IDAHO HISTORY: Shoshone started as ‘purely a railroad town’ and other news

1. IDAHO HISTORY: Shoshone started as ‘purely a railroad town’ The Idaho Statesman-12 hours ago On Aug. 31, 1882, under the headline “A Town of Tents,” the Idaho Statesman reported that “many of Wood River’s old timers have recently …

2. NBC Montana

   N. Idaho school districts eye mascot name changes San Francisco Chronicle-1 hour ago LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Two northern Idaho school districts with American Indian mascots have received letters from the Nez Perce Tribal … + Show more

3. Idaho State SWEEPS Montana State KPVI News 6-13 hours ago POCATELLO, Idaho– The Idaho State men’s basketball team improved to 4-4 in Big Sky Conference play and 7-10 overall after beating … + Show more

4. Chimney fire damages Idaho City home KTVB-14 hours ago IDAHO CITY — A chimney fire in an Idaho City home required the help of three fire departments. The fire started in the attic of a home on …

5. What happened last week, what’s scheduled for this week in the … The Idaho Statesman-12 hours ago Judicial reform: Idaho’s district judges are advocating for judicial reform and increased funding for the criminal justice system. Seventh District …

6. Our View: Idaho Common Core critics offer speculation, not facts The Idaho Statesman-12 hours ago We commend the Idaho Senate and House committees for holding the session, but it devolved into an orderly Jerry Springer affair, at which we …

7. Idaho needs to implement education task force’s recommendations Idaho Press-Tribune-12 hours ago Since serving on the governor’s education task force last year, I’ve been told repeatedly by people who have experience with government task … + Show more

8. Reader Comment: Idaho Worthy of Celebration Twin Falls Times-News-11 hours ago We are citizens of both the United States of America and the state of Idaho, each of which we cherish with equal bonds of loyalty and affection, …

9. Boise Fry Company expanding outside Idaho KTVB-14 hours ago BOISE — Boise Fry Company was started by an Idahoan and Boise State Graduate who is now bringing his business to the next level.

10. Tea Party Voters In Idaho Don’t Want Feds Intruding NPR-Jan 24, 2014 In Challis, the debate is over the reach of Washington and how state land is used. Morning Edition has traveled to Idaho for one of the mostly …

Women, are you thinking about being an egg donor? You need to read Americus Dotter’s story before you do …

Click on image to read more about this book.

Americus Dotter was an ovum donor for many fertility clinics across the United States including Yale University, and helped many couples achieve their goal of creating a family. Stem cell research and the ethics surrounding it are one of her primary concerns. Her book, Soul Sale, is the raw story of spiritual warfare that she experienced in 2008 following the birth of her own child. It is an example of “quantum psychiatry,” a term that is gaining popularity and support in the psychiatric community. Quantum psychiatry is thought to be where spirituality and science meet to expose unproven realities. In a time where the transhuman agenda is beginning to appear in headlines, the ethics surrounding stem cell research must be discussed and unintended consequences of our knowledge should be examined. Amy Dotter successfully sheds light on these issues in a creative true story not like any ever heard before.

Summary:

Americus Dotter, a human egg donor for Yale University, discovers that many of her embryos have gone to stem cell research. Unknown to her she has contributed to an industry that is at the center of our generation’s greatest moral and ethical debate. Her story begins when she purchases a vehicle off of Craigslist that was involved in a highway shooting of a local hero. When the case explodes into an FBI investigation Amy finds herself at the center of suspicion and a torturous battle for her soul ensues. Discover how it is that she keeps her soul intact and how she responds when she is called to the Court of Heaven and must testify as to her true intentions.

Amazon review:

I walked into a local bookstore to see an artist book signing. I love to read and thought I don’t do much for myself, I am going to buy this book. I didn’t ask what the book was about and I have never just walked up to an author and purchased a book. I was drawn to this woman it was as though I was following a beacon, like something told me I had to stop, I could not pass up this book or meeting.. I am personally dealing with much more than I can handle at the moment and this book and the authors experiences let me know I am not alone. No I didn’t have the same experiences and do not have the same exact mental issues. However, I have had or do have many of the same thoughts and feelings.

During my tour through the author’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings, I laughed, I cried, I related, and I was motivated to take my own life back to find happiness again.. When this book becomes a movie, if it isn’t to scary, I would love to see it.

 

Be Safe and Prepared for Winter Driving! Here’s some good advice from the experts.

In Ada County this morning, emergency responders were called to 38 non-injury crashes, 17 slide-offs and 7 injury crashes. Winter driving calls for special skills. On slippery roads, the keys to safety are slower speeds, gentler stops and turns, and longer following distances.

These tips on Winter Driving Safety are courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department:

• Keep your vehicle in the best possible driving condition. The lights, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator are especially important for winter driving.
• Keep your windows clear. Don’t start driving until the windows are defrosted and clean-even if you’re going only a short distance. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.
• For safety reasons, you should not use cruise control if the road is wet and/or icy.
• Buckle up. All occupants are required to wear safety belts and/or shoulder straps when riding in a vehicle equipped with them. Buckling up is your best defense against injuries in a crash.
• Get the feel of the road by starting out slowly and testing your steering control and braking ability. Avoid spinning your tires when you start by gently pressing your gas pedal until the car starts to roll. Start slowing your car down at least three times sooner than you normally do when turning or stopping.
• When stopping, avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel and pump the brake gently. (Check your vehicle owner’s manual; if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you may apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.)
• Use tire chains on very slippery roads. (Some states require chains to be carried during winter months; check for specific information before driving in other states.)
• Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, bridges, and overpasses. Ice may form sooner or remain on bridges and overpasses longer, since they are exposed on their undersides and are deprived of ground warmth. Snow and ice also stay longer in shaded areas.
• In Idaho, studded snow tires may be used only from October 1 to April 30. Some years, the Idaho Transportation Department adjusts the dates due to weather conditions.

Snow Removal Equipment

• Use extra caution when encountering snow removal equipment; snowplow blades force snow up and off the road, potentially causing blizzard-like conditions and reduced visibility for drivers following too closely.
• Use caution when driving in winter conditions, and cooperate with highway workers clearing the roads.
• Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.
• If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow’s force can knock your car out of control. Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.
• Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as your automobile.
• Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow.

Getting Stranded During Winter Weather

Idaho winters can be severe, particularly in the mountains. When traveling in winter months, be prepared in case your vehicle breaks down or you get into an accident. You should keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.

The kit should include:

• flashlights with extra batteries
• a first aid kit
• a pocket knife
• at least one blanket or sleeping bag
• an extra set of gloves, socks and a wool cap
• a small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under the wheels
• a small shovel
• bottled water, energy bars or other non-perishable food items
• booster cables and emergency flares
• a brightly-colored scarf to attract attention in case of an emergency
• waterproof matches or cigarette lighter
• a map of the area where you plan to travel.

If you run your car for heat, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. If available, tie a scarf or bright cloth on the car antennae for snow crews to see.

Let someone know your travel plans, including estimated departure and arrival times, route, and where you will stay when you reach your destination.

Be courteous and call those who may be worried when you arrive at your destination. Keep in contact. If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged, and carry a list of emergency phone numbers.

If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle if heavy snow is falling. Most deaths occur when people leave their car, get lost, and freeze.

In case of medical emergencies in areas where roads have not been plowed, call the local or state police. These agencies will work with search and rescue personnel and the Idaho Transportation Department to respond to emergencies.

Idaho’s 511 Traveler Services

For travel information, dial “511” or go to http://www.511.idaho.gov for up-to-date information on:

• weather-related road conditions
• traffic incidents and delays
• emergency road closures

Keep it safe out there!

Idaho for the Curious: A Guide (1982)

Amazon review:

I live in the closest city to Idaho, so I figured that if I went to the city library to find tour books on the potato state, there would be a multitude available to me. I was sadly mistaken. This was the only guide book I could find for that state. It’s size and shape and the fact that it was hard-bound made it seem an unlikely choice to take on a road trip. As it turned out, however, this book was to prove the existence of fate. This book was meant for me and I for this book. You see, I am now Boise’s biggest touristic fan because my Idaho book helped me to fully understand and appreciate that town. The guided tour was full of detail and precisely laid out for our one day drive around Boise. But it doesn’t stop there, this book offers complete coverage of all the small towns and natural wonders of the state. I have come to the conclusion that the reason I was only able to find one touristic guide book about Idaho is simply because the only one which will ever be needed has already been written – and it is called Idaho for the Curious. And I am the Curious. One small note, however, is that this book is slightly out of date. The hilltop destination called “Table Rock” above Boise no longer lays at the end of a dirt road. The road is now paved.

READ MORE …

Another amazon reviewer wrote:

If  every state could offer up a tour guide as thorough as this one, travelers would have much to cheer about, no matter where they were. This is a major achievement in the field.

Conley has arranged the book into three major sections (Lakes and Forests – North; Rivers and Canyons – Southwest; and Mountains and Deserts – Southeast), and then by major highways within each section. He takes the traveler along each route, pointing out historic sites, geological formations, archeology, towns and cities, and all kinds of points of interest along the way. When appropriate he will venture down side roads to highlight sites.

Much historical information is related by Conley (the book is 700 pages long), and there are photographs (mostly historical) galore. As useful as the guide is on the road, it is equally as entertaining and informative for the armchair traveler as well. This book will not help you with finding motels, restaurants, or modern day tourist attractions; it is strictly written with the history of the state in mind. And in that regard, it’s a beauty. Travelers in Idaho or those interested in the state’s history should be sure to get a hold of this book – you won’t be disappointed.

Book Review: Soul Sale is a Groundbreaking Work by Americus Dotter

This is what it looks like when the devil attacks.  In  Soul Sale: A Rude Awakening by Americus Dotter, the author , a human egg donor for Yale University, discovers that many of her embryos have gone to stem cell research. Unknown to her she has contributed to an industry that is at the center of our generation’s greatest moral and ethical debate. Her story begins when she purchases a vehicle off of Craigslist that was involved in a highway shooting of a local hero. When the case explodes into an FBI investigation Amy finds herself at the center of suspicion and a torturous battle for her soul ensues. Discover how it is that she keeps her soul intact and how she responds when she is called to the Court of Heaven and must testify as to her true intentions.

Click on image to read more about this book

Americus Dotter was an ovum donor for many fertility clinics across the United States including Yale University, and helped many couples achieve their goal of creating a family. Stem cell research and the ethics surrounding it are one of her primary concerns. Her book, Soul Sale, is the raw story of spiritual warfare that she experienced in 2008 following the birth of her own child. It is an example of “quantum psychiatry,” a term that is gaining popularity and support in the psychiatric community. Quantum psychiatry is thought to be where spirituality and science meet to expose unproven realities. In a time where the transhuman agenda is beginning to appear in headlines, the ethics surrounding stem cell research must be discussed and unintended consequences of our knowledge should be examined. Amy Dotter successfully sheds light on these issues in a creative true story not like any ever heard before.

An amazon reviewer wrote:

I walked into a local bookstore to see an artist book signing. I love to read and thought I don’t do much for myself, I am going to buy this book. I didn’t ask what the book was about and I have never just walked up to an author and purchased a book. I was drawn to this woman it was as though I was following a beacon, like something told me I had to stop, I could not pass up this book or meeting.. I am personally dealing with much more than I can handle at the moment and this book and the authors experiences let me know I am not alone. No I didn’t have the same experiences and do not have the same exact mental issues. However, I have had or do have many of the same thoughts and feelings.
During my tour through the author’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings, I laughed, I cried, I related, and I was motivated to take my own life back to find happiness again.. When this book becomes a movie, if it isn’t to scary, I would love to see it.

Americus Dotter’s Story

Jennifer Lahl—Eggsploitation Executive Producer, Director, and Writer—interviews a woman whose mental health suffered in the wake of selling her eggs.
Jennifer Lahl: Why did you decide to be an egg donor?

Americus Dotter*: I first heard of egg donation while living in McCall, Idaho. I was approached by an acquaintance that felt I was a good candidate. She would receive a bonus if I had a successful retrieval. I had just had my first child and was so in love with my new baby that I felt terrible for women that could not have that experience. The process appealed to me even before I knew that I would be paid compensation. I feel very glad that I did not just get into it for the money, as I am sure many young women do. The thought of helping someone out was its own reward.

JL: How many times did you donate (sell) your eggs?

AD: I donated a total of 8 times over the next ten years and had two more of my own children between cycles.

Read the full interview

Idaho Statesman: Education veteran declares candidacy for legislature

John McCrostie, a 14-year resident of Garden City and an Idaho schoolteacher for 11 years, announced his candidacy Friday for seat 16A in the Idaho House of Representatives.

Democrat Grant Burgoyne occupies the seat now, but is running in the 2014 election to replace retiring Sen. Les Bock.

According to a statement published Friday, McCrostie has taught music in Mountain Home, Gooding and Boise, and plans to earn a law degree from Concordia University School of Law in 2015.

Read more here.

IDP: U.S Sen. Jim Risch Loves Perks of Dysfunctional Congress

U.S Sen. Jim Risch Loves Perks of Dysfunctional Congress Risch is just kicking back in D.C., content to frequent the Ford Theater, take exotic trips on the taxpayer dime, and be part of the “dsysfunction.” He tells Statesman reporter Dan Popkey the job is so easy, “This you could do ad infinitum.”  Read more. Minimum Wage For All: Your Idaho GOP Economy Idaho has the largest percentage of minimum wage earners in the country. That’s a full-time job earning $15,000 a year. Decades of GOP control created Idaho’s economy. It will take Idaho Democrats and some reasonable decision-makers to fix this. Read StateImpact Idaho’s report. School Board Elections May 21 Plenty of examples out there of why these elections matter. A good starter would be to ask them how they voted on the Luna Laws last November. Read more… Save Idaho. Here’s How. We need to elect more Idaho Democrats in Idaho. The Idaho Democratic Party is the only organization in the state that is dedicated to doing that. Right now, we need to hire a political director. Just dollars a month from you can make that happen. Please help. Click here to donate anywhere from $5, $15, $25 or a $1,000 a month. Idaho Latino Population Growing Fast Idaho’s Latino population is poised to become an important force in Idaho politics. Find out what the Latino population looks like in your community.

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Copyright © 2013 Idaho Democratic Party, All rights reserved.  Our mailing address is:  Idaho Democratic Party PO Box 445  Boise, ID 83701

Obama Intentionally Hurting the Nation

By Richard Larsen

EXCERPT:
We have a President who is intentionally hurting the nation and the people he’s entrusted to serve. In the name of the sequester, the White House’s own plan to clinch a budget deal last year, Obama is willfully and intentionally doing as much damage as he can. This is not subjective, but is verifiable fact.

The President rejected a proposal by the Senate Republicans to give the President more flexibility to pick and choose which programs should be cut to reach the $85 billion spending reduction over seven months mandated by the so-called sequester. That would have given him the opportunity to meet the requirements of the budget deal, without affecting the people our government is supposed to be serving. Keep in mind, that these legislatively mandated reductions are not cuts in actual spending, but only reflect a 2.5% reduction in the growth of government spending.

According to the President a few weeks ago, “There’s no smart way to do that [the sequester cuts],” he said. “These cuts are wrong. They’re not smart, they’re not fair. They’re a self-inflicted wound that doesn’t have to happen.” This is a surprising admission that his own plan is, in fact, stupid!

Actually, Mr. President, there was a smart and prudent way to do it. …

From the comments:

1. jayhook says:

   April 27, 2013 at 8:40 am

   Show me one politician that doesn’t place politics in front of the American people. Now congress is going to make exceptions on the sequester for the rich who travel, this includes the very same congress that is being ignored in the article.

   The republican held congress said the sequesters were exactly what they wanted, and now we are placing all the blame on the president. Blame needs to be given to both groups as they fight for power and control.
2. Disgusted Reader says:

   April 27, 2013 at 10:52 am

   jayhook,

   Sequester was all Obama’s, he wanted it and now he doesn’t? Plenty of blame to spread around, feel free to share it. Now when it finally comes into play, guess who gets hit? Not the White House, but average citizens who through no fault of their own want to travel but can’t because? No, spite is the new way of doing things in D.C. and it sucks.

   Tired of the blame bus, it came on one administrations time in office. Give credit where credit is due.

   Please stop those who make money from traveling to make more but don’t stop those that spend it in large amounts from traveling? Is that the way it doesn’t work. 3 Watch Lists and all 3 failed to find an obvious perp? Cut their money, big time, the lists are a waste and will never find anything. Oh, mom is on the list too. Go figure.

   Article after article calling out Obama on the sequester the past few weeks. Take your pick. I won’t even suggest one for you. How much crow can Obama eat before he has his fill and we have enough of him?

   You’re right it’s about power and control, good observation. Heaven help us if the wrong people get the power and control.
3. ike says:

   April 27, 2013 at 10:53 am

   …”as painful as possible.”

   Since this phrase has the infamous hug of quotation marks, we are left to assume that someone in the administration actually said that. This is not the case. Mr. Larsen is being sloppy at best.

   DR,

   Do you remember telling me that they (the Left) were the only ones who did that?

Read the full story from the Idaho State Journal

Idaho State University Professor Turns To Drones In Quest For Sasquatch

An Idaho anthropologist has risked his career in pursuit of what the rest of science considers a myth. Jeff Meldrum of Idaho State University is the nation’s lone academic trying to make the scientific case for Bigfoot. It’s no joke. Now he’s even raising money to launch an unmanned aircraft that would scan the Northwest’s forests for the large, hairy creature. Meldrum now hopes drones can finally prove his critics wrong.

READ THE FULL STORY FROM BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO

Teachers Among Top 5 Groups Leaving Idaho

More teachers are leaving Idaho than people in other professions. That’s according to a report released earlier this month by the Idaho Department of Labor.

Of people who left Idaho between 2008 and 2011, 3 percent where K-12 teachers and 4 percent were college or university instructors. Both are among the top five groups of professionals leaving the state, with K-12 teachers at number four and college instructors number three.

Alivia Metts is a regional economist with the Idaho Department of Labor. She looked at U.S. Census data for a picture of what’s known as out-migration. She expected to see people leave for jobs like construction (in the number two spot.)

READ THE FULL STORY FROM BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO