Boise Weekly Vol. 19 Issue 36

LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWS, OPINION, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WWW.BOISEWEEKLY.COM VOLUME 19, ISSUE 36 MARCH 2-8, 2011

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TAK EE E ON E! FEATURE 13

REVOLT, REVOLT A primer to the cavalcade of uprisings in the Middle East 1ST THURSDAY 25

PLAN YOUR ATTACK Events, highlights and a map REC 36

ROAD WARRIOR Local ultramarathoner trains for exclusive race FOOD 38

IDAHO’S BLACK GOLD Sturgeon caviar grows in Hagerman

“Our records indicate that 39 percent of all child pornography involves 3 to 5 year olds.”

NEWS 8

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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 Editor: Deanna Darr Deanna@boiseweekly.com News Editor: George Prentice George@boiseweekly.com Staff Writer: Tara Morgan Tara@boiseweekly.com New Media Czar: Josh Gross Josh@boiseweekly.com Calendar Guru: Heather Lile Heather@boiseweekly.com Listings: calendar@boiseweekly.com Proofreader: Annabel Armstrong Interns: James Ady, Eric Austin, Alex Blackwell, Kat Thornton, Jordan Wilson Contributing Writers: Bill Cope, Guy Hand, Damon Hunzeker, David Kirkpatrick, Andrew Mentzer, Amy Pence-Brown, Ted Rall, Christian Winn ADVERTISING Advertising Director: Lisa Ware Lisa@boiseweekly.com Account Executives: Sabra Brue, Sabra@boiseweekly.com Jessi Strong, Jessi@boiseweekly.com Doug Taylor, Doug@boiseweekly.com Nick Thompson, Nick@boiseweekly.com Justin Vipperman, Justin@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 Jen Grable, Jen@boiseweekly.com Contributing Artists: Conner Coughlin, Derf, Jeremy Lanningham, Glenn Landberg, Laurie Pearman, E.J. Pettinger, Ted Rall, Patrick Sweeney, Tom Tomorrow, Ben Wilson CIRCULATION Shea Sutton Shea@boiseweekly.com Apply to Shea Sutton to be a BW driver.

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NOTE REVOLUTION AND REVOLT Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen. And, according to Ted Rall, the United States, too.

This week’s issue reeks of revolution. The big read, “Region in Revolt,” is an overview of events in the Middle East that attempts to summarize civil unrest throughout the region. It’s a story first reported by our international news provider, GlobalPost. The piece was originally published on Jan. 27, at globalpost.com, and since then, it has been edited and updated to reflect the most current developments in each region. It’s not heavy on analysis or theory. Rather, it’s a piece that tackles the very basics—the who, why and when—to bring you up to speed on a story that’s changing every day. Although what’s printed in this week’s edition represents what was the most recent news as of press time, no doubt there will be new developments as these pages sit on the shelf for the week. Also, due to the simple space constraints of print, we were not able to print the piece in its entirety. For the full version of the story with any updates GlobalPost has added to the story, visit boiseweekly.com and find “Region in Revolt” online.

Ted Rall also tackles revolution in his column this week, but he’s talking domestic unrest. Regular Rall readers know that his take on the next American revolution is a question of when, not if. The story that has dominated national headlines for two weeks is happening in Wisconsin—not the Middle East—and Rall lumps the liberal uprising there in with the increasing disruption in the Middle East.

Speaking of liberal uprisings, this week’s choice of Citizen certainly may cause one among BW readers. To be frank, Wayne Hoffman is not Boise Weekly’s biggest fan— in fact, Hoffman isn’t a fan of much of the local media.

The former reporter who now heads up Idaho Freedom Foundation and idahoreporter.com, a website devoted to news about state government, talks education reform, tax increases and his own brand of revolution.

—Rachael Daigle

COVER ARTIST ARTIST: JanyRae Seda TITLE: Autumn Aspens #4 of 4 MEDIUM: Oil on canvas

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ARTIST STATEMENT: Idaho’s less traveled roads are always full of places to discover and paint. Solo exhibit at Boise State Student Union Gallery, open house on Saturday, March 5. Open First Thursday through March 28.

SUBMIT

Boise Weekly pays $150 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. 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.

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2-8, 2011 | 3

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

M ATTHEW W OR DELL

INSIDE

THE WEEKEND IN DIGITAL CELLULOID Whether you caught every cool thing happening over the weekend or your babysitter was a no-show and you caught nothin’, get an eyeful of the weekend at Cobweb with photo slideshows of Actual Depiction’s show at Tom Grainey’s, the recycled wares at Twigs and Twist’s Project Runway event and a whole mess of music at Visual Arts Collective with Finn Riggins, World’s Greatest Ghosts, Junior Rocket Scientist and Youth Lagoon.

THE RECORD RACK IS BACK Remember the record-setting 526-inch elk rack from a few weeks ago? It’s back. This time, writer Randy King posits some explanation as to how those antlers got so damn big in the first place and bested the previous record of 500 inches. Then there’s that whole bit about how no one is really counting it as a record breaker. The whole story at Cobweb.

FROM THE NO SHIT SHERLOCK DEPARTMENT Those of us who work in the “liberal media” can’t claim we were surprised by this one: Idaho was recently ranked as the second most conservative state in the nation behind Mississippi. The good news is, we’re not the most conservative. The bad news: Mississippi is notoriously bad company on national rankings lists.

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EDITOR’S NOTE 3 MAIL 5 BILL COPE 6 TED RALL 7 NEWS Boise Community Radio gets down to the wire 8 ROTUNDA 8 CITIZEN 10 FEATURE Region in Revolt 13 BW PICKS 18 FIND 19 8 DAYS OUT 20 SUDOKU 23 FIRST THURSDAY In the studio with Tarmo Watia 25 FIRST THURSDAY LISTINGS Events and map 26 NOISE Devotchka returns 29 MUSIC GUIDE 30 ARTS Boise author Alan Heathcock gets electrified with first book, Volt 32 SCREEN The Illusionist 34 SCREEN TV Ancient Aliens 34 REC Highs and lows of the Badwater ultramarathon 36 FOOD Dishing up Idaho caviar 38 WINE SIPPER 40 CLASSIFIEDS 41 NYT CROSSWORD 44 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 46

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MAIL TAX MATH Everywhere we look today we see stories of cutting: Medicaid, Social Security, health care, public employee wages and benefits, infrastructure maintenance, hospital and nursing home services, police, fire and education services ... all under the auspices of addressing our deficit and our failing economy. Nowhere do we see stories of how the rich and powerful have had their tax breaks revoked. No, we hear about even more tax breaks for this 1 percent of our nation with huge efforts to make them perpetual at our nation’s capitol.

Monumental efforts have gone into trying to compute just how much the government can take from the other 99 percent without provoking a major uprising from our middle class and poor. But what about the efforts to compute and put into action the revocation of tax breaks that this 1 percent currently enjoys in order to eliminate our nation’s outrageous budget deficit?

I haven’t seen any of this here in Idaho or elsewhere.

Therefore, I respectfully suggest a computation that might be fair and acceptable: For every dollar cut from services to those of us in the 99 percent, there must be at least $100 of tax breaks revoked for the rich and powerful. If the government wants to cut $10 million in Medicaid services, it must also revoke $100 million in tax breaks to the rich and powerful.

My guess is that would put quite a dent into the deficit.

—Bedford Boston, Caldwell

POPULATION CONTROL I see a lot of news about environmental problems and challenges facing us in the 21st century, such as

pollution, climate change and the decline and extinction of thousands of plants and animals every year.

We are in a biodiversity crisis: the sixth major mass extinction of life on Earth (mnimagesonline.com).

Rarely do I hear discussion of the underlying cause: the demands of nearly 7 billion people. I hear more about the wolf population than the human population. Growth and consumption are automatically treated as good things, no matter what the consequences. This narrow view ignores costs of unsustainable growth, consumption and limits of Earth’s finite resources.

Nearly 50 percent of U.S. pregnancies—and about 40 percent worldwide—are unintended, resulting in millions of extra births every year.

If our children are to have a good quality of life, we must seriously begin to stabilize our population through education, empowerment of women and universal access to family planning and birth control.

We need to increase, not decrease, funding for Planned Parenthood. We can and must stabilize our population for a quality of life for all living things, including people.

—Ron Marquart, Boise

MEN OF HONOR It’s apparent what the elephant in the room is truly about when it comes to the Medicaid budget in Idaho: honor. In our maledominated government, do we have honorable men in the Idaho Legislature and governorship who will act in rightness protecting the most vulnerable? Do we have men of character, courageous and strong enough to lead constituents, opening their hearts to

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higher purpose and serving the spirit of true love and compassion? Medicaid outreach is true compassion in action, and compassion is born of love. True love requires sacrifice. Civilization requires shared sacrifice to exist. Honorable men do not turn their backs on higher purpose and the laws of love. They’re not willing to compromise themselves or others.

Wise leaders with heart will not rubber stamp callousness. Strong men do not walk out on their responsibilities to those who need their strength and protection. It’s now quite apparent that choices are available that will easily produce the revenue to support Medicaid services to the vulnerable. We simply need to say yes to the obvious choices to accomplish that, and choose to say yes to our highest purpose and the laws of true love. Men, it takes courage. Is that something you have?

—William Martin Fowkes, Boise

LOONEY TUNES Children spend more time with their teachers than they do with either their friends or parents.

Also, it’s pretty much a given that the percentage of left-leaning teachers in Idaho is much greater than left-leaning citizens overall. You know who I’m talking about: Birkenstock wearing, Volvo driving hippies who just can’t refrain from pushing their values on our kids. They call it “science, humanism and enlightenment.” I call it atheist commie politics.

If we go with Tom Luna’s plan, there will be larger class sizes and more classes by laptop, which means our children will spend less time with these subversives, thus weakening their influence. Also, fewer of our kids will be inspired (or allowed) to attend college, and we all know what hotbeds of revolutionary thought those places are.

Go Looney!

—Paul Thomas, Boise

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OPINION/BILL COPE

THIS’LL BLOW YER MIND MulletBoy uncovers the Cult of Cluelesshulhu I’m curious as hell where Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna was and what he was doing at the time his pickup was vandalized, aren’t you? I don’t want to appear as eager to rush to judgment as most of his righty pals, who didn’t waste a second pinning it on “union thugs.” But after all, Luna did work in the Bush administration, and who’s to say he didn’t learn a trick or two from Karl Rove, the spongy creep famous for blaming political opponents for dirty tricks he set up himself?

And for Luna (or a confederate) to sneak out and mess with his truck as a maneuver to drum up some pity support seems at least as likely as Miss Crabapple the school marm being a secret Idaho Education Association goon with a can of spray paint and a tire-splitting switchblade in her purse, yes?

But let’s save it for another time. I don’t think I can stomach another week of Tom Luna or Tom Luna-related subject matter.

So while I’m waiting for that recall petition to come my way, I believe I’ll swing by MulletBoy’s “Randem Thinkings” blog to see what he’s up to. Funny MulletBoy … I think of him as Michele Bachmann with a penis.

Here’s his latest.

Whoo-ee Dawg!!! This’ll blow your mind!!! Yesterday, Ripster comes over at his regular time, which is 15 after five unless there’s a traffic jamup somewheres cause of some butthole not knowing how to drive right, it takes him 15 minutes to get to my place from his job at the Pump-Your-Self and he always has the TV warmed up when I get there, cause it takes me 25 minutes to get from the Lube & Scoot to home, and we always watch ol’ Glenn first cause I TiVo his show ever day even though my ol’ lady said we couldn’t afford the TiVo machine when I brought it home but I says, “What the heck!

You don’t expect me to miss out on ol’ Glenn just cause I can’t retire for another 34 years, do you?” and she shakes her head like she does when she thinks I’m stupid but she let me keep the machine anyway, and after him, we watch ol’ Bill, and if there’s any beer left by then, we watch ol’ Sean.

But the way I figure it, ol’ Glenn’s the one we can’t afford to miss the most cause he’s the only one I know about who’s exposing the plots George Zorro, together with them Egypt Jihaders and the femmy liberals have to bring back the Muslim Caffinate what once ruled the world and will again if the Democrats and the Devil get their way. I always say, “We oughta just nuke ’em all and let God sort ’em out,” and Ripster always says back, “You got that right!” and I bet a dollar to a dog turd that’s exactly what ol’ Glenn would say too if he ever heard me say what I always say.

But yesterday was different cause the minute I walk in the door, Rip says, “You gotta see what’s in this book I found out back of the Pump-Your-Self. It’ll blow your

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mind!” And it did, sure as hell. The book was all torn up and pages was missing cause somebody had been driving over and over it and I figure it was either some of MSNBC’s boys or one of them Code Pink sleeper cells what didn’t want us to see what was in it, but there was enough left to get the picture.

It was about what this one guy discovered when he was thumbing through some old books in the library at Miskatonic University, which I didn’t never heard of but Rip says, “Yeah, it’s real famous. In fact, wasn’t it Miskatonic U. what Boise State played in one of them bowl games once?” and then I sorta remembered hearing of it before.

Anyway, in the farthest back room of the library, this guy, what’s name was Lovecrap or something like that, comes across a super old book called the Necromonocal or something like that, what was written by some camel jockey called Abdul Alhazred the Mad Arab, and just hearing the words “mad” and “Arab” together got me perked up.

Then in the book it tells about this bunch of something-or-others he calls “The Great Old Ones.” Yeah, this Lovecrap dude writes it just like that, all capital letters and such. And he makes it sound like these “The Great Old Ones” are so damn ugly that any normal person would go totally bananas just to look at ’em. They ain’t human, see, but they been around since way before humans or even dinosawrs, and they’re either dead or not. It was sort of confusing. There’s this one thing Lovecrap found in the Necromonocal what says, “That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons, even death may die.” So you can see why it’s confusing if they’re all dead or not, and who the hell knows what a “aeon” is, anyway? But one way or the other, they’re still trying to take over the world. They got all these fishhead men who live in buttwipe places like Road Island and Massachusetts and they’re trying to fix it so the “The Great Old Ones” can wake up and rule the world. And the fishheads all take their orders from a big giant land squid called Cthulhu, who I looked up on Wikipedia and I’ll be dammed if he ain’t in there! It says Cthulhu lives in a city what’s called R’lyeh and Rip says, “You know what? I think R’lyeh is where Hillary Clinton is always going to.”

Rip and I decided right then and there that ol’ Glenn needs to know this stuff. Mad Arabs, Massachusetts, Hillary Clinton … what the hell more do you need to know? I says, “Rip, I think we oughta drive this info over to Glenn ourselves. That’s the only way we can be sure that Obama’s fishheads won’t get to it first” and about that time my ol’ lady shakes her head and goes to bed before I think to ask her if I can use the car. So that’s where the situation stands right now. I’ll try to keep you up on how it turns out, but if me and Rip turn up missing, you’ll know why.

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TED RALL/OPINION

NO HOPE OR CHANGE Turmoil from Mideast to Midwest NEW YORK—If irony were money, we’d be rich.

“You’ve got to get out ahead of change,” President Barack Obama lectured recently.

“You can’t be behind the curve.” He was, of course, referring to the Middle East. During the last few weeks there has been a new popular uprising every few days: Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, Libya. And now, Wisconsin.

In Madison, where a new Republican governor wants to gut the rights of state workers to form unions and negotiate for higher wages, tens of thousands of protesters have filled the streets and the State Capitol for days.

“It’s like Cairo has moved to Madison these days,” said Congressman Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican.

Deploying his technocratic aloofness in the service of the usual screw-the-workers narrative, Obama sided with the union-busters: “Everybody has to make some adjustments to the new fiscal realities,” he scolded.

“Everybody,” naturally, does not include ultrarich dudes like our multimillionaire president. Obama, who declared a whopping $5.5 million in annual income for 2009, has neither reduced his salary nor donated a penny of his $7.7 million fortune to the U.S. Treasury to help adjust to those “new fiscal realities.”

“We had to impose a freeze on pay increases for federal workers in the next two years as part of my overall budget freeze,” said Obama. “I think those kinds of adjustments are the right thing to do [in Wisconsin].”

“Had to.” Interesting words. They imply there was no other choice. Three words: Tax.

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The. Rich. Rich people and corporations are making out like bandits.

“Adjustments.” How bloodless. For normal people, Herr President, losing 2 percent of one’s pay is not a mere adjustment. It hurts.

Obama’s grandstanding had-to freeze on federal pay will save $5 billion over two years.

That’s nothing. That’s what the Pentagon chucks down the Iraq and Afghanistan ratholes in a single week.

The federal deficit is $14 trillion. That’s $14,000 billion. Obama’s federal pay freeze, which amounts to a piddling four-hundredths of 1 percent, is empty symbolism.

All political systems are built on contradictions that lead to their downfall. The United States relies on a chasm between soaring rhetoric and brutish reality—a gap so wide and so glaring that it is amazing anyone ever takes the propaganda seriously.

Democracy—real democracy, the kind people are fighting for in Bahrain and Madison— is incompatible with free-market capitalism.

Which is what union members in Wisconsin, as well as those of us who don’t belong to unions but understand that we would be working 100-hour weeks in death-trap factories without them, see clearly. The American Dream is just that: a dream.

According to a recent Bloomberg National poll, most American adults believe that their children will have worse lives than they do.

In a way, the unemployed and underemployed should thank Obama and the plutocrats he helps protect. The ruling classes’ shortsighted refusal to give up some of the loot they’ve stolen will soon bring about the real changes Americans require and deserve.

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ROTUNDA/NEWS LAWMAKERS BRIEFED ON INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST KIDS

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NEWS GEOR GE PR ENTIC E

On Feb. 28 Idaho lawmakers were presented a familiar scenario: a growing crisis in the wake of dwindling resources. In a week when legislators continued to grapple with budgets for Medicaid and K-12 public education, members of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee sat slack-jawed as Detective Tim Brady, representing the Fraternal Order of Police, briefed them on Internet crimes against children.

“In 2003, it’s estimated that there were 3,600 images of child pornography. Only two years later, there were 6.5 million,” said Brady, estimating 60,000 new images hit the web every month.

Committee members sat in uncomfortable silence, some slowly shook their heads. Some rested their heads in their hands. Brady’s message was clear: child pornography is a rapidly growing problem with scant resources to stem the tide. Brady told lawmakers that he and his colleagues would soon be on the Capitol’s doorstep in an effort to make changes to Idaho code.

“Current laws on enticement don’t include scenarios where children are enticed via text,” said Brady. “The laws don’t even refer to enticement via cell phone.”

Brady also told lawmakers that he’ll be coming to them in 2012 for more money.

“The state of Idaho has no one solely dedicated to investigating Internet crimes against children,” said Brady. “Training is expensive. So is technology. Our equipment is constantly outdated and predators are constantly outpacing us.”

The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a statewide coalition of 37 local, state and federal law enforcement entities, estimates that 20 percent of pornography involves children with 55 percent manufactured and sold domestically.

Nationally, child pornography is estimated to generate $3 billion in annual sales.

“If what I’m telling you is disturbing, prepare yourself,” Brady warned legislators.

“Our records indicate that 39 percent of all child pornography involves 3 to 5 year olds.

Worse yet, 19 percent involves infants and toddlers under the age of 3.”

Brady needs help. He estimated that he and his colleagues probably only arrest and prosecute about 1 percent of child pornographers that they fear are operating in Idaho. But more prosecution will require more detective work and that will require more money.

“There’s no reason that these people who purvey in porn shouldn’t be paying for what they’ve done,” said Brady. “And I mean literally paying. Of course these people need to go to prison, but why can’t we insist on strong restitution fines? They should pay for all of the overtime and technology needed to catch them. And if you allow us to assess the fines, the money should go into a dedicated fund to combat Internet crimes against children.”

Brady said he has to scour the web and social media sites to catch child pornographers. It’s estimated that more than 100,000 websites traffic child pornography.

Brady said he’ll be back before the committee this time next year with more statistics and an armful of recommendations for better funding and tougher laws.

—George Prentice

DOWN TO THE WIRE Boise Community Radio set to go live from its new basement studio GEORGE PRENTICE Maybe they’ll throw a switch or possibly connect two cables or push a large “on” button.

“I honestly don’t know,” said Jeff Abrams, executive director of Boise Community Radio. “I guess we’ll have to find out.”

Abrams better find out quick. The Federal Communications Commission has ordered BCR to “go live” on 89.9 FM by Monday, April 11.

Boise Community Radio Executive Director Jeff Abrams reviews blueprints for new studios in Boise’s Alaska Building.

“We had 36 months from the time the FCC issued us a construction permit,” said Abrams. worst recession in a generation put the pinch that good public radio and good community There’s a lot of broadcast techno-speak in radio in any city will just lead to more listeners on public radio.

Abrams’ world. “Construction permit” is part “Underwriting has seen a 20 to 25 percent for both services.” of that jargon. Simply put, a CP is the equivadrop in revenue year over year,” said Hess.

But Abrams and Hess have significantly lent of broadcasting live on terrestrial radio without a broadcast license but a license would different impressions on local programming at He added that corporate support seemed to be improving.

Boise State Public Radio. be required shortly thereafter.

But Abrams may be chasing many of the “They’re there to provide beautifully There will be little to no difference between crafted programming that is primarily national same corporate sponsors as Hess. For now, what BCR is streaming live at radioboise.org Boise Community Radio is prepared to operate or global in scope and that’s coming from and what will be heard on April 11—and for on a duct tape and bailing wire spending plan.

National Public Radio,” said Abrams. some time after that.

“Our first year’s operating budget will Hess was quick to remind listeners that “I’d say that you’ll be hearing about 75 probably be between $50,000-$75,000,” said BSPR airs extensive local newscasts inside percent of what you hear now,” said Abrams.

Abrams. “It has to be low. Ideally for us, we NPR’s magazine shows, “Morning Edition” Radio burns brightest in the morning, and should be about $150,000 after one year, and and “All Things Considered,” as well as a quick look at BCR’s morning-drive schedule by year five we expect to be in the $300,000daily business segments, weekly broadcasts reveals a heavy emphasis on syndicated news $400,000 range.” of “Edible Idaho,” “Art and Soul” and and commentary. The Berkeley, Calif., based Boise Community Radio will be primarily “Readers’ Corner,” with Boise State Presi“Flashpoints” newsmagazine airs from 7-8 staffed by programmers who won’t take any dent Bob Kustra. a.m. followed by “Democracy Now,” a mix salary. Approximately 35 volunteer program“We also air 32 weeks of the Boise of news, analysis and opinion also broadcast mers are already on board, most preferring to Philharmonic,” said Hess. “We produce from Berkeley. host music programs. broadcasts of the Boise City Club, Story Abrams championed “Flashpoints” and “In late March we’re going to bring in a Story Night and the Green Room, a show “Democracy Now” as flagships for BCR protrainer for a programmers’ intensive,” said on the environment and sustainability.” gramming but insisted that locally produced Abrams. “Over two solid weekends, we’ll Abrams and Hess agree that broadcasts are on the horizon. make sure those hosts have a technical aptitude the current political climate in “It’s my goal to establish a for all of our new fancy gear.” the nation’s capital casts a dark daily news broadcast as soon as The fancy gear is expected to arrive any shadow on public broadcasting. we possibly can,” said Abrams. day now at the under-construction studios in More than one Republican bill But he conceded that public afthe basement of Boise’s Alaska Building on before Congress suggests stripping fairs programming “will be the Main Street. Right now, there’s a lot more federal funds from the Corporacaboose, following behind the rest sawdust than broadcast cables, but Abrams tion for Public Broadcasting and of our shows.” remained optimistic.

National Public Radio.

Public radio is nothing new to “All the stars aligned for this project,” “It’s a very transparent effort the Treasure Valley. Boise State VIDEO: A tour of BCR’s said Abrams. “It’s been eight years since we to eviscerate the few remaining Public Radio provides programstudio space. started. We claimed the last non-commercial bread crumbs that this country ming on three terrestrial stations frequency available on the FM dial. Everyhas for non-commercial access in the Treasure Valley (one AM thing with this process has moved exactly the to the media,” said Abrams. and two FM), as well as three way it needed to.”

“Every study I’ve seen shows—regardless of HD stations (jazz, eclectic music, alternaOn April 11 Abrams said BCR will be live political leanings—the public believes public tive talk). BSPR General Manager John Hess at 89.9 FM—once they throw the switch, or broadcasters to be fair and balanced, much doesn’t believe Boise’s new broadcaster will attach a cable, or push the “on” button. more than the commercial media. When you have a significant impact on his operation. exist to sell soap and automobiles, it’s about “Overall, I don’t think BCR coming onsomething different.” line will be a drain on sources of revenue for [Disclosure: George Prentice worked for In addition to a tense political climate, the BSPR,” said Hess. “It has been my experience Boise State Public Radio from 2007-2010.]

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CITIZEN

WAYNE HOFFMAN Idaho Freedom Foundation director talks taxes, journalism and his growing influence GEORGE PRENTICE

When you were growing up, what was the big dream for you?

I wanted to be Dan Rather. I wanted to be one of those enterprising reporters that asked the right questions to uncover all kinds of important facts.

Did you become that reporter?

I think I did. I worked in radio, television and print: 18 years of journalism.

That ended when it became more about filling pages and less about doing hard-core watchdog journalism.

Was that a slow bleed or was it a particular event that made your mind up?

I met Ralph Smeed [limited government evangelist who died in September 2010].

He said, “I guarantee you’re not an objective journalist.”

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And he proved that you weren’t?

Oh yeah. He gave me materials on free markets and the proper role of government.

Until then, I was sure that government’s role was to help people. But it became more about how government is guilty of legal plunder, taking things from people by legal means.

Did you want to change things from the inside or did you recognize that it was best that you leave the profession?

The people who spend their time talking about objective journalism aren’t really doing it. They spend most of their time in newsrooms saluting and celebrating the status point of view. Look at your daily newscasts and your daily newspaper. So many stories are nothing more than how some government agency is doing something and how it’s justified.

You must see exceptions to that.

There’s an exception to every rule, but I think a lot of journalists are naive. They think government is there to do something good. I’ve since learned that it’s not an accurate portrayal.

In August 2008 you said some pretty nasty things about one of your past employers, the Idaho Press-Tribune. In an Op-Ed piece, you wrote, “The Press-Tribune has regrettably joined the chorus of shrill new lemmings, all marching willingly to a sea of liberalism, filth and innuendo.” That was pretty rough.

Actually I like the line a lot. But let me say this: That was in response to an editorial that was written about me. I regret having public debates with people where

JER EM Y LANNINGHAM

Wayne Hoffman reads a lot of newspapers. He calls himself a journalism addict, although he’s not really a fan of his former profession. By his own admission, he has “problems” with Boise Weekly, yet there are still a few news outlets he favors. Take idahoreporter.com. He thinks that’s a fine source of news. He should: He’s the executive director of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, parent of Idahoreporter.

In only two years of existence, the Idaho Freedom Foundation has become a visible influence at the Idaho Legislature by lobbying and even crafting legislation that would nullify what he calls “Obamacare,” strip down the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and reform Idaho classrooms.

BW sat down with Hoffman at the Statehouse to talk about politics and journalism.

insults are being hurled. It goes outside the bounds of what is appropriate. I now regret being personally insulting to the editor of the Press-Tribune. I shouldn’t have used those words.

After leaving journalism you worked for the Department of Agriculture and then worked on political campaigns for Tom Luna and Bill Sali and eventually became Rep. Sali’s spokesman.

Bill’s a wonderful person. I learned a lot from that experience. Not just how Congress operates but how the national media operates.

What do you mean by that?

They all feed off of one another. One tiny bit of misinformation would be spread from news outlet to news outlet. People would talk about how Bill Sali was a horrible person and no one could get along with him.

I would ask reporters where they got that from, and they’d look at me blankly.

I know that you have two children.

Are they in public schools?

Yes, I have a fifth grader and a seventh grader.

Are you satisfied with their education?

No. We’re still teaching like it’s 1975.

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CITIZEN CON’T I’m presuming you’re a fan of Tom Luna’s plan to reform Idaho classrooms?

I’m a very big fan. We’re going to end the process of closed-door union negotiations.

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And the proposal to increase class sizes?

There’s a lot of rhetoric on this issue.

Are you saying that you’ve seen no research or are you saying that there is no research that rings true for you?

I’m saying that there are anecdotes from across the country that say larger class sizes indicate greater success.

Let’s talk about the nullification bill. You must know that Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has indicated that it may be unconstitutional.

Let me clarify that. His opinion was not on our bill but rather a concept.

Look, I know you don’t like the word “Obamacare.”

How do you know I don’t like that word? I usually call it what it is: the Affordable Care Act. Well, what our bill is saying is that Idaho can assert its own rights here. No one even knows what’s in the thousands of pages in that act.

Doesn’t your bill block spending of federal dollars to facilitate the law?

That’s exactly what it does. And it would stop agencies from passing new regulations to implement the act.

[Editor’s Note: On Friday, Feb. 25, the Senate State Affairs Committee decided, by voice vote, to kill House Bill 117, the socalled nullification measure.]

What is the formal relationship between the Idaho Freedom Foundation and idahoreporter.com?

Idahoreporter is published by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. I really don’t control the day-to-day content.

But the editor reports to you.

It’s like any other news organization where the publisher doesn’t control the editorial content.

So what’s the best way to characterize your influence on the content?

I freely admit that I have a vision for Idahoreporter, but I don’t think having a vision means that I dictate what the stories look like. I want to cover stories that aren’t being covered or aren’t getting enough attention. I want to hold people accountable. I want to put issues to a truth test.

It’s common knowledge that you want your reporters to have the same credentials and privileges as the rest of the Capitol Press Corps, but if you’re crafting or influencing

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legislation and there’s a line between the Freedom Foundation and Idahoreporter, do you not see where the gray area is?

My reporters are here at the Capitol every day. No one disputes they do a good job.

Yet, they’re not allowed on the floor of the House or Senate. Look, there are plenty of reporters in these hallways that are credentialed, yet they’ve done plenty of lobbying.

Formal or informal lobbying?

A little of both.

What do you plan on doing with that information?

Stay tuned.

Is there anything worth increasing taxes over?

No. Nothing.

Sin taxes?

Nope. I’m guessing you’re driving at a cigarette tax.

I doubt Idaho would raise that much revenue by raising taxes on alcohol or wine.

OK. But why should we tax smokers?

Because we can? And what is this all about government doing social planning? What’s next? Sugary sodas? Sandwiches with white bread? To me, cigarettes are in that vein.

But cigarette tax revenues could get sent to a dedicated fund for Health and Welfare.

And Health and Welfare is in deep trouble.

I wonder what that really means.

It means that they’re in deep trouble securing the appropriate funds to maintain services.

Well then, they should absolutely cut those services. For years, we’ve been adding program after program. Government is notorious for spending money on programs without being concerned about the end result. Government should be a final safety net.

But isn’t it fair to say that there are, in fact, final safety nets inside Health and Welfare?

Sure. But there are also programs that are helping people who are able-bodied and have means. Take, for example, SCHIP [the State Children’s Health Insurance program].

That could go away tomorrow and life would go on.

More than one person has told me that you’ve become one of the most influential non-elected persons in this building.

No kidding. Well, my goal is to present ideas and to foster discussion.

Might we see you on a ballot someday?

People do ask that of me. It’s not something I’m terribly interested in right now.

I’ve got two young kids I want to raise.

Actually, I’ve got my three young kids. My daughter, my son and my 2-year-old, the Idaho Freedom Foundation.

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THE LEADER: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ruled the tiny Gulf state since 1999, when he succeeded his father, Isa bin Salman.

Upon his ascension to the throne, King Hamad began a series of political reforms, granting more rights to women and ending an era in Bahrain known for extreme repression and brutal torture.

Aided by record high oil prices in the past decade, King Hamad turned his island state from a backwater port into an affluent nation where the average home earns more than $40,000. King Hamad formed strong ties to the United States at an early age, starting with his attendance at the Army Command and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

THE GRIPE: Bahrain is the smallest state in the Gulf, but its sectarian divide is enormous.

King Hamad and his Sunni leadership rule more than 700,000 residents, the majority of which are Shiite.

Though Bahrain is religiously tolerant, the Shiite majority has long complained of political and economic discrimination, especially the lack of representation in government. And although U.S. diplomats called King Hamad a leader who “understands that Bahrain cannot prosper if he rules by repression,” in cables released by WikiLeaks, several human rights groups have criticized the recent return to using torture in interrogations.

irst it was Tunisia. Then it was Bahrain, Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, Albania, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. Now it’s Libya. Suddenly, civil unrest has erupted in countries, some of which have been under authoritarian rule for decades, all over the Middle East and North Africa.

What happened? Why now? And what does the future hold for this volatile region of the world? Here’s everything you need to know about the leaders, the protesters and the problems in each of the nations that have been gripped by protests over these last few months.

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Shiite villages near the capital, marched the week of Feb. 14. Some, however, demonstrated under the slogan, “Not Sunni, Not Shiite, just Bahraini,” implying a broader cultural cross-section is interested in changing the status quo.

After two days of a violent crackdown left at least five dead, Bahrain leaders withdrew tanks and riot police on Feb. 19. Thousands of protesters cheered at the military withdrawal, pouring back into the square in jubilation, though many remained wary of the regime’s intentions and still called for a change in leadership.

Government forces were quick to open fire on peaceful protesters. As many as 50 people were injured in clashes, which occurred as hundreds of youths who had attended the funeral of a protester killed earlier began walking to the square.

THE STAKES: The economic and political stakes for prolonged unrest in Bahrain would be huge for the entire region.

Bahrain’s Sunni neighbors, notably Saudi Arabia, would be wary to see a toppling of a neighboring king, especially by a Shiite-led group. The Saudis fear a greater Iranian influence on their backdoor.

Bahrain is also a great ally of the United States, offering proximity and a strategic counterbalance to Iranian influence. Bahrain is home to a major U.S. naval base serving the Fifth Fleet and houses two U.S. patriot missile batteries, according to a 2009 secret American cable released by WikiLeaks.

THE PROTESTS: Thousands of protesters, primarily in

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—Jon Jensen

LIBYA

BAHRAIN

A PRIMER TO THE UPRISINGS IN NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

GLOBALPOST

REGION IN REVOLT THE LEADER: In 1969, Libyan army officer Muammar Gaddafi and his band of cohorts overthrew King Idris in a coup d’etat. Col. Gaddafi has since ruled the nation of more than 6 million people, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.

U.S. diplomats, according to secret embassy cables released recently by WikiLeaks, have described Gaddafi as a “mercurial” leader: a man who prefers to wear sportswear in the company of other leaders and conduct work from Bedouinstyle tents to remain closer to his roots.

Aside from his outward eccentricity, human rights groups paint a picture of Gaddafi as a paranoid, singular leader with little patience for internal dissent.

Opposition members are frequently jailed and silenced for speaking out publicly against Gaddafi.

THE GRIPE: Libyan media is tightly controlled by the regime. Several reports, however, surfaced last month saying that protests in the eastern town of Bani Walid erupted over government-subsidized housing.

Bani Walid, located just east of the capital Tripoli, was described by a Libyan opposition group, in Egypt’s state-funded Al-Ahram online newspaper, as a town with “no basic services” and where “thousands of people are without houses and the local authority is corrupt, only delivering services with bribes.”

THE PROTESTS: Demonstrations, in some cases described as “rioting,” took place in Bani

Walid for at least three consecutive days in mid-January, according to Al-Ahram.

Hundreds of protesters broke into houses under construction and looted construction sites. Police forces, according to Al-Ahram, did not respond to clashes.

Protests escalated in February, with Libyan security forces reportedly killing scores of protesters the week of Feb. 14. The death toll is estimated at 1,000, mainly in the eastern cities of Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Tobruk. A brutal crackdown did not succeed in stopping the opposition, which won control of Benghazi. The United States ordered all non-essential staff to leave Libya.

Gaddafi still holds the most of Tripoli, which is home to 2 million of Libya’s 6.5 million people. But Zawiya, a town of 200,000 about 30 miles west of Tripoli, is the nearest population center to Tripoli to fall into the opposition hands. Police stations and government offices inside the city have been torched and anti-Gaddafi graffiti was everywhere.

In one speech, Gaddafi blamed Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaida for inciting the protests by giving “hallucinogenic” drugs to youth “in their coffee with milk, like Nescafe” to get them to incite unrest.

THE STAKES: After four decades of rule, Gaddafi’s regime is starting to show signs of willingness to shed its pariah status in the international arena.

Gaddafi may put up a fight, but it is not clear if he will be able to avoid becoming the next longtime leader to topple from power.

—Jon Jensen

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ALGERIA THE LEADER:

THE PROTESTS:

Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been president of Algeria since April 1999. He amended the constitution in 2009 to allow him to run for a third five-year term, which he won easily after an opposition boycott.

Questions about the 73-year-old leader’s health have arisen in recent years, and Bouteflika’s brother is widely expected to succeed him.

Democratic freedoms have slowly eroded during his presidency, though he did see the country through the end of its long civil war.

In several Algerian towns, including the capital, riots broke out after the steep jump in food prices. Five Algerians set themselves on fire, mimicking the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, and more than 1,000 have been injured during clashes between protesters and police in recent weeks.

On Feb. 14 after more protests, Algeria’s government said it would rescind a long-standing emergency law used to justify security crackdowns on opposition movements. On Feb. 19 hundreds again protested in May 1 Square in Algiers. They were met by thousands of police officers and dozens were wounded.

THE GRIPE: Like in Tunisia, many demonstrators criticized the Algerian government’s handling of rising food and fuel prices. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization announced this month that the food price index had risen 32 percent between June and December 2010.

And prices are expected to climb even further in the coming year.

Protesters are demanding economic and political reforms. Protesters said they were tired of living within a government system that protects a small minority of privileged elite while repressing everyone else.

THE STAKES: Few expect the protests, at least at their current level, to force any significant change in the country’s leadership. Although calls for protest and change continue on Facebook, Twitter and on the streets, no large organized movement yet exists in Algeria.

The Bouteflika government has responded by putting a subsidy on food prices and promising to create more jobs.

—Aida Alami

TUNISIA THE LEADER: In 1987 President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali seized power from Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s only other president since the countr y’s independence from France, in a bloodless coup d’etat. A former minister of interior, Ben Ali and his secular Constitutional Democratic Rally par ty faced scant opposition in the few elections held during his 23 years in power.

Ben Ali led Tunisia during a time of stability, but critics argue that much of it came at the cost of his citizens’ freedoms. Ben Ali’s secular government crushed Tunisia’s Islamist movement through widespread crackdowns, arrests and tor ture.

THE GRIPE: Tunisia’s seemingly stable economy, with a sizeable middle class, belied the fact that many young people could not find work. Rampant poverty outside of Tunis, combined with rising prices, was a major factor in the uprising.

But the revolution, as many in Tunisia call it, had deeper roots. For years, Tunisians lived in fear of Ben Ali’s vast security ser vices where political prisoners often faced years of tor ture and isolation. Freedom of the press in Tunisia was vir tually nonexistent during Ben Ali’s reign.

Tunisians were especially enraged by the fact that Ben Ali’s kleptomaniac family amassed millions of dollars through corruption and the granting of political favors in the countr y’s economy.

THE TIMING: On Dec. 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire in the small agricultural town of Sidi Bouzid. The 26-year-old fruit vendor was reportedly frustrated after local police seized his wooden cart for not having official permits.

In early January, Bouazizi died, but his death sparked weeks of protests, which then grew into one of the largest anti-government uprisings

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against an authoritarian regime in the recent history of the Arab world.

THE PROTESTS: The wave of unrest that swept Tunisia began as small, localized protests. Police forces, acting with almost complete impunity, responded with heavy-handed tactics including beatings and arrests. Over the weeks, unrest gained traction, aided by social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, which broadcast images and videos of clashes between protesters and police forces.

Protesters began challenging the oppression of Ben Ali’s regime itself. By Jan. 14, with thousands of Tunisians on the streets of the capital demanding the ouster of their leader, Ben Ali and several members of his family fled the countr y. In the weeks of violence, the United Nations repor ted that police had killed more than 100 protesters, many with live ammunition.

THE STAKES: Tunisia is now a nation reveling in newfound freedoms. But since Ben Ali’s depar ture, daily protests have continued to rock Tunisia’s capital. Police have fired tear gas during clashes with anti-government demonstrators several times in recent weeks alone. The army still maintains control of Tunisia’s streets, with tanks on the ground and helicopters patrolling the skies. A nightly cur few is still in effect.

Many questions still linger for this nation in transition. Will remnants of Ben Ali’s now defunct par ty continue to dominate in any new government? What place will al-Nahda, the once banned Islamic movement, be granted in the political sphere? And what role will the army accept in the future of Tunisia?

—Jon Jensen WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

SYRIA K HALIL M AZ R AAW I/ AFP/ GETTY IM AGES

Syrians hold candles during a sit-in at Bab Tuma in old Damascus on Jan. 31.

THE LEADER: It has been 11 years since Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father Hafez, a former fighter pilot who emerged from a string of military coups to rule Syria with a grip so tight billboards across the land still proclaim him president for life and citizens dare not speak his name.

Bashar, a young eye doctor in training and head of the Syrian Computing Society, was catapulted into power after his older brother Basil died in a car crash. Bashar was confirmed as president in an unopposed referendum and re-elected with 97 percent of the vote in 2007.

Despite projecting a softer image than his father, Bashar has emerged from five years of intense U.S.-led pressure over accusations of Syria destabilizing Iraq and Lebanon, and isolation from Arab neighbors, with his credentials as a strongman much enhanced, certainly in the eyes of many Syrians.

THE GRIPE: Like Egypt, Syria’s ruling Baath party has kept in force emergency laws enacted on the first day it came to power in 1963. The state of emergency suspends many aspects of Syria’s constitution, allowing for the arrest of citizens on a broad range of charges such as “weakening national sentiment” and “working against the goals of the revolution.”

The Damascus Spring, a few brief months of relative openness following Assad’s succession, quickly turned to winter as security services continued their systematic repression of political and human rights activists, arresting members of the pro-democracy Damascus Declaration, censoring websites, detaining bloggers and banning opponents from leaving the country.

Poverty levels in Syria remain stubbornly high, with one in 10 living on less than $1 a day, and the government is treading a fine line as it seeks to reform a corrupt, Soviet-era, centrally planned economy, lifting unsustainable subsidies on basic commodities and allowing growth of the free market while maintaining assistance to the poor.

THE PROTESTS: Though opposition and pro-government figures said large anti-government protests were unlikely to occur in Syria, an estimated 1,500 people took to the streets of Damascus on Feb. 17 after a shopkeeper’s son was allegedly WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

beaten by police.

Protesters were heard chanting “the Syrian people will not be humiliated,” though they fell short of calling for political change.

Such a spontaneous demonstration is unprecedented in Syria. Though elected unopposed, the president commands genuine support from a wide cross section of Syrian society, even if members of the old guard in his regime remain feared and hated.

Syria’s secret police, whose reach penetrates all levels of society, keep close tabs on opposition figures. When a small group of people turned up for a candle-lit vigil outside the Egyptian embassy in Damascus, the police were there by the dozens, filming demonstrators and demanding identification.

Three days later, when a group of 20 people in civilian clothing beat a small group of 15 demonstrators holding a similar vigil, the police did nothing to stop them.

Any pro-democracy demonstrations that do succeed in breaking the grip of fear are likely to be swamped by pro-Assad rallies involving members of Syria’s Baath-controlled Student Union, as occurred in 2005 when Syria was under pressure over Lebanon.

In an apparent attempt to preempt any major demonstrations and perhaps a shot across the bow of its critics, the Syrian government lifted restrictions on the country’s Internet usage, including a ban on a Facebook.

THE STAKES: Syria’s leadership presents itself as a secular bulwark against the inevitable takeover of the countr y by the fundamentalists of the Muslim Brotherhood. In 1982, the Muslim Brotherhood led an uprising against Hafez al-Assad that was brutally put down when the army was ordered to shell Hama, killing between 10,000 and 25,000 people.

There are also deep-rooted sectarian and ethnic tensions, which the regime claims to keep a lid on, but which opposition figures claim its rule has only entrenched.

The backbone of the regime is drawn from the minority Allawi sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, while three-quarters of Syria’s population are Sunni Muslims. The countr y also has a large, marginalized Kurdish population, many of whom aspire to secede northeast Syria into the semi-autonomous Kurdistan of neighboring Iraq.

—Jon Jensen

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JORDAN LOU AI B ES HAR A/ AFP/ GETTY IM AGES

Jordanians sing and shout slogans as trade unionists hold a sit-in outside the Tunisian embassy in Amman on Jan. 15.

THE LEADER: Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, headed by King Abdullah II, who appointed Samir Rifai as prime minister in 2009. Although Jordan is primarily ruled by its monarchy, the lower house of Parliament is elected.

Some protesters directed their anger at Rifai and the cabinet, while others vented their frustration at members of the newly elected Parliament, which gave the government an over whelming vote of confidence last month. Parliamentar y elections were held in November after the King dissolved the body in 2009 after allegations of corruption and misconduct among several lawmakers and for being perceived as largely ineffectual. The main opposition par ty in the countr y, the Islamic Action Front, boycotted the 2010 elections because of its objection to the oneperson, one-vote provision in the temporar y Elections Law.

THE GRIPE: Many Jordanians focused their anger on the countr y’s worsening economic climate.

Jordan, unlike its neighbors, is not an oil-rich countr y, and government officials say it is feeling the impact of the global economic crisis and a high degree of inflation. Citizens are suffering the effects of the increases in the prices of food and fuel, while salaries remain low. There’s also growing concern about unemployment in the rural districts and among the countr y’s young people.

Although the government has taken measures in recent weeks to address the rising prices and low salaries, protesters said the moves didn’t go far enough.

The IAF, which is the political arm of Jordan’s branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, has called on the King to sack the cabinet, dissolve Parliament, change the elections law and allow for an “elected” government.

A former member of parliament par ticipating in the protests said he wanted a new unity government that could institute real political reform, including government transparency and a crackdown on corruption.

THE TIMING: The first major protests in Jordan happened to come a day after the government introduced additional measures, including raising the wages of civil ser vants and servicemen to tr y to ease economic hardships.

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This followed a package of measures announced the week before that many felt were insufficient.

The uprising in Tunisia and elsewhere around the region appeared to have emboldened but not sparked the protests in Jordan.

At one of the demonstrations someone in the crowd led a chant: “A salute from Amman to proud Tunis.”

THE PROTESTS: Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets on Jan. 21 to protest economic hardships and demand political reform, many calling on the prime minister to leave office.

Demonstrators in downtown Amman, the capital, included members of the Islamic movement, leftists and members of trade unions. The Public Security Directorate placed crowd estimates at about 1,000 protesters and 2,500 onlookers. In stark contrast to elsewhere in the region, however, the noisy protest ended peacefully and police handed out bottles of water to demonstrators. There was a similar protest in Zarqa and smaller protests in other cities.

Islamic groups, to keep pressure on the government, held another demonstration on Jan. 28, which, perhaps because protesters had been fur ther emboldened by the Egyptians, lasted for days. On Feb. 1, Jordan’s king announced the sacking of the entire cabinet and the appointment of a new prime minister, who the king ordered to immediately form a new government and institute political reform. Smaller protests were held in suppor t of Egypt’s uprising outside the Egyptian embassy on Feb. 4.

THE STAKES: While it is not unusual to see protests in Jordan, it is unusual for them to be so well-organized and to see such consistent demands for reform, Randa Habib, the bureau chief for Agence France Presse, said.

The protests have already led to a change of government, and Habib said it was likely that the new government would take steps to appease the population, including economic and political reforms. Habib said there was “no doubt” that the elections law in Jordan will be reformed, a major step for Jordan. She said Tunis’ impact on the region is that “it forced the leadership to listen.”

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

LEBANON THE LEADER: After months of maneuvering, Lebanon’s Parliament nominated Najib Mikati, backed by Hezbollah, as the new prime minister. As a result, protests broke out across the country. But Mikati was not the real source of discontent.

Demonstrators said they would not accept any government handpicked or led by Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is a Shiite movement that boasts the country’s most powerful military. Backed by Iran and Syria, it has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States. It was formed in the 1980s to fight the Israeli occupation.

In 2008 Hezbollah’s militia took over much of Beirut in a matter of days in a demonstration of its military power. Now it appears to have also proven its power politically.

THE GRIPE: Demonstrators accuse Hezbollah of staging a political coup by forcing the collapse of the unity government in mid-January and then pressuring lawmakers to support their candidate for prime minister. Had the vote swung the other way, Lebanese analysts predicted there would have been another military takeover by Hezbollah.

Protesters fear the return of Syrian rule and that Beirut will become a puppet of the Iranian government. Lebanon could lose Western aid and become isolated from former allies in the Arab world. Demonstrators fear the new leadership will thrust Lebanon into an era of dictatorial rule, economic chaos and sectarian strife.

THE TIMING:

assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is expected to issue indictments against Hezbollah for the attack. In protest of Lebanon’s support for the investigation, 11 ministers aligned with Hezbollah quit the government, forcing its collapse and ending the rule of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the son of the slain premier.

THE PROTESTS: Demonstrations erupted almost immediately after it became clear that Hezbollah’s candidate would win. On the streets of Tripoli the next morning, thousands gathered. Demonstrators said the fight was not over, and they expected Hariri, whose face was on posters in every corner of the square, to retake the premiership.

But within two hours, the protest turned violent when soldiers prevented a crowd of angry men from storming a Hezbollah-allied political office. Demonstrators seized an Al Jazeera news truck and ripped it apart before setting it on fire. Extended gunfire was heard but it remains unclear who was shooting.

THE STAKES: To the Lebanese, the stakes in this battle are massive. It reflects the sectarian battle that fueled the country’s 15-year bloody civil war, threatening to spark another round of fighting and political fights that have stagnated the government for months. Both sides say the other threatens its existence, and the future is unknown. Analysts are repeating an oft-heard phrase: If you guess five possible outcomes of a Lebanese political crisis, the sixth will happen.

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An international court investigating the —Heather Murdock

YEMEN THE LEADER: President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power for 32 years, initially as leader of the northern Yemen Arab Republic, then as president of the Republic of Yemen.

THE GRIPE: Yemen’s citizens, among the poorest in the Arab world, have many grievances. The government is widely seen as corrupt and is abhorred for its association with the United States in the fight against Al-Qaida. There are very few political freedoms, the press is tightly controlled, and the country is running out of water and oil reserves.

THE TIMING: Inspired by the Tunisian revolt, thousands joined protests in Sanaa in the biggest showing of public opposition in years. Yemeni authorities responded by arresting Tawakul Karman, a wellknown female activist and a key orchestrator of the protests. Karman was seized by plainclothed police officers on charges of organizing unlicensed demonstrations. Her arrest caused public outrage and sparked further demonstrations. Thousands gathered outside the chief prosecutor’s office until she was released.

THE PROTESTS: The protests in Sanaa have been confined to the small middle class but have been bigger and more violent than previous demonstrations.

On Jan. 22 riot police used batons and tear gas to disperse a crowd of 2,500 students and WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

activists at Sanaa University, calling for the president to step down. Protests erupted in what was billed as a “Day of Rage,” on Feb. 3.

Thousands rallied in the capital but were met by an equal number of Saleh supporters who were likely organized by the government.

Things remained quiet until Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak stepped down, sparking renewed efforts to oust Saleh. For the first time on Feb. 19 police opened fire on protesters outside Sanaa University, wounding four. Pro-government thugs continued to clash with protesters after people dispersed following the gunfire, in a sign protests were gaining momentum on the ninth day.

The protests have also been violent in Aden, a southern port city, where separatists are calling for southern Yemen to be its own country.

Clashes and battles between the army and protesters left seven wounded.

THE STAKES: This influx of civil disobedience comes at a time of political deadlock and heightened tension between the ruling party and the opposition. Earlier this month, Yemen’s parliament gave preliminary approval to a constitutional amendment eliminating presidential term limits, which would allow the president to rule for life.

In an apparent effort to defuse calls for his ouster, Saleh said he would not install his son as his successor and raised army salaries.

While analysts doubt protesters can force an overthrow, Saleh did announce he would not seek re-election beyond 2013.

—Tom Finn

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2-8, 2011 | 17

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SUNDAY MARCH 6 Portland Taiko pulls out all the percussive stops.

cold war, part one COLD WAR KIDS

FRIDAY-SATURDAY MARCH 4-5 drums PORTLAND TAIKO According to Japanese mythology, sun goddess Amaterasu had this bratty brother, Susanoo the storm god, and he was stirring up lots of trouble trying to usurp Amaterasu’s power. Amaterasu was pretty fed up with her kid brother, so she hid herself and all the light of the world in a cave. Try as they might, the gods couldn’t talk Amaterasu out of that cave, and without the sun, the world suffered. Finally they decided to trick Amaterasu by having a big party outside the cave, and had Ame-no-Uzume, goddess of the dawn, dance on a washtub, which created a big boom that lured Amaterasu out and brought light back to the world. That washtub is the mythical origin of Taiko.

Taiko, which translates to “drum” in Japanese, weaves “rhythm, melody, humor and movement together into an exhilarating musical experience,” according to Portland Taiko’s press release. Portland Taiko formed In 1994, and has since been the premier Taiko group of the Northwest. This weekend Portland Taiko will appear in Boise as part of Boise State Student Union’s performance series. In addition to evening shows on Friday and Saturday night, Portland Taiko is offering two workshops. A free workshop is scheduled for Friday, March 4, at 11:45 a.m. focusing on performance and history. The second workshop on Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. is a hands-on introduction to the art of Taiko and costs $3 for non-students. Hopefully all the drumming will draw out the sun in Boise and banish this stormy weather.

Live performances Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, 8 p.m., $5-15. Boise State Special Events Center, 1910 University Dr., 208-426-4636.

THURSDAY MARCH 3 shoes LADIES NIGHT OUT DEVOTED TO SEXY SHOES Most of us have taken the Facebook quiz that tells you which Sex In the City character you most resemble. There’s always a Carrie among you. Your

BFF happens to epitomize Miranda’s type-A personality.

The Samantha-ish one of the group keeps everybody entertained with her outlandish stories, and sweet, neurotic Charlotte … well, everyone knows a Charlotte, right? If late Saturday morning finds you and the girls in your favorite designer ensembles, hair coiffed to perfection sipping mimosas in a swanky downtown restaurant, pay attention. You’re going to want to take those Manolo

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Blahniks off the shelf and plan a girls’ night out.

This is the chance you’ve been waiting for—an occasion to wear those strappy sequined shoes someplace where someone might notice the bright red sole or signature buckle. Like-minded ladies will have the opportunity to strut their stuff, show off their sophisticated style and maybe even swap for a different pair. And if you happen to have a pair laying around that fit perfectly until

A lot has escalated for the Cold War Kids since 2004, when they first started jamming out in a storage room above a restaurant in Fullerton, Calif. According to the soul-and-blues-tinged indie band’s Facebook page, during those carefree early days: “Having instruments was secondary to stomping and chanting; clanging on heat pipes, thumping on plywood walls. Hollering into tape recorders. Slipping and swaying into alleyways and juke joints of yesteryear.”

Now, after years of blog praise and tours with indie heavyweights like Death Cab For Cutie, Cold War Kids have released their third full-length album Mine is Yours. The band underwent a perestroika, of sorts, in the studio, bidding farewell to first- and second-album producer Kevin Augunas and replacing him with big-shot producer Jacquire King, who has worked with Kings of Leon and Norah Jones, among others.

Pitchfork dished out some particularly snarling criticism regarding this move: “Cold War Kids are clearly making a bid for … mainstream acceptance here, infusing their wishy-washy, blue-lit sound with a schmaltzy bigness that matches the heft of the religious and romantic in their music,” but it obviously worked. Mine is Yours peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart and has propelled the band out on a spring tour that winds from London to Sasquatch in George, Wash., with stops at Lollapalooza in Santiago, Chile, and at the Knitting Factory in Boise on Sunday, March 6.

With A Lull and Finn Riggins. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m., show, $17-$30. Knitting Factory Concert House, 416 S. Ninth St., 208-367-1212, bo.knittingfactory.com.

your feet swelled to the size of mini blimps when you were preggo and you are looking to unload them, bring those, too. You might be able to sell or trade them.

Need something sparkly to show off your swan-like neck or petite ear lobes?

You got it. HMI jewelr y will be for sale, as will wine by the bottle or case, in addition to the tastings you’ll want to take advantage of.

There will be free appetizers and drawings, which means more money for you to spend on shoes.

6-10 p.m., $5-$10 tastings/glasses of wine, Helina Marie’s Wine Bar, 11053 Highway 44, Star, 208-2867960, helinamaries.com.

SATURDAY MARCH 5 cold war, part two SNOW BATTLE At a ski resor t not so far, far away, Snow Wars will soon determine who runs the Brundage Mountain galaxy.

Snow Wars, a spin-off of Yukigassen—a Japanese snowball-fighting competition—consists of two teams made up of seven players each. The teams face off in a paintball-inspired setting, complete with snow structures to hide behind.

Their goal is to capture a flag that rests in the middle

of the battlefield. Teams are armed with all the snowballs they can make and the desire to be crowned the 2011 Brundage Mountain Snow Wars Champions.

This cold war takes place on Saturday, March 5, at Brundage Mountain Ski Resor t with registration star ting at 9 a.m. in front of the lodge. Instructions will be given at 11 a.m., and the competition will star t at noon.

All ages are welcome, making this a great opportunity for the family to get in one more trip to the mountain. Or maybe you feel like you and your co-workers could take your company to the Promised Land, bringing the title home. Whatever WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

C AR OL R OS EGG ©2010

FIND

Milk and butter fat receiving depot and creamery in 1941 at Fourth Avenue S. in Caldwell.

HISTORYPIN

Raise the roof.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY MARCH 7-9 musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF You don’t need to have seen Fiddler on the Roof to know that it’s a cultural institution. Famous since its Broadway inception more than 40 years ago, Fiddler on the Roof’s legacy is enduring, with songs from the musical frequently making appearances in pop culture. Think Robin Williams and Harvey Fierstein clasping hands and singing “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” in Mrs. Doubtfire. Or Gwen Stefani’s song “Rich Girl,” the female take on the musical’s iconic song “If I Were a Rich Man.” And for those who scoff at these common pop culture references, even indie band Bright Eyes got in on the Fiddler on the Roof action, writing an adaptation of the song “Sunrise, Sunset”—a much more suicidal and twee adaptation, but an adaptation nonetheless.

All of these odes to the musical, which is set in 1905 Tsarist Russia, demonstrate its staying power. The musical boasts an impressive list of Broadway achievements, such as being the first musical in history to run 3,000 times. And now, Fiddler on the Roof is on a national tour, bringing the goods to Boise.

It’s your turn to get it straight from the Fiddler’s mouth, which will always be better than any secondhand version.

Monday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 9, 7 p.m.; $28-$50.50. Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, 208-426-1110, mc.boisestate.edu.

your reasons, Snow Wars gives us all an excuse to play in the snow before winter gives way to spring. May the force be with you.

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Registration at 9 a.m. Brundage Mountain Ski Resor t, 3890

S U B M I T

Goose Creek Road, McCall, 208-634-7462, brundage.com.

More like the rainbow jazzercise acrobats.

History is written by the victors, or so the saying used to go. But now, with the proliferation of camera phones and social media sites, history is being written by the masses.

From the Hudson River plane crash to the recent North African and Middle Eastern riots, we now have instant access to the opinions of thousands of on-the-ground eyewitnesses. But what if social networking could also be used to collect multitudes of perspectives on long-past historical events? Enter historypin.com, a new site from We Are What We Do, in partnership with Google.

Historypin allows users to electronically “pin” old photos to a giant map of the world, elaborating on the heretofore untold histories. historypin.com Users can search for photos by place or time. For example, you can search “San Francisco” and find a striking full-color photo of a wool coat-clad woman in front of an iconic cable car on Grant Avenue in 1952. You can also pull up that same photo in Google Maps and compare it with the street view of how chaotic Grand Avenue looks today.

According to Historypin’s instructional video, the site’s lofty but not-so-far-fetched goal is to “create a digital history of the world.”

—Tara Morgan

TUESDAY MARCH 8 unitards GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Kick, spin, bend, smile. Though this could be a description of a Friday night at The Torch, it’s also what you can expect watching a per formance of the far more G-rated Golden Dragon Acrobats.

Usually a gaggle of gals arching their backs until their heads touch their ankles describes a different type of enter tainment, but the nimble Golden Dragon Acrobats combine contor tionism, extreme balance, umbrella spinning and numerous stunts the human body shouldn’t be able to do.

Most people can barely stand on one leg long enough to complete a game of Twister, let alone balance their entire body on someone’s shoulder, with only the tips of their toes for suppor t. This is just one of the acts that will be showcased during the company’s two Idaho per formances.

Based out of Dallas, the Golden Dragon Acrobats have been touring the United States for 33 consecutive years.

Consisting of 25 awe-inspiring performers, the company has traveled and performed extensively throughout the world.

7:30 p.m., $12-$22. Caldwell Fine Ar ts, College of Idaho, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 208-459-3405, collegeofidaho.edu.

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

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2-8, 2011 | 19

8 DAYS OUT WEDNESDAY MARCH 2 Festivals & Events LIQUID FORUM—A discussion forum showcasing a different local nonprofit each month, along with a silent auction and local music. 5-7:30 p.m. FREE. Liquid, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208287-5379, liquidboise.com.

POETRY SLAM OF STEEL AND HAIKU BATTLE—Part of the Idaho Loud Writers’ Program.

Includes a performance poetry workshop followed by an all-ages poetry slam. There is a $25 prize for the haiku champ. 6 p.m. $5 poetry slam, $1 with student ID, Woman of Steel Gallery and Wine Bar, 3640 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-3315632, boisepoetry.com.

On Stage DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE— Compelled to answer a dead man’s cell phone, Jean suddenly finds herself entangled with his family and friends. Written

by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Denise Simone. 7 p.m. $10-$28.

Liberty Theatre, 110 N. Main St., Hailey, 208-578-9122, companyoffools.org.

NO ... YOU SHUT UP—Lauren Weedman wrote and stars in this show about her own fears and questions abut motherhood, and she’s bringing it back to the stage where it all began in 2008.

See story at boiseweekly.com. 8 p.m. $15. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

Workshops & Classes HELLEBORES ARE HOT—Crickett Rudd will share her knowledge of these perennials that thrive in dry, shady areas. 6 p.m.

FREE. FarWest Garden Center, 5728 W. State St., Boise, 208853-4000.

Literature LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES— Spend your lunch hour with local authors as they share info on their books and the writing process during your lunch hour.

Visit boisepubliclibrary.org or call 208-570-6900 for details.

Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Library at Cole and Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Road, Boise, 208-570-6900, boisepubliclibrary.com.

Citizen INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY—Lisa Shannon, author of A Thousand Sisters: My Journey Into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman and founder of Run for the Congo, will be speaking against sexual and domestic violence. The New Heart Choir will also perform. 7 p.m. $15-$20, FREE for high school and college students and Boise State faculty with ID. Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, 208-3450454, egyptiantheatre.net.

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Odds & Ends THE SEAPORT BEAT RADIO DOCUMENTARY SERIES—Listen to the radio documentary series on music and history from Pacific Northwest Underground. 6-8 p.m.

FREE. Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 Second St. S., 208-4675533, flyingmcoffee.com.

THURSDAY MARCH 3 On Stage DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE— See Wednesday. 7 p.m. $10-$28.

Liberty Theatre, 110 N. Main St., Hailey, 208-578-9122, companyoffools.org.

IMPROVOLUTION—Improv to benefit Columbia High School’s Project Graduation. 7 p.m. $5.

Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-4675533, flyingmcoffee.com.

LEAVING IOWA—A writer returns to his childhood home in Iowa with his father’s ashes as per his request, only to find that the family home has been converted into a grocery store. As he travels his home state looking for the perfect final resting place for his father’s ashes, he revisits childhood memories. 7:30 p.m. $9-$12.50.

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

NO ... YOU SHUT UP—See Wednesday. 8 p.m. $15. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

NOISE/CD REVIEW NO AGE: EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN A simple skeleton supports the flesh of No Age’s music: drums, guitar and understated vocals. The duo manipulates these limited elements so adroitly, however, that you’re likely to forget how small their set of tools is while the hypnotic buzz of Everything in Between (Sub Pop) pours out of your stereo. If heard by itself, the screeching motif of “Fever Dreaming” would sound like a reason to take your car in to the shop. But worked into the fast, fuzzy bliss of No Age’s instrumentation, it becomes the memorable part of the song that’s pleasantly stuck in your head long after you’ve stopped listening to it.

The biggest deterrent from the pleasure of No Age’s music is the vocal style. It sounds as though members Dean Spunt and Randy Randall are trying in an affected way to sound unaffected and apathetic. The result is a grating vocal melody not too far from spoken lyrics, and almost worse for the short distance, becoming a presence that you’d rather ignore but can’t. It’s reminiscent of an exasperating habit of speaking your teenager might pick up because it’s the way the “cool” kids talk at school—a phase you hope he’ll grow out of soon.

Part of the lo-fi charm is the juxtaposition of primitive sounds with modern electric effects. The rubbery slap of the drum that continues throughout the opening song, “Life Prowler,” is joined first by a clean guitar melody, then fuzzier guitars glide in as the song progresses. Many of the tracks on Everything in Between feature this well-calculated progression from simple to complex, where riffs and electronic effects are stacked on top of each other one at a time. This calculated sound distinguishes No Age from some of their more traditional lo-fi counterparts and no doubt has evoked comparisons to Sonic Youth. However, No Age features a more restrained form of noise experimentalism than Sonic Youth, tending not to favor six-minute stretches of feedback.

—Eric Austin WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

8 DAYS OUT Food & Drink

Talks & Lectures

LADIES NIGHT OUT—Grab your girlfriends, strap on your sexy shoes and head over for an evening of wine tasting, shoe swapping, a jewelry sale and specials on bottles and cases of wine. Free appetizers and drawings round out the night.

See Picks, Page 18. 6-10 p.m. $5-$10. Helina Marie’s Wine and Gift Shop, 11053 Highway 44, Star, 208-286-7960, helinamaries.com.

LINGUISTS IN HOLLYWOOD—The Boise State Linguistics Association and the English Majors Association present Paul Frommer, who created the Na’vi language for Avatar, and Marc Okrand, creator of the Klingon language used in the Star Trek movies. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Boise State Student Union (Simplot Grand Ballroom), 1910 University Drive, Boise.

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION— All you can eat Cajun-style appetizers, party favors and music

by Soul Kitchen. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. Call for reservations. 8 p.m.-midnight. $30 individual, $55 couple.

Seasons Bistro Wine Bar and Catering, 1117 E. Winding Creek Road, Eagle, 208-939-6680, seasonsdelicatering.com.

Odds & Ends

TEA AND TAROT—The Laughing Spirit Tea Room and Eatery is the place where hostess Midge Woods pairs delicious tea with teachings about each Major Arcana tarot card. Take your friends and your cards for an opportunity to practice readings. 7:15 p.m. $10. Spirit at Work Books & Beyond, 710 N. Orchard, Boise, 208-388-3884, spiritatworkbooks.com.

GOLDFISH RACING— Goldfish are placed in a raingutter, and it’s your job to urge them on toward the other end by blowing through a straw. Winner gets a big effin’ bar tab and their fish. 10 p.m.

FREE. Mack and Charlie’s, 507 W. Main St., Boise, 208-8309977, mackandcharlies.com.

TRICYCLE RACES—The disclaimer at the beginning of Jackass was about exactly this sort of thing, which is why it’s awesome. 10 p.m. FREE. The Lobby, 760 W. Main St., Boise, 208-991-2183, thelobbyboise. com.

LAST CALL TRIVIA—Random knowledge begets bar tabs for the winner. 8 p.m. FREE. Liquid, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208287-5379, liquidboise.com.

MEET THE DOCTORS—Meet the doctors of Boise Natural Health, tour the clinic and learn more about naturopathic medicine.

5:30-6:30 p.m. FREE. Boise Natural Health, 4219 Emerald St., Boise, 208-338-0405, boisenaturalhealth.com.

POKER—Play for fun and prizes.

7 p.m. FREE. The Buffalo Club, 10206 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-321-1811.

FRIDAY MARCH 4 Festivals & Events HOKUM HOEDOWN—The Hokum Hi-Flyers will provide the dance tunes and various callers will direct you where to go during this monthly square dance. The whole family is welcome, Pie Hole will dish up pizza and there will be a full bar for those 21 and older with ID. 7 p.m. $5.

The Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-385-0111, thelinenbuilding.com.

On Stage

THE MEPHAM GROUP

| SUDOKU

CLARENCE DARROW—Gary Anderson’s one-man show about the life of Clarence Darrow. 7:30 p.m. $10-$20 sliding scale.

Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City, 208-658-1710, boiseuu.org.

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE— See Wednesday. 8 p.m. $10$28. Liberty Theatre, 110 N. Main St., Hailey, 208-578-9122, companyoffools.org.

LEAVING IOWA—See Thursday.

8 p.m. $9-$12.50. Boise Little Theater, 100 E. Fort St., Boise, 208-342-5104, boiselittletheater.org.

NO ... YOU SHUT UP—See Wednesday. 8 p.m. $15. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE GOES WEST—The Starlight Mountain Theatre puts its own spin on the classic opera. Call 208-4625523 or visit starlightmt.org for more info. 7:30 p.m. $10-$22.

Limelight, 3575 E. Copper Point Way, Meridian, 208-898-9425.

| 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.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

PITA PUN—The Prairie Dog players put a new spin on the childhood classic Peter Pan. 7:15 p.m. 8-$13. Prairie Dog Playhouse, 3820 Cassia St., Boise, 208-336-7383, pdplayhouse.com.

TIME MACHINE—Join the gang from the Red Light Variety Show as they travel through time.

Featuring burlesque, hoola hoop, belly dance, pole acrobatics and more. 9 p.m. $8 adv., $10 door.

Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City, 208-4248297, visualartscollective.com.

© 2009 Mepham Group.

Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 21

8 DAYS OUT Concerts PORTLAND TAIKO— Award-winning Asian-American drumming ensemble whose performers weave rhythm, melody, humor and movement together into an exhilarating musical experience, combining traditional and contemporary compositions and choreography.

See Picks, Page 18. 8 p.m. $20-$60. Boise State Special Events Center, 1800 University Drive, sub.boisestate.edu.

Art ARTIST RECEPTION AND DISCUSSION—Meet artist Neal Philpott during a reception and view his oil paintings of landscapes of the rural Northwest.

4:30-8:30 p.m. FREE. Galerie Belle Ame, 179 S. Eagle Road, Eagle, 208-938-1342, galeriebelleame.com.

FIRST FRIDAY ARTIST GALLERY—Woodriver Cellars highlights a different local artist every month and hosts the featured artist to present and discuss their art. Guests enjoy the scenery of the winery, art, live music, food and awardwinning wines. 6-10 p.m. FREE. Woodriver Cellars, 3705 N. Hwy. 16, Eagle, 208-286-9463, woodrivercellars.com.

Literature BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING—Author Anthony Doerr hosts this event to celebrate the launch of Alan Heathcock’s book Volt.

Heathcock will be reading excerpts from the book and signing copies, which will be available to purchase there.

Hillfolk Noir will be playing. See Arts, Page 32. 6:30 p.m. FREE. The Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St., 208-385-0111, thelinenbuilding.com.

ROCK AND GEM SHOW— Dealers, demonstrators, exhibits, auctions and other rock-related events, sponsored by the Owyhee Gem and Mineral Society. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3.

O’Connor Field House/Caldwell Events Center, 2207 Blaine St., Caldwell, 208-455-3004.

On Stage CHUCKLES COMEDY CABARET—Boise’s newest comedy venue will feature someone new each week. This week Susan Jones and her larger-than-life attitude take the stage. 8 p.m. $12. China Blue, 100 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-338-6604.

CLARENCE DARROW—See Friday. 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $10-$20 sliding scale. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City, 208-658-1710, boiseuu.org.

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE— See Wednesday. 8 p.m. $10$28. Liberty Theatre, 110 N. Main St., Hailey, 208-578-9122, companyoffools.org.

LEAVING IOWA—See Thursday.

8 p.m. $9-$12.50. Boise Little Theater, 100 E. Fort St., 208342-5104, boiselittletheater.org.

NO ... YOU SHUT UP—See Wednesday. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15.

Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE GOES WEST—See Friday. 7:30 p.m. $10-$22. Limelight, 3575 E. Copper Point Way, Meridian, 208898-9425.

PITA PUN—See Friday. 7:15 p.m. $8-$13. Prairie Dog Playhouse, 3820 Cassia St., 208336-7383, pdplayhouse.com.

TIERNAN IRISH DANCERS— The local Irish dance group will be kicking off its St. Patty’s Day celebrations with their show Celtic Rhythm. 7 p.m. $11.

Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, 208-468-5555, nampaciviccenter.com.

Concerts MERIDIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA—The Symphony will perform a program called “It’s the Principal of the Thing.” 7:30 p.m. $10 adult, $8 senior, $25 family. Centennial High School (Centennial Performing Arts Center), 12400 W. McMillan Road, Boise, 208-939-1404, chs.meridianschools.org.

Workshops & Classes EDIBLE EDEN—Learn how to turn your yard into an edible oasis. 1 p.m. Idaho Botanical Garden members $10, $15 nonmember. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.

Odds & Ends DISCOVER BOISE STATE—An introduction to the university highlighting academic programs, housing and how to get started.

Tour the campus and get info on financial aid, housing options and how to apply for admission. Pizza will be provided for lunch. For more info call 208-426-1820. 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. or 10:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

FREE. Boise State Student Union Building, 1910 University Drive, Boise, 208-426-INFO, union. boisestate.edu.

MFA READING SERIES—Forrest Gander, poet and professor of literary arts and comparative literature, will read from his numerous books and essays.

7:30 p.m. FREE. Student Union Bishop Barnwell Room, Boise State, Boise, 208-426-1000.

Odds & Ends KARAOKE—9 p.m. FREE. Neurolux, 111 N. 11th, Boise, 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

SATURDAY MARCH 5 Festivals & Events JAPAN DAY 2011—People of all ages are invited to celebrate Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Activities include calligraphy, flower arranging, a tea ceremony, magic show, martial arts demonstrations and more. Proceeds from the sale of food and art go to the Idaho Japanese Association.

Noon-3 p.m. FREE. Boise Train Depot, 2603 Eastover Terrace, Boise.

22 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

Skeleton Blues by Connor Coughlin was the 1st place winner in the 9th Annual Boise Weekly Bad Cartoon Contest.

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

8 DAYS OUT Animals & Pets

Workshops & Classes

GOT NEWF?—If you have a Newfoundland, get together with other dogs and owners and play.

For more information, e-mail tandb26@yahoo.com. 5 p.m.

FREE. Morris Hill Park, NE corner of N. Roosevelt and Alpine streets, Boise.

BACKYARD CHICKENS WORKSHOP—Everything you need to know about raising chickens in your back yard, from coop building to caring for them. You’ll even get chicks to take home with you for a additional $3 per chick or $10 for more mature birds. 1-4 p.m. $20-$30 sliding scale. Earthly Delights Organic Farm, 372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 353, Eagle.

RESCUE RANCH CONSIGNMENT SALE—Clean out the barn and donate horse tack, equipment and more to be sold.

Proceeds benefit the Rescue Ranch’s efforts to care for neglected horses. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

FREE. Idaho Humane Society, 4775 W. Dorman St., 208-3423508, idahohumanesociety.com.

Odds & Ends

Festivals & Events ROCK AND GEM SHOW—See Saturday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3.

O’Connor Field House/Caldwell Events Center, 2207 Blaine St., Caldwell, 208-455-3004.

On Stage LEAVING IOWA—See Thursday.

2 p.m. $9-$12.50. Boise Little Theater, 100 E. Fort St., Boise, 208-342-5104, boiselittletheater.org.

PITA PUN—See Friday. 2 p.m. $8-$13. Prairie Dog Playhouse, 3820 Cassia St., Boise, 208336-7383, pdplayhouse.com.

Concerts BOISE MASTER CHORALE—In collaboration with the Boise Baroque Orchestra, the chorale will perform Bach’s “Cantata 147” and Handel’s “Dettingen Te Deum.” 2 p.m. $15-$20. Cathedral of the Rockies, First United Methodist Church, 717 N. 11th St., Boise, 208-343-7511.

KNITTING CLUB—Bring your projects to work on or hang out and learn. All ages welcome.

7 p.m. FREE. Ada Community Library, 10664 W. Victory Road, Boise, 208-362-0181, adalib. org.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID SUNDAYS—Free pool tournament and karaoke. Noon-6 p.m.

Quarter Barrel, 4902 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-3223430.

PIONEER TOASTMASTERS— Participants are invited to work on their public speaking with the Pioneer Toastmasters speaking club. Not so sure you want to speak? No problem, show up and sit in. For more information, e-mail personalityonpaper@ yahoo.com. 6-7:30 p.m. FREE, 208-559-4434. Perkins Family Restaurant, 300 Broadway Ave., Boise.

MONDAY MARCH 7

TUESDAY MARCH 8

On Stage

On Stage

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF—Some traditions are made to be broken, as this tale of one family’s love, devotion and defiance shows us.

The classic musical hits the stage in Boise as part of the Fred Meyer Broadway in Boise series. See Picks, Page 19. 7:30 p.m. $28-$50.50. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1609, mc.boisestate. edu.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF—See Monday.

7:30 p.m. $28-$50.50.

Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-4261609, mc.boisestate.edu.

LAST CALL TRIVIA—See Thursday. 8 p.m. FREE. Liquid, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-2875379, liquidboise.com.

SUNDAY MARCH 6

CHOIR PRACTICE FOR COMMON GROUND CHOIR—The community choir welcomes new voices. Come and listen, meet the director and join the choir.

6:45 p.m. FREE, commongroundboise.org. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2201 Woodlawn Ave., Boise, 208-3445731.

Odds & Ends BEER PONG—Play for prizes and bar tabs while drinking $5 pitchers. 9 p.m. FREE. Shorty’s Saloon, 5467 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-322-6699.

EYESPY Real Dialogue from the naked city

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS—Catch the acrobatic company from China as they show off their gravity-defying stunts and feats of strength. See Picks, Page 19.

7:30 p.m. $12-$22. Caldwell Fine Arts, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 208-454-1376, caldwellfinearts.org.

Workshops & Classes GROWING FRUIT IN THE TREASURE VALLEY—Join Dr. Essie Fallahi to learn how to maximize grape and fruit tree production, followed by a walk to the orchard to get a hand-on pruning demonstration. 1:30-5 p.m. Idaho Botanical Garden member $10, $15 nonmember. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.

Talks & Lectures BROWN BAG LECTURE—Join returned Peace Corps volunteers to hear their best stories from time spent abroad. Noon-1 p.m. regular admission fees apply, FREE for members. Idaho State Historical Museum, 610 N. Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-3342120, history.idaho.gov.

Kids & Teens OTAKU CLUB—Anime and manga club for teens in the Teen Scene. 4 p.m. FREE. Garden City Library, 6015 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-472-2940, gardencity.lili.org.

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 23

8 DAYS OUT Odds & Ends

REVIEW/SHOW JOS H GR OS S

BEER PONG TOURNEY—Eight tables set up for play, $4 pitchers and a $300 cash prize. What more could you ask for? 10 p.m.

FREE. Fatty’s, 800 W. Idaho St., Ste. 200, Boise, 208-514-2531, drinkfattys.com.

BOOZE CLUES—Trivia and prizes with the one and only E.J. Pettinger.

9 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s, 513 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-6344.

COMEDY NIGHT—Test out your routine on patrons during open mic night. 8:30 p.m. FREE. Quarter Barrel, 4902 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-3223430.

LAST CALL TRIVIA—See Thursday. 8 p.m. FREE. Liquid, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-2875379, liquidboise.com.

PABST BINGO NIGHT—Play bingo for PBR, swag and other random stuff found at second hand stores. $1 PBR, Oly, or Rainier cans, or get a “ghetto bucket” (two of each) for $4. 7 p.m. FREE. Donnie Mac’s Trailer Park Cuisine, 1515 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-384-9008, donniemacgrub.com.

POKER—See Thursday. 7 p.m.

FREE. The Buffalo Club, 10206 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 208321-1811.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 On Stage THE DROWSY CHAPERONE— Whatever can go wrong is likely to in this musical comedy about a wedding that may or may not happen. 7 p.m. $6-$8. Eagle High School, 574 N. Park Lane, Eagle, 208-939-2189, ehsmeridianschools.org.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF—See Monday.

7:30 p.m. $28-$50.50.

Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-4261609, mc.boisestate.edu.

Literature DROP-IN WRITING WORKSHOP—Authors and teachers Malia Collins and Adrian Kien offer writers of all levels a chance to create and share work in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

6:30-8 p.m. FREE. The Cabin, 801 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208331-8000, thecabinidaho.org.

Odds & Ends THE SEAPORT BEAT RADIO DOCUMENTARY SERIES—See Wednesday. 6-8 p.m. FREE. Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-4675533, flyingmcoffee.com.

Even with the added lights, Nera’s sound is difficult to illuminate.

NERA AT VAC Though they would like to think they do, bands never truly defy description. But sometimes they do make it difficult. Nera, a relatively new Boise group that combines Goth, circus, new wave and horror themes under a rock banner, is just such a band.

Their lyrics focus heavily on “boneyards” and a variety of nightmarish creatures and scenarios, sung with the sort of deep rock ’n’ roll warble that evokes the sound of a theremin.

Beneath that is a fairly standard rock guitar and drums with keys that ape the modes and themes of circus and vaudeville standards. Take the Misfits, combine them with Nick Cave and Les Claypool’s solo work, then set them to work scoring a remake of a Vincent Price film. That’s not exactly Nera, but it’s about as close as simple comparisons are likely to get.

That oddness is the band’s greatest strength. In a scene dominated by indie rock and the influence of Built to Spill, they’ve chosen to go somewhere else altogether, and they are at their best when they are at their weirdest. “Old Man Jones,” which featured a back-and-forth conversation between the bassist and keyboardist over an evil-sounding twinkle on the guitar and thunderous rolls from an orchestral kettle drum, was easily the best song they played. Its “deep weird” was sadly, in the minority. Most of Nera’s songs let the vocals be spooky and weird while the core of the songs remained distorted rock guitar chords.

It is also fantastic to see a local band embrace the inherent drama in their music and make an effort to impart it into their performance through posture and lighting. But not every effort works out. The trouble was not everyone in the band seemed to have the same conception of what they were collectively gunning for on a composition level. It was most apparent in the keyboardist’s choices in face-paint. It didn’t stand out as much as apart from the rest of the group. And that principle was illustrated more subtly in each member’s execution of his role within the total sound. Some of the guitars felt out of place.

Much of the drumming seemed more suited to heavier music.

The vocals went rogue. The keys were overbearing at times.

There is no doubt that the individual members of every band bring different influences to a sound, but the magic comes when those nuances combine into a unique flavor rather than compete. It’s not that the keyboardist paints his face, it’s that audiences are left wondering why he’s the only one. It becomes a distraction. And Nera’s sound is full of them.

—Josh Gross

24 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

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1ST THURSDAY

COLORFUL CHARACTER Tarmo Watia exhibit opens First Thursday at Basement Gallery AMY PENCE-BROWN Boise artist Tarmo Watia’s second-story studio in his North End home is part museum and part wonderland. A narrow spiral wooden staircase opens up to hundreds of huge paintings on canvas snuggled on shelves lining a wall. Thousands of prints on paper sit in perfectly proportioned cubbies.

Tubes of well-used paints are surrounded by bookcases filled with art-history tomes and racks of cassette tapes. A quirky collection of vintage children’s lunchboxes is displayed near piles of wooden stretcher bars and boxes of images clipped from magazines.

While this enormous collection can be partly attributed to the fact that Watia has been working in this studio for the past 40 years, it is also because he may be the most prolific artist in the Treasure Valley.

“I try to get about 1,000 works completed a year. I’ve typically got at least 75 oils going at once and try to work on between 30 and Tarmo Watia shows his true colors.

50 pieces a day because when you put color on, you’ve got to let it dry, especially if you tor, yet he was very serious about the work,” realize that you’ve got earthy color, metallic like nice, clean colors like I do,” Watia says. color and chemical color. If you don’t know says Shauneen Grange, who first took a At age 74, Watia is a tall, eloquent storyhow to use them right, it’s like putting pepper drawing class from Watia at Boise State in teller with a gentle voice. He dresses in the on your ice cream.”

1981. “His personal philosophy, and one he casual uniform of the Northwest fisherman: His paintings carry a hint of Fauvism, ingrained in the students, was make work, layers of flannel, jeans, a stocking cap, an a painting movement led by artists Henri make work, make work. Every day.” insulated vest. But Watia is both outdoorsy Matisse and Georges Braque in the early Back then the art department was filled and intellectual. He makes a yearly jaunt to with now-renowned Idaho masters, including 1900s and characterized by wildly emotive field the wild waters of Alaska, and in his figures and seemingly inharmonious color John Takehara and John Killmaster. lifetime, he has seen the work of the world’s “Watia was so interesting, enthusiastic and schemes. While he has experimented with greatest artists, from Francis Bacon to more muted tones, including a series of eccentric,” Grange Richard Diebenkorn monoprints in black and white, Watia keeps says. “His artwork and Max Ernst to Tarmo Watia’s show opens First Thursday, coming back to color. always seemed so efPablo Picasso. He has March 3, and runs through Saturday, April 2.

“Tarmo is a very informed artist,” fortless, which probvisited Europe several says Jane Brumfield, owner of Basement ably came from the times, amassing ideas BASEMENT GALLERY Gallery. “He knows about composition and fact that he worked and knowledge that 928 W. Main St. 208-333-0309 on it all the time ... he color. It can be stifling if an artist knows too feed his work. basementgallery.com made me want to be a much about academic technique, but Tarmo “I collect imagery can handle it.” better artist.” from what I’ve seen Much like his disinterest in nailing Watia knew the in life, magazines, down a style, Watia is also not too conbest way for his students to become better other artists’ works in my head,” explains cerned with the titles he gives his artists was to practice. Finding Watia. These mental images get added to works. Having picked up an old their niche wasn’t as important as what he refers to as a metaphorical “trinket book of record album titles at a consistently creating new work. bracelet,” with iconic symbols that include yard sale, Watia sometimes scans “My students were so worrepetitive imagery of cats, swords, lips, eyes the book for lyrical phrases to ried about defining their style,” and hearts. emote his paintings.

Watia says. “I’d say, ‘Don’t worry Born in Detroit, Mich., Watia started “It’s really difficult to explain about it. You work enough, and painting at the age of 13 and later attended Tarmo’s artwork. His pieces are you’ll have a style. It’ll take care the University of Michigan, where he earned fresh and bright and almost poof itself.’” a master’s of fine arts degree. He went on etic,” says Brumfield. “They’re upIf Watia’s style were to to teach art at the college level for 22 years, SLIDESHOW: lifting. There’s a spontaneity in his be defined, the word to use would ending his career as an educator at Boise Watia’s work. work that always comes through. be “color.”

State in 1985.

Nothing ever gets too fussy.”

“Color is funny. People don’t “He was a very casual and funny instrucWWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 25

1ST THURSDAY/LISTINGS East Side BASQUE MARKET—Enjoy green tapas in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, in addition to wine tasting. 5-8 p.m. 608 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-433-1208, thebasquemarket.com.

BOISE ART GLASS—Make your 1 own cup—$40 for a 30-minute session or enjoy snacks and a free demonstration. 5-11 p.m. $35. 530 W. Myrtle, Boise, 208-345-1825, boiseartglass.com.

THE COTTON CLUB—View quilts 2 from the New Dawn collection.

Also enter to win a $50 gift certifi-

FLATBREAD COMMUNITY 4 OVEN—View Amber Grubb’s photos and enjoy $6 happy hour deals.

cate. 106 N. Sixth (in the basement of the Old Pioneer Building), Boise, 208-345-5567, cottonclub.com.

Bottles of wine are $20 and kids eat free with purchase. 615 W. Main St., 208-287-4757, flatbreadpizza.com.

DRAGONFLY—All jewelry is 20 percent off. 5-9 p.m. FREE. 414 W. Main St., 208-338-9234, gama-go.com.

5

EGYPTIAN THEATRE—Check out 3 Thomas Montano’s new paintings in an exhibit called “Gawds and Gaudysses and Other Kitsch.” 700 W. Main St., 208-345-0454, egyptiantheatre.net.

FLYING M COFFEEHOUSE—Jessica Pallante’s photos featuring Boise. FREE. 500 W. Idaho St., 208345-4320, flyingmcoffee.com.

6

IDAHO INDIE WORKS—Food, wine tasting with Sawtooth winery and more in the new bigger and better space. FREE. 106 N. Sixth St., Boise.

LE CAFE DE PARIS—Special tapas, live music and wine tasting. 204 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-336-0889, lecafedeparis.com.

MELTING POT—Featuring an extended happy hour and Wood River Cellars wines. 200 N. Sixth St., Boise, 208383-0900, meltingpot.com.

PENGILLY’S—Featuring the Frim Fram Four. 8:45 p.m. FREE. 513 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-6344.

Kelly Packer at Bricolage

South Side ATOMIC TREASURES—An eclectic mix of 7 vintage, retro, art and found objects on sale.

Check out Don Gadda’s photographs while shopping. FREE. 409 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-3440811, atomictreasures.com.

BOISE ART MUSEUM—Art talk with Sarah 8 Clark-Langager, director of the Western Gallery at Western Washington University. FREE. 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-345-8330, boiseartmuseum.org.

BOISE PUBLIC LIBRARY—Darkwood Consort will perform. 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208384-4200, boisepubliclibrary.org.

BROWN’S GALLERY—New exhibit titled 9 “Water Works” featuring abstract and realistic watercolor paintings by Terrece Beesley, Sean Turco, Susan Sjoberg, Jerry Exline and Denise Stone. Enjoy wine tasting, music by Dr. Todd Palmer and free chair massage from Yvette Zoe. 5-9 p.m. FREE. 408 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208342-6661.

CASA DEL SOL—$5 margaritas, $2 tacos, $2 Tecate drafts and live music by Miguel Gonzales.

FREE. 409 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-287-3660.

EIGHTH STREET MARKETPLACE AT 10 BODO—Part of the Artist in Residence program. View Chad Eperling’s mixed-media paintings on the second floor, along with Bryan Moore’s acrylic, oil and mixed media paintings on found boards. The basement is home to Amber Grubb’s photo images. 404 S. Eighth St., Mercantile Building, Boise, 208-338-5212, 8thstreetmarketplace.com.

ESTHER SIMPLOT CENTER FOR THE 11 PERFORMING ARTS—Open rehearsal for Ballet Idaho’s upcoming “Ballet Innovations.”

5-6:30 p.m. FREE. 516 S. Ninth St., Boise, 208345-9116.

HAIRLINES—Stop in and make an appointment for a new “do.” 409 S. Eighth St., 383-9009.

HELLY HANSEN—End of season sale. Receive 30-50 percent off entire winter collection. FREE. 860 W. Broad St., Boise, 208-342-2888.

IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM— 12 Grand opening of the new exhibit “Idaho Celebrates 50 Years of Peace Corps Service.”

Meet returned volunteers and enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. 5-9 p.m. Donation. 610 N. Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-334-2120, history.idaho. gov.

QUE PASA—Check out the best selection of Mexican artwork in town. 409 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-385-9018.

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LISTINGS/1ST THURSDAY R. GREY GALLERY— 13 Check out colorful spring jackets and sterling silver jewelry. 415 S. Eighth St., 208385-9337, rgreygallery.com.

RENEWAL CONSIGN14 MENT HOMEWARES— Part of the Artist in Residence program. Featuring work from painter Lauren T. Kistner and metalsmith artist Alicia Jane Boswell. 517 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-338-5444.

SALON 162—Show15 ing Tina Lucas’ work comprised of hand-cut glass and mosaic pieces using scrap and recycled materials. 404 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-386-9908.

SNAKE RIVER WINERY—Meet winemaker Scott DeSeelhoarst, taste new wines and receive a case discount. 786 W. Broad St., Boise, 208-345-9463, snakeriverwinery.com.

Jessica Pallante at Flying M Coffeehouse

SOLID—Enjoy spirit tasting, music from Ryan 16 Wissinger and art from Mihai Baluta. 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-6620.

ART WALK Locations featuring artists

Central Downtown AMERICAN CLOTHING GALLERY—Stop in to get your wine glass for International Women’s Day. 100 N. Eighth St., Ste. 121A, Boise, 208-433-0872.

ARTISAN OPTICS—Celebrate International Women’s Day by checking out Anne et Valentineyewear, a company founded by a woman and celebrating individual style and diversity. 190 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-3380500, artisanoptics.com.

BASEMENT GALLERY— 17 Boise artist Tarmo Watia’s work showcasing personal imagery and symbolism. See story, Page 25. FREE. 928 W. Main St., Boise, 208-333-0309.

BITTERCREEK ALE HOUSE— Hillfolk Noir will be playing in the bar. 246 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-1813, bittercreekalehouse.com.

BRICOLAGE HUMAN18 MADE—Kelly Packer’s show, “The Echo of Instant is Not,” along with the store’s first anniversary celebration. 5-8 p.m.

280 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208345-3718, bricoshoppe.com.

CHOCOLAT BAR—The Chocolat Bar. Beer and chocolate pairings and delicious new flavors for spring. 805 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-338-7771, thechocolatbar.com.

IDAHO STATE CAPITOL— 19 Idaho State Capitol Gift Shop. Fourth generation Idahoan

1. Boise Ar t Glass 2. The Cotton Club 3. Egyptian Theatre 4. Flatbread Community OvenDowntown 5. Flying M Coffeehouse

11. Esther Simplot Center for the Per forming Ar ts

19 Idaho State Capitol

12. Idaho State Historical Museum

21. Rediscovered

13. R. Grey Galler y

22. Sage Yoga

14. Renewal Consignment Homewares

23. Thomas Hammer

20. Lisk Galler y

15. Salon 162

24. Ar t Source Galler y

16. Solid

25. Galler y 601

8. Boise Ar t Museum

17. Basement Galler y

26. The Galler y at the Linen Building

9. Brown’s Galler y

18. Bricolage

6. Idaho Indie Works 7. Atomic Treasures

Clay Almquist’s photos of Boise will be on display and he will be there to chat about them. 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise, 208433-9705.

LISK GALLERY—Jerri 20 Lisk’s new “Pedestrian” series depicting Redfish Lake and the Sawtooths will be on display. Enjoy wine tasting from Sawtooth Winery and Dream Chocolates. FREE. 850 W. Main St., Boise, 208-342-3773, liskgallery.com.

10. Eighth St. Marketplace at BODO

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 27

1ST THURSDAY/LISTINGS OLD CHICAGO—Kids eat free.

Karaoke from 10 to close in the bar. 730 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-363-0037, oldchicago.com.

1ST THURSDAY/NEWS

PIPER PUB & GRILL—Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. features 2-for-1 drinks and a special menu. 150 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-343-2444, thepiperpub. com.

REDISCOVERED 21 BOOKSHOP—Author Terri Farley will be reading and signing her books from the “Phantom Stallion” series and Seven Years into the Sea. 180 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-376-4229, rdbooks. org.

ROSE ROOM—Fettucine Forum: Crime in Boise. Michael Blankenship, a criminal justice professor at Boise State, will speak on this month’s topic. 718 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-381-0483, parklaneco.com/roseroom.

SAGE YOGA AND WELL22 NESS—Opening of the exhibit “Land, Water, Air: Out There” featuring photos by Glenn Oakley, Ray J. Gadd and Jason and Elizabeth Kauffman, and kickoff event for the upcoming Green Tie Social presented by Conservation Voters for Idaho.

242 N Eighth St., Ste. 200, Boise, 208-338-5430, sageyogaboise.com.

THOMAS HAMMER— 23 Check out the “Robots” exhibit by 10-year-old Kainin.

FREE. 298 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-433-8004, hammercoffee. com.

THE VANDAL STORE—Live acoustic guitar/bass combo from two Vandal music graduates.

821 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208433-1889.

West Side ART SOURCE GAL24 LERY—The “Muse and Martinis” exhibit is comprised of photos by David Day. Also enjoy music from Rochelle, wine from Indian Creek Winery, beer from Brewforia and martinis from Jo’s Traveling Bar. FREE. 1015 W. Main St., Boise, 208-331-3374, artsourcegallery.com.

THE FIXX—Join local musicians Travis Ward, Jonah Shue and Brian Mayer for a Cup of Compassion and live music. $1 of every coffee drink purchased will go to a.l.p.h.a. FREE. 224 N. 10th St., Boise, 208-331-4011.

GALLERY 601—Check 25 out paintings from Bonnie Marris and Rod Frederick, as well as Bill Gehring’s floral watercolors. FREE. 211 N. 10th St., Boise, 208-336-5899, gallery601.com.

THE GALLERY AT THE 26 LINEN BUILDING—New and recent work by Bryan Moore, Corrin M. Olson and Matt Bodett.

5-9 p.m. FREE. 1402 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-385-0111, thelinenbuilding.com.

OWYHEE PLAZA HOTEL—Live music with the Ben Burdick Trio, featuring wine flights from Sawtooth Winery and prizes and giveaways from local businesses. 1109 Main St., Boise, 208-343-4611, owyheeplaza. com.

Critical Messages at BAM Jana DeMartini, Landscaped Defaced

DOWNTOWN NEWS: GREENBACKS The dollar store model has proven immensely popular. A buck price tag can make even cheap candles, off-brand crackers and ballerina cat figurines seem like total must-haves. The Boise State Public Relations Student Society of America has taken note. They’re bringing back their $1 food-sample spectacular Taste of Boise on First Thursday, March 3.

Local restaurants Cake Ballers, Willowcreek, Harvey’s Roasting Co., Taj Mahal, Salt Tears, Mai Thai, Lilly Jane’s Cupcakes, Bombay Grill, Broadway Deli, Smackerals and Superb Sushi will all offer special samples for $1 a pop. The event takes place at Boise State Center on Main 1020 W. Main St. from 6-9 p.m. and all proceeds benefit PRSSA. In other $1 related downtown news, The Fixx coffee shop at 10th and Main streets will donate one dollar from every coffee drink purchased on First Thursday to Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS. The event is dubbed Cup of Compassion and will feature the musical stylings of Brian Mayer from Fauxbois, Travis Ward from Hillfolk Noir and Jonah Shue from Frim Fram Four.

If you’ve yet to sample Boise Art Museum’s diverse group exhibit “Critical Messages: Contemporary Northwest Artists on the Environment,” be sure to stop by the museum for a free gander this First Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. For a more in-depth exploration of the exhibit, don’t miss a special lecture

by Sarah Clark-Langager, director of the Western Gallery at Western Washington University at 5:30 p.m.

And if you’re still seeing green after BAM, hoof it to the Basque Block for green tapas at the Basque Market. This is the second year the specialty market has offered tiny greenthemed treats in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. You can wash all that green down with red and white (wine) from 5-8 p.m. at the Basque Market’s wine tasting.

—Tara Morgan

28 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

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NEWS/NOISE NOISE

LABOR OF LOVE Devotchka’s enchanting new album 100 Lovers Chris Cullinan can’t quit the funk.

TARA MORGAN

LIVE KARAOKE ISN’T KRAPAOKE Hidden somewhere in the wind-chime swirl of a Gypsy’s skirt, the wide, sequined brim of a mariachi’s hat or the red-lined lips of a Argentine tango dancer, you’ll find the essence of Devotchka’s music. Over the last 14 years, the Denver, Colo.-based quartet has cultivated a sound that blends the moody, misty, Old World—accordion, violin, bouzouki—with the quick-step urgency of the New World— trumpet, sousaphone, guitar. And wandering the cobblestone streets of the band’s sweeping, cinematic instrumentation are frontman Nick Urata’s bellowing vocals and haunting, heartbreaking lyrics.

“It just seems like either, ‘Why am I here?’ or ‘Why don’t you love me?’ Those are the two themes I keep going back to … I think that’s almost why music was invented,” said Urata. “I know it can be a very, very powerful political tool, and I think that I go there sometimes … I guess it’s just the stuff that gets to me, gets me out of bed in the morning.”

Devotchka’s fifth studio album, 100 Lovcontinued search for musical authenticity. ers (Anti), is perhaps the band’s most readily “I think any element of tradition is kind romantic and instantly accessible. From the of attractive. I feel like the last couple of first airy violin notes of “The Alley” to the generations, we lost our sense of traditional irresistibly poppy piano of “100 Other Lovers” to the horn-blasting jangle of “Bad Luck expression. It seems like we just abandoned our past. I think we’re just left kind of pining Heels,” the record manages to be complex without ever becoming chaotic. Urata credits away for any sort of place to fit in,” said Urata. “I found that early on, maybe I was producer/engineer Craig Schumacher with hiding behind electronic effects and somehelping the band to scrap any unnecessary, thing like that. If you can make it sound meandering embellishments during the regood with a piece of wood and some wire, I cording process. think that’s the best way to start out.

“We took a lot of indulgences on [100 “That’s what always drew me to mariachis Lovers] and I thought maybe we’d gone too and the Gypsies,” Urata continued. “They’ll far on some of it,” said Urata. “We wanted people to enjoy it. We weren’t trying to make be standing in the street with no microphones, and you can hear them three blocks a commercial album by any means, but we just wanted people to enjoy the songs and not away. And it’s beautiful and compelling and soul-stirring.” be put off by some self-indulgent, 12-minute Devotchka’s eclectic, imagery-evoking viola flourish.” sound has naturally found a home on the But that’s not to say Devotchka devotees won’t find all of the culture-coalescing, world- big screen. The band has licensed a number of songs for commermusic garnishes they’ve cials—“How it Ends” come to love from was used in both a classics like A Mad & With North Mississippi Allstars and Priscilla Gerber spot featurFaithful Telling (2008) Ahn. Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m. doors, 8 ing women in labor and How It Ends p.m. show, $15.50-$35.50. and a commercial for (2004). In addition KNITTING FACTORY the video game Gears to a pervasive Latin 416 S. Ninth St. 208-367-1212 of War—and scored flavor—maracas, Spanbo.knittingfactory.com the soundtrack to the ish guitar, horns—100 Oscar-winning film Lovers also showLittle Miss Sunshine. cases Tom Hagerman’s Urata also independently scored 2009’s I signature Slavic accordion on tracks like Love You Phillip Morris. In Urata’s eyes, “Ruthless” and “Contrabanda.” For Urata, licensing music for movies and commercials exploring world-music traditions and folk inis one of the few viable ways left to make a strumentation has been an integral part of his WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

Devotchka is embarrassed by your grace.

living in today’s music industry.

“It could be interpreted as selling out, but how can you sell out in a day and age when nobody buys your music anymore? People don’t understand why that might have an adverse effect,” said Urata.

But the band does have standards. They shot down a commercial for the McDonald’s McRib sandwich, for example.

“We’ve been approached by some people that I couldn’t sleep with. You do have to show some moral fortitude, but I don’t think there’s much harm in it. And commercials have gotten a whole lot better, they actually have Academy Award-winning directors making commercials,” said Urata. “But I have to say, I wish it wasn’t that way.”

On Wednesday, March 2, the day after 100 Lovers officially drops, Devotchka will roll into town for a video-art and acrobaticsfilled live show at the Knitting Factory. It isn’t the band’s first trip to the Treasure Valley.

According to Urata, Boise is the backdrop to one of his proudest professional moments— the day he found out Devotchka was nominated for a Grammy for Little Miss Sunshine.

“It was one of those not-so-glamorous times … it was early in the morning and nothing was open, and I was just wandering around the streets of Boise—which as you know, can be kind of desolate—feeling kind of lonely and cold and ‘what the hell am I doing with my life?’ And then I got that phone call,” said Urata. “It was a nice juxtaposition. And it certainly always endeared Boise to me.”

A lot of people think of karaoke as an illegitimate musical endeavor. But that critique doesn’t work when applied to Boise’s newest karaoke offering at The Red Room. Singers will still be drunkenly taking to the stage to bleat out atonal soft rock covers they pick out of a book, but instead of singing over recorded music, they’ll be wielding a printed lyric sheet and backed by a live band.

Yes, a live band. Your dreams of local rock semi-stardom can now be achieved ever y Thursday night at 9 p.m. with Rockstar Karaoke.

This isn’t an original concept. Boise has had live karaoke in years past, and live band karaoke consistently packs venues in cities like Portland, Ore.; Madison, Wis.; Las Vegas and New York. The website livebandkaraoke.org features a semi-complete listing of live band karaoke nights across North America, Europe, Russia and Australia, including many smaller markets.

The Red Room’s new house karaoke band, Funk Junkie, was formed last month specifically for the karaoke venture and has already worked out a catalog of nearly 50 songs. They’d like to push that to 200 over the course of a few months and will be taking audience suggestions on what songs to add.

The current offerings include everything from classic rock karaoke standards like Creedence Clearwater to songs by Ani DiFranco and Humpty Hump. But be warned: If you plan on taking the stage, these are not exactly the songs you think you know.

“Yeah, you know those bands that do their versions note for note?” says Chris Cullinan, guitarist for Funk Junkie. “That’s not us.”

Instead, Funk Junkie’s renditions sound more like if your friends got together in the garage to jam out some approximation of how they think those songs ought to go.

Singers will still be able to follow along easily enough, but all that rehearsing you did in the shower may have to be tweaked a little.

Red Room staffers have also hinted that at some point in the future they might introduce costumes and a gong.

Welcome to the real world, karaoketeers.

May your wails be loud and long and may they deafen many of your friends.

Rockstar Karaoke will start at The Red Room on Thursday, March 3, and continue every Thursday until hopefully forever.

—Josh Gross

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 29

LISTEN HERE/GUIDE EM ILY DYAN IB AR R A/ AR T :; JOHN B ALDW IN GOU R LEY & AU S TIN S ELLAR S

GUIDE WEDNESDAY MARCH 2 AMY WEBER AND BEN BURDICK TRIO—8 p.m. FREE. Sapphire BLUE DOOR FOUR—With Arts West Live.7 p.m. FREE. Blue Door BOISE BLUES SOCIETY JAM SESSION—8 p.m. FREE. Jo’s Sunshine Lounge

PORTUGAL THE MAN, MARCH 3, NEUROLUX When Portugal the Man dropped The Satanic Satanist, exhippies had to wonder if they were having an acid flashback.

The brightly colored, psychedelic multi-flap cover undoubtedly sparked a few age-of-free-love memories. And for PTM fans too young to remember the ’60s, what they got was a rocking follow up to the band’s popular 2008 release, Censored Colors.

In 2010, PTM released American Ghetto, a Beatles-y, David Bowie-esque electronic/popsterpiece. They reunited with producer Anthony Saffery, who helped them realize the magic that was Satanist. When BW talked to PTM frontman John Gourley in March 2009, the band had just finished recording.

“Everything we’ve done before has been with friends. [For Satanist] it was stepping outside and playing with new people.”

If that first outside step was The Satanic Satanist, the other shoe to drop is American Ghetto. And PTM is off and running.

—Amy Atkins With Quiet Life. 8 p.m., $15. Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St., 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

30 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

TRAVIS MCDANIEL—6 p.m.

FREE. Lulu’s TRUTH & SALVAGE CO.—With Olin and the Moon. See story at boiseweekly.com. 8 p.m. $8 adv., $10 at the door. Neurolux THE VANPAEPEGHEMS—5:30 p.m. FREE. Flatbread-Meridian

PORTUGAL THE MAN—With Quiet Life.

See Listen Here, this page. 8:30 p.m. $15 adv., $17 door. Neurolux

REBECCA SCOTT—9:30 p.m.

FREE. Sapphire

RYAN WISSINGER—5:45 p.m.

FREE. Solid

THE SALOONATICS—9 p.m. $5.

Buffalo Club

THE SALOONATICS—9 p.m.

FREE. Buffalo Club

TALK MATH TO ME—9:30 p.m. $3. Grainey’s TERRY JONES—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

THE COUNTRY CLUB—8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

THURSDAY MARCH 3

FRIDAY MARCH 4

DAN COSTELLO—5:45 p.m.

FREE. Solid

ALLEN WENTZ AND FRIENDS JAM—9 p.m. FREE. Bouquet

BLAZE AND KELLY—8:30 p.m.

FREE. Piper Pub

THE BEN BURDICK TRIO WITH AMY WEBER—7 p.m. FREE. Gamekeeper

ECLECTIC APPROACH—5:30 p.m. FREE. Boise River Cafe, Boise State

DR. JOE AND DARIN—6 p.m.

FREE. Flatbread-Downtown

BLUE DOOR FOUR—With Arts West Live. 7 p.m. FREE. Blue Door

FIERCE BAD RABBIT—9:30 p.m. $5. Reef

GIZZARD STONE—9:30 p.m.

FREE. Grainey’s

FRIM FRAM FOUR—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s

KEVIN KIRK—With Jon Hyneman and Phil Garonzik. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Chandlers

HIGH DESERT BAND—6:30 p.m. FREE. Whitewater Pizza

DEVOTCHKA— See Noise, Page 29. 8 p.m. $15.50-$35. Knitting Factory

KORY QUINN AND THE COMRADES—9 p.m. $5. Bouquet

JOSHUA RADIN—With Cary Brothers and Laura Jensen. 8 p.m. $15-$40. Knitting Factory

JOHN CAZAN—5 p.m. FREE. Lock, Stock & Barrel JOHN JONES, MIKE SEIFRIT AND JON HYNEMAN—With Kevin Kirk and Sally Tibbs. 6 p.m. FREE. Chandlers LIKE A ROCKET—8 p.m. FREE. Sockeye

KEN HARRIS AND RICO WEISMAN—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

LOOSE CHANGE—9 p.m. FREE. Blue Moose

REX MILLER—5:30 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

KEVIN KIRK—With Steve Eaton and Phil Garonzik. 6:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

NEW TRANSIT—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s

ROCCI JOHNSON BAND—9:30 p.m. FREE. Hannah’s

NAUGHTIES—9:30 p.m. FREE. Grainey’s

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS—3 p.m. FREE. Record Exchange

RYAN WISSINGER—5:45 p.m.

FREE. Solid

THE NEW TRIO—8 p.m. FREE. Gamekeeper

THOMAS AHLQUIST QUARTET—With Blue Door Four. 6 p.m. FREE. Blue Door VISIONS—With Working on Fire.

8 p.m. $2. Flying M Coffeegarage WHITECHAPEL—7 p.m. $16 adv., $18 door. Knitting Factory

SATURDAY MARCH 5 BRIANNE GRAY—9 p.m. FREE. Flatbread-Downtown ERIC GRAE—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill GAYLE CHAPMAN—8:30 p.m.

FREE. Piper Pub JOHN HANSEN—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s JON HYNEMAN—With Sally Tibbs and Kevin Kirk. 6:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

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

GUIDE/LISTEN HERE GUIDE MONDAY MARCH 7 Rocci Johnson Band

BOISE BLUES SOCIETY JAM SESSION—8 p.m. FREE. Jo’s Sunshine Lounge

THE NEW TRIO—8 p.m. FREE. Gamekeeper

LARRY BUTTEL—7 p.m. FREE. Ha’ Penny

ROBERT WYNIA—With Jeff Crosby. 8 p.m. $8 adv., $10 door. Neurolux

MEDESKI, MARTN AND WOOD—8 p.m. $22-$55. Knitting Factory

ROCCI JOHNSON BAND—9:30 p.m. $5 after 10 p.m. Hannah’s

PUNK MONDAY—9 p.m. $2.

Liquid

RYAN WISSINGER—5:45 p.m.

FREE. Solid

THE SHAUN BRAZELL TRIO— With David Veloz. 6 p.m. FREE. Chandlers

THE SALOONATICS—9 p.m. $5.

Buffalo Club SMP 2011—Featuring Pilot Error and DJ Complex. 9 p.m. $5. Reef TALK MATH TO ME—9:30 p.m. $3. Grainey’s WINNIE COOPER—9 p.m. FREE. Plank

SUNDAY MARCH 6 COLD WAR KIDS—See Picks, Page 18. 8 p.m. $17 adv., $20 day of show. Knitting Factory KEN HARRIS—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

STEVEN TONEY—6 p.m. FREE. Solid TAPES AND TAPES— With Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Teens. See Listen Here, this page. 7 p.m. $10 adv., $12 door. Neurolux TERRY JONES—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

TUESDAY MARCH 8

JON ENGELUND AND BRYAN BRASHER—8 p.m. FREE. Sockeye

THE DIRTY HEADS—With New Politics and Pacific Dub. 8 p.m. $14-$35. Knitting Factory

KEVIN KIRK—With John Jones.

6:30 p.m. FREE. Chandlers

GIZZARD STONE—9:30 p.m.

FREE. Grainey’s

MARDI GRAS PARTY BENEFIT—Featuring Phantasmagoria, Hoochie Coochie Men and more.

6 p.m. $3 suggested donation.

Jo’s Sunshine Lounge

JIM FISHWILD—6 p.m. FREE. Highlands Hollow JONATHAN WARREN AND THE BILLYGOATS—8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

ROBIN TROWER—With The Villains. 7:45 p.m. $24-$50.

Knitting Factory

KEN HARRIS—6 p.m. FREE. Berryhill

TERRI EBERLEIN—6:30 p.m.

FREE. Berryhill

KEVIN KIRK—With Jon Hyneman and Phil Garonzik. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Chandlers

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 AMY WEBER AND BEN BURDICK TRIO—8 p.m. FREE. Sapphire BARBARA LAING—6 p.m. FREE. Gelato Cafe

KRIS DOTY—With Kelli Schaefer and The Pastors Wives. 7 p.m. $5. Neurolux MUFFALO—With Low-Fi. 8 p.m. $5. VAC ROCCI JOHNSON BAND—9:30 p.m. FREE. Hannah’s TRAVIS MCDANIEL—6 p.m.

FREE. Lulu’s

BOISE BLUES SOCIETY JAM SESSION—8 p.m. FREE. Jo’s Sunshine Lounge DAN COSTELLO—5:45 p.m.

FREE. Solid

FAT TUESDAY PARTY—Featuring Soul Honey. 6 p.m. FREE. Piper Pub JEFF MOLL AND GUESTS—8:30 p.m. FREE. Ha’ Penny

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

TAPES AND TAPES, NEUROLUX, MARCH 7 The name Tapes and Tapes sounds charmingly analog, but the Minneapolis-based band’s career has been decidedly digital. The group’s lo-fi, self-released debut The Loon, stirred up a swarm of blog buzz in 2006—garnering comparisons to Pavement and The Pixies. In a 2009 interview with BW, vocalist Josh Grier acknowledged the Internet’s integral role in the band’s initial success.

“We were a band that nobody had heard of. It really helped.

Our manager sent out some mp3s to some blogs ... and three or four people really liked it and then things just kind of took off,” said Grier. “We had some really good luck and just tried to work hard to make the most out of a good situation.”

Though the band’s more polished second album Walk It Off (XL Recordings) was a critically panned flop, the foursome have returned to their rough-around-the-edges roots for their most recent release, Outside.

—Tara Morgan With Dale Earnhart Jr. Jr. and Teens. 8 p.m., $10 adv., $12 door. Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St., 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 31

NEWS/ARTS ARTS/VISUAL GLENN LANDB ER G

HIGH VOLTAGE Erin Cunningham confabulates with color.

ART IN THE BAR, ART AT BOISE STATE, ART GOES SNAP, ART GOES BAM John Updike once wrote, “What art offers is space—a certain breathing room for the spirit.” What a bar offers is certain spirits—and a space for art.

On Saturday, March 5, Dead Bird Gallery will present its second Art in the Bar event, in which Knitting Factory is transformed into a gallery for a day. More than 30 artists are participating this time. Hernan “Non” Reyes, a Caldwell man paralyzed after a car accident in 1992, places a brush in his mouth and paints intricate outdoor scenes. Brandy Davis, a member of the Lipan Apache tribe, paints delicate Native American scenes on feathers. Potter Gordon Knight digs his own clay and prepares most of his own glazes. And illustrator Geoffrey Everts creates alien, surreal, slightly disturbing landscapes. The event runs from noon-10 p.m., and the bar will be open. For more information, visit deadbirdgallery.com.

Art continues to fill spaces as Boise State’s Visual Arts Center hosts the art department’s MFA Thesis Exhibition with work by MFA students Matt Bodett, Erin Cunningham and Arin Lindstrom. Bodett’s exhibit is titled “Arrive Where We Started,” Cunningham will present “Confabulation,” and Lindstrom will show “Place: An Artist’s Experience In A Highly Mobile World.”

Cunningham is a longtime contributor to BW and we’re thrilled to see her, Bodett and Lindstrom reach this important turning point. The opening reception is Friday, March 11, from 6-8 p.m., and the exhibit continues through Friday, March 25, in both Gallery 1 (Liberal Arts Building) and Gallery 2 (Hemingway Center). For more information, visit artdept.boisestate.edu/vac.

Art filled every inch of space at this year’s Valentine’s for AIDS at Flying M in February, as close to 300 artists participated in this 18th year of the event. Each year we are astounded at the amount of money raised and this year is no different: The event raised $25,500 for SNAP. An important space now has a bit more money for art. Boise Art Museum received a $40,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation for the installation and exhibition of Mike Rathbun’s “Coordinates.”

The foundation also granted the Idaho Nonprofit Development Center $50,000 for its “strategic plan to strengthen capacity among Idaho nonprofits,” and the University of Idaho Foundation received $20,000 to help with the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. For more information on the foundation, visit pgafoundations.com.

Alan Heathcock sparks fictional town to life CHRISTIAN A. WINN Alan Heathcock sits down for coffee on a cool afternoon in his topcoat, black-framed glasses and newsboy cap looking happily serious and writerly. He pulls from his bag a freshly published paperback copy of his first book, the story collection Volt (Graywolf Press), and simply says, “Finished.”

And there on the cafe table before him sit eight bound stories, 207 pages of catastrophic floods, murder, bar fights, bowling-ball vandalism, unrequited love, grim hope, slim measures of peace and people—real and true people.

Each story stands alone in the collection giving It’s a hard-fought accomplishment for us a section of the whole and a new lens for Heathcock, who moved to Boise 10 years ago viewing the dramas of Heathcock’s well-develfrom his hometown of Chicago where he was oped, archetypal characters. enrolled in a Ph.D. program after receiving “At the book’s genesis, I had the idea that I a master’s of fine arts degree in fiction from wanted to write a comprehensive moral history Bowling Green State University. He moved of a town and its people—Krafton,” Heathhere to write and study under Robert Olmstead and Mitch Wieland in Boise State’s MFA cock says. “The whole point being that as humans we struggle with the same issues over program, and several of the stories in Volt got and over, especially the quintessential Ameritheir start during that time.

Heathcock, an adjunct professor of English can problems of war and grief, the nature of peace. I’ve always been interested in these at Boise State, has put in the good time, workissues, and I wanted stories about characters ing on his craft and artistic vision and making in one place, playing this stuff out. So now, in a life here in Boise as a father, husband, writer some ways I suppose, the book is a failure of and teacher of writing. He has continually my original vision, which was going to be 30 believed in the value of story, of creating big or 40 stories. I’m still writing about Krafton, truths with words, and has honed his art well enough to publish several of the Volt stories in and so it just may take me two or three collecprestigious journals like the Virginia Quarterly tions to get out the full vision.”

In Volt, Krafton operates as a kind of Review (where his story “Peacekeeper” won a any-town, in any place, at any time. To let National Magazine Award) and Francis Ford his stories be presented without presumption Coppola’s Zoetrope: All-Story. or prejudice, Heathcock has intentionally Now, on Friday, March 4, at the Linen removed all references to state or region when Building, Heathcock will launch Volt with a it comes to his rural town. He simply lays out reading and musical event, hosted by author his dramas along bleak country roads, within Anthony Doerr and featuring the apropos dim barrooms, tangled in the corridors of a Americana roots-rock of Hillfolk Noir. corn maze, floating the town’s main street— “In many ways, I can’t believe all this has Old Saints Road— come together,” Heaththus leaving it up to cock says. “I’m proud the reader to assign and a little humbled For more information, visit alanheathcock.com.

Krafton a specific place and probably more Friday, March, 4, doors at 6:30 p.m., reading on the map or in their than a little nervous.” at 7:15 p.m., FREE although donations will be spirit.

All eight stories accepted on behalf of The Cabin.

“Readers have come in Volt are set in and LINEN BUILDING up to me and said, around the fictional 1402 Grove St. ‘I know this is set in rural town of Krafton, 208-385-0111 thelinenbuilding.com Oregon.’ Or, ‘This all where Heathcock’s cast happened in North of characters—Sheriff Carolina, right?’ And Helen Farraley, Pastor I’m like, ‘Sure, absolutely,’” Heathcock says.

Hamby, Seamus the sharecropper, Walt Freely “There’s enough leeway that people can take a the shopkeeper and Jorgen Delmore, a young certain ownership of the stories, which I like. soldier, share the same stage, lacing into each My father, in fact, is convinced that several of others’ lives as the fabric of Krafton is prethe stories take place in the 1960s, which is a sented piece by piece. type of power he, as just one man, has over Volt is not intended to operate as a novelthese stories. And overall, I wanted to create in-stories or overtly present a larger narrative.

Alan Heathcock is like the Dr. Frankenstein of Krafton.

a place that was absolutely real and singular, without being caught up in the finite semantics of time and place.”

Within the characters of Heathcock’s Krafton there is a reticence, a tight-lipped pride that keeps the dynamic of Volt contained, terse and oblique, yet anything but simple. These people don’t always say what they mean or feel, but they mean and feel a lot. This over-arching trait Heathcock bestows upon his people is found similarly in his prose. His setting, character details and dialogue are taught, tangential and often complexly simple.

In “The Staying Freight,” the opening story of Volt, a description of the protagonist reads: “Thirty-eight and well respected, always brought dry grain to store, as sure a thing as a farmer could be. This was Winslow Nettles.”

And the middle-volume story “Smoke” opens: “A voice called his name. Vernon woke to the haze of dawn, and a figure slouched in through the open window beside his bed.

Vernon was hungover. His eyes pulsed, and he rubbed them to clear his vision.”

There’s a lot delivered here—vivid place, dramatic circumstance, troubled emotion— without there seeming to be much, an admirable trait of the collection and a testament to Heathcock’s skillful eye and serious work ethic.

His style has been described as “Knob Goth”—rural settings and troubled characters amid a darker, Gothic angle of storytelling—a moniker Heathcock doesn’t shy away from.

“I think that term, Knob Goth, says it pretty well,” Heathcock says. “As the book has been getting ready to come out, I’ve been trying to get my head around how to talk about it, how to explain what I’ve been writing about all these years. I think I wrote these stories with the intention of investigating things that scare and confound me, preoccupations that I’ve had. It’s just me trying to work out things in my mind—about war, violence, grief, death. It gets trickier for me to explain why I’m preoccupied with them, but I do my best to put characters through many a new test or trial.

That’s my way of explaining.”

—Amy Atkins

32 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 33

LISTINGS/SCREEN Opening

SCREEN/THE BIG SCREEN

THE HOCUS POCUS OF ANIMATION THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU—Matt Damon can do anything, and this time he is taking on politics—in this movie anyway. He plays an almostsenator who falls in love with the wrong woman (Emily Blunt). Do you believe in fate or is it all just a master plan? (PG-13) Edwards 9 BEASTLY—Easy-on-the-eyes couple Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer drop preconceived stereotypes to show that love has no superficial judgments. Too-cool-for-school Kyle encounters a wicked spell that leaves him disfigured and searching for true love. (PG-13) Edwards 22

RANGO—Voiced by Johnny Depp, Abigail Breslin and Alfred Molina, this animated feature follows a triumphant chameleon as he rises to a position of authority in a dusty Western town. (PG) Edwards 9, Edwards 22 TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT—This period film takes us all the way back to the late ’80s, when fishnets were for the arms and Madonna’s arms weren’t so frightening. Starring That 70’s Show’s Topher Grace and Scary Movie’s Anna Faris, this comedic farce shows the path that a career can take after dropping out of MIT and going to work in a video store. (R) Edwards 9, Edwards 22 WHITE MATERIAL—Set in war-torn Africa, French coffee plantation manager Maria (Isabelle Huppert) refuses to leave her fields and faces certain danger. French with English subtitles. See review at boiseweekly.com. (NR) Flicks

The Illusionist is an amazing sleight of hand GEORGE PRENTICE It is quite possible that the best performance in a motion picture for 2010 was not accomplished by a living person. The lead character in The Illusionist registers more insight into the human condition than any of his counterparts in live action cinema.

By now, we know that Toy Story 3 took home the Oscar for 2010’s best animated The Illusionist is another magical tale from the director who gave us The Triplets of Belleville. feature, but another nominee, The Illusionist, was equally deserving of a golden statuette. In the film takes on a Chaplin-esque feel. In fact, clip of Mon Oncle. Tati wrote the semi-autoan art form that has been hijacked by digital The Illusionist feels like a silent film, with its biographical script for The Illusionist in 1956 animation, director Sylvain Chomet offers a deliberate pacing and high emotions. Eventualbut it was never filmed. hand-drawn masterpiece. The Illusionist is ly, the young girl blossoms, finds love, and the The main character, a struggling magician, packed with watercolor-like landscapes of Britmagician slips away, barely missed, to another ain, France and Scotland that are breathtaking. is an animated version of Tati, a tall, rail-thin town. It turns out that his greatest illusion of loner. The illusionist lives a solitary life, carryChomet’s movie is pure homage to the all was helping a beautiful young lady magiing his top hat, rabbit French film icon and deck of cards from cally appear from what was once an urchin.

Jacques Tati. Little apThe fact that The Illusionist is hand drawn town to town, perpreciated in the United THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) and, not manufactured in some 3D bombast, forming before sparse States, Tati is cinematic Starring the voices of Jean-Claude Donda, and usually non-appre- is remarkable. The film combines grace, royalty in France. He’s Eilidh Rankin and Duncan MacNeil originality and style of the highest order. Each ciative audiences. an actor/director who Directed by Sylvain Chomet lovely frame is accompanied by a lovely score When he visits helmed only six feature Opens Friday, March 11, at The Flicks of music hall tunes, a staple of Chomet’s other an isolated fishing films, yet each was a films (The Triplets of Belleville, The Old Lady village in the Scottish master class in comedy. and the Pigeons). highlands, he meets His most famous film In 80 minutes, The Illusionist leaves you a young lady who is convinced that he is a was Mon Oncle, a 1958 Oscar winner even begging for more or, at the very least, for an makes a cameo appearance when the magician fine magician. She follows him to Edinburgh, encore. It’s magical. where he dotes on her as a father figure. Here ducks into a movie palace and we see a brief

Special Screenings FLY FISHING FILM TOUR—Check out high-def film footage of fly-fishing from around the world.

Also take advantage of special pricing on products and trip packages. Sponsored by Idaho Angler.

Friday, March 4, 7 p.m. $12-$15. Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-0454, egyptiantheatre.net.

LORDS OF NATURE—Special screening of the documentary that goes behind the scenes with scientists to explore the role of large predators in America’s wild ecosystems. Q&A with Ken Cole and Brian Ertz of Western Watersheds Project to follow the film. Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m. FREE. Idaho Outdoor 35 Association Grange Hall, Corner of Brazil and Wright streets, Boise.

34 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

SCREEN/THE TUBE aliens, aliens helped us get to the moon and the Third Reich rediscovered ancient alien technology to create “mercury-powered, anti-gravity flying machines.” (They If Seinfeld ran out of ideas, a documentary series may have just been airplanes. If not, though, the that purports to provide evidence of interstellar travelresults of Germany’s attempts at world domination ers visiting Earth thousands of years ago will lose moseem to indicate that the Nazi space magic didn’t mentum, too. But the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens work very well.) was renewed for a third season.

It’s difficult to imagine where the show goes from The premise—that antiquated cultures were more adhere—the big things have all been covered—and how the vanced than ours—is fundamentally ridiculous. It’s kind meetings for the third season went. of like sitcoms that feature kids who are smarter than “So what do you have?” their parents. In real life, they aren’t—just as, in real “Well, we’re gathering evidence to suggest toastlife, Mayan “technology” pretty much encompassed ers were given to humanity by Xythuu, minister of the Neolithic chiseling.

Skurilvian federation of galaxies.”

But people love magical explanations, and Ancient “Toasters?”

Aliens panders accordingly. One theory deals with “Yup—pretty cool, huh?” hieroglyphic portrayals of human-animal hybrids What if the conspiracy theorists are right? What and creatures wearing what appear to be space if the Egyptian pyramids are massive power plants/ helmets. Future anthropologists studying the ruins of time machines, and meanwhile, we’re wondering just Disneyland could similarly announce, “Some believe See the second part of the series, how far off the deep end Charlie Sheen will eventu“Underground Aliens,” on Wednesday, various depictions demonstrate evidence that mice ally go? Maybe it’s time to pay more attention to March 2, and the third part, “Alien owned dogs and that ducks were once sailors.”

Tech,” on Saturday, March 5, both at 8 Ancient Aliens.

Among the History Channel’s postulations so far: p.m. on the History Channel.

—Damon Hunzeker Construction of the Great Pyramids was aided by

ANCIENT ALIENS: SOON TO BE TELEPORTING THE SHARK

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LISTINGS/SCREEN NEW DVD RELEASE/SCREEN

THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: NIXON IN CHINA ENCORE—Opera about President Richard Nixon’s visit to China.

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. $18. Edwards Spectrum 22, 7709 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-377-9603, regmovies.com.

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For movie times, visit boiseweekly. com or scan this QR code.

PATRICE O’NEAL: ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

EDDIE GRIFFIN: YOU CAN TELL ’EM I SAID IT

Although Patrice O’Neal has been performing standup for years, he may be more recognizable for his talk show, movie and television appearances: Scary Movie 4, The Office, Chappelle’s Show and even Assy McGee. O’Neal is quick to smile and laugh along with his audience, his chuckle is as infectious as some of the sexually transmitted diseases the subjects of his jokes may be prone to. And the big comic shies away from nothing, taking on the trifecta of comedy: sex, women and the need for an official Harassment Day in the workplace in his first onehour special, Patrice O’Neal: Elephant in the Room. This uncensored, extended DVD— with bonus material—is not one for the kiddies.

Eddie Griffin, who has been performing since 1990, is another comic who made the transition to the big screen, although how successfully is debatable. He starred in Undercover Brother and appeared in Norbit, Scary Movie 3 and both Deuce Bigalow movies. But no one can argue with his success on the stage, which he proves in Eddie Griffin: You Can Tell ’Em I Said It. Griffin opens with a bit about how he would like to get all up in Michelle Obama and how he only voted for Barack because of her and his high-energy performance—at one point, he literally climbs the wall—is as energetic as ever. This uncensored DVD includes bonus features.

—Amy Atkins

T H E AT E R S EDWARDS 22 BOISE 208-377-9603, regmovies.com EDWARDS 9 BOISE 208-338-3821, regmovies.com EDWARDS 14 NAMPA 208-467-3312, regmovies.com THE FLICKS 208-342-4222, theflicksboise.com MAJESTIC CINEMAS MERIDIAN 208-888-2228, hallettcinemas.com

FOR SECOND-RUN MOVIES: NORTHGATE CINEMA COUNTRY CLUB REEL NAMPA REEL 208-377-2620, reeltheatre.com OVERLAND PARK $1 CINEMA 208-377-3072, opcmovies.com NORTHERN LIGHTS CINEMA AND GRILL 208-475-2999, northernlightscinemagrill.com

INTERNET/SCREEN RICHARD HAMMOND’S TECH HEAD Richard Hammond is a high-speed Englishman best known as the presenter of the longrunning, highly acclaimed British television series about cars Top Gear.

On his new web show, Hammond is quick to admit that he is fascinated by technology: “I love gadgets, gizmos and that little thing that you control your computer with.”

But Hammond knows little about how gadthe stress people suffer due to the gadgets gets work and has a hard time keeping up with that are supposed to make their lives easier: the changes constantly happening in technol“I wake up before my alarm because I ogy. So the self-proclaimed “technoramus” will use my mobile phone, and I’m afraid it won’t look at everything from go off.”

“Twitter to toasters, tanks The show will last 20 and telephones” and episodes and with the happy Watch Richard Hammond’s while he’s learning about Hammond hosting the threeTech Head on Youtube at them, will try to help viewyoutube.com/hammondtechhead. minute episodes, even the ers understand them, too. most technologically chalHammond will also look lenged will be able to follow. beyond the gizmos. In the —Amy Atkins episode “Tech Stress,” Hammond talks about WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 35

NEWS/REC GLENN LANDB ER G

REC GLENN LANDB ER G

BADWATER RISING Chet and Matt Pipkin are committed to spending some quality time together.

WING AND A PRAYER Chet and Matt Pipkin want to meet Oprah, but they need help to get her attention. The father/son duo is hosting an all-out campaign to pitch their story to the queen of all media before she goes off the air later this year.

The Pipkins are in the process of trying to break the world record for longest endurance flight by flying for 65 consecutive days without touching down. Beyond ending up in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Pipkins hope their adventure will help raise awareness of childhood sexual abuse and encourage victims to speak out.

The logistics of putting a small plane in the air for more than two months is a major challenge, but the two pilots are working to modify a plane to allow for air-to-air refueling (instead of air-to-ground as originally intended), as well as providing some sleeping space. Matt said he and his father have set a tentative fly date for spring 2012, but that depends on actually procuring an airplane and having the FAA approve the necessary modifications. They’re now working on getting some corporate sponsors to help nudge things along.

And no one can give as big a nudge as Lady O, so spreading the word of their campaign by going on the highest-rated talk show in history seems like a good way to get some exposure. The pair is running their “Look at us, Oprah,” effort from the Commit 65 website, commit65.org.

Visit the website for updates, as well as to download a conveniently pre-written letter that you can send to Oprah if you want the Pipkins to have a reason to fly to Chicago before their two-month stint.

Unfortunately, national support isn’t in the cards for the annual Bike Swap.

Organizers announced that they were forced to cancel what would have been the eighth annual event.

“We’ve had some great success with it, but it became pretty obvious some years back that the inventory was either being supplied by outside sellers or our stores,” said George’s Cycles Mike Cooley, one of the organizers. “The inventory being supplied by retailers was [low] in numbers.

What has happened this year is, we just don’t have any bikes left over.”

But Cooley talked it over with Vern Padaca of Team Therapeutic AssociatesDobbiaco Cycling & Multisport, George’s Cycles’ partner with for the swap, and they decided to go to an every-other year format, with plans to be swapping two-wheelers again in February 2012.

Local man readies to run “world’s toughest foot race” AMY ATKINS It starts at the lowest point in North America and ends at the base of the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Only 100 people are be invited to participate. Of those 100, only about 90 will show up at the starting line.

Not all of them will finish, and only some will complete the event in the 48 hours allotted. During those 48 hours, temperatures may be near 130 degrees at the start and closer to freezing at the finish line—135 miles away.

The Badwater Ultramarathon, now in its 34th year as a race, begins on July 11, at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, Calif., 282 feet below sea level, and ends on July 13 at Benjamin Blessing looks like a perfectly normal man. Little would you know that a the Whitney Portal on Mt. Whitney, which crazy ultramarathoner lurks under the surface. has an elevation of 8,360 feet. During the course of the ultramarathon, runners will they may not get a chance again so they put ascend and descend two mountain ranges for runner hydrated. their best effort forward.”

“I got terrible cramps and almost had to a cumulative vertical coverage of 13,000 feet.

The 2011 Badwater—which in past years go to the hospital,” Blessing said. But he finIt is referred to as “the world’s toughest foot has seen a 19-year-old, a 75-year-old and ished. “I was so proud and thought, ‘I have race,” and for 27-year-old Meridian man two blind finishers—will include participants to do a longer one.’”

Benjamin Blessing, who recently received his from more than 19 countries including the In the nearly three and a half years since acceptance letter, it’s the culmination of only 2010 men’s champion and a 16-time finisher. that first race, Blessing has run more than a few years of intense training.

The invitees include 70 men and 30 women, three dozen ultramarathons including his “You actually have to submit a resume, and the record time held by a man is just less second 150-mile run in December 2010—all and they won’t even look at it unless in order to build his resume for the Badwater than 23 hours, for a woman is a little more you’ve done at least three 100-mile runs. than 26 hours. The average finish time is Ultramarathon.

I was well within the limit,” Blessing said. around 40 hours—that’s nearly two days of Chris Koster is the founder and “Chief “I’ve done 10.” brutal exposure to the elements.

For Blessing, a music major at Northwest Adventure Officer” of AdventureCORPS Blessing joined a support crew (a group alNazarene University, his introduction to the Inc., an organization that produces exlowed to follow the runner) in the 2010 Badtreme sports events including the Badwater sport of ultramarathons—any marathon water to prepare for this year. From that and, Ultramarathon. Since founding Adventulonger than the standard 26 miles—came reCORPS in 1984, Koster, a runner himself, of course, running several ultramarathons by way of a tragedy. He was in the Maprior to this one, he has learned a couple of has seen hundreds just like Blessing take rines and he and a buddy were training for things that will aid in his success. on the Badwater, which his company began a Marine Corps marathon. They were in “Experience is making the right decisions Pennsylvania when his friend slipped from a producing in 2000. And just this year, the race became even more challenging. Runners after making the wrong ones,” Blessing said. waterfall and died.

“In 2008 I experimented using running gel used to have 60 hours to finish the race.

“That was a big bummer,” Blessing said, and energy chews. What I didn’t realize was This is the first year they have only 48. The his clipped speech wavering slightly. “After that overloading your body with sugar causes change, Koster said, has been made because that, my conductor got me a book about a you to have terrible diarrhea. I had that for everybody wants to guy who runs [ultrathe last 20 miles of a run.” win the prize. And, marathons]. I thought, In that same race, Blessing missed a few no, it’s not cash. It’s a ‘I want to run one of For more information on the race, spots with sunscreen and ended up with belt buckle. these for my buddy.’” visit badwater.com. second-degree burns. A 60-mile-plus race “It used to be 60 So he did. Blessing For more information on AdventureCORPS, in 2009 also taught him to always wear his [hours], but you had ran his first ultramavisit adventurecorps.com. glasses or protective goggles. Some dirt up to finish in 48 to get rathon—40 miles—in under his contacts scratched his corneas so the belt buckle. And late 2007. It didn’t go badly one of his eyes was actually gouged. everybody wants the so well.

But Blessing has discovered that overcombelt buckle,” Koster said, laughing. “So the “I was trained, and I was ready to go ing the physical aspects of the race is only last three or four years, only a few people … but I’d only run a half marathon before part of the battle. were requiring more than 48 hours. The that, so I was really scared,” Blessing said.

“Mental fortitude is the name of the His parents, who were acting as his de facto field just kept getting faster, not necessarily just the front couple of people but the whole game,” Blessing said. “If you don’t mind, it pit crew, forgot to put salt in his water field. And it’s an invitational ... people know doesn’t matter.” bottles—an important element in keeping a

—Amy Atkins and Deanna Darr

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

LISTINGS/REC Register BEAT THE DOC FUN RUN AND CANINE CANTER—5K-loop course including off-road trails and a gravel road to be held on Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m.

Register online at spondoro. com through race day. $30.50$35.50, plus $5 for your dog.

Eagle Island State Park, 2691 Mace Road, Eagle.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 3.1—Techniques to deal with pain and keep you moving this spring.

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.

FREE. Therapeutic Associates, 415 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Suite 114, Boise, 208-433-9211, therapeuticassociates.com.

SNOW BATTLE—Gather six of your buddies and prepare for the ultimate snow battle. Inspired by Yukigassen, this event combines soccer, paintball and capture the flag, played in the snow.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. in front of the lodge. Battles begin at noon. See Picks, Page 18.

Noon-3 p.m., FREE. Brundage Mountain Resort, 3890 Goose Lake Road, McCall, 1-800-8887544, brundage.com.

PLAY/REC LAU RA COLSON

CITY LEAGUE SOFTBALL—It’s time to register to play softball this summer. There are a variety of leagues, each of which will play weekday evenings from midApril to mid-July for a total of 10 games and a possible tournament at the end of the season.

Players must be 16 years or older. Fees vary depending on league. Visit cityofboise.org/ parks for more info. Register March 7-11 at Boise City Recreation office, 110 Scout Lane, Boise, 208-384-4256, cityofboise.org/parks.

MIDGET MANIA—The greatest little show on earth. Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m. $15-$25. Qwest Arena, 233 S. Capitol Blvd., 208424-2200 or box office 208-3318497, qwestarenaidaho.com.

DRY CREEK HALF MARATHON—Half marathon to be held on Saturday, April 2, at 10 a.m. Course starts and finishes at the Merc at the Hidden Springs town square and is part of the La Sportiva Mountain Cup Series. Register online at bluecirclesports.com through race day. $38.

LES BOIS 10K TRAIL RUN 2011—10K run to be held on Saturday, March 5. Course is out-and-back on dirt trails, 3.1 miles each way, behind Fort Boise Park. Register online at bluecirclesports.com through race day. $28.

TENTH ANNUAL HORNET 5K RUN/WALK—This 5K race to be held on Saturday, April 30, at 9:30 a.m. is open to everyone, and will be followed by a postrace party, including music, refreshments and raffle prizes.

Proceeds will benefit junior high athletics. Register at Shu’s Running Company, East Junior High School or their website at east-jh.schoolfusion.us through April 29. $20. East Junior High School, 415 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-854-4730, boiseschools.org/schools/east.

WEISER RIVER TRAIL 50K RELAY AND SOLO RUN—Run this 50K solo or with a team on the trails from Council to Midvale on the scenic Weiser River Trail.

Race to be held on Saturday, April 30, with staggered start times beginning at 9 a.m. Register online at bluecirclesports. com through the day of the race. $60 solo, $200 per team of five.

Events & Workshops BOISE STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL—Vs. Cal State Bakersfield Wednesday, March 2. Vs. San Jose State Saturday, March 5.

7:05 p.m. $5.50-$15. Taco Bell Arena, 1910 University Drive, Boise, 208-426-1900, tacobellarena.com.

GIRLS ONLY HOCKEY CLINIC— Girls can try their hand at playing ice hockey. Skates, sticks and helmets will be provided. Register online at idahoiceworld.com.

Wednesday, March 9, 7-8 p.m.

FREE. Idaho IceWorld, 7072 S. Eisenman Road, Boise, 208-3310044, www.idahoiceworld.com.

A NEW BRAND OF CATTLE BRANDER In our automated society It’s easy to lose sight of the way things used to be. Global efficiency is now the name of the game and genetically modified food and outsourcing dominate our national food supply. But living in Idaho we are fortunate to have access to some agricultural sectors that require a little grit and elbow grease to get the job done.

A few Saturdays ago, I stumbled upon a good ol’ fashioned cattle branding in Homedale on the Wattersen Ranch. Being a true city slicker, I had no idea what I was in for. I expected it to be a fairly simple process—just marking cows for the slow train to the pneumatic hammer. It was a good deal more complex than I expected and in no way easy for an urbanite like me to watch.

The yearlings were rounded up by wranglers on horseback, tied, pinned and then subjected to what might be the most traumatic five minutes of their lives. These young heifers and bulls are vaccinated and have their ears clipped (the tips are cut off with a razor sharp knife), the bulls are castrated and then all of the cattle are marked with a piping-hot branding iron straight out of the fire.

As tough as this process was to watch for a first timer, it is a way of life on Wattersen Ranch. It was humbling to see this side of Idaho cattle ranching, and I am now considerably more conscious of what it takes to produce real Idaho beef.

After a few observational rounds, I jumped in the corral and pinned a few cows myself. It looked easy from the other side of the fence, but I assure you, it takes at least as much finesse as muscle to get the cow positioned correctly and safely.

After the cattle are branded, fixed, clipped and set loose in the corral, they take a few moments to process the experience, before going back to their normal cow lives. The process ensures that a proper head count is maintained on the ranch and that the cows are healthy for consumption.

All said and done, my trip to Homedale proved to be an informative and fun one. We were welcomed as friends, encouraged to participate in any element of the branding that we were comfortable with (apart from those strictly reserved for the veterinary and professional staff), and enjoyed a fantastic chili feast at the end of the day ... a true Idaho experience.

—Andrew Mentzer

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BOISEweekly | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 37

NEWS/FOOD PATR IC K S W EENEY

FOOD

THE BACON HUDDLE Together, Plan B and Bacon sound like the shameful brunch of a Hollywood starlet.

Apart, they’re the official names of two new ventures we mentioned in Food News last week that Chef John Berryhill will be opening in the coming months.

Plan B will open at 5 p.m. daily adjacent to Berryhill and Co.’s main banquet rooms, where the restaurant hosts its famous buffet brunch on Sundays. The small lounge features a number of plush, dark leather couches and chairs and a couple of big screen TVs. It will feature a few beers on tap with a full bar including fine scotches.

Bacon, on the other hand, will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. serving a selection of dine-in or to-go salads, sandwiches, paninis, soups and Italian strata. There will also, of course, be bacon—eight to 10 different kinds.

Berryhill projects that Plan B should be open in the next week or so, while Bacon is slated to open its doors at the end of March.

If fine scotch and fried pork aren’t enough to scratch your man-itch, there’s a new sports pub that recently opened in the former Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone space at 205 N. 10th St. The Huddle is a basic, nofrills sports bar—tons of big screen TVs, 12 beers on tap, including a few microbrews, and a dudely grub menu featuring pub staples like burgers, wings and nachos.

Huddle will have its official grand opening on Friday, March 4, with 2-for-1 drafts from 4 p.m.-close and $2 off apps. The space will open seven days a week at 11 a.m. The pub carries all of the major sports packages on 10 TVs, and owners also plan to install a pool table or foosball tables upstairs.

Popular downtown Asian joint Mai Thai unveiled a new Japanese fusion happy hour menu called Izakaya on March 1.

“The last big thing that came from Japan, gastronomically speaking, was sushi,” said barkeep Michael Reed. “But apparently there’s another big tradition that’s been going on for the last century called Izakaya.”

According to Reed, Izakaya refers to a not-quite-bar, not-quite-restaurant where people gather for drinks and small plates after school or work. It’s essentially a Japanese version of tapas. Mai Thai’s new Izakaya menu is available all the time in the bar and features $3, $5 and $7 small plates, including dishes like beef katsu, miso marinated salmon and eggplant donkaku.

—Tara Morgan

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GU Y HAND

What about ka-Bob? Grub at The Huddle.

ROE, ROE, ROE YOUR BOAT Idaho caviar industry is in the black GUY HAND Travelers whizzing past Southern Idaho’s sagebrush desert on I-84 are likely thinking about anything but caviar. Rattlesnakes, lava rocks and the next restroom, sure. But not glistening black beads of high-end sturgeon roe.

And yet, just to the south of the highway, often hidden below the rim of the Snake River Canyon, flows its namesake river, home to one of the world’s oldest living species of vertebrates and one of America’s newest forms of aquaculture: sturgeon. With fossil records dat- population, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Idaho Aquaculture Association and ing back 150 million years, these giant fish are native to the Snake River, but sturgeon farming the College of Southern Idaho began catching native sturgeon in the late 1980s, breeding along its shores is only about 10 years old. In that short time, though, Idaho has become one them in captivity. Fish and Game used most of the eggs to bolster the native population but of America’s major caviar producers.

“There’s some of the big mammas ready for provided the surplus to fish farmers like Ray, thus creating both a conservation program and caviar,” says Leo Ray. a new species for Idaho’s aquaculture industry.

Ray, an Idaho sturgeon farming pioneer, “It’s a very enjoyable fish to work with,” points just past his shoes as a huge sturgeon Ray says in his soft Oklahoma drawl. silently swims down one of several, 100-footThe female sturgeon live for up to 10 years long concrete raceways at Fish Processors of before maturing enough to harvest for meat Idaho, his fish farm near Hagerman. With and caviar—in the wild, sturgeon can live for a spring water, geothermal resources and close century or more. proximity to the Snake River, the Hagerman “And it’s a new species,” Ray says. “So Valley is Idaho’s fish-farming epicenter, and everything you do you’re learning.”

Ray has farmed species like trout, tilapia and When it comes to fish and fish farming, Ray catfish here for decades. Sturgeon is a new likes to learn. Back in Oklahoma during his fascination for him. college days, he planned to major in wildlife “That fish is about 7 or 8 feet long, weighs conservation. Then, when Ray was an underabout 200 pounds,” Ray says of the partially graduate, a professor with a new grant asked armored, slightly menacing-looking white Ray to assist him in a study of catfish and sturgeon that slides by. “The biggest one we catfish farming. Ray never actually processed weighed looked back. He went on to about 250 to 275 pounds.” build a catfish farm in CaliThe largest sturgeon fornia, then in 1973 moved ever recorded being pulled to the Hagerman Valley. from the Snake River was “[I] saw the hot water and a 1,500-pound mammoth built a catfish farm,” Ray caught in 1911 not far from says.

Ray’s place, just below Upper Thirty years later, in 2003, Salmon Falls. Early Idaho Ray made his first batch settlers often caught sturgeon of caviar, a diminutive 20 on thick rope lines. Some of pounds worth. Although those fish were more than caviar production isn’t com12 feet long, their tails were plicated, it is precision work, said to drag on the ground requiring a delicate touch in as they were hauled away in FISH PROCESSORS order to produce a product that horse-drawn wagons. But dam OF IDAHO can compete against the best construction, beginning in the Box 479, Hagerman fpi@qwestoffice.net caviars in the world.

1950s, quickly cut the range idahosbounty.org “In this room we separate and food sources available to the eggs from the ovary by sturgeon. Today the fish still passing them across these swim the Snake River but in screens,” Ray says as two women in hairnets much smaller numbers. and gloves deftly dislodge sturgeon roe that In an attempt to increase that remnant

Caviar connoisseur Leo Ray is a stur-gentleman.

may sell for close to $100 an ounce—quality, and therefore price, can vary from fish to fish.

One of those women weighs the caviar on a small scale, calculating how much salt to add and then carefully folds the salt into the fragile, glossy-black eggs. The mixture rests for a few minutes and is then hand-packed into small tins where the caviar may cure for anywhere from a few days to several years.

Idaho’s farmed sturgeon industry began growing just as wild stocks of the famed Caspian Sea fish, like beluga from Russia and Iran, were falling into steep decline.

“When the Soviet Union controlled most of the countries around the Caspian Sea, the Soviet Union had a very good management program,” Ray explains. “When the Soviet Union collapsed, that controlled program collapsed. As a result the Caspian Sea was over harvested.”

Several years ago, national and international organizations enacted bans on the sale and importation of Caspian and Black Sea caviar. Idaho wasn’t alone in taking advantage of those bans. Farmed sturgeon industries opened in Europe, China and Uruguay as well as America.

Idaho, California and Florida are the only U.S. states seriously involved in sturgeon farming and caviar production. California dwarfs the others in volume, but Idaho remains unique in basing its industry on native fish and raising those fish in raceways supplied by spring water. Ray says that gives Idaho a big advantage over California and Florida, where fish are raised in large tanks supplied by recirculated groundwater.

“You can taste the Idaho spring water in our caviar,” he says.

But what impact does sturgeon farming have on Idaho’s spring water?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, which evaluates the environmental consequences of fishing and fish farming through its Seafood Watch program, rates farmed 39 American caviar and sturgeon meat as WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

CON’T/FOOD DISH/FOOD Restaurants get one chance to hit BW with their best shot.

LEILA R AM ELLA- R ADER

Mo-rock-rock-rockin’ on heaven’s door.

ASIAGO’S Over the last two years, Asiago’s executive chef Floyd Loomis and owner Jason Driver have pushed the restaurant’s menu beyond its Italian borders. Alongside its regular fair, the nearly decade-old downtown Boise eatery now serves fusion food like ginger lime prawns with red curry risotto ($21.95) Thai-talian pasta ($15.95) and chicken Morocco ($17.95).

I particularly love Moroccan food, with its spicy tangle of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African flavors.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to try the chicken Morocco, a chicken breast stuffed with Moroccan sausage over orzo pasta topped with olives, capers, red peppers and preserved lemon. Brined in salt and its own juices, preserved lemon is one of my favorites and a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine. With its bright, ineffable flavor, preserved lemon can transform any dish it touches.

My meal arrived as a lovely looking, vertical composition.

The rice-shaped orzo formed a base for a golden, half chicken breast topped with a generous layer of minced olive tapenade and two glistening lemon slices.

ASIAGO’S Asiago’s was the first 1002 Main St. restaurant I reviewed for the 208-336-5552 Idaho Statesman, nearly threeasiagos.com Lunch: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m-4 years ago to the day. Back then p.m; Dinner: Mon.-Sun., 4 I wrote “the rough brick and p.m. to close. matte gold walls, the tiled floor, the retro-Italian posters ... all worked to warm what was outside a decidedly frigid February afternoon.” The place is still as pleasant. I enjoy the restaurant’s casually open, elegant feel, its cozy Tuscany-meets-Napa vibe and its attentive waitstaff.

On a recent frigid February night, my first bite of chicken mingled with orzo and minced olives was just right. There was a salty richness to it all. With the second bite, I got a forkful of stuffing—more cheesy and bready than the advertised sausage suggests but good—with hints of cinnamon and allspice.

By bite number three or four, I got a slice of that much anticipated lemon … but rather than preserved lemon, it was simply grilled. Chef Loomis later informed me that the preserved stuff was chopped into the orzo, but I couldn’t taste it. Nor could I taste the buttery bite of good olive oil. Without those signature flavors, the meal was muted—let’s say pleasantly passable— but lacking the high notes that can make Moroccan food sing.

I appreciate Asiago’s attempt at dishes from beyond Italy, but in going global, I wonder if it’s also losing a little of that oh-so-Italian knack for simple, singular ingredients.

—Guy Hand

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“good” consumer choices. In a 2007 report, the aquarium concluded that the risk of farmed sturgeon escaping into the wild or associated pollution harming native populations was low. The organization did express concern over the industry’s “extensive use of marine resources in the form of feed,” meaning that large carnivores like sturgeon require commensurately large amounts of fish protein and fish oil to survive. Those feeds are sourced from wild fisheries, but Ray says research is being done to produce fish meal that uses fewer wild ocean resources.

Terry Patterson, professor in the aquaculture program at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, says there’s also another potential positive environmental consequence of sturgeon farming.

“I hope the farm-raised product and that entrepreneurial spirit in Idaho and around the world helps take some of the pressure off the illegal harvest of some of the endangered stocks,” Patterson says.

Ray’s Fish Processors of Idaho now produces 300 pounds of caviar a year.

He hopes to increase that dramatically as more of his farmed sturgeon mature.

Although Ray only sells his caviar domestically, he’s gotten requests from as far away as Israel and Australia.

George H.W. Bush served a batch of Ray’s caviar at a party a few years ago.

After spending a little time with Ray, you get the impression that he’s far less motivated by the highliving, celebrity side of the caviar business than by his nearly lifelong interest in the science of aquaculture.

Sturgeon and sturgeon caviar are just new aquacultural challenges that keep him engaged.

“Well, that’s what makes fish farming so enjoyable,” Ray says. “You’re working in a very clean environment, a very enjoyable environment. And there’s a romance to fish.”

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TREND/FOOD CUSTOM ICE The concept seems simple enough: Big, glacierlike hunks of ice melt slower in sippable drinks than smaller, machine–made cubes. Bartenders across the country have embraced custom-cut ice as a way to cool their creations without watering them down.

“We put large ice in cocktails where we want the cocktail to stay cold but dilute slowly,” says Modern Hotel bartender Michael Bowers.

The Modern takes special pains to ensure its custommade ice cubes are clear and bubble-free.

“What we do is we freeze in hotel pans … and then cut the ice with a hammer and chisel,” says Bowers. “If you freeze in a mold, all of the suspended air doesn’t freeze ... that’s what makes ice cubes cloudy.”

Though the process is a bit arduous, Bowers explains that large, cut-to-order ice is a tradition that stretches back to the beginning of cocktail culture.

“It started in the 19th century. Before ice machines, ice came from lakes and rivers and was cut off in enormous chunks and transported in enormous chunks, and cut by bartenders to order for each drink,” explains Bowers.

Red Feather has also embraced custom-made ice as an innovative way to present its drinks.

“We’ve gone from spherical ice to column ice to nice, perfectly 1-inch-cubed ice,” says bartender Mark Allen.

“They’re all for different purposes.”

For some boozy, big ice action, check out the Modern’s Devil Heart or Red Feather’s Averee.

—Tara Morgan

The Modern’s Devil Heart.

40 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

FOOD/WINE SIPPER

MALBEC While it originated in France, malbec has achieved its greatest success in Argentina. In the past 10 years there has been an explosion in the number of Argentine malbecs available in the valley. Given the ripe and lush character of the wines, coupled with their reasonable (for the most part) pricing, it’s no wonder that they have gained such popularity. Here are this week’s top picks: 2007 FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC, $16.99 Lovely, lightly sweet aromas pour from the glass, highlighted by supple raspberry, vanilla, coffee, cedar and just a whiff of mint. This is a very well-integrated and nicely structured wine with impeccable balance where creamy cherry, berry and plum fruit fill the palate. The finish shows remarkable persistence and is colored by anise, chocolate and chamomile tea.

2008 LOPEZ NOCETI 1919 MALBEC, $11.99 Although Noceti is a fairly new winery (founded in 1998), the vineyards they own were first planted in 1919—thus the name. There’s an enticing earth and herbal quality to the nose of this wine, marked by crushed red berry, green tea and soft oak aromas. The flavors are well balanced, offering ripe cherry and dark plum fruit that’s matched by just the right hit of acidity. Soft tannins come through on the finish.

2008 LUCA MALBEC, $28 Best known for her role at Bodega Catena Zapata, this is Laura Catena’s no-expense-spared attempt to make smalllot, world-class wine.

Named for her first-born child, Catena’s malbec has beautifully expansive aromas with heady plum and blackberry fruit, backed by dusty mineral and mocha. The flavors are rich, but not overwhelming, with ripe cherry, dark chocolate and a light touch of licorice. The pursuit of perfections has its price.

—David Kirkpatrick WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M

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BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 41

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42 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S

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MU S IC BW MUSIC INSTRUCTION

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PETS

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PLEASE HELP LOST PUPPY Please help lost PUPPY! Very Special puppy lost Downtown last night. Please help us find him! No collar name is Cooper small mix breed. 377-5489 or 703-0980.

ROCKY THE ROCKSTAR DOG 5 yr. old black cocker spaniel.

Great companion for anyone. He loves being around his people.

Very mellow dog who doesn’t bark at much besides the doorbell or a knock at the door. Would do best in a smoke free home.

He gets icky skin around smoke.

Asking a re-homing fee for him.

This might be waived for the right people. Does great on car rides.

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

MAX: Five--year-old male brindle Rottweiler and Shar-Pei mix. Big, agreeable dog (98 pounds) is happy with people and easy on the leash. (Kennel 317- #12337556)

FRAK: Four-year-old male domestic shorthair. Indoor cat who is litterbox-trained. Good with young kids, dogs and other cats. (Kennel 122- #12465849)

DANI: Three-year-old female tri-colored hound mix. Good with dogs and house-trained. Gentle, moderate energy level and friendly. (Kennel 425- #12390312)

CARLA: Two-year-old female Lab and Shar-Pei mix. Nice-sized dog (50 pounds) needs daily exercise. (Kennel 416#12406090)

TOONCES: Ten-monthold male domestic longhair. Sweet temperament. Purrs nonstop when he’s being held.

Litterbox-trained. (Kennel 55- #12436693)

MARTY: Five-year-old male longhair. Mellow cat who is litterboxtrained and declawed on his front paws. Onecat house only. (Kennel 34- #12437904)

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

OAK: I am a giant declawed sweetheart.

WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M

CHAPLIN: Talented young actor seeks friend for life. (FIV+)

RICOTTA: Sweet mellow older kitten waiting for furever family.

BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 43

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BA RT E R BW BARTER

VISIT | www.boiseweekly.com E-MAIL | classified@boiseweekly.com CALL | (208) 344-2055 ask for Jill HOMECARE: PT/LIVE-IN Intuitive & compassionate. My services include all mundane venues. 208-856-0335 or 808854-7176.

SE R V I CE S BW HOME

EAT HERE

NYT CROSSWORD |

13 Pickle juices 19 Go-getter 20 Hometown of old radio’s Fibber McGee and Molly

ACROSS 1 Words before a discounted price 7 TV network force

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24 Did sleight of hand with

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44 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S

95

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25 Food often dipped in soy sauce 26 Band whose 1998 song “One Week” was #1 for one week 29 Tennis’s Ivanisevic 30 Astrologer to the rich and famous 33 Softens 34 More furtive 36 PC key 37 Lab instructor?

39 Reduced amount?

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23 Not level

24 26

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21 Noted parent in tabloids

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WUNDERBAR! BY ELIZABETH C. GORSKI / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

116 117 118

40 1950s pinup queen ___ Page 42 Spartan walkway 43 Bridge position 44 ___ generis 45 “After you” 46 Pear variety 48 Milky Way, for one 50 Didn’t accept, with “on” 53 One way for drivers to turn 55 NASA recruiting site 56 In the past, once 60 “Give ___ rest!”

61 ___-ray Disc 63 Gift from above 65 Shreve who wrote “The Pilot’s Wife” 66 Onetime head of the Medellín drug cartel 69 Mattel announced their breakup in 2004 71 Name in 2000 headlines 72 Set up 76 Alphabet trio 77 Tapping site 78 Big name in lens care 79 Dernier ___ 80 Sandler’s “Spanglish” co-star 82 With good order 84 Classic western slugfest 87 It’s just below a B 89 Really use an opportunity well 92 CPR pro 93 Slinky, e.g.

94 Togo’s capital 98 Writer/philosopher Hannah 99 General name on a menu?

100 Three-stringed instruments 102 Roman 1,002 103 Children’s song refrain 105 “Death of a Salesman” role 106 Best Buy buy 107 Wars, in ancient Rome 109 Plan on ordering a drink, say

112 Loose 114 Actress Dolores of the silent era 115 Brand advertised with a cow 119 Member of an assaulting party 120 Leveling tool 121 Blue boys?

122 Fervid 123 Choir supports 124 Currency replaced by the euro

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

Rushing stat: Abbr.

Popeye’s gal Juan’s one New Year’s Eve wear Egyptian god of the universe 6 “Star Wars” guru 7 Beseeches 8 Resolved 9 Suitcase convenience 10 “Aunt ___ Cope Book” 11 Multicolored 12 Really mean 13 Giving orders 14 Pioneer in quadraphonic records 15 “I love this!”

16 Big Apple neighborhood 17 Gulf state 18 Civil war locale beginning in 1991 22 Made, as money 27 Sharply reprimanded 28 Just 30 Takes too much 31 Witty saying 32 Fifth word of the Gettysburg Address 35 W.W. II craft 38 Etui item 39 Jails, in British slang 41 Finis 44 Drop 45 Quiet transportation 47 Simon of Duran Duran 48 ___-Magnon 49 Present opener?

50 Parade tootler 51 Dickens title opener 52 Vaccine pioneer

54 “The Killing Fields” actor Haing S. ___ 57 “___-Tikki-Tavi” 58 Word with plate or plant 59 Like grapefruit juice 62 Grp. whose seal has the words “This we’ll defend” 64 Irving Bacheller novel “___ Holden” 65 Caper 67 Ralph ___ né Lifshitz 68 Steal 70 Equal in height 73 Avis alternative 74 Lizard look-alike 75 Football score abroad 79 South American animal with a snout 81 Quarantine advocates 83 Part of the next-to-last line of the Lord’s Prayer 85 “My stars!”

86 Mend, in a way, as a metal joint 88 Lounge in many a hotel 89 Fearsome snakes 90 Mozart’s “Un bacio di mano,” e.g.

91 Garrison in Minnesota 93 More like Bette Midler stage shows L A S T

P O S T A S T O W H A T T E W O E A S P I T H E D T A N T A S H A G T E L A X L R C A S H T O O V A P A R O M G S O A P S O M A U S E N M E S S

I L S A

T A M S

C A V R I L I H O B O S

O S A K A

I B L E

L A I T

95 Green-lights 96 Common middle name for a girl 97 Biblical verb ending 99 Cravat holder 100 Recurring Matt Damon title role 101 Not out 104 “The Great Movies” author 105 Actor Waggoner and others 108 Product of fatback 110 Italian author Primo 111 Recipe abbr.

113 Brig. ___ 116 Rap’s Dr. ___ 117 Little amphibian 118 Hush-hush grp.

Go to www.boiseweekly. com and look under extras for the answers to this week’s puzzle. Don't think of it as cheating.

Think of it more as simply double-checking your answers.

W E E K ’ S

S T Y B E R A V I I N C E N I S T E R F I V E E S E R O M A N

S T I G P E G L A R L I N O B L S O A M C I B A O M E R S P A C T E M E L A A L O R C L D A H O D B Y T S E A S P E R A A R S B L G O R O O N E

A N S W E R S

M E N A A R T E B L U S H E S A E R

A G E R F O S T C O A B A P R O Y N K O E B N E T E R R A N I

S I L O D A R L A E R A

E T O N

A S P S O N N E T N T O N E Y Z O N E X K A L E M I E R E E L I T C R A F T I A B L E D L E X M E A T R S A N G E S R B E L L A C T I I L A D S T U T A C K S N U K E S S T Y L E

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

UPSIDE DOWN ON YOUR HOME? House value dropped? Loss of Income? Behind on your payment?

If you own a home & answered yes to any of these three questions you may be a candidate for a short sale of your home. Don’t just walk away from your home!!

This could lead to severe consequences to you in the future. Let us negotiate with your bank on your behalf & help you to unburden yourself! Unsure what your options are or how a short sale works? We offer a FREE consultation. Simply visit www.challenger-

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boisehomes.com Click the Short Sale link to get started. There is no obligation, but we feel you deserve to know what options are available to you. We are fast to respond and helping our clients is our top priority! Krista 208-8601650 & Heidi 208-440-5997, Market Pro Real Estate. Your first and last stop for short sale help!

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CAREERS

N O T IC E S BW LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE Case No.: CVNC1102415 A Petitioner to change the name of Gale Faber, born 2-1-54 in Prosser, WA, residing at 9426 W. Rodda Mill Boise, has been filed in Ada County District Court, Idaho. The name will change to Gale Woodworth

Faber because I have no middle name & I wish to use maiden name as middle. The petitioner’s father is living and his address is 785 L Loop, Baker City, OR and The petitioner’s mother is living and her address is 785 L Loop Baker City, OR. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for 1:30 o’clock p.m. on April 12, 2011, at the Country Courthouse. Objections may be filed by any person who can show the court a good reason against the name change.

Date: February 7, 2011.

By: Debra Urizar , Deputy Clerk Pub. March 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2011.

C O N N E C T IO N S E C T IO N

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BOISEweekly C L A S S I F I E D S | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | 45

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): “The most fundamental form of human stupidity is forgetting what we were trying to do in the first place,” said Friedrich Nietzsche.

So for instance, if you’re the U.S. government and you invade and occupy Afghanistan in order to wipe out Al-Qaida, it’s not too bright to continue fighting. What’s the equivalent in your personal life, Aries? What noble aspiration propelled you down a winding path that led to entanglements having nothing to do with your original aspiration? It’s time to correct the mistake.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The Carnival season gets into full swing this weekend and lasts through Mardi Gras next Tuesday night. I suggest you use this as an excuse to achieve new levels of mastery in the art of partying. Of all the signs of the zodiac, you’re the one that is most in need of and most deserving of getting immersed in rowdy festivities that lead to maximum release and relief. To get you in the right mood, read these thoughts from literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin. He said a celebration like this is a “temporary liberation from the prevailing truth and from the established order,” and encourages “the suspension of all hierarchical rank, privileges, norms and prohibitions.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When Bob Dylan first heard the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, he only made it through the first few tunes. “Turn that shit off!” he said. “It’s too good!”

He was afraid his own creative process might get intimidated if he allowed himself to listen to the entire masterpiece. I suspect the exact opposite will be true for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. As you expose yourself to excellence in your chosen field, you’ll feel a growing motivation to express excellence yourself. The inspiration that will be unleashed in you by your competitors will trump any of the potentially deflating effects of your professional jealousy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Jungian storyteller Clarissa Pinkola Estes says one of her main influences is the Curanderismo healing tradition from Mexico and Central America.

“In this tradition a story is ‘holy,’ and it is used as medicine,” she told Radiance magazine. “The story is not told to lift you up, to make you feel better, or to entertain you, although all those things can be true. The story is meant to take the spirit into a descent to find something that is lost or missing and to bring it back to consciousness again.” You need stories like this, Cancerian, and you need them now. It’s high time to recover parts of your soul that you have neglected or misplaced or been separated from.

46 | MARCH 2–8, 2011 | BOISEweekly

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ve been pretty smart lately, but I think you could get even smarter.

You have spied secrets in the dark and teased out answers from unlikely sources and untangled knots that no one else has had the patience to mess with— and yet I suspect there are even greater glories possible for you.

For inspiration, Leo, memorize this haiku-like poem by Geraldine C. Little: “The white spider / whiter still / in the lightning’s flash.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I wouldn’t try to stop you, Virgo, if you wanted to go around singing the Stone Roses’ song “I Wanna Be Adored.” I wouldn’t be embarrassed for you if you turned your head up to the night sky and serenaded the stars with a chant of “I wanna be adored, I deserve to be adored, I demand to be adored.” And I might even be willing to predict that your wish will be fulfilled—on the condition that you also express your artful adoration for some worthy creature.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug,” said Mark Twain. Because the difference between the right word and the almost-right word will be so crucial for you in the coming days, Libra, I urge you to maintain extra vigilance toward the sounds that come out of your mouth. But don’t be tense and repressed about it. Loose, graceful vigilance will work better. By the way, the distinction between right and almost-right will be equally important in other areas of your life. Be adroitly discerning.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Dear Rob: In your horoscopes you often write about how we Scorpios will encounter interesting opportunities, invitations to be powerful and creative breakthroughs. But you rarely discuss the deceptions, selfish deeds and ugliness of the human heart that might be coming our way— especially in regard to what we are capable of ourselves. Why do you do this? My main concern is not in dealing with what’s going right, but rather on persevering through difficulty. —Scorpio in the Shadows.” Dear Scorpio: You have more than enough influences in your life that encourage you to be fascinated with darkness. I may be the only one that’s committed to helping you cultivate the more undeveloped side of your soul: the part that thrives on beauty and goodness and joy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Acupuncturists identify an energetic point in the ear called the spirit gate. If it’s stuck closed, the spirit is locked in; if it’s stuck open, the spirit is always coming and going,

restless and unsettled. What’s ideal, of course, is that the spirit gate is not stuck in any position. Then the spirit can come and go as it needs to, and also have the option of retreating and protecting itself. I’d like you to imagine that right now a skilled acupuncturist is inserting a needle in the top of your left ear, where it will remain for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, visualize your spirit gate being in that state of harmonious health I described.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his parody music video, “Sickest Buddhist,” comedian Arj Barker invokes a hip-hop sensibility as he brags about his spiritual prowess. Noting how skilled he is when it comes to mastering his teacher’s instructions, he says, “The instructor just told us to do a 45-minute meditation / but I nailed it in 10.” I expect you will have a similar facility in the coming week, Capricorn: Tasks that might be challenging for others may seem like child’s play to you.

I bet you’ll be able to sort quickly through complications that might normally take days to untangle.

(See the NSFW video here: tinyurl.com/illBuddhist.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The sixth astronaut to walk on the moon was engineer Edgar Mitchell. He asserts that extraterrestrials have visited Earth and that governments are covering up that fact. The second astronaut to do a moonwalk was engineer Buzz Aldrin. He says that there is unquestionably an artificial structure built on Phobos, a moon of Mars. Some scientists dispute the claims of these experts, insisting that aliens are myths. Who should we believe?

Personally, I lean toward Mitchell and Aldrin. Having been raised by an engineer father, I know how unlikely it is for people with that mindset to make extraordinary claims. If you have to choose between competing authorities anytime soon, Aquarius, I recommend that like me, you opt for the smart mavericks instead of the smart purveyors of conventional wisdom.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If I were you, Pisces, I’d make interesting fun your meme of the week. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will be fully justified in making that your modus operandi and your raison d’etre. For best results, you should put a priority on pursuing experiences that both amuse you and captivate your imagination. As you consider whether to accept any invitation or seize any opportunity, make sure it will teach you something you don’t already know and also transport you into a positive emotional state that gets your endorphins flowing.

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