTOMS & A HOLY GHOST With help from locals Chad Cooke, Steve Fulton and Travis Ward, to name a few, ex-Smooth Old Fashioned High bass player Eric Ingersoll set the thoughts of human mortality that had been churning around in his brain to music. Under the moniker Night Genes, he wrote much of the lyrical content for his self-released Two Phantoms & A Holy Ghost last winter, late at night when everything was blanketed in cold and dark. A deep blue melancholy settles on the CD, seeping into even the less doleful tracks.

Everything about Ingersoll is deep: his basso voice, complex thoughts and esoteric concepts. Such is the case with the opener, “Adipose Fin,” which compares farmed, genetically altered fish swimming upstream to man’s often Sisyphean struggle to find love and happiness.

Several of the early tracks contain an audible turmoil, especially when Ingersoll fights his own nature. Instead of allowing his shockingly low voice to carry the stories of a small town sheriff (“Forty-Two Souls”), the demise of the newspaper industry (“4th Estate”) or whatever happened to Jesus’ stepfather (“Jospeh”), occasionally he reaches for unnaturally high notes and they sound strained.

But on the tracks in which Ingersoll lets his voice be what it is, the effect is almost intoxicating. I ran the final track, “English Summer,” on repeat, mesmerized by Ingersoll’s story of a trip to England. Contrary to the above, Ingersoll sings in falsetto in parts of the song and, weirdly enough, it isn’t offputting, it’s lovely.

This sort-of-folk-rock Two Phantoms is like a meal comprised of foods you’ve never had before: Some of the choices may at first seem unappealing, but dig in. Something amid the cornucopia of flavors will be so much to your liking, you’ll go back for seconds and thirds.

—Amy Atkins WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

NEWS/NOISE NOISE M Y PAPER C AM ER A PHOTOGR APH B Y GIU LIA B AR TOLOTTA

Black and red all over: Black Eyed Vermillion

A VERY MOST CHRISTMAS, A SAD NEW YEAR AND AN ASSJACK KICKING TIME IN BETWEEN

Young blood: 3rd to Last, My Paper Camera and Workin’ on Fire.

MUSICAL YOUTH The young and growing in Boise’s music scene MATHIAS MORACHE Even the mightiest of bands can be traced back to humble origins, teenagers strumming guitars on a street corner or cranking amps in a garage. One such Boise band, My Paper Camera, began as an acoustic duo in 2006 started by Trevor Powers and Erik Eastman who were juniors in high school at the time.

Since then, the indie-pop outfit has toured the Northwest, released an EP and even appeared in Alternative Press magazine.

“We continually try to make short-term goals, ask what we need to do to get one step closer towards making this a full-time job,” said Eastman. As the Boise music scene grows, success for young bands is often found through a process of finding a place to play, establishing a name in the community and eventually taking the show on the road.

Pop-punk may have seen its zenith in the late ’90s, but for 3rd to Last, a foursome of Centennial high-schoolers, power-chord riffs are far from over. Among bands of other genres, 3rd to Last has found another element important for success: support.

“We were playing a show when our guitarist Dave Kim broke a guitar string. The guy from Ripchain, a metal/hard rock band, ran up there with his Les Paul and let Dave use it.

It’s cool that genres can cross and be friends like that,” said Aaron Kochman, the band’s other guitarist.

Both fellow musicians and a fan following can make Boise an accommodating scene for aspiring musicians. Logan Hyde, founder of We Won The Science Fair, has seen his band flourish despite member turnover and a Mormon mission taking his original bandmate.

“I feel like you get a lot more accepted here, not only because you’re locals, but because there’s more people willing to listen to different types of bands,” said Hyde. Like many local bands, We Won the Science Fair and 3rd to Last got their start playing shows at the Venue, Boise’s only all-ages club.

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“You kind of have to build your own name before you can even try to play places like the Knitting Factory. The Venue helps out bands so much, letting them play their first show,” said Hyde.

“We’re there for a reason: We’re there for the kids,” said Jaclyn Brandt, marketing and media manager for the Venue. “We’re an alcohol-free, safe place for kids to spend a night. We could make more money, but it’s not about that,” said Brandt.

While the larger Knitting Factory features many well-known touring acts, general manager Ryan Collis tries to keep the stage open to locals, too.

“We’re actively pursuing local bands that are ready to start playing the bigger stage.

When we do shows with a younger demographic obviously we sell less alcohol but we don’t really do it looking to make a huge profit. If I can make enough money to turn the lights on and pay my staff, then it’s more just about the exposure for the bands,” said Collis. If a band can draw a crowd, eventually Collis can set them up as an opening act for a touring group.

One of the newest bands to enter the scene is a group of Timberline and Boise High sophomores called Workin’ On Fire. The brainchild of guitarist/singer Austin Williamson, his band has performed an impressive 18 gigs in three-and-a-half months—the math works out to a show a week, a tall order for a band also busy with sports and school. Increasingly popular, they attribute some success to their appeal beyond the high-school crowd.

The demographics of a venue often dictate who will go to a show. A drawback for bands that exclusively play the youth-oriented Venue is the limited age demographics—the average show is filled with teenagers, a smattering of 20-somethings and the occasional parent. As concert-goers age, it can get increasingly awkward being the oldest person in the audience.

Variety in music also can also draw new crowds. The BoDo Brothers are two Timberline seniors kindling a blues scene in Boise.

With Patrick O’Hara on guitar and Nick Berlin behind the drums, the duo competed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., this fall, championing a genre little heard locally.

“The scene has to be slightly eclectic. If there’s not variety people don’t want to go out and spend their money regularly,” said Collis.

But even with a unique sound and a varied crowd, Boise still has its limitations.

“You can be the best band in the world, but you’re in Boise. You only have so many people to play to and no way to get any sort of deal unless you’re outside. You have to tour,” said Brandt.

But before they get on the road, bands need to understand one key term: professionalism. Collis receives two to three e-mails each day from aspiring bands.

“The easiest way to get your foot in the door with me is to be professional. If you send me an e-mail, make it grammatically correct. Have a Myspace page. Have all your ducks in a row,” said Collis. Myspace takes on an importance beyond social networking.

“When we book shows, we check your Myspace. If it sounds like you recorded in your bathtub, how much effort are you putting into this project?” said Brandt. “I would say that three of the best bands in town these days are My Paper Camera, We Won the Science Fair and Apple Horse. They’re three of the hardest-working bands, completely talented and all really young.”

With an abundance of new bands, what will come next remains to be seen.

“We’re not as big as Salt Lake City or Portland or Austin, but it’s only going to grow from here. I would say 10 years from now, the music scene in Boise will look nothing like it is now,” said Collis.

Christmas songs can be a tough sell.

Classics have been covered ad nauseam and new songs are often too contrived.

But ever y once in a while, one makes it to that happy place between the two. Boise’s The Very Most gave the kids’ holiday pageant staple “Away In a Manger” a kicky little facelift, bumped up the tempo and lent it an island feel with a ukulele. They enlisted local filmmaker Tyler T. Williams to create a clever video to go along with it.

(Williams has made a couple of videos for locals Low-fi as well). Ver y Most frontman Jeremy Jensen plays a beleaguered mall Santa forced to listen as 20-something brats (the other members of the band) tell him what’s on their wish lists: Jack Daniels, cigars, Skittles, video games. Poor Santa pays the price when they discover boxes full of gift cer tificates instead. Find the video on YouTube.

With my heart in my toes, I bring bad news: The Feb. 8 Boise stop for Metal underdogs Anvil is canceled. After the release of the rock doc Anvil, The Stor y of Anvil, the band started closing in on the fame and success that escaped them for decades. Apparently, scheduling conflicts are to blame for the Boise bypass. Though it’s bad enough they won’t be playing here, the worst part is that now I can’t buy the Anvil VIP concert package: $50 for two tickets to the show, a copy of the DVD, a meet-and-greet with the band and ... an Anvil fanny pack. Sob. Alice In Chains now has the Knitting Factor y’s Feb. 8 slot, and while that’s a good alternative, their VIP package will cost you nearly a Ben Franklin.

And it probably doesn’t come with a ’90s fashion accessor y.

Local record label 1332 Records released a CD that people outside of Boise are paying attention to. 1332 co-owner Levi Poppke said the new release, Hymns for Heretics, by Austin, Texas-based Black Eyed Vermillion is selling well across the country and he’s even had an overseas order or two. BEV’s Gary Lindsey may be best known as the Assjack screamer—Assjack is Hank Williams III’s side project—and you’ll recognize his frog-stuck-in-his-larynx, growly vocals. It ain’t exactly easy listening, but this kind of freight train punk bluegrass metal isn’t supposed to be. Lindsey’s voice comes over a little grating at first, but the bluesy guitar and “Hate and Whiskey” lyrics will keep you listening and, by the end of the 14-track release, you may be singing along from the back of your throat, too.

—Amy Atkins

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GUIDE WEDNESDAY DEC. 9

THURSDAY DEC. 10

FRIDAY DEC. 11

CLYDE, SUNSHINE & THE VALLEY—9 p.m. Terrapin Station

THE B-3 SIDE—9 p.m. $3. The Bouquet

HOONY, BILLY ZERA—9 p.m. FREE. Liquid

BUD GUDMUNDSON, MATT HARTZ—6:30 p.m. FREE. Corkscrews

ACTUAL DEPICTION, JAMES ORR— Alternative pop rock. 9:30 p.m. $5.

Reef

JESS CROSBY—Acoustic rock.

8 p.m. FREE. Reef

CARTER FREEMAN, JONATHAN WARREN AND THE BILLY GOATS— 9 p.m. FREE. Liquid

KEN HARRIS—6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill PAUL TILLOTSON TRIO— With Jim Kassis on drums and Rob Wray on bass.

8 p.m. FREE. Lock Stock & Barrel

THE ASSOCIATES, MERE CAT— 9 p.m. FREE. Terrapin Station BEN BURDICK TRIO WITH AMY WEBER—8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

THE CONVENTION II FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT—Featuring Roy One, Soulja Thugz, Mistah Brown, PK, Loc and Rel, Second Family and guests.

8 p.m. $8. Knitting Factory

CARTER FREEMAN—8 p.m. FREE. Willi B’s

Paul Tillotson Trio

DAVID LYLE EVENS—6 p.m. FREE. Shorty’s

JUSTIN LANTRIP—7:30 p.m. FREE. Music of the Vine

DAVID ROBERT KING AND THE LOST RIVER BOYS, CLARIFIED BUTTER, MEL WADE—9 p.m. $3.

Terrapin Station

FIVE SMOOTH STONES—9 p.m. $3.

The New Frontier

KEN HARRIS, RICO WEISMAN—6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

GAYLE CHAPMAN—7 p.m. FREE. Buzz Cafe

THE FABULOUS CHANCELLORS— Classic rock covers. 8 p.m. FREE. Reef

HELLS BELLES—All-female AC/ DC tribute act. 8 p.m. $13. Knitting Factory

PAUL TILLOTSON TRIO— With Jim Kassis on drums and Rob Wray on bass.

8 p.m. FREE. Lock Stock & Barrel

KEN HARRIS, RICO WEISMAN—6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

HILLFOLK NOIR—8 p.m. FREE. Sockeye

PAUL TILLOTSON TRIO— With Jim Kassis on drums and Rob Wray on bass.

8 p.m. FREE. Lock Stock & Barrel

THE JACKS—10 p.m. FREE. Bittercreek

POLYPHONIC POMEGRANATE— 9 p.m. $1. Liquid SINGLE CAR GARAGE BAND— John Blakley, Shell Forman and Bill McKeeth. 6 p.m. FREE. The Blue Moose Cafe SOUL SERENE—8:30 p.m. FREE. Piper Pub SPLIT LIP RAYFIELD—9 p.m. $10 adv., $12 door. Neurolux STEVE EATON—8 p.m. FREE. The Gamekeeper

Ken Harris

The B-3 Side

Hillfolk Noir

WILL BELL—7:30 p.m. FREE. Corkscrews

GUIDE/LISTEN HERE

POLKA DOT DOT, DEC. 12, PENGILLY’S

BOB SCHNEIDER, DEC. 15, NEUROLUX

Old-timey banjo, handclaps, harp and sweet sliding vocals are the hallmark of the Olympia, Wash.-based trio Polka Dot Dot. Their folksy music beckons a return to a time of rolled-up dungarees, splashing in a creek on a hot summer afternoon and chasing dandelion fluff through the back 40.

Syzygy, the name of Polka Dot Dot’s second full-length release, means “the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (as the sun, moon and ear th during an eclipse). It sounds like the name of an ’80s hair metal band (maybe that’s because in the ’80s, I knew an L.A. hair metal band called Syzygy), but it’s an apt description of the way the rich, melodic three-par t harmonies of Jordan O’Jordan, Onyx of Olympia and Twig Palace (no, no other names are given) line up to create charming front-porch chair rocking tunes.

—Amy Atkins

When I think of 94.9 The River, I think of laid-back singalong rock and pop hits from the past two decades. When I think of Bob Schneider, I think of the rugged Austinite who said he was working on a 22-song rock opera titled Fuck All You Motherfuckers. Put the two together—this is a 94.9 The River Presents show—and add in Neurolux as the venue, and Schneider’s Dec. 15 stop in Boise could go any direction.

At a Schneider show, audiences get a good dose of his country/ pop/Latin-tinged Americana rock, but his sometimes dry sense of humor and wicked story-telling prowess promise that they walk away feeling like they know him—or really want to. On the cover of Lovely Creatures, released in September, a slick-haired Schneider stands posed as though for a class photo, an oozy pink octopus draped across his shoulder like a crossing guard’s sash. Who wouldn’t want to be pals with that guy?

—Amy Atkins

DARLA TEAGARDEN

GUIDE/LISTEN HERE

Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:45 p.m., FREE. Pengilly’s, 513 W. Main St., 208-345-6344.

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Tuesday, Dec. 15, with guests. 8 p.m., $18 adv. through Ticketweb, $20 door. Neurolux, 111 N. 11th, 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

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GUIDE ME GA N THOMP SON

SATURDAY DEC. 12 ACTUAL DEPICTION—9 p.m. $1. Liquid BARBARA LAING—7:30 p.m.

FREE. Corkscrews

Bank

BEN BURDICK—8:30 p.m.

FREE. Piper Pub

FIVE SMOOTH STONES— 9 p.m. $3. The New Frontier

CAMDEN HUGHES AND BILL COURTIAL—6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

FORREST DAY—Experimental hip-hop. 9:30 p.m. $5. Reef

CANDREAD AND RIZING REZISTANCE—9 p.m. $5.

Terrapin Station DAVID LYLE EVENS—6 p.m.

FREE. Shorty’s ESAI SALDANA BENEFIT— Sirens, Portrait of the Assassin, For My Own, Bare Witness, The Vast Domain, Versailles, Gernika, Bless the Martyr, NFFU, Bank, Jeremy Snook, Michael Limbert, Workin on Fire and The Maladroids. 2 p.m. $10. The Venue

GAYLE CHAPMAN—7 p.m.

FREE. Buzz Cafe

WEDNESDAY DEC. 16

WEEKLY GIGS

JONATHAN WARREN AND THE BILLY GOATS CD RELEASE PARTY—7 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

BOB SCHNEIDER, BILL COFFEY—See Listen Here, Page 32.

Presented by 94.9 The River. 8 p.m. $18 adv., $20 door.

Neurolux

BOISE BICYCLE PROJECT FUNDRAISER—8 p.m. $5 donation. Neurolux

THE BUCKSHOT BAND—Saturdays, 9 p.m. FREE for anyone in a cowboy hat. Shorty’s

CONCERT FOR CAUSE: JOHN ONDRASIK—Benefiting the Canyon County Community Clinic, 94.9 The River presents Concert For Cause with John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting and special guests. 6 p.m. $25 general, $60 VIP. Knitting Factory

COSMIC FAMILY BAND— Wednesdays, 9 p.m. FREE. The Bouquet

LATIN LOCKDOWN—Featuring Lil Rob, MC Magic, Kid Frost, Lil Uno, Big Gemini and Lighter Shade Of Brown. 7 p.m. $25 adv., $30 door. Knitting Factory THOMAS PAUL—10 a.m. FREE. Red Feather

CARTER FREEMAN—Acoustic folk. 8 p.m. FREE. Reef DEAD NOISE, A THOUSAND EFFIGIES, NFFU—9 p.m. $2.

Gusto JONATHAN WARREN AND THE BILLY GOATS—7 p.m. FREE. O’Michael’s

NUDE OIL—9 p.m. FREE. The Plank

SMILE EMPTY SOUL—With special guests Burn Halo and The Last Vegas. 7 p.m. $16 general, $39 platinum sky box.

Knitting Factory

PAUL TILLOTSON TRIO—With Jim Kassis on drums and Rob Wray on bass. 8 p.m. FREE. Lock Stock & Barrel POLKA DOT DOT—See Listen Here, Page 32.

8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

TERRY MILLER—8 p.m. FREE. Willi B’s X-MAS PARTY—Motty Kitty. 9 p.m. FREE. The Airport Lounge

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TUESDAY DEC. 15

MOONDANCE—Acoustic folk rock. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Music of the Vine

STEVE EATON—8 p.m. FREE. The Gamekeeper

Ben Burdick

SUNDAY DEC. 13

Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats

MONDAY DEC. 14

JOHN WHIPPLE, STONEY HOLIDAY—9 p.m. FREE. Terrapin Station KEN HARRIS—6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

BILLY BRAUN—Mondays, 7 p.m. FREE. Chandlers

FRIM FRAM 4—Thursdays, 8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s JAZZ NIGHTS—Monday-Saturday, 6:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill; Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE. Rembrandt’s; Featuring Kevin Kirk Tuesday-Saturday and The Sidemen on Sundays. 7 p.m., FREE, Chandlers JEREMIAH JAMES AND NED EVETT—Tuesdays, 8 p.m. FREE. Lock Stock & Barrel JIM FISHWILD—Wednesdays, 6 p.m. FREE. Highland’s Hollow

TERRI EBERLEIN—6:30 p.m.

FREE. Berryhill

POLYPHONIC POMEGRANATE—Wednesdays, 9 p.m. Liquid ROCCI JOHNSON BAND—with DJ Naomi Sioux Wednesdays and Fridays. 9:30 p.m. FREE. Hannah’s THOMAS PAUL—Sundays, 10 a.m. and Mondays, 7 p.m. FREE. Red Feather

BILLY BRAUN—6:30 p.m. FREE. Chandlers PUNK MONDAY—9 p.m. FREE. Liquid

Stony Holiday

RUSS PFEIFFER—6:30 p.m.

FREE. Berryhill Bill Coffey

V E N U E S Don’t know a venue? Visit www.boiseweekly.com for addresses, phone numbers and a map.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 33

NEWS/ARTS JOYC E ALEX ANDER / B OIS E W EEK LY AR C HIVES

ARTS/VISUAL GLENN LANDB ER G

A COUPLE OF NUTS Remembering Boise State prof. Tom Trusky.

A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Boise Police found 65-year-old Boise State English professor Tom Trusky dead in his home. The cause, though not yet determined, is not believed to be suspicious. Trusky, a longtime member of the Boise State faculty, founded the university’s Ahsahta Press, which publishes works of Western American poets, in the 1970s. He also founded and edited Boise State’s cold-drill magazine and was the director of the Idaho Center for the Book.

Speaking of remembrances, the Visual Arts Collective is taking a trip down memory lane with the Dec./Jan. exhibit “A Stitch In Time.” Artists April VanDeGrift and Megan Laursen each created bodies of work revolving around the themes of memory and time. Laursen’s lovely mixed-media light boxes and antique alphabet plaques were immediate eye-catchers, while VanDeGrift’s intricate, haunting paintings featuring flocks of white birds added a quiet depth to the show. Visual Arts Collective co-owner Sam Stimpert said he was impressed with how well the exhibit sold on opening night.

Last First Thursday, a gaggle of Boise Weekly judges joined community judge Nancy Spittle and Department of Arts and History judge Margaret Hepworth to size up downtown’s fourth annual Winter Window Gallery Stroll.

The yearly event pairs artists with downtown businesses to create colorful holiday windowscapes. Though it’s mostly for the public’s enjoyment, there is some friendly competition involved as participating businesses and artists vie for the judges’ approval. Two teams divided and conquered, and two sets of winners emerged.

First place for team one went to Amy Pence-Brown for Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Bandanna, while first place for team two went to Heather Bauer for Music is Medicine at Record Exchange.

Team one’s second place choice was Rick Walter’s Sno Man at Flying M, while team two went with Sandy Marostica’s The North Wind Blows at DL Evans Bank. The third place nod from team one went to Kerry Tullis, Amy O’Brien and Blaise Lawless for Untitled at the Modern Hotel, while team two bestowed the third place honor on Julie Rumsey’s I S-Cream at Ben & Jerry’s.

Thanks to Downtown Boise Association for inviting BW to judge yet another year.

And a special thanks to all the participating artists.

—Amy Atkins, Rachael Daigle and Tara Morgan

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Ballet Idaho brings in bro and sis duo for this year’s Nutcracker TARA MORGAN Every sugar-cereal-chomping kid recognizes the first flute flutter in The Nutcracker’s “Dance of the Reed Pipes.” The airy melody has made its way into innumerable cartoons and movies, invoking images of sugar plum fairies, marzipan and snow-kissed queens.

But for some tykes, Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet is more of a lifestyle. Siblings 10-yearold Sebastian and 11-year-old Brenna Houk Brenna Houk, 11, and brother Sebastian, 10, practice their parts in Ballet Idaho’s upcoming The Nutcracker. have been hoping to play the leading roles of fictional brother and sister, Fritz and Clara Stahlbaum, since they started dancing with camps, people who think when she falls asleep, adult ballerina,” explained Smith. “So, to our the Ballet Idaho Youth Ensemble. This year, she becomes older and she should be an older knowledge—and Peter has a long history with the two have been practicing nonstop since the ballet industry—this is the only production dancer with the nutcracker prince. Then, there September. are people who say it’s a little girl dreaming that we know of that “It’s been super and that she stays herself in the dream. It’s a has Claras this young busy. We have to do totally artistic interpretation there and Peter With Boise Philharmonic. Friday, Dec. 11, and a Clara and a it pretty much all day 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 and 8 p.m.; Anastos certainly has his own interpretation of Fritz that are real-life Saturday,” said Brenna.

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., $20-$50 adults, The Nutcracker.” brother and sister.”

Because of the $10-$40 children 12 and under. For more According to Smith, casting younger dancSebastian, who physical rigors of the information on tickets, visit balletidaho.org. ers in the roles of Clara and Fritz not only enjoys getting to fake performance, BalTHE MORRISON CENTER makes the characters more believable, but also squabble with his real let Idaho has two 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, 208-426-1609 makes the show more engaging and inspiring sister on-stage, echoes Nutcracker casts—one mc.boisestate.edu for younger audiences—a large number of Smith’s excitement. for Friday night and Nutcracker attendees.

“It’s pretty neat Saturday matinee and “I think it’s extremely exciting in the sense because no brother and sister in real life have one for Saturday night and Sunday matinee. that the children in the audience that will come played brother and sister in The Nutcracker,” “It’s a very demanding show in terms of see the show will truly identify with the kids said Sebastian. dance … and something that demanding, they their age in this fantasy, in this story line, in a But Sebastian, Brenna and Cristina won’t can’t do four shows in a row because there’s way that I don’t think they could otherwise,” be the first to don their new, much smaller, a physical issue of muscle fatigue,” said Julie said Smith. “I think it enhances the story quite costumes. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Numbers Smith, Ballet Idaho executive direca bit.” tor. “We double cast it so we can have different 11-year-old Kierra Egger and 12-year-old As soon as the lights are shut off at the Tippy Dringman from Billings, Mont., got to kinds of interpretations of each role ... You’ll Morrison Center on Saturday night, the whimbreak them in. Egger and Dringman were cast get four different shows, really.” as Clara and Fritz in the Billings production of sical sets and costumes from Ballet Idaho’s Though Sebastian will play the rambuncNutcracker still have more miles to travel The Nutcracker, which featured Ballet Idaho’s tious Fritz in all four performances, Brenna before they’re packed up and put into storage sets, costumes and professional company won’t join him until the final two performancalongside the Billings Symphony Orchestra and for next year. es. Eleven-year-old Cristina Zimmerman will “After our Nutcracker is over, the sets and take on the role of Clara in the first two shows. 60 local child dancers. costumes will be shipped down to Nevada “Now that we own the sets and costumes Zimmerman, who has been dancing since age Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas [in which] Peter’s this year, we were able to tour our company 2 and played one of the party children in last choreography will be used,” said Smith. and our sets and costumes to Billings, Mont., year’s Nutcracker production, has wanted to While those who are only fleetingly familiar fill Clara’s slippers since she was “super little.” and we were sponsored by the Billings Symwith The Nutcracker might wonder why phony,” said Smith. “We were able to share “It’s fun, you get to meet a lot of the generations of families return to watch the this, even in another community next door.” company members, and they’re all nice,” said same production year after year, for many it Anastos worked with the Billings School Zimmerman. has become as much of a symbolic holiday of Classical Ballet to make sure that the local Those who caught last year’s Nutcracker, tradition as unwrapping presents. And just dancers were familiar with his choreography. which featured all new scenery and costumes like re-watching A Christmas Story for the In both the Billings and the Boise productions,

by A. Christina Giannini and new chorehundredth time, re-watching The Nutcracker Anastos decided to cast Clara as a young girl ography by artistic director Peter Anastos, reveals subtle nuances with each passing year. instead of a professional adult dancer. won’t find too many differences in this year’s “I think if you come year to year, you will “Apparently a time-honored piece of conperformance. Besides company members being see different things that you hadn’t seen betroversy within the world of The Nutcracker recast in various roles, the most interesting fore,” said Smith. “I think it will connect with changes in this year’s show involve the roles of is the age of Clara and Fritz,” explained Jody something special in your heart; it becomes Ballou, director of marketing and public relaFritz and Clara. your own symbol of the holidays.” tions at the Billings Symphony. “There’s two “Usually Clara’s played by a petite, but WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

SCREEN

THE COST OF CONFLICT The Messenger is good delivery of sad disclosures JEREMIAH ROBERT WIERENGA There is no good way to give bad news. For most of us, the task of informing a person of a loved one’s passing is an unprescribed, terrifying and often bumbling undertaking.

Although casualty notification officers in the U.S. armed forces are given scripts and Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster walk a precarious path in The Messenger. a specified protocol, telling the bad tidings to a soldier’s next of kin (NOK in military ongoing Iraq occupation while expressing no ticks deliver the poignant ballast his lines parlance) is a no less daunting and doleful overt judgment on the war itself. Instead, the cannot. Montgomery is a volatile combinaduty. The Messenger is the directorial debut tion of hard-as-nails seasoned soldier and on-screen experiences of the film’s characof screenwriter Oren Moverman (Jesus’ Son, goofy 20-something kid. It’s great to see ters speak the truth that every war, whether I’m Not There) and follows two specialists a performer such as Foster evolve from righteous or reprehensible, is a degenerative charged with this grim occupation. the teen flippancy most young actors must event. For Montgomery, whose sympathetic Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) endure—V’s Flash Forward (1996), Liberty instincts are awakened by the reactions of has recently been reassigned to noncombat Heights (2001)—to the studied, sometimes bereaved parents and wives, the businesslike duty after recovering from an IED-induced formality of his work show-stopping work on display here. Harinjury. Despite relson’s take on the brash but comradely is hopelessly inadpalpably suffering Capt. Stone matches Foster’s portrayal equate in addressing from survivor’s guilt, THE MESSENGER (R) the emotions of those and is spectacularly executed. Morton, as he is assigned to the Directed by Oren Moverman usual, is excellent, while brief showings by he informs. Whereas casualty notificaStars Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson Jena Malone and Steve Buscemi are disMontgomery has betion division under tracting, but only because of the brilliance come hardened to the the command of Now playing Flicks horrors of war, Capt. of the actors. recovering alcoholic Director Moverman, who himself served Stone has steeled Captain Tony Stone in the Israel Defense Forces, has made a quihimself against the (Woody Harrelson). et, moving picture. With scarcely a trace of reactive onslaughts of mournful kin. But Although Stone—a by-the-book stickler— Stone is not a cold-hearted bastard. Although music—primarily using ambient bar tunes advises Montgomery to remain uninvolved having never seen real action himself, Stone’s and radio play to provide the soundtrack— and on-script, the young soldier becomes drawn to the newly widowed Olivia (Saman- respect for the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers and clean, unpretentious camerawork (aided by cinematographer Bobby Bukowski), the informs his actions, decorum and ultimately tha Morton), who receives the news of her his relationship with Montgomery. The bond film is a spare and simple drama that mercihusband’s death with a mixture of relief and fully avoids overwrought melodrama. In a between the two, demonstrated in a final regret. The two begin a tentative romance as scene, is real. Both find themselves separately story dealing with such an unsettling and Montgomery struggles to reconcile his own emotional topic, Moverman’s considerate weeping as they consider the cost of each unresolved grief with the daily reminder of and collected treatment is unexpected and conflict, but with an empathic dignity that someone else’s sorrow. very welcome. It serves as both a tribute Like this year’s other current-conflict film, reflects their esteem for one another. to the very difficult work performed by In one of his first truly leading and very The Hurt Locker, The Messenger walks a noncombat servicemen and a sad reminder difficult roles, Ben Foster is a marvel. His precarious path, maintaining the difficult of the horrific aftermath of war. balance between honoring the soldiers of the tight-jawed delivery and quivering facial

SCREEN/LISTINGS special screenings FOUR CHRISTMASES— Where to go for the holidays? Chaos ensues as a couple attempts to visit their divorced parents during the holidays. Starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. PG-13. Thu., Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $1 general, FREE all Boise State students. Boise State Special

Events Center, 1800 University Drive, Boise, sub. boisestate.edu.

GLENN BECK’S CHRISTMAS SWEATER: A RETURN TO REDEMPTION—An intimate evening with bestselling author and motivational speaker Glenn Beck. Recorded live, Beck shares personal stories that inspired him to write A Christmas Sweater, then speaks about the

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overwhelming response he received from readers whose lives were drastically changed by the book. Thu., Dec. 10, 6 p.m. $20. Edwards Spectrum 22, 7701 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-377-1700, www. uatc.com.

JOURNEY FROM ZANSKAR— Inspired by the Dalai Lama, two monks travel to the outskirts of Northern

India, near the Tibetan border, and select 17 young children to be educated. This is the story of their nearly fatal and always arduous trek across the Himalayan range, reaching elevations of 17,000 feet. Capturing their commitment to culture, Journey From Zanskar is an emotionally driven documentary that is best represented in the words of

one mother: “Sometimes, you have to give up your children in order to save them.” Fri., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. $25 donation requested.

Seating is limited and space can be reserved online with a $25 donation and entering “Boise Event” at www. warriorproductions.tv/ DonatePage.asp. Boise Water Cooler, 1401 W. Idaho, Boise.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 35

SCREEN/LISTINGS LIVING IN EMERGENCY: STORIES OF DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS—Created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971, Doctors Without Borders is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning independent humanitarian aid organization whose sole purpose is to aid underprivileged people whose survival is at risk in nearly 60 countries across the globe.

This film documents the horrors of healthcare through the eyes of four doctors on the frontlines.

ABC News 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas will moderate a live panel discussion, including doctors and journalists, after the screening. Mon., Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m. $12.50. Edwards Spectrum 22, 7701 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-377-1700, www. uatc.com.

SCREEN/MOVIE TIMES WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 - TUESDAY, DEC. 15 Movie times were not available for Edwards 9 and Edwards 22 at press time. Visit boiseweekly.com for up-to-date listings.

2012—

Edwards 9: W-Th: 3:45, 7:10, 10:30 Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:05, 3:35, 4:05, 6:55, 7:25

A CHRISTMAS CAROL—

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:30, 4, 7, 9:45; F-Tu: 1:30, 4, 7, 9:45

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, IMAX 3D— Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:45, 2:10, 4:35, 7, 9:25 A SERIOUS MAN—

Flicks: W-Th only: 4:50, 7:05, 9:15

NAUSEA—Idaho filmmakers Wes Malvini and Dustin Jones delve into a humorous, disturbing trip that explores the boundaries of boredom. Based on the work by Jean-Paul Sartre of the same name, the film presents an unsettling foray of monotony, loneliness and addictions.

Sickened by the backdrop of his boredom, one dude begins to obsess over a woman he believes to be the only escape from a lonely existence. It’s a film with drugs, booze and bodily functions; little dialogue; a cinematographic filter that over-brightens colors, turning them into acid-trip shades; a soundtrack that is always interesting and often misleading; and a “WTF?” ending. To get your mind prepped, mentalist and magician Mental Wes (not Malvini) will treat the audience to a performance prior to the screening. Malvini and Jones will participate in a question and answer forum after the film, followed by a live musical performance by The Associates.

Full bar with ID. If you missed it during their September tour, we suggest you make it down. Sat., Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. $7. Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-0454, www.egyptiantheatre.net.

AN EDUCATION— Flicks: W-Th: 5:20, 7:20, 9:20; F-Sa: 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20, 9:20; Su: 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20; M-Tu: 5:20, 7:20, 9:20

opening

NEW MOON—

ARMORED—

Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:45, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10

BIG FAN—

Flicks: F-Sa: 1, 3, 5:05, 7:05, 9:05; Su: 1, 3, 5:05, 7:05; M-Tu: 5:05, 7:05, 9:05

THE BLIND SIDE—

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:10, 4:20, 7:25, 10:10; F-Tu: 1:10, 4:20, 7:25, 10:10 Edwards 22: W-Th: 1, 1:40, 4, 4:35, 6:50, 7:30, 9:40

BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY— Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:35, 2:15, 5, 7:40 BROTHERS—

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:20, 4:15, 7:30, 10:25 Edwards 22: W-Th: 1:35, 4:25, 7:10, 9:50

COUPLES RETREAT— Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:35, 2:10, 4:40, 7:35, 10:15 THE DAMNED UNITED— EVERYBODY’S FINE— FANTASTIC MR. FOX—

Flicks: W-Th only: 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:05, 4:30, 7:40, 10:05 Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:20, 2:55, 5:20, 8, 10:15

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:45, 3:55, 7:45, 9:55; F-Tu: 1:45, 3:55, 7:45, 9:55 Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:55, 2:25, 4:45, 7:15, 9:35

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS— LA DANSE—

Edwards 22: W-Th: 3:20, 6:40, 9:55 Flicks: W-Th only: 4:30, 7:30

MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS— Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:30, 1:50, 4:20, 7:05, 9:20 THE MESSENGER—

Flicks: F-Sa: 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:15, 9:30; Su: 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:15; M-Tu: 5, 7:15, 9:30

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1, 4:10, 7:05, 10:15; F-Tu: 1, 4:10, 7:05, 10:15 Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:50, 1:30, 3:55, 4:30, 7, 7:30, 10:05

NINJA ASSASSIN—

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:25, 4:40, 7:50, 10:35; F-Tu: 1:25, 4:40, 7:50, 10:35 Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:40, 12:10, 12:55, 1:55, 2:35, 3:10, 4:50, 5:25, 7:10, 7:50, 9:25

OLD DOGS—

BIG FAN—Comedian Patton Oswalt stars in this dramatic directorial debut from Robert D. Siegel (he wrote The Wrestler).

Paul Aufiero (Oswalt) lives with his mother, works as a parking garage attendant and is a diehard NY Giants fan. When he meets his favorite player, Quantrell Bishop (Jonathan Hamm), what should be the best day of Aufiero’s life becomes the worst when Bishop beats Aufiero badly enough to put him in the hospital. Aufiero must then struggle with outside pressures from his family, friends, lawyers, the Giants and the media as well as an inner struggle against his own belief system. (R) Flicks

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

Edwards 9: W-Th: 1:40, 4:35, 7:20, 9:50; F-Tu: 1:40, 4:35, 7:20, 9:50 Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:40, 12:10, 12:55, 1:55, 2:55, 3:10, 4:50, 5:25, 7:10, 7:50, 9:25

PLANET 51—

Edwards 22: W-Th: 11:40, 2, 4:15, 6:35, 8:55

THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE— Flicks: F-Sa: 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10; Su: 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10; M-Tu: 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 TRANSYLMANIA—

Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:40, 3:05, 5:35, 7:55, 10:10

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE—

Edwards 22: W-Th: 12:40

T H E AT E R S

Edwards 22 Boise, 208-377-1700, www.regmovies.com; Edwards 9 Boise, 208-338-3821, www.regmovies.com; The Egyptian Theater, 208-345-0454, www.egyptiantheatre.net; The Flicks, 208-342-4222, www.theflicksboise.com; FOR SECOND-RUN MOVIES: Northgate Cinema, Towne Square Reel, Country Club Reel, Nampa Reel, 208-377-2620, www.reeltheatre.com.

Overland Park $1 Cinema, 208-377-3072, www.opcmovies.com.

Movie times listed were correct as of press time.

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LISTINGS/SCREEN VIDIOT/SCREEN

ABC’s (already canceled) version of Life on Mars.

LIFE ON MARS: BETTER UNDER U.S. OR U.K JURISDICTION? I’ve been addicted to time travel-themed science fiction since around the time Marty McFly was first revving his DeLorean to 88 mph in a frenzied lap around the Twin Pines Mall. So it’s no surprise I’d latch onto a program about a 21stcentury police detective magically transported to the 1970s.

Of course, ABC killed the show prematurely, and the show’s writers must have known it was coming because they tacked on an improbable series ending.

Two years before Life on Mars debuted in America, Britain had already aired its own version on BBC. And with the British version’s second, and final, season released on DVD at the end of November, it means we can finally fully compare the two.

In both shows, we see modern-day policeman Sam Tyler struck by a car only to wake up in 1973. He’s still a cop, but the precinct he wanders into treats him as a transfer. So has he really traveled back in time? Is he in a coma? Or is he just nuts? That’s what he must discover, all while learning to cope with the bizarrely outdated policing methods of yesteryear.

Archetypes of the day surround Sam. Grizzled commanding officer Gene refuses to play by the rules, but loves his city. Ray is a sexist, racist, off-color detective who achieves decent results. Chris is the fresh-faced rookie, struggling with social norms and proper police procedure. Then there’s Annie: a generally dismissed quasi police psychologist, treated as second-class because she’s a woman. Sam and Annie develop a thing, but you’re never really sure where it’s going.

Featuring now-classic cars, a rockin’ throwback soundtrack, butterfly collars and bellbottoms aplenty, Life on Mars—on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean—recaptures the 1970s.

The American version is too Hollywood-ed out to be authentic drama, but the fun meter is turned up. The ABC interpretations of Gene (Harvey Keitel) and Ray (Michael Imperioli) are classic lovable thugs. And while the Sams—American and British—are perhaps each as likeable as the next, the British version wins on almost all other fronts: more drama, more grit, more realism and a far more appreciable ending.

To get the full effect, tr y it my way: Watch the 17, 40-minute episodes of America’s offering first. Then delve into Britain’s 16, hour-long installments and you’ll get one show with two interpretations of characters and two starkly different conclusions.

I promise neither series is a waste of time. And unless you’ve got Doc Brown’s DeLorean parked in your garage, time is too precious to waste.

—Travis Estvold WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

INVICTUS—Clint Eastwood directs. Morgan Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela who, during his first term as president of South Africa, tried to unite his apartheid-torn country by pushing the national rugby team to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup in a move to unite. The title Invictus is taken from the poem of the same name—written by William E. Henley—which inspired Mandela during the nearly 30 years he was jailed for speaking out against apartheid. (PG-13) Edwards 9, Edwards 22 THE MESSENGER—See Screen, Page 35. Hollywood up-andcomer Ben Foster (30 Days of Night, 3:10 to Yuma) delivers his most powerful performance to date in The Messenger.

Marking the directorial debut of Oren Moverman, this Sundance favorite features Foster as Will Montgomery, a U.S Army officer who has just returned home from a tour in Iraq. The emotionally detached soldier finds himself reassigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service, delivering news to Army families whose loved ones have died in the war.

Partnered with fellow officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), Will struggles with his mission as he tries to let his own healing begin.

He finds himself drawn to Olivia (Samantha Morton), a recently widowed woman to whom he delivered the news. This emotional drama reveals itself as a very human portrait of grief, loss, friendship, and the ability to move on. Strong performances, surprising humor and heartfelt emotions make The Messenger a cinematic must-watch. (R) Flicks THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG—Walt Disney’s latest animated feature film, set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is a take on the Grimm brothers’ classic The Frog Prince. But in this story, the girl kisses a frog and turns into a frog herself.

Only Bayou voodoo priestess Mama Odie can help change them back. (G) Edwards 9, Edwards 22 THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE—It’s often the perfect housewives who conceal the most sordid pasts. When New Yorker Pippa Lee (Robin Wright Penn) moves with her older husband (Alan Arkin) to a Connecticut retirement community, she begins to slowly fall apart. A new love interest (Keanu Reeves) becomes a much-needed confidant.

(R) Flicks

SERIOUS MOONLIGHT—In this comedy, high-powered attorney (Meg Ryan) learns that her husband (Timothy Hutton) is cheating on her with a pretty young blonde (Kristen Bell).

So naturally, she duct tapes him to the toilet in an effort to rekindle their romance. It seems as though reconciliation is a definite possibility ... until a pair of burglars break into the house.

(R)

BOISEweekly

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NEWS/FOOD LAU R IE PEAR M AN/ B OIS E W EEK LY AR C HIVES

FOOD S C OTT B R INEGAR

ROCK ’N’ ROLL FOODIE Pamela’s: making you fat and happy, one cupcake at a time.

The Guy Fieri Road Show roars into Boise JENNIFER HERNANDEZ

LET THEM EAT CAKE. THEN THROW IN SOME WINE. Free cake. No, that’s not a complete sentence, nor is it gratuitous use of the words simply to get attention. Pamela’s Bakery in Eagle is celebrating its third anniversary, and to show a little appreciation for you Pamela’s fans who’ve made three years a reality, Pamela’s is hosting a reception with free cake and champagne this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m. You’ll find Pamela’s at 360 S. Eagle Road in Eagle.

Also this Wednesday night from 5-7 p.m. is Boise Weekly’s BW Card Member appreciation party at Idaho Botanical Garden.

Your BW Card is your ticket to the heated tent at Winter Garden aGlow, where BW Card members get free food, wine and beer, a free wander through the half-million lights in the garden and waived fees on any BW Cards you buy as gifts with a minimum of $60 credit. Card members may also bring a friend and we’ll waive their sign-up fee, too.

For more information on the party or to get a card, call BW Office Manager Shea Sutton at 208-344-2055 for info.

Because two cool events on the same night aren’t nearly enough, here’s one more way you can while away a Wednesday night: Melting Pot’s Bordeaux wine tasting and food pairing. But this ain’t your run of the mill wine tasting. For $45 per person, you’ll get a pate or cheese fondue pairing with a taste of six wines, including Barons de Rothschild, “Reserve Speciale” France, 2007; Chateau Meyney, France, 1989; Chateau Lynch-Bages, France, 1994; Chateau Cos d’Estournel, “Grand Cru,” France, 1995; Chateau Gruaud Larose, “Grand Cru,” France, 1989; La Mission Haut-Brion, France, 1985. Call Melting Pot for a reservation at 208-383-0900.

On Thursday, Dec. 10, you can continue on your merry wine way with Downtown Boise Association’s inaugural Winter Wine Tasting, a clever new addition to Christmas in the City. Idaho Wine Commission has paired up (heh, heh) with the DBA to gather 10 Idaho wineries on the Grove Plaza from 5:30-8 p.m. Find one you like, and you can buy it by the glass. With traditional caroling and fire dancing, it’s like winter’s version of Alive After Five. Info at downtownboise.org.

On Monday, Dec. 14, the Food Network star with the Sammy Hagar grin, Billy Idol hair and a terrific collection of bowling shirts will take the stage for what may be best described as a culinary rock show.

“I want the fans to treat the Road Show like they would a concert for their favorite band,” said Guy Fieri via telephone just one week before starting his 22-city tour.

He said the best way to get ready for the show is to get a group of friends together for cocktails against a backdrop of upbeat music, then head out together to the Morrison Center, where you’ll be treated to two warm-up acts and a live DJ before the main event.

America truly is Fieri’s diner. His popular cable television show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, has evolved into a high-profile career that includes two spin-off shows, two cookbooks and a new line of flashy-looking cutlery, as well as the 30-day Guy Fieri Road Show tour. But his mainstay remains the show he regularly refers to as “Triple D.” The Triple D crew rolled through Boise in March of this year to record segments at six local eateries. Of Chef Lou’s Westside Drive-In in North Boise, Fieri said, “If that dude took his drive-in concept across then returned to the states for college. the country, he’d kill with it.”

After corporate food service gigs, he and Chef Lou’s combination of standard a business partner opened a small chain of drive-thru fare coupled with his popular restaurants in Northern California called weekend prime rib dinner and credentials Johnny Garlic’s, followed by a second as a formally trained chef hit a sweet spot chain called Tex Wasabi’s. But the big for Fieri, who graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor’s break came when Fieri won the second season of The Next degree in hospitality.

Food Network Star Montana Breakell competition. From also made an Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., $45-$55. Tickets that came the popular impression on the available at Morrison Center box office, Select-A-Seat outlets, 208-426-1494 or Triple D show and man who has visonline at idahotickets.com. two others, Guy’s Big ited more than 300 Bite and Ultimate mom-and-pop joints MORRISON CENTER Recipe Showdown. across the coun2201 Cesar Chavez Lane But Fieri does try. On the Boise 208-426-1110 more than just cook episode, the 13-yearmc.boisestate.edu and eat. He recently old son of Pizzalchik followed up his first owner Brad Breakell cookbook, Diners, can be seen spinning Drive-ins and Dives: An All-American pizza dough like a pro. While filming the Road Trip with the aptly named More segment, Fieri encouraged Montana to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: A Drop Top enter a national pizza-throwing competiCulinary Cruise. And a partnership with tion in Las Vegas.

Ergo Chef has resulted in the creation Fieri, an energetic Northern California of a pair of custom-designed, ergonominative, started his own culinary career cally correct knives. Named the Knuckle as an entrepreneurial 10-year-old selling Sandwich Series, both the eight-inch chef’s soft pretzels out of a three-wheeled cart knife and a five-inch utility knife with a he made with his dad. As a teen, Fieri pronged tip bear a flame design etched studied as an exchange student in France,

Guy Fieri probably has a custom made hairnet.

into the blade. Fieri drew on his love for hot rods when designing the two-tone black and red handle, and half of the initial stock has already been pre-sold.

So, what can the Boise audience expect from the Food Network star with the spiky bleach-blond hair, a penchant for hot rods and the dream job of eating at diners, drive-ins and dives while he’s here?

One local chef will provide the first act in this three-act food-centric performance, followed by a liquid demonstration by Australian bartender Hayden Woods, who specializes in flair bartending—performing party-pumping stunts like spinning cocktail shakers full of ice and hooch over his head and behind his back before simultaneously pouring a trio of them into a stacked pyramid of wine goblets.

Music will be provided by Los Angelesbased DJ Cobra, who has performed with top acts like Prince, Lady Gaga and P. Diddy. And Fieri promises new recipes and lots of entertainment for his guests. Led by the tour manager of the Beastie Boys, Guy Fieri’s Road Show promises to be a rocking good time. Fieri, who’s looking forward to meeting his fans, suggested that Boiseans “bring their party to our party.”

—Rachael Daigle

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

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DINING/FOOD North Boise 36TH STREET BISTRO—Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sprawling 36th Street Garden Center. Set in the windowed west wing of the store, the cafe serves espresso and pastries for breakfast, sandwiches and salads for lunch and the dinner menu is ever-changing depending on what’s fresh and in season.

The rotating menu features locally grown and raised foods.

3823 N. Garden Center Way, 208-433-5100. $-$$ SU, .

BOISE CO-OP DELI—You just can’t leave the Co-op without at least one deli delight in your bag.

Each day brings a new selection of delicious foods made with the freshest ingredients. 888 W. Fort St., 208-472-4500. $-$$ SU, OM. BUNGALOW RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE—Sometimes sweet and other times savory, always delightfully delicious. Stop in for a light lunch (served Monday through Friday) with items varying from soups and salads to an extensive “munchies” menu, including shrimp, grits and calamari. Their entrees cover the dining spectrum as well, with marinated pork chops, pan roasted wild salmon and stuffed free range chicken. 1520 N. 13th St., 208-331-9855.

SU OM . $$-$$$

CAFE VICINO—Chefs Richard Langston and Steve Rhodes serve up fresh and innovative foods, offering a casual lunch menu with choices like daily quiche, salads and portobello mushroom sandwiches. Dinner choices lean toward finer dining, offering carpaccio, a variety of pastas and entrees that run the gamut from braised lamb shanks to a New York steak to cioppino.

808 W. Fort St., 208-472-1463. $-$$$ OM. GOODY’S SODA FOUNTAIN— From the moment you walk in, the smells of fresh caramel corn, homemade ice cream, hand-dipped chocolate and every kind of sugary delight hit you like a ton of gummy bricks. 1502 N. 13th St., 208-367-0020. $ SU. HIGHLANDS HOLLOW BREWHOUSE—Whether it’s the appetizers (Monty’s Hummus, Hollow Hot Wings), their entrees (Pan Fried Oysters, Mess-OChops) or their burgers and sandwiches (Black Bean Chili Burger, Reuben), stopping in at Highlands Hollow after winter skiing or hiking up Camel’s Back hill in the summer is always a great idea. 2455 Harrison Hollow, 208-343-6820. $-$$ SU, OM.

KRUNG THAI RESTAURANT AND SUSHI HOUSE 3008 Garrity Blvd., Nampa, 208-442-5254, krung-thai.com “To my delight, the pad Thai with tofu ($8.95) also avoided a common shortfall of its peers. It walked the tightrope of deliciousness between being overly peanut buttery or overly vinegar-y and finished with a mildly spicy bow.”

—Tara Morgan

THE ORCHARD HOUSE RESTAURANT 14949 Sunnyslope Road, Caldwell, 208-459-8200, theorchardhouse.us “It was a setting missing only a roaring fire and hot mugs of cider. It was love at first sight. If only the spell had been cast upon the food, as well.”

—Rachael Daigle

DELSA’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR 7923 W. Ustick Road, 208-377-3700 “But I’d come for dinner, so I stuck to my guns and ordered a banana split ($4.79) and a hot fudge brownie sundae ($3.49). Choosing among the homemade ice cream flavors is no easy task, even though only about a dozen flavors of the 40 Delsa’s makes are readily available.”

—Rachael Daigle

—Wine & beer —Full bar —Delivery —Take-out —Open late RE S —Reservations

LULU’S FINE PIZZA—Big Apple-style gourmet pie for pizza lovers of everywhere kind. Get a wheel or go by the slice. Check out the usual toppings or get adventurous with some tasty things you’re not used to seeing on a pizza menu. 2594 Bogus Basin Road, 208-387-4992. $-$$ SU, OM. MAZZAH—Visit the Med over lunch or drop on by for dinner. Gyros, hummus, falafel and baklava on the quick.

Try the fatoosh salad—you won’t be disappointed. 1772 W. State St., 208-333-2566. $-$$ SU, OM .

O’MICHAEL’S PUB & GRILL—It’s a North End institution with one waitress who’s been serving there for 40 years. The casual menu is full of traditional and specialty sandwiches (check out the slaw burger that’s no burger at all), fish and steaks, and the best giant fried prawns in town. 2433 N. Bogus Basin Road, SU. 208-342-8948. $-$$ PARRILLA GRILL—For fabulous fusion food, Parrilla is one of the best in town. Serving breakfast, wraps and burritos, Parrilla’s patio is a summer favorite. 1512 N. 13th St., 208-323-4688. $ SU.

RECENTLY REVIEWED/FOOD

AVERAGE PRICE PER PERSON: $ —Less than $8 $$ —$8 to $14 $$$ —$14 to $20 $$$$ —Over $20

HYDE PARK PUB—Harry’s is that special bar that’s inviting no matter what your mood. With its dog-friendly patio and a menu chock full of twists on American classics, this is a neighborhood bar that feels like it’s in your neighborhood. 1501 N. 13th St., 208-336-9260. $ SU.

SUN RAY CAFE—SunRay holds down the coveted corner patio at the cross of 13th and Eastman streets. The menu is familiar to that location, featuring salads, subs and pizzas named for geographical features in Idaho.

Bring your dog, all your friends and break pizza crust with a pitcher of beer. 1602 N. 13th St., SU. 208-343-2887. $-$$

State BUZZ CAFE—Coffee, lunch and breakfast early in the day. Wine tastings and music aplenty at night. 2999 N. Lakeharbor Lane, SU, 208-344-4321. $-$$ .

DUTCH GOOSE—Homemade finger steaks, fresh steamed clams, soup, sandwiches and great hot wings. They also serve up over 17 beers. 3515 W. State SU. St., 208-342-8887. $-$$ FLYING PIE PIZZERIA— Boise’s longest-lived and most inventive pizzeria.

They have their own beer (the impeccable Triple Pi Belgian-style ale), and pies to please even the pickiest eaters. 4320 W. State , St., 208-384-0000. $ SU.

needed/recommended —Patio S U —Open on Sunday O M —Online menu —Breakfast —Boise Weekly Card

Boise Weekly Dining Guide offers selective listings of editorial recommendations and advertisers.

Listings rotate based on available space.

Updates from diligent readers and listed restaurateurs are heartily encouraged.

E-mail to food@boiseweekly.com or fax to 342-4733.

WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

BOISEweekly

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 39

FOOD/DINING MADHUBAN—A daily lunch buffet and a huge menu including all the favorites. You’re gonna love the curr y. A great place for vegetarians. 6930 W. State St., 208-853-8215. $-$$ SU, OM. PIZZALCHIK—PIZZa sALad and CHIcKen. Get it? Per fect robust salads, plus delicious original pizzas and whole chickens roasted in a 6,000-pound stone-hearth oven. Many toppings made in house. 7330 W. State St., 208-853-7757.

SU . $-$$ WESTSIDE DRIVE-IN—From the mind of “Boise’s Best Chef,” Chef Lou, come some of the most scrumptious foods for dine-in, take-out or frozen to use when cooking is the last thing you want to do. 1939 W. State St., 208-342-2957. $-$$ SU .

Downtown + Fringe ADDIE’S—The language of breakfast is spoken here.

You’ve never seen so many meats followed by “& Eggs” on one menu. Come early to beat the rush for Boise’s best gravy.

510 W. Main St., 208-3381198. $ OM .

ALIA’S COFFEEHOUSE—A bagel shop that’s not just bagels. Get pastries, smoothies and lattes, or get beyond breaky with a cheesesteak sandwich, a ham and brie bagel, or any of River City’s fresh soups and salads.

908 W. Main St., 208-338-1299.

SU, OM, . $ ANGELL’S—Upscale dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Featuring such tasty delights as Idaho Trout and Crab, Rosemar y and Juniper Lamb Rack and Halibut Oscar. 909 Main St., 208-342-4900. $$-$$$ RES, SU, OM. ASIAGO’S—Innovative Italian pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups and seasonal specials ser ved amidst rustic Italian countr yside decor. 1002 W. Main St., 208-336-5552. $$-$$$ SU. BAR GERNIKA—Basque favorites in a dark and cozy little bar. Croquettas, chorizo, salomo, paella and a simple cheese plates that is one of the most popular in town. Don’t forget Beef Tongue Saturday.

202 S. Capitol Blvd., 208-3442175. $ .

BARDENAY—The atmospheric, cavernous interior (with visible distiller y) and huge patio is the place to eat, drink and be seen downtown. 610 Grove St., 208-426-0538. $-$$ SU, OM. THE BASQUE MARKET—The market’s shelves are stocked with Basque food and wine (and often, you’ll find take-and-bake croquettas in the cooler), but there’s also a small cafe space for lunch. A list of sandwiches on the market’s freshmade baguette (we here at BW crave the turkey) all come with a side and if you’re lucky, a cookie.

608 W. Grove St., 208-433OM. 1208. $

40

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

BITTERCREEK ALE HOUSE—Enjoy a frosty microbrew and gourmet hamburger at this distinguished bar and grill with one of the best selections of scotches in the region. 246 N. Eighth St., 208-345-1813. $$ SU, OM. BOMBAY GRILL—The only Indian food you’ll find downtown.

A smoking deal on a smoking delicious lunch buffet and a full menu at dinner. 928 W. Main St., 208-345-7888. $-$$ OM. BRICK OVEN BISTRO—Lovingly called the Beanery by longtime patrons, this Grove hot spot with everything homemade has some of the best comfort food around.

801 N. Main St., 208-342-3456.

SU, OM. $ CAFE OLE—Boise’s original Mexican restaurant has been serving for the last 28 years.

404 S. Eighth St., 208-344SU, OM. 3222. $-$$ CAZBA—Cazba transports you to the Eastern Mediterranean with cloud-painted walls, elegant décor and food from Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran (with a few Indian, Japanese and American dishes). Brunch on weekends. 211 N. Eighth St., 208-381-0222. $$ SU. CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE—Chandler’s is for the fine-diner in you. With melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, porterhouse and Kobe cuts, as well as an appetizer menu that deviates from the red meat and offers oysters, lobster cakes, escargot and mussels. It’s as popular a stop for cocktails as it is for a fine dinner. 981 Grove St., 208-342-4622. $$$$ RES, SU, OM. COTTONWOOD GRILLE—The food and ambiance here share a terrific, tasteful symbiotic relationship. Inside, it’s like a big hunting lodge; outside, it’s watching the world go by on the Greenbelt. 913 W. River St., 208-333-9800. $$$-$$$$ RES, SU, OM. DAWSON’S DOWNTOWN—The interior of Dawson’s is almost as tasty as their hand-picked beans (from everywhere from Sumatra to Ethiopia to Mexico) roasted the old-fashioned way.

Owners Dave and Cindy Ledgard know where to find the best fair trade, organic, shade grown and just plain excellent coffees. 219 N. Eighth St., 208-336-5633. $ SU. DONNIE MAC’S TRAILER PARK CUISINE—Located in the developing Linen District, Donnie Mac’s Trailerpark Cuisine may be downhome, but it’s certainly not from the trailer park. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, o-rings, fries, some very tasty fry sauce, the valley’s only frozen custard, mac-n-cheese and breakfast.

Yowza! 1515 W. Grove St., OM, 208-384-9008. $-$$ .

ELI’S ITALIAN DELI—For the sandwich lover for whom a sandwich is a work of love. With fresh ingredients, homemade bread and artful touches, Eli’s turns out sandwiches, soups and pastas for the hungry masses. A recent second location in downtown Boise, in addition to the Nampa landmark is earning more fans. 219 N. 10th St., 208-473OM .

7161. $-$$

FALCON TAVERN—This upscale downtown tavern has become “Boise’s neighborhood pub.”

Known for their hand-pressed Kobe burger and ample beer selection, Falcon Tavern also has a variety of appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Cozy up in their interior space or kick back on the patio. 705 W. Bannock St., 208-947-3111. $-$$ OM. FANCI FREEZ—Burgers, tots, fries and lots and lots of ice cream. This neighborhood landmark has been serving up the comfort food for decades.

1402 W. State St., 208-344SU .

8661. $ THE FIXX—Serving the needs of coffee drinkers hunkered down in the western end of downtown, The Fixx brews up locally roasted coffee from Eagle Coffee Roasting, and the eats are all provided courtesy of Le Cafe de Paris. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. 224 10th St., 208-331-4011.

SU .

FLICKS—Movie and a meal from a killer kitchen. Food good enough to bring you in without a ticket includes burgers, chicken and brie on ciabatta, lasagna, gyro wraps, salads and daily soups. 646 Fulton St., SU. 208-342-4222. $ FLYING M COFFEEHOUSE—In addition to a fantastic atmosphere (cool tunes, friendly employees, art on the walls and comfy seating), “the M” makes killer coffee drinks. Don’t forget the Art-O-Mat. 500 W. Idaho St., 208-345-4320. $ SU. FRONT DOOR NORTHWEST PIZZA AND TAP HOUSE—Offering tasty pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads. Features a stellar line of beers, including 14 rotating beer taps, 20 bottles of Belgian Ale and more to comprise over 60 beers to choose from. Eat -in or take-out.

105 S. Sixth St., 208-287-9201.

SU. GANDOLFO’S DELI—The Georgia based franchise of New York delicatessens provides sandwich fans with New York style hot and cold deli sands, specialty selections and side salads. 401 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-338.

7827. $ GOLDY’S BREAKFAST BISTRO—A desperately popular breakfast destination and with good reason. Generous portions of eggs, hash, cinnamon rolls and more. Good gravy! Can’t make it for breakfast? They’ve got lunch, too. 108 S. Capitol Blvd., 208-345-4100. $ SU .

HAPPY FISH SUSHI & MARTINI BAR—It is a happy fish, indeed, that becomes an entree here.

With a wide array of sushi rolls, sashimi and more including several creative vegetarian options and perhaps an even wider array of cocktails, kick back in this chichi restaurant and enjoy. 855 Broad St., SU, OM. 208-343-4810. $$$ JAVA—Three words: Bowl of Soul. This coffee/espresso/ chocolate concoction is liquid redemption. In addition to all things coffee, Java also serves scones, muffins and tasty lunch offerings. 223 N. Sixth St., .

208-345-0777. $ SU

WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

DINING/FOOD JENNY’S LUNCH LINE—Jenny’s currently caters and delivers daily for personal or large group meals. The menu, which changes every day, always features fresh soups, salads and sandwiches made daily. Vegetarian and healthy options are the mainstay with a single yummy dessert treat for the times when your sweet tooth needs a little loving, too. Get a menu by e-mailing Jenny at orders@jennyslunchline. com. Call the lunch line at 208433-0092, the catering line at 338-7851 or fax your order in to 208-433-0093. 106 N. Sixth St., 208-433-0092. $-$$ OM. LE CAFE DE PARIS—The display case offers a glimpse of the height of French pastr y baking. The food is among Boise’s culinar y elite—lush, butter y cooking.

204 N. Capitol Blvd., 208-3360889. $$-$$$ OM.

LEKU ONA—Step into a little piece of traditional Basque home, family and heaven when you visit Leku Ona. Relax in the friendly atmosphere with lunch or dinner, either inside or out on the patio on warm days. 117 S. Sixth St., 208-345-6665. $$$-$$$$ RES OM. LOCK, STOCK & BARREL—A Boise staple featuring some of the most well-reputed steaks and prime in town. 1100 W. Jefferson, 208-336-4266. $$-$$$$ SU, OM .

MAI THAI—Daily lunch specials, an always superior list of noodle dishes and wicked cocktails.

This place is great day or night, hungry or just in the mood to nibble. 750 Idaho St., 208-344-8424. $$ SU.

BEER GUZZLER/FOOD

PHO NOUVEAU—Vietnamese comfort food with a menu of cha gio with a mound of cellophane noodles, lily blossom salad of young lotus root, shrimp and pork, shaken beef salad and big bowls of pho. If strong brew is your thing order some Vietnamese coffee which comes properly served dripping from the Vietnamese “coffee pot�—a tin hat sort of thing that sits on top of a glass. 780 W. Idaho, 208367-1111. $-$$ SU .

PIAZZA DI VINO—As an art gallery and wine bar, Piazza di Vino offers an extensive collection of wines from around the world and art from around town. But that’s not all they offer: savory soups, chocolates, cheeses, salads, fondue and pizza (try the Italian hard salami and provolone) will bring you back again and again.

212 N. Ninth St., 208-336-9577. $-$$ .

PIEHOLE—Pizza plain and simple. Nineteen-inch pies by the slice or by the pie and calzones everyday. Try their infamous potato and bacon, or go cheap with the special of the day for two bucks. 205 N. Eighth St., 208-344-7783. $-$$ SU. POLLO REY—A downtown lunch hot spot offering burritos and tacos and juicy, perfectly spiced, grilled and rotisserie-cooked chicken. There is a second location in the Edwards Theater complex. 222 N. Eighth St., 208-345-0323. $ SU.

A MIXED BAG About the only thing this week’s picks have in common is that they are all beers. First up: an amber ale in a can from Oregon. Next, a collaborative effort between two breweries from opposite ends of the country. Last, a local brewery’s winter seasonal. Oh yeah, and all three are pretty darned good.

CALDERAS ASHLAND AMBER I love cans. They keep the beer fresher and are more easily recycled than bottles. This amber comes from an Oregon brewery that only does kegs and cans. It’s a nice change from the heavier winter brews I’ve been tasting, offering piney hops on the nose that carry through on the palate. It’s light to medium bodied, with fruit, sweet malt and toffee avors. It’s not overly complex, but that can be a good thing.

LIFE AND LIMB ALE This one springs from a partnership between California’s Sierra Nevada and Delaware’s DogďŹ sh Head. The label is gorgeous, but when I read “limbâ€? was a reference to the birch and maple syrup used in the brew, I cringed. I’ve no idea what birch syrup tastes like, but I was pretty sure maple didn’t belong in beer. Wrong. This is a rollickingly good ale, very dark in color with a rich, toasty malt nose. It’s a chewy mouthful of roasted barley and malt, mocha, coffee and smooth hops with a light touch of smoke on the ďŹ nish (no discernible maple). It’s more like a barley wine than anything else, with a potent 10 percent alcohol. Don’t miss out on this one.

SOCKEYE BREWERY WINTERFEST From one of Boise’s own breweries, this winter seasonal is deďŹ nitely worthy. It pours a dark brown with a thin but frothy head. It has plenty of just-sweet malt up front, laced with chocolate and nice touches of berry. It’s all colored by a big hop bite in this earthy, impeccably balanced brew that ďŹ nishes on the dry side. —David Kirkpatrick WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

RED FEATHER LOUNGE—Red Feather Lounge is all about wine and good food. You can get great macaroni and cheese for lunch, and for dinner, the menu turns deliciously swanky. If you can snag a seat in the cellar, count yourself especially lucky. 246 N. Eighth St., 208-429-6340. $$-$$$ .

SHIGE—Watching sushi master Shige create his masterpieces is almost as awesome as chopsticking a portion, dunking it in a wasabi/ soy mix and popping it in your mouth. Umami! 100 N. Eighth St., Ste. 215, 208-338-8423. $-$$ .

TABLEROCK BREWPUB AND GRILL—Great sandwiches, salads and entrees complemented beautifully by one of their signature brews. 705 Fulton St., SU. 208-342-0944. $-$$ TAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT— Great food, daily lunch buffet and a seriously impressive beer selection. For the faint at heart when it comes to Indian food, there’s also a menu with Greek choices. 150 N. Eighth St., Ste. 222, 208-473-7200. $-$$ OM. YEN CHING—Yummy Chinese food at a decent price, with all the usual favorites one looks for in a menu, and then some. This is one of Boise’s favorite Chinese restaurants. 305 N. Ninth St., 208-384-0384. $-$$ SU, OM. ZEPPOLE—Nothing beats the low prices and fresh-baked goodness of Zeppole on a lunch break, unless it’s taking home a loaf of their near-legendary bread to enjoy later. 217 N. Eighth St., 208-345-2149. $ OM.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 41

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REAL ESTATE BW SHARED HOUSING ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM. Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: http://www.Roommates.com ;G:: DC"A>C: 8A6HH>;>:9 69H Place your FREE on-line classifieds at www.boiseweekly.com.

It’s easy! Just click on “Post Your FREE Ad.” No phone calls please.

GDDBB6I: C::9:9 House is located off Federal Way & Amity. $300/mo. All util. incl. + DirectTV and wireless internet.

Own BA & BD. Would be willing to rent out to a couple. Rent $450/ mo. Please e-mail me at 0ctobernights0@yahoo.com or call 8713472 if interested!

BW FOR RENT &%% ;>GHI BDCI= G:CI NW Boise area. 1BD & 2BD, 4-plex units, from $450 and $575/mo.

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2BD, 1BA. Fairview/Five Mile. $540/ mo. Dep. $300. 1BD, 1BA $450/ mo. Call 407-4637.

7HJ 6G:6 Nice clean 2BD, 1BA duplex. One block from Albertsons & close to BSU. Approx. 800 sq. ft. Do your laundry at home with a washer & dryer included in rent. I pay W/S/T. Apartment has electric heat, stove, fridge, off street parking and a small yard. Newly painted and ready now. No smoking allowed please. Rent is $550/mo. dep. $350. With pet rent is $600/ mo. and $400 dep. Call Mike 8636855. I check references carefully, so be honest. No appl. fee. =N9: E6G@ 8=6GB:G 1BD, 1BA, darling house. Remodeled, new paint, hdwd flrs, computer nook, storage shed, W/D. $695/mo. + $650 dep. 8671234/863-1476. Always rents quickly!

B:G>9>6C =DB: 4BD, 2BA, pets ok. $950/mo.

854-7128.

7D>H: <GDJE =DB:H Make a difference assisting adults w/ developmental disabilities.

Must be 21 w/ clean driving record. Stop by 8310 W. Ustick #300, 9 am-4 pm.

8C6$C6 To care for adults with developmental disabilities. Must be 21 with clean driving record. Apply 8310 W. Ustick, #300, 9 am-4 pm. =6>G9G:HH:G L6CI:9 Great location in Nampa. Come join us in a fun and great atmosphere.

Clientele preferred. Lease station.

Ask for Vickie at 208-463-4422.

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42

You’ll pass a floor1222 N. CAMELOT, BOISE to-ceiling storage closet $94,800 as you walk beneath 1 Bed/1 Bath the attached carport to 832 Square Feet The Lawson Company reach the front door of Jim Wegener, 208-841-4727 this gently updated West thelawsoncompany.biz Boise condominium.

MLS #98417427 Inside, a short hallway acts as a buffer between the front door and the main living area, which begins at the entrance to the kitchen. A mix of white-fronted and stainlesssteel appliances mingle throughout the cozy work space, where a navy blue tile backsplash pops against walnut brown cabinets and white walls.

Ripples on a pond made by a splashing fountain grab the eye as soon as you step into the living room. A plate-glass sliding door at the rear of the room provides a healthy snapshot of the water feature, which is set into a large, grassy common area.

It lies just outside the tiny covered patio that serves as the 35-year-old dwelling’s back yard.

Built in 1974, the bedroom in this studio-like condo is enclosed by a Pella hardwood accordion door that unfolds in slender, raised-panel segments from wall to wall to separate the 12-foot by 18-foot sleeping quarters from the living room.

The door, along with the raised panel cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom, help provide a pleasantly funky backdrop for decorating.

PROS: Studio-like condo with fountain views.

CONS: Attached carport with storage closet stands in for curb appeal.

—Jennifer Hernandez Open house: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, 1-6 p.m.

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S

8DCK:C>:CI ID =E Comfortable 3BD, 2BA. Great location, new paint in & out, new carpet, vinyl, lighting, plumbing & window coverings. Affordable & move-in ready. Full size lot is zoned residential/office, fenced private N. facing backyard, patio, RV parking, mature landscaping.

Clean! Only $118K. Call Deborah Bell with Idaho Properties GMAC at 208-484-0752 to see 12178 W. Alfred, Boise.

BW HELP WANTED **BODYGUARDS WANTED** FREE Training & Job Placement Assistance for members. No Experience OK. Excellent potential $$$. Full & Part Time. Traveling expenses paid. 1-615-228-1701. www.psubodyguards.com

BW STUFF &'º 9D7H>CDC I:A:H8DE: Harden optics deep space hunter. $500 OBO. Tina 713-5364.

8:G6B>8 IDE HIDK: ;DG H6A: Frigidaire Electric Range Oven E200/300. Very good Condition but needs a good cleaning. Has a couple of stains on glass top. Use & Care Manual incld. MSRP: $500 Asking $250 OBO.Call 890-7274. <G:6I ;DG =JCI>C< 20’ camper for sale. Great for hunting! Has a separate bathroom.

Runs on either propane or electricity! Sleeps approx. 6! Asking $2900 OBO. Call 703-1863.

A:6I=:G">H= GD8@:G$G:8A>C:G Roomy and comfortable recliner, perfect for football games, just $150. Looks like leather and is in very good condition. Must sell due to cross-country move. Call 343-8840 or 914-4669.

DC: L::@ 6I B:M>8D 7:68= Any 5 star Mexican Mayan Resort almost any week in 2010. $575/wk.

I can’t afford to go there this year.

368-0803 if you are interested! http://mayanresorts.com/mayanpalace/riviera-maya/photo-gallery

BW CAREER EDUCATION

B6@: BDG: BDC:N

With a better job and a degree.

Evening, day and online classes start next month. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Stevens-Henager College, Boise Branch, 800-716-5645 www.stevenshenager.info

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Looking for barter? Post what you have, find what you need. Always free at www.boiseweekly.com.

BW ART, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES 7D>H: 8>IN B6G@:IEA68: Boise City Marketplace is Boise’s newest year round vendor mall with over 50 local area vendors and crafters selling their affordable items. Hours are Tues-Fri from 10am-7pm and Sat from 10am5pm. Located at 5050 Overland Rd in Hillcrest Shopping Center!

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BARTER CAREERS - HELP WANTED BW HAVE IG69: 8DCHIGJ8I>DC ;DG 4444 I am a fully licensed, registered & insured framing, siding, and remodel contractor looking to trade labor for your unwanted items of value. E-mail a description of what you need done and what you have to trade. quickquality3@aol. com. Services available but not limited to: remodels, framing, siding, decks, fences, covered patios, tile, painting, roofing, gutter clean out, shops & shelves.

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1/2 hr. $15. FULL BODY. Hot oil, spa/showers, 24/7. I travel. 8805772. massagebyeric.com. Male Only. Boise & Nampa studios.

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BW HOME

SERVICES

Get Dish - FREE Installation –$19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime FREE - Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details: 877-242-0974. >CI:G>DG E6>CI>C< Very reasonable prices! Help with colors, wall repair & texture, moldings & baseboards replacement, attention to detail, 25 yrs. exp., dependable, references available.

Call Joe-Bohemia Painting for a free written estimate! 208-3458558 or 208-392-2094.

E:G:CC>6A :ME:GI <6G9:C:GH Professional DETAILED MASTER GARDENERS ready to get your garden landscape prepped for Spring!! Perennials, bushes, tree trimming, and mowing services included. FREE ESTIMATES! Please contact 484-3837. Local and surrounding area.

NOTICES BW PROFESSIONAL dbh. is offering a fresh new look to Boise. Modern design that gets away from Boise Brown. Offering exterior and interior design, remodels and renovations, and new construction. 208-695-1747 for a FREE estimate.

These pets can be adopted at the Idaho Humane Society. www.idahohumanesociety.com 4775 W. Dorman St. Boise | 208-342-3508

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6293.

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Hot tub available, heated table, hot oil full-body Swedish massage. Total seclusion. Days/Eves/ Wknds.Visa/Master Card accepted, Male only. 866-2759.

Deep Therapeutic Massage by Muscular Guy. 869-2766.

Full body massage by experienced therapist. Out call or private studio. 863-1577. Thomas. =DJ HE6 Steam sauna & massage. Corner Overland & S. Orchard. Open 7 days a week, 9-10pm. 345-2430.

B6HH6<: Bali Spa. 401 N. Orchard St. 3751332. Open 9am-10pm. Mention you saw it in the Boise Weekly for $20 Off! Massage Boise Hotels 869-8128.

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YODA: 4-monthold male domestic shorthair. Affectionate, playful kitten who loves to socialize. (K. 00 #9177854)

SISEO: 10-month-old male domestic shorthair. Lovable, friendly cat who would love an indoor home. (K. 11 #8088007)

HEMY: 10-month-old female husky/shar pei mix. Happy-go-lucky attitude. Good with cats and dogs. (K. 303 - #9192074)

JESSIE: 1-year-old male Siamese mix. Rolls around in his cage begging for attention.

Litterbox-trained. (K. 96 - #9183955)

WHEELER: 3-year-old male Lab. Good with dogs. Very smart.

Make training positive, and he’ll love it. (K. 314 - #9149152)

DAPHNE: 7-month-old female Lab/dalmatian mix. Social butterfly.

Good with other dogs.

Loves stuffed toys. (K. 402 - #8165863)

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BW SPIRITUAL

These pets can be adopted at Simply Cats. www.simplycats.org 2833 S. Victory View Way | 208-343-7177

CHUCK: Maybe my J.D: I haven’t given name is missing an “N,” up on my permanent but that mean’s there’s someone. Room 9 more to love. Room 8

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RUSTY: What I lack in tail, I make up for in personality. Room 9

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | 43

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BW LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Hearing on Name Change.

Case no.: CV NC 0920021. A Petition to change the name of Lauren Loyola Miller born 10-07-04 in Boise, ID residing at 13488 W. Hazelnut St has been filed in Ada County District Court, Idaho. The name will change to Lauren Allyn Miller. Mothers middle name. Child was Invitro-no father and the child’s mother is living. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for 2:00 o’clock pm on December 29, 2009, at the County Courthouse.

Objections may be filed by any person who can show the court good reason against the name changes.

Date: October 23, 2009. By Debra J. Urizar, Deputy Clerk.

Notice of Hearing on Name Change.

Case No.: CVNC0918199. A Petition to change the name of Kelson James Hitchcock-Fisse, born 5/29/05 in Boise, ID residing at 2018 S. Cleveland, Boise ID 83705 has been filed in Ada County District Court, Idaho.

The name will change to Kelson James Fisse, because parents are now married. The child’s father is living. The child’s mother is living. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for 1:30 o’clock pm on January 14, 2010, at the Country Courthouse.

Objections may be filed by any operson who can show the court good reason against the name changes.

Date: Nov. 19,2009. By C. Barclay, Deputy Clerk.

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42 It came up from Down Under 43 Tom of “The Tomorrow Show” 45 Fish-and-chips fish 46 Sultan’s land 49 Aquafina competitor 54 Impertinent sort

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32 One all, say 33 Tame 34 “Tamerlane” dramatist Nicholas 35 V-chip target 36 Part of an Irish playwright’s will?

38 Museum worker 40 Bank statement entry

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8DJCIGN <J>I6G C::9H 76C9 Lead, rhythm, and vocals. Looking for a country band to join. 50 yrs exp.

Call 208-921-5581 or bbair@q.com Elvis impersonator for hire. Guitarist to play oldies, 50’s, 60’s. Located in Mtn. Home. John 587-5719.

COMMUNITY POSTINGS

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast, Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 97 http://www.continentalacademy.com @>AGDN @D;;:: @A6I8= Warhawk Air Museum is excited to announce the monthly “Kilroy was Here” coffee klatch. 1st Tuesday of every month. 10-11:30am. Warhawk Air Museum, 201 Municipal Dr, Nampa. ;G:: DC"A>C: 8A6HH>;>:9 69H Place your FREE on-line classifieds at www.boiseweekly.com. It’s easy!

Just click on “Post Your FREE Ad.” No phone calls please.

BW CLASSES A:6GC ID L:A9 ARTISTS! HOBBYIST! In as little as 4 hours you can learn to weld.

Theory and practical will be taught.

For all levels from beginners to advanced. Call Matt at 208-602-3899 www.wreckedmetals.net wreckedmetals@yahoo.com ;G:: DC"A>C: 8A6HH>;>:9 69H Place your FREE on-line classifieds at www.boiseweekly.com. It’s easy!

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COMMUNITY - CLASSES

Get Dish with FREE Installation – $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE - Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 866-747-5096.

Mature instructor teaching at all levels from beginners on. Electric bass, keybd., & guitar. In Meridian area.

890-2940 to schedule with Tom.

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BW MUSICIAN’S EXCHANGE

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BW MUSICAL INSTRUCTION

20 Like much music 21 Old alpaca wool gatherer 22 Delighted exclamation?

25 Cough cause 26 Sail extender 27 Inventive type 28 Bit of attire for a carriage ride 29 Pitcher’s feat

1 Government pubs., say 5 Twine holder 10 Amateur publication, for short 14 What a migraine might feel like 18 Moonfish 19 Primary stratagem 1

BW MUSICAL/0THER

MUSIC

NYT CROSSWORD | ACROSS

KD>8: A:HHDCH Now taking new students. Voice teacher/Singer has been teaching for 8 yrs. and in performance for 15! Call for information 208-7247880.

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| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S

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56 TV character often seen in a Metallica T-shirt 58 Pipe attachment 59 Needle problem 62 Tests the water?

64 “Don’t fight” 66 Game grp.

67 Many curves, in math 68 Carsick passenger?

70 Bon mot 71 Babylon’s site, today 72 Conventions 73 Starting point 74 Some pieces in an archaeological museum 75 Bratislava’s river 77 “Come on, guys!”

79 “Jour de Fête” star, director and writer, 1949 81 Neighbor of a shift key 82 “Little Women” woman 83 Iranian supreme leader ___ Khamenei 85 New Zealand’s discoverer 89 49-Across, e.g.

91 Red leader?

93 Spanish girl 94 Causing uneasiness?

101 Not safe 103 Schools of thought 104 Drawers, e.g.

105 Plain and simple 106 Darjeeling, e.g.

108 White as a sheet 109 Germane 111 Last stage of insect development 112 Believe 113 Carryin’ on, in olden times?

117 Gambling game enjoyed by Wyatt Earp 118 Paunch 119 Wake Island, e.g.

120 Turn over 121 Irish ___ 122 Put in stitches

123 Poet who wrote “An’ the Gobble-uns ’at gits you / Ef you / Don’t / Watch / Out!” 124 Walked

DOWN 1 Bobs and such 2 Alphabetic trio 3 Florida Keys connector 4 Anger at losing one’s flock?

5 Gymnastic feat 6 Conspired 7 Unlikely ballet dancer 8 Sign warning people to be quiet 9 Columbo’s employer, for short 10 Whizzed along 11 Maraud 12 Tandoor-baked bread 13 Head of lettuce?

14 Krishna is one of his avatars 15 One surrounded by cell walls 16 Looks sore 17 Bald baby?

20 Bring up the rear 23 N.L. West team, on scoreboards 24 ___ four 28 “The Dark Knight,” for one 29 Assns.

30 It may be declined 31 Suit 33 Absolute beauty 36 Call on a pitch 37 Nebraska senator Nelson 39 Easy chair site 41 Narrator of “How I Met Your Mother” 44 Blue 46 Superior to 47 It may feature a windmill 48 “Don’t Be Cruel” vis-àvis “Hound Dog” 50 Subjugation?

51 Bring about

52 Time’s partner 53 Some tides 55 Name shared by 12 popes 57 Big gulf 58 French mathematician who pioneered in the theory of probability 59 Water park feature 60 Sura source 61 “Impossible!”

63 Positive thinking proponent 65 Legal writ, in brief 69 Clockmaker Thomas 76 German city where Beck’s beer is brewed 78 “Our ___” 80 Certain X or O 82 Programming problem 84 Wood alternative 86 Get fogged up 87 Greatest flowering 88 Astronaut’s insignia 90 Dolt 91 Like a butterfingers 92 Within earshot 94 Hearty drafts L A S T

B A M B I L I A T I C K L E T T A D R I V S E D A E V A L I L B A I R A N S Y S T U N I O P E N N E G A T E V A N R E C O B R O W I S M L E A

I S D E E T A A U D R O I N G N S A R A I E S R D O F E M N O F A M E R M A M A R R B I S

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95 Prevent from being reelected 96 Cleave 97 Try to avoid detection 98 Chevy model 99 Forsooth 100 It may be dramatic 102 Opportune 106 Matthew 26 question 107 Sound at a spa 109 “The Clan of the Cave Bear” author 110 Baseball G.M. Minaya 113 Montana and others, for short 114 Helios’ counterpart 115It may be said before a kiss 116 ___ Land of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” Go to www.boiseweekly. com and look under odds and ends for the answers to this week’s puzzle.

And don’t think of it as cheating. Think of it more as simply double-checking your answers.

W E E K ’ S

M O K E S S E X G E N T S O L O R I N S T M E E S B L E B R A T R I L E C F I S H F I C I S K E E T E R

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CONNECTION SECTION BW ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUYER BEWARE Whenever doing business by telephone or email proceed with caution when cash or credit is required in advance of services.

Come Where Single Play. Call 208287-0343 FREE w/code 5500 Call 800-210-1010.

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BW PERSONALS BROWSE-POST-CONNECT Connect with these and many more proďŹ les on BW Love! www.boiseweekly.com/love CHERRY BOMB Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 21 and I like going to bars and hanging out, listening to music, a good conversation and living life.

I guess Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking for someone with the same interests thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around my age. Gabraella, 21, #101102.

SERVICES

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MEN SEEKING WOMEN Handsome, Exfoliated, Complex seriously? 40 freakinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; words? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m good looking, smart, funny, and very giving to the person Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m with.

I love my son above all else. I love the outdoors and chilling with a cute girl. just_rob, 37, #101058.

JUST FRIENDS Call Me Papi Chulo. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a single parent of 3, a Hip Hop artist, and some how found my self single!

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My name is Rian Kristopher Hill. I am a 27 yr. old WM, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9â&#x20AC;?, 170 lbs., in great shape and looking for a girl to write. I am honest, loyal, fun and truthful. Rian K. Hill #8493 I.C.C. PO Box 70010 Boise, ID 83707.

23 yr. old SWF with brown hair and eyes. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeking an outgoing, athletic guy between 30-40 yrs.

Old. Kristina Hand #84025 200 Courthouse Way Rigby, ID 83442.

28 yr. old WF with multi color hair and blue eyes seeking an outgoing M/F pen pal. Sandra Biser 200 Courthouse Way Rigby, ID 83442.

DWM feeling lonely and forgotten. Looking for pen pals, friends and possibly more. Mark Wuntz #46233 I.C.C.-R-3C PO Box 70010 Boise, ID 83707.

WM in search of a pen pal to help me pass the time. I enjoy Christ,

music and tattoos. Jaymz Turnball 219 N. 12th Ave. Caldwell, ID 83605.

I am a SF who likes to hike, run, children, life cooking, reading and football. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking for pen pals with similar interests. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m originally from AZ and have been incarcerated for 2 years. Grajeda #82653 Unit 2-10-B P.W.C.C. 1451 Fore Rd. Pocatello, ID 83206.

BW I SAW YOU **NEW** Place all your â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Saw You Adsâ&#x20AC;? online with our new personals Web site. You will need to create an FREE account. Start making connections now with the oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spotted around the valley here: www.boiseweekly. com/ISawYou TURKEY DAY ALBERTSONS ENCOUNTER Albertsons Parking Lot. Ustick/Five Mile. You had on a Notre Dame?

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You were super cute. Can we try this again? When: Thursday, November 26, 2009. Where: Albertsons. You: Man. Me: Woman. #900007.

BW KISSES 9 Your arrow has pierced my sleeping spirit. I give thanks for the experience and for your touch. Awake on the mountain or by the ocean you will be there with me. XOW. > B>HH NDJ The last 10 months have been a living hell. You are an amazing woman and I live a pathetic existence without you in my life. NH, you deserve better than me, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the best Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever know...I miss you. ;G:: DC"A>C: 8A6HH>;>:9 69H Place your FREE on-line classiďŹ eds at www.boiseweekly.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy!

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BW PEN PALS Pen Pals complimentary ads for our incarcerated friends are run on a space-available basis and may be edited for content. Readers are encouraged to use caution and discretion when communicating with Pen Pals, whose backgrounds are not checked prior to publication. Boise Weekly accepts no responsibility for any relationships that may arise from contacting these inmates.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9â&#x20AC;?, self motivated with a thirst for life. Energetic with a positive outlook. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Christian man, very goal oriented that believes destiny is not a matter of chance but a choice made. I am determined and focused on life and very health conscience. I am very much a romantic and gentleman.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 49 yrs. old, pretty settled down and house broke. Ha Ha. Rick Storm #17849 I.S.C.I. PO Box 14 Boise, ID 83707.

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BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S

| DECEMBER 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15, 2009 | 45

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Indignation is one of the most rewarding of emotions,” writes Theodore Dalr ymple, “as well as one that automatically gives meaning to life ...

There is nothing like irritation to get the juices circulating and the mind working.” Of all the ideas that have made me indignant in recent weeks, this one steams me the most. I disagree so completely that I am beside myself. And as I plunge my attention further into his proposal, I feel tension coursing through my body. There’s a good chance that I am inducing in myself a state of stressedout stupidity. Please don’t follow my example, Aries. It’s possible that sour fur y could be useful to you at other times, but right now you should avoid it. To get your intelligence to work at peak efficiency, you’ll need stretches of lucid calm.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The evidence is incontrovertible: You have acquired more power in 2009. Whether that means you are now sitting in a corner office, I don’t know. What I do know is that you are in greater charge of your own destiny.

You know yourself better, and are smarter about providing yourself with what you need, when you need it. You have gained access to enormous new reser ves of willpower, in part by harnessing the energy of your obsessive tendencies.

Blind fate just doesn’t have the same control over your life as it used to. More than ever before, you’re making decisions based on what’s really good for you rather than on your unconscious compulsions.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I trust you’ve traveled all over creation in 2009—or have at least exposed yourself to a wide range of sights and sounds. I’m also hoping that in these last 12 months, you have regularly sought out pleasant jolts and breathtaking vistas that have inspired you to see the big picture of your unfolding destiny.

If you haven’t been doing these things with the eager abandon you should have. Please take the next flight to the other side of the world. Eat unfamiliar food, meet people who are ver y different from you, listen to strange music, climb a mountain, and get your mind blown.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): So how are you doing with your year-long resurrection project, Cancerian? Have you been taking care of the finishing touches these past few weeks? If not, do so soon. It’s high time for you to officially and definitively rise from the dead. Your wandering in the under world is at an end. Your mourning

46

| DECEMBER 9–15, 2009 | BOISEweekly

for broken dreams should be complete. In Januar y, the age of exploration will begin; make sure your reborn spunk is ready for action.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I bet your relationship life will be a source of revolutionar y teachings in 2010. Adventures in intimacy and partnership will draw you into some highly educational fun and games. You will be invited to dramatically expand your understanding of the nature of commitment. You will also be asked to dig deeper to discover your real desires, which up until now have been partially camouflaged by more super ficial longings that were grafted onto you during the darker days of adolescence.

How should you prepare for the interesting tests of the next 12 months? How can you get yourself in shape to earn the demanding gifts that will be within reach? Now is an excellent time to start thinking about those questions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Whenever the tide goes out, the creek I live next to loses a lot of its water to the bay. It becomes a narrow trickle surrounded by stretches of mud.

From a distance, the mud looks like a wet black desert, but if you get up close you’ll see it’s covered with tiny furrows, pits and bulges. This is evidence that many small creatures live there although only the hungr y ducks and egrets know exactly where to look to find them. Be like those birds, Virgo. As you sur vey your version of the mud flat, ignore anyone who tells you that it’s barren. Search for the rich pickings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It seems to me that in 2009, you’ve learned to love the fact that all the world’s a stage.

You’ve found roles that have been fun to play and expressed yourself with the nuanced zeal of a skilled actor in an elaborate theatrical production. I have ver y much enjoyed seeing you reveal the full range of your inner riches. If I were going to award Oscars to the astrological signs, you Libras would get the prize for “Best Per formance of One’s True Self.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “The nature of the work is to prepare for a good accident,” said filmmaker Sidney Lumet.

He was talking about creating movies, but he could have also been advising you on how to make the most of the coming week. Your task, as I see it, is to set in order ever ything that can be set in order. Get ver y organized. Make sure you’re well rehearsed, warmed up and highly alert. That way you’ll be

ready to respond with graceful intensity when serendipitous opportunities arise within the framework you’ve put in place.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): One of your top accomplishments in 2009 is the way you have united parts of yourself that had not previously been very well connected. It seems you decided that you were tired of being split up into fragmented sub-personalities that had different agendas. Somehow you managed to convince them all to work together. Now I’m quite impressed with the new spirit of cooperation that’s at work in your depths. I predict it will lead to an unprecedented singleness of purpose in 2010.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his book The Way of Transition, William Bridges defines the “neutral zone” as “that in-between time, after you’ve let go of your old life and before you have fully discovered and incorporated your new life.” Sound familiar? Maybe the neutral zone where you’re simmering isn’t as dramatic as that—maybe you haven’t been stripped of every single certainty and you’re not wandering in limbo. But I suspect you have at least let go of one aspect of your old familiar rhythm and have yet to ease into the one that’ll be familiar in the future. My advice?

Don’t rush it. Get all you can out of this unique and educational time in the neutral zone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 2009, the cosmic powersthat-be have been conspiring to get you to expand your self-image and enlarge your understanding of your place in the world. So I trust that in these last 12 months you have started a business or organized a support group or reinvented your appearance or begun your masterpiece—or done something to initiate a new phase in your long-term cycle. If for some reason you’ve been remiss about doing this work, I suggest you make up for lost time. And if you have been taking advantage of the abundant cosmic help, it’ll soon be time to move on to phase two: consolidation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): To prepare for his turn to hit, a major league baseball player slips a doughnut-shaped piece of metal over the top of his bat, making it a few pounds heavier than it normally is. He then takes a number of practice swings. The theory is that when he removes the doughnut and strides up to home plate to actually hits, the bat will feel lighter and he’ll be able to swing faster.

As you prepare for your own equivalent of going up to bat, Pisces, I urge you to use this as your operative metaphor.

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