Paul Petrino hired as new coach of Idaho Vandal Football

Paul Petrino, whose prolific offenses consistently are among the nation's best, was introduced Monday as the new head football coach of the University of Idaho Vandals - and he's happy to be here.

 
"I'm very excited," Petrino said. "It's a dream come true. I've wanted to be a head coach my whole life. I had a chance to come back out to the Northwest."

Petrino, an assistant at Idaho from 1992-94, embodies the qualities President M. Duane Nellis and Director of Athletics Rob Spear sought in hiring a coach to lead the Vandals.

"Paul has coached college football at the highest level and brings the coaching experience, energy, toughness and commitment to developing the entire student-athlete at the University of Idaho," Spear said. "He has an outstanding coaching pedigree and is known as one of most creative offensive minds in the country, which will bring an exciting brand of football to the University of Idaho."

Nellis said the qualities Petrino brings echo the qualities the University of Idaho represents.

"I'm excited about the selection of coach Petrino and look forward to future successes as he develops the Vandal football program," Nellis said. "The University of Idaho is a national land-grant research institution known for its education and research successes. 

"However, we see football and other athletic programs as an important aspect of development of athlete scholars and as the 'front porch' for many others to visit us. Because of that, the hiring of a new football coach of high caliber who will make a strong commitment to our university, community and state is an important step."

For Petrino, the return to Moscow is a return to his Northwest roots. A native of Butte, Mont., and raised in Helena, he is a graduate of Carroll College where he was a two-time All-American quarterback and the NAIA Division II Player of the Year. With Petrino under center from 1985-88, the Saints were 36-6 and won four Frontier Conference titles. 

He has parlayed that same success as a player to success with his offenses - and it's what he wants to deliver to Idaho fans.

"I look forward to getting back, getting the Vandal Family all excited and fired up," he said. "We want to score a whole bunch of points, be explosive on offense and hit that quarterback on defense. We want to win a whole bunch of games and go to bowls."

Petrino's coaching career began at his alma mater before he was hired at Idaho in 1992. Among the players he coached at Idaho was All-American and Vandal Athletics Hall of Famer Sherriden May - one on what has become a lengthy list of standout players, record-holders and NFL draftees coached by Petrino.

After his stint at Idaho, he coached at Utah State, Louisville, Illinois, Southern Mississippi and, most recently, Arkansas. He also spent one season with the NFL Atlanta Falcons. Everywhere he has been, his offenses have produced record-setting numbers .

He and his wife, Maya, have three children - two daughters, Ava and Anne Mari, and a son, Mason. Anne Mari and Mason are twins.

Idaho Ski Areas Welcome Skiers This Season with Upgrades and Expansions

Idaho is a popular winter destination for skiers and boarders with 18 ski areas offering beautifully groomed runs and glades of feather-light powder for all skiing and boarding abilities.  With more than 28,000 leg-burning vertical feet, 20,000 skiable acres and a wide array of Nordic trails, terrain parks, cat ski trails, heli-ski opportunities and tubing hills, Idaho has become a hub for skiers and boarders seeking blue skies, fresh powder and few crowds.  Learn more about Idaho’s ski areas at www.skiidaho.us, or explore all of Idaho’s winter recreation opportunities at www.visitidaho.org/winter.

A family does not need to live in Idaho to take advantage of the Ski Idaho Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport Program.  With the passport, any fifth grader can ski or ride free three times and sixth graders can ski or ride free two times at participating ski areas.  Families may learn more and submit passport applications at www.skiidaho.us/5th-grade-ski-or-ride-free-passport.

Here’s a look at what’s new for Idaho’s 2012-2013 ski season.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint
Schweitzer’s 2,900 acre playground will benefit from more than $1 million in improvements for the 2012-2013 ski year.  The resort completely remodeled and expanded the Ski and Ride Center, doubled the size of the Gourmandie market and upgraded the rooms at the Selkirk and White Pine lodges to include new LCD HD televisions, media chests and new bedding.  On the snow, beginners will enjoy new, highly efficient chairs on the Musical Chair beginner chairlift, and two Surly Pugsley Snowbikes will be available to rent at the Ski and Ride center for use on Schweitzer’s cross country terrain.

Schweitzer Mountain’s snow cat operation, Selkirk Powder Company, has added a second 10 passenger snow cat, increased snow cat access points and thinned tree areas.  This season, backcountry skiers and boarders can swiftly glide through Selkirk’s 3,000 acres of powder. See http://selkirkpowder.com

For budget-minded skiers and boarders, Schweitzer is offering many ways to save, including a limited time offer purchase price for a packet of three single tickets for $162 (20% discount off window price - offer available through November 11).  Most Sunday afternoons, skiers and boarders who hit the mountain after 12:30pm pay a reduced price of $25 online or $35 at the window. Season pass holders may take advantage of various “passholder perks” this year including a 50% discount at Whitewater Resort in British Columbia and 5 days of free skiing at White Pass Ski Resort.

During National Learn to Ski and Snowboard month (January), Schweitzer will offer introductory  packages beginning at $39 for first time skiers and riders ages seven and older which include lessons, rentals, and a beginner lift ticket.
Dave Kulis, 208.263.9555 x2210, dkulis@schweitzer.com, www.schweitzer.com
Sean Briggs, 208.255.3031, sbriggs@schweitzer.com

Silver Mountain, Kellogg
Silver Mountain offers two mountains, 73 trails and 1,600 acres of terrain, 2,200 vertical feet and more than 300 inches of snow annually.  Over the summer, the glades in the Chair 4 Basin were expanded to add a new intermediate level run.  Skiers will also enjoy upgrades to Silver’s seasonal locker room area at the Mountain House; the added space enhances skier comfort and convenience.
Jeff Colburn, 208.783.1111 x8209, jeffc@silvermt.com, www.silvermt.com 

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Boise
This winter, Bogus Basin boarders and skiers will instantly notice the freshly painted exteriors and updated signage.  Also new this season, the Mountain Dew sponsored “Top to Bottom Terrain Park” has been relocated and includes features suitable for all ages and ability levels.  Off-trail skiers and riders can cruise through expanded terrain thanks to the resort’s new brush cutting machine, “The Masticator.”  Beginner skiers and boarders can learn to glide on a new lesson knoll located near the Coach lift.   

Bogus Basin’s popular Stay and Play program is back this season.  Stay at a participating Boise area hotel, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE!  Buy one alpine lift ticket or Nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or lesser value).  Mention “Stay and Play” when making your reservation at a participating Boise area hotel.  (No blackout dates, but some restrictions may apply.)
Alan Moore, 208.332.5131, alan@bogusbasin.org, www.bogusbasin.org 

Lookout Pass, Wallace/Mullan
The big story at Lookout Pass for this season is the installation of a new triple seat chairlift serving the beginner terrain.  The Success chairlift will replace the existing rope tow, providing comfortable uphill transportation and an enhanced learning experience for beginning skiers and boarders.   The Snow Sports School program at Lookout Pass has added a new age group, the Polar Bears, for kids ages 7 through 9.  Additionally, Lookout Pass will offer its EZ Ski & Ride 1-2-3 package this year for first time skiers and riders ages 13 and older.  The package includes three rentals, three lessons, one rope tow and two lift tickets for only $99.  New for 2012-2013:  graduates completing all three EZ Ski & Ride lesson sessions will receive a bonus offer of one FREE season pass.
Christopher Barrett, 208.744.1301 x21, christopher@skilookout.com, www.skilookout.com 

Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley
This season, the Adventure Trail System, themed adventure trails designed to excite skiers and boarders ages six through twelve, has been expanded to include two additional runs:  Pine Martin Plunge and Deer Hollow.  Skiers and riders might also be interested in Bald Mountain’s new “So You Want to Be a Ski Patroller?” program.  Each week, two ski patrol enthusiasts will be selected through a drawing for the program and will experience the life of a ski patroller presented in two safety-focused sessions.    

Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain
With recent developments, Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain is quickly becoming “Park Central.”  This season, Dollar Mountain will boast an expanded 22 foot super pipe, 76 rails, two cross courses, and three parks.  Dollar’s state of the art super pipe is now Olympic standard size, one of only a few this size in North America.  Additionally, the Family Cross Course has been extended and the new Competitive Cross Course will be located on Otto’s Run. 

Sun Valley will kick off its 77th ski season year with superb ski packages offered almost all winter long.  Stay at the elegant Sun Valley Resort this winter and save!  Kids 15 and younger can Stay and Ski Free at Sun Valley Resort. (One child per skiing parent staying in the same room, blackout dates apply.) 

November 21 through December 20, skiers can book Sun Valley’s Pre-Holiday Package.  Beginning at $79.50 per person (double occupancy), this package includes one night lodging and one daily lift ticket.  Also, guests staying in the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn between January 3rd and March 31st can ski free, starting at $139.  The Ski Free Package includes one night lodging (double occupancy) and one daily lift ticket.  (Blackout dates apply.)
Jack Sibbach, 208.622.2183, jsibbach@sunvalley.com, www.sunvalley.com 

Brundage Mountain, McCall
This season, skiers and boarders can relax and unwind in 1,000 square feet of additional indoor space at Brundage Mountain’s main lodge.  The expansion to the third floor cafeteria comes just one season after a major remodel of Smoky’s Bar and Grill, transforming it into a full-service restaurant.  Skiers can have Brundage Mountain snow conditions at their fingertips with a new mobile app, custom daily weather forecasts from www.snowforecast.com and an upgraded webcam system featuring both summit and base coverage. 

Learn about the colorful history of skiing in McCall in Eve Chandler’s new book, Brundage Mountain: The Best Snow in Idaho.  The book recounts the history of skiing in McCall with hundreds of vivid photographs and touching stories.  Perfect for a holiday gift, the book can be purchased on-line at www.brundage.com/book.

Brundage is offering more ways to ski and save this winter with special pre-season deals and ticket packages.  Early birds who buy season passes November 7th through 21st will receive a $100 gift card with their purchase.  Also, for a limited time, skiers and boarders can save on multiday lift tickets with Brundage Mountain’s flexible Select Cards and mid-week skiers and locals will love Brundage’s Mid-Week Club Card, now with fewer blackout dates.
April Russell, 208.634.4151 x120, AprilRussell@brundage.com, www.brundage.com 

Grand Targhee Resort, Teton Valley
Situated on the western slope of the Tetons in Wyoming, Grand Targhee Resort’s 2,600 acres are accessible only through Teton Valley, Idaho.  This winter, families can take advantage of two new programs aimed at making family skiing effortless.  Grand Targhee’s Youth Ski and Snowboard Lease Program offers discount ski and snowboard packages for kids, allowing families to lock-in next year’s rate and save.  Parents can carve out their own ski days at Targhee when youngsters enroll in the new Youth Multi-Weekend programs.  During the five week program, kids can have fun on the slopes, make friends, and learn to glide with Grand Targhee’s professional ski and snowboard instructors.
Ken Rider, 307.353.2300 x1312, krider@grandtarghee.com, www.grandtarghee.com 

Tamarack Resort, Donnelly
There is a lot going on at Tamarack this season.  Six lifts, with the addition of Buttercup this year, will give skiers access to the resort’s 900 acres and 2800 vertical feet of spectacular skiing.  Opening day is scheduled for December 15, 2012 with lifts turning 9:00am–4:00pm Thursday – Sunday and holidays.  The resort will be open daily December 20th through January 6th for Christmas break, adding seven consecutive days to the 2012-2013 season.  Tamarack has increased its snowmaking capabilities, guaranteeing a December 15th opening regardless of mother nature.  Lodging is available at the resort seven days a week, and skiers who stay four nights ski free!  Also, for the first time, groups may rent the mountain for a fun-filled day on the slopes -- available Monday through Wednesday and non-holidays.  Also new this year, smartphone users will have easy access to snow reports, web cams, and more when using the resort’s new mobile website.   

This season Tamarack will continue improvements at the terrain park.  Numerous hips and rails will be added and a special park for younger, more inexperienced riders will be available in the Discovery learning area.

The Nordic trail system has doubled in size to offer approximately 20 km of groomed trails including a new golf course loop with bi-weekly grooming.  Nordic trails are open seven days a week.  New this season, skiers may purchase Nordic season passes individually for families, adults and youth.  Additionally, access to the Nordic trails is included with the purchase of a 2012-2013 alpine season pass. 

Tamarack will be offering two multi-week lesson programs: The Trailblazers ski school program is geared for youth ages 4 – 11. This program is expanding to include higher level competitive, multi-day skiing.  The Beginner’s Mountain Adventure Program is for ages 13 and up.  Both options include multiple lessons, rentals, and a season pass for the 2012- 2013 season.
Wolfe Ashcraft, 208.325.1067, washcraft@tmaidaho.com, www.tamarackidaho.com 

Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Idaho-Montana Border  
Workers were busy removing brush over the summer, opening almost 300 new acres of tree skiing for Idaho powder hounds this season.  Thinning also opened up new glade terrain that will be a hit with anyone who likes off-run powder.             
Chris Johnson, 406.531.3336, chrisjohnson@losttrail.com, www.losttrail.com

Idaho Winter Giveaways
Idaho winters promise bluebird skies, rays of sunshine, fantastic snow and spectacular skiing and boarding.  Idaho Tourism and Ski Idaho want to offer everyone a cure for the wintertime blahs with spectacular skiing in Idaho.  Beginning in October and running through early March, 2013, visit www.idahowinter.org to enter to win Idaho winter getaways.  New offers are available every Friday and you can enter online with an email address.  See the site for complete offer information and to register today.

Idaho Ski Areas Association
The Idaho Ski Areas Association (www.skiidaho.us) is a consortium of all Idaho ski areas with the goal of increasing the overall awareness of skiing and snowboarding in Idaho, developing new skiers and snowboarders at Idaho ski areas and promoting the interests of Idaho's alpine and Nordic snow sports industries.

Idaho – Adventures in Living
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48.  So take a break from it all and come out to play.  Idaho—adventures in living.  Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

Boise State Broncos Score the Biggest Win in History of Basketball Program

“Boise State basketball coach Leon Rice and his players knew enough to get out of Derrick Marks’ way. The sophomore guard did the rest,” according to the Idaho Statesman. Marks scored a career-high 35 points, leading Boise State to a stunning 83-70 upset No. 11 Creighton, on Nov. 28. This result is the greatest victory the team has ever scored. Just take a look at these facts:
Marks hit 18-straight in the second half, 28 of his overall points in the second half before 16,364 shocked fans at CenturyLink Center Omaha. The Broncos, who played No. 13 Michigan State within four points on the road a week earlier, beat a ranked opponent for the first time in four seasons; and on the road for the first time since March 2005.

Creighton came in with all six of its wins by double figures, and the Bluejays were impressive in weekend wins over Wisconsin and Arizona State in Las Vegas. Creighton hadn’t lost a regular-season November home game since 1989, a span of 42 games.

The Bluejays are the highest-ranked team Boise State has ever beaten. Prior to this game the best victory was over a No. 15 Washington team in 1998. Boise State was 1-18 against ranked teams on the road entering the game. The lone win was against Nevada in March 2005. It was Boise State’s first win over a ranked opponent since they beat Utah State in February 2009. The Broncos were 5-34 all-time against ranked teams.

“The players and coaches did a great job of figuring out that Derrick was the hot hand. We kept running different plays for him to get the ball in his wheelhouse,” Rice said. “And credit Derrick, he made some tough shots.” Boise State shot the lights out in the first half, making seven straight three-pointers after an initial miss and would lead by as much as 39-28 with 3:10 remaining before the break.

Boise State led 39-33 after shooting 64 percent from the field in the first half. The Broncos made seven straight 3-pointers and were 9-of-13 from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes.

Marks 35 points are tied for 10th-most by a Bronco in a game in school history. Rice showed his team the film from the end of the close loss to Michigan State, before the Creighton game. “I was just in the zone,” Marks told the Idaho Statesman. “I just felt like I had to do that so we could win the game. We reviewed the mistakes we made. I knew we’d have to deal with that again,” he said. Boise State did not trail after the first minute.

At one point late in the second half, Boise State “came apart and they answered a little bit. But we put ourselves back together. It’s something we didn’t do against Michigan State,” Rice said. “I’m proud of how they finished.”

“We just had no answer for them on the defensive end of the floor. I thought they outhustled us, I thought they communicated better than we did,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “If you’re watching that game tonight, it was obvious who the better team was tonight, and it wasn’t us.”
Marks’ 35 points were 10th-most in school history and 11 more than his previous best. Boise State’s nine three-pointers at halftime were the most by a Bluejay opponent in a first half in at least 10 years. Boise State outrebounded Creighton 31-19.

Nonetheless, with all the honor and glory that comes with this accomplishment, Rice kept things in perspective. “It’s a great win for our program,” he said. “But we don’t want to be defined by one win in November.”

Teichert Named Big Sky Coach of the Year

ISU Head Coach Chad Teichert has been named the 2012 Big Sky Coach of the Year after being selected in a vote by his fellow Big Sky coaches. This is Teichert's first Coach of the Year in his career and is just the second for the ISU women's volleyball program.

This season, Teichert led the Bengals to a second-place Big Sky regular season finish with a 16-4 record. ISU also finished second at the Big Sky Conference Tournament this year. The team also recorded the third most wins for a single season with an overall 23-8 record.
Teichert had four players named to the All-Conference Team in 2012, including regular-season Most Valuable Player in Lori Mendenhall, who was also named first team. Teammates Jaclyn Hone-Hawkins and Breanne Van Every were named to the second team and Tressa Lyman was named honorable mention.

“I am honored and appreciative of my peers for selecting me for this award,” Teichert said. “I am extremely thankful for an incredible group of talented young women that has made this all possible. Their effort and hard work are a big part of this. I also am very appreciative for the help of two hardworking assistant coaches, Ali Gorny and Keisha Fisher, who have helped make this season an outstanding one for this team, for this school and for our fans. I want to extend my appreciation to my former assistant coaches, Katie Edgeson and Dave Hyte. Without all of their hard work in the seasons prior to this, we would not have been where we are now.”

The Bengals were the No. 2 seed this past weekend at the 2012 Banner Health North Colorado Medical Center Big Sky Championship. ISU defeated Northern Arizona 3-1 in the semifinals and went on to face tournament host Northern Colorado in the championship. The Bengals had a 2-0 lead going into intermission, but fell in the final three sets to the Bears. After the tournament, Mendenhall and Hone-Hawkins were named to the all-tournament team.

Teichert is in his fifth season with Idaho State. He posted a 10-20 overall and 5-11 Big Sky records his first season with the Bengals in 2008. In his second season he improved upon his record, leading the Bengals to a 13-15 season and a 7-9 Big Sky record with a fifth-place finish in the regular season.

He continued the momentum in 2010 when ISU finished the season 18-13 overall and 9-7 in the Big Sky to finish the regular season tied for third.

Before coming to ISU, Teichert was perhaps the most successful high school coach in Wyoming history, leading three separate schools for a cumulative record of 397-83 (.827), winning 10 state titles in 16 years, including a run of eight straight titles.

His teams at Cokeville (1983-93) Mountain View (1994-98) and Green River (1998-2000) combined to win 43 of the 65 tournaments they entered as well, a .661 tournament championship percentage.

Last season, ISU finished sixth in the Big Sky Conference with a 7-9 conference and 14-14 overall record.

The last coach to be named Big Sky Coach of the Year was Jon Potter in 1990. Jim Cherniss won three straight MWAC Coach of the Year Awards from 1985-87.

Pretty Records Set in Ugly Game as Idaho State Gets Blown Out by Weber State

by Michael Strickland

Some very nice player statistics shine under a cloudy team loss by Idaho State University.

Rodrick Rumble became the top receiver in Idaho State football history as he set the career record for receptions after his eight catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-14 loss to Weber State, Saturday. Meanwhile, C.J. Tuckett set a school rushing record for visiting Weber State.

Rumble finished his career with 223 receptions, passing Eddie Thompson who hauled in 219 receptions between 2005 and 2008. Last week, Rumble broke the Idaho State career record for receiving yards and the Bengal senior finished his career with 2,863 yards. The 81-yard touchdown pass to Rumble tied for the longest offensive play since the 2007 season. That year, Russell Hill threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Jaron Taylor against Cal Poly. Rumble earned his school record on a five-yard catch during the third quarter. He finished his career with 223 receptions.

Idaho State Quarterback Kevin Yost finished his career with his 11th 300 yard passing game or greater as he passed for 306 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his career with 649 completions, ranked third all-time in Idaho State history. He also finished third on the all-time Bengal career list in attempts and passing yards, with 6,663 passing yards and 1,046 passing attempts. 

"What Rumble has become is an icon at Idaho State," said coach Mike Kramer. "He was aided by ten other guys on offense, including a quarterback who threw more passes, and completed more passes in a single season than any other quarterback that has ever played in this conference. I think both of those accomplishments this season will stand the test of time in terms of being great singular accomplishments. I think these two guys would trade all of the catches, all of the throws and all of the yards for as many wins as we could give them. Unfortunately, we were unable to do that, not because they did not fail to perform. I am very proud of these two guys."

Kramer called Yost "extremely tough," adding "we didn't always pass protect for him and he is upright and not heading for surgery. A lot of quarterbacks who have taken as many hits as Kevin has, in two years, would not be looking like he is tonight."

Also playing in the final game of his career at Holt arena in Pocatello, Tuckett set a school record with 289 rushing yards as Weber State rushed for 417 total rushing yards.  He broke the record of 280 yards held by Markieth Ross in 1993 at Nevada. Tuckett finished his career with 1,633 rushing yards which ranks 13^th in school history.  

"This game was a lot of fun and it was a great way to finish my career," Tuckett said.  "I'm so happy for our seniors and this is exactly how we wanted  to finish our season."

While Weber State's overall team yards were the fifth highest in school history, Idaho State finished the game with one rushing yard. 
 

The win is Weber State's 10^th straight over the Bengals.  

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8/29 Boise State Family Game Night

4-6 p.m. Student Union Games Center. Parents, veterans and returning students are invited to a student family game night. Connect with other nontraditional students, learn about available campus resources and ways to be involved on campus. Bring your family and enjoy free snacks, bowling, pool and other kid-friendly activities. Part of Bronco Welcome. See the full schedule of events at broncowelcome.boisestate.edu.

Preview: No. 22/24 Boise State at No. 13/13 Michigan State

For the fourth-straight season Boise State football's season opener will be a matchup of top-25 teams. The No. 24/22 Broncos travel to East Lansing, Mich., for a Friday (Aug. 31) meeting with No. 13 Michigan State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. (MT) and will be televised nationally by ESPN.

The opener against the Spartans will mark the start of the seventh season for head coach Chris Petersen, whose 73-6 record makes him the winningest active coach in the NCAA-Football Bowl Subdivision (.924). Petersen's Broncos hold a 6-0 record in season openers, including victories over ranked opponents each of the last three seasons. Boise State began its march to a 14-0 season in 2009 with a victory at home against No. 14 Oregon. The 2010 campaign commenced with a thrilling 33-30 win against No. 7 Virginia Tech in Landover, Md. Last season the Broncos traveled to Atlanta and captured a 35-21 win over No. 19 Georgia.

Starting the season off with a win is part of a larger trend for the highly-successful Petersen. During his tenure, the Broncos are 23-2 when they have 10-or-more days between games, including season openers. Still, the Spartans will present a new challenge to prepare for. The two teams have never met and Boise State has played just once against current Big Ten members. The Broncos dropped a 28-24 decision at Wisconsin Sept. 6, 1997, in the only previous meeting against the conference.

The game will offer a new look for the Spartans as well. Michigan State has not opened the season against a ranked opponent since hosting No. 18 Colorado State Aug, 29, 1998. The then-No. 23 Spartans fell 23-16 against the Rams. Michigan State is 11-2 in season openers since, including an 11-0 mark at Spartan Stadium.

Boise State enters the season with a much different look than a year ago. According to Phil Steele, the 2012 Broncos return six starters, the fewest in the country. The biggest turnover comes on the defensive side of the ball where Boise State will replace nine starters, including seven who signed with NFL teams. The offensive line provides the most stability with eight players having started at least one game in their careers and as a group has combined for 50 starts.

Boise News: Treasure Valley Signs Offers Graphic Visual Solutions

@boisenews Sabrina Orihuela is the best!

— Michael Strickland (@MichaelStrickla) February 28, 2013

Whitney Gallegos: The Nail Revolution!

Fashion News:

Whitney Gallegos ~ Independent Jamberry Nails Consultant~

Writes:

"I just got the new fall/winter catalogs in the mail. Oh My Goodness!! If you would like a catalog or schedule a party and be one of the first to wear the new product let me know."

Message Whitney at lovetojam@ymail.com or visit her website at: http://www.lovetojam.jamberrynails.net/

Eagle Rodeo Provides Thrills

NEW THIS YEAR: The famous eagle Rodeo added a royalty court. For more information click here.

The Eagle Rodeo Committee with the support of the Idaho Cowboys Association (ICA), also co-sanctioned with Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA), Intermountain Professional Rodeo Association (IMPRA) and Professional Western Rodeo Association (Pro-West)  presented the 11th Annual Eagle Rodeo. The rodeo ran Jun. 7 - 9 in conjunction with Eagle Fun Days. Click here for a detailed map.

The rodeo gives thrills to fans of all ages. Again this year, the all-popular Mutton Busting and Calf & Steer Riding was  held for local youth. For more information click here.

Due to popular demand, the 2012 Eagle Rodeo was again be a 3-day ICA sanctioned rodeo. Slack was  after the rodeo on Thursday and Friday night.

This was a great opportunity for the entire family to come out and experience what an Idaho rodeo is all about. After each performance, all rodeo fans were invited to hang around and meet the cowboys and cowgirls at the After Rodeo Party.

Are genetically modified foods safe for humans?

There have never been any human safety studies on GMOs due to the FDA’s position that GMOs are not substantially different than their natural counterparts. Animal studies have shown potential dangers such as cancer, diabetes, intestinal disease, low birth weight, reproductive problems and other health risks, according to GMO Free Idaho.

Genetically modified foods (GM foods, or biotech foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis (mutation breeding) where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. Other techniques by which humans modify food organisms include selective breeding; plant breeding, and animal breeding, and somaclonal variation. Since genetically modified food has been introduced into supermarkets, there has been much controversy as to whether it is actually safe.

Genetically modified foods were first put on the market in 1996. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products: soybean, corn, canola, rice, and cotton seed oil. Animal products have also been developed, although as of July 2010 none are currently on the market. In 2006 a pig was engineered to produce omega-3 fatty acids through the expression of a roundworm gene. Researchers have also developed a genetically modified breed of pigs that are able to absorb plant phosphorus more efficiently, and as a consequence the phosphorus content of their manure is reduced by as much as 60%.

Critics, sometimes referring to genetically modified foods as "frankenfood", have objected to GM foods on several grounds, including safety issues, ecological concerns, and economic concerns raised by the fact these organisms are subject to intellectual property law.

GMO Free Idaho says that 80% of Americans don’t know that we have been eating genetically modified foods since 1996. the organization is dedicated to teaching consumers everything they need to know about GMOs so they can become part of the growing movement to label and or/ban GM foods.

The group educates the public about the impacts of genetically modified organisms, promoting local, organic, and non-GMO food producers, and works to eliminate GMOs from our food supply. There are so many things we can all do to affect change to our food supply.

From volunteering with a local action group or joining an online community to buying non-GMO foods, we can do our part to ensure that we have the right to know what we are consuming and eliminate harmful chemicals and substances from our food. Here are several things you can do to get involved:

Host or attend GMO Free Idaho presentation. Here is their events calendar. Pick a date and contact us if you want to host a presentation at your home, or attend our next presentation. To learn more about their presentations click here.

Write your Representatives. You can find out who your representatives are here, or find Idaho legislators here. Tell your reps how you feel about genetically modified foods and ask them to support labeling laws.

Write a letter to your newspaper editor. This is a great way to spread awareness and make a call to action.

Help us take action with Dennis Kucinich and the bills he has introduced that will mandate GMO labeling laws and ban the open air growth of GMOs. The bills are H.R. 3554: Genetically  Engineered Safety Act and H.R. 3553: Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act.

Join the Organic Consumers Association and the Institute for Responsible Technology to get regular updates about GMOs.

Support local, organic, and non-GMO food producers. Every dollar you spent on these types of foods and products is a vote that says no to genetically modified foods. If enough consumers reject GMO foods, food manufacturers and producers will have no choice but to appeal to consumer demand.

Book a GMO Free Idaho presentation for your school or organization. Here are some of the topics they cover:

The process of creating genetically modified seed.
What crops and ingredients are genetically modified.
Corporate crimes against humanity.
The Monsanto monopoly of our seed supply.
The FDA’s policy of “substantial equivalence.”
 Concerns over GMO patents and cross contamination.
Animal studies and human health concerns.
GMO impacts on our environment.
GMOs and the rest of the world.
The political revolving doors and local pro-GMO legislators.
How you can take action and eliminate GMOs from your pantry and our food supply.
GMO Free Idaho can tailor their presentation to fit your needs and also offer in home presentations and can provide non-GMO snacks under certain circumstances.

Contact GMO Idaho if you want to host a presentation or attend to their next event.

Provided Materials: GMO Frequently Asked Questions Health Risks Brochure Non-GMO Shopping Guide Dirty Dozen Guide Audio CD’s by Jeffery Smith Buy Local Guide

Building Global Stability One International Scholar at a Time

By Donna Emert

U-Idaho Student/Boren Scholar is International Diplomat in Training

 Effective international relations require a distinct skill set, including mastery of a foreign language, enough cultural experience to foster insight, and strong diplomacy skills.

University of Idaho International Studies student Ana Reed is already cultivating those skills. With the recent award of an up to $20,000 David L. Boren Scholarship, the National Security Education Program and the Institute of International Education have formally invested in strengthening that skill set, providing a year-long opportunity for Reed to study language and culture at Peking University in Beijing, China.

The NSEP is a federal initiative designed to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills, with the ultimate goal of bolstering national and global security.

“The National Security Education Program represents an essential component of a comprehensive national security strategy to address serious and long-time deficiencies in critical language expertise,” explains Michael A. Nugent, director of NSEP.

As a Boren Scholar, Reed hopes to help the United States meet its need for culturally astute, bilingual diplomats. Following her year of study in Beijing, she will fulfill a one-year service requirement with the U.S. government.

Reed completed two years of Chinese language study while at U-Idaho and will continue to study Mandarin language and culture in Beijing.

“I think the significance of this kind of immersive study of Asia and China will help me prepare in my career areas that contribute toward fostering gateways to U.S.-China relations and the many avenues necessary in areas of diplomatic associations, issues of co-existence and economic cooperation,” said Reed. “My goals while studying in China are to develop a greater understanding of the Chinese people and their government and to grasp their values and their perspective toward the Western world.”

As a U-Idaho student, Reed’s diplomatic training has been ongoing. She has researched several facets of Chinese culture and government, including China’s economic policies. She was recently selected to participate in an International Studies research program in which she elected to study the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, compiling national positions on APEC initiatives.

“Ana was looking for programs and ideas related to such diverse topics as enhancement of regional efforts to respond to natural disasters, and global health epidemics,” said Bill Smith, director of the Martin Institute and Program in International Studies. “That work has led to interesting reflections upon U.S. sovereignty as it is balanced with cooperation across the region. 

“It was not an easy research project; I judged Ana’s work to be tops amongst the 54 people in the class,” said Smith. “Ana is among the very first people I would turn to in a situation where I wanted to put forth the best of who we are at the university.”   

Congressman Raul Labrador: More Taxes, Less Liberty

 Click here for the original version of this from Congressman Labrador's website.

The decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that Obamacare is constitutional undermines the concept of limited government embodied by the Tenth Amendment.  It is one more example of James Madison’s observation*,

"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."*  Our Founding Fathers would be appalled that their vision of a limited government no longer exists.

The court has declared that Congress has the ability to regulate Americans’ behavior by using taxes to force them to act. This should frighten all Americans who believe in freedom and liberty.  It is now more clear than ever American people need leaders committed to limited government.

It is a disappointment that the Court has failed to recognize the Constitution defines the role of a *limited *central government in this nation and that the Tenth Amendment in our Bill of Rights reserves all other powers to the States or to the People.

The underlying philosophy of Obamacare was always about more than just health care.  The The fundamental grievance that I have with this law, and in particular the individual mandate component, is that no government should ever be powerful enough to compel its citizens to purchase a product or a service under penalty of law.  What is there now to prevent the federal government, or one of its agencies, from taxing us to compel the purchase of life insurance, a cell phone or any other product Washington deems is necessary for us all?

In Idaho, we recognized these principles immediately when the concept Obamacare was first raised.  I was a proud sponsor of the Idaho Health Care Freedom Act when I was in the Idaho Legislature.   That law stood up to the federal government on behalf of Idaho’s citizens and protected our rights to make our own decisions for ourselves with respect to health care.  One of the first votes I cast as your Congressman was to repeal this massive government takeover of our nation’s health care.  We were right then in opposing Obamacare and we are still right now.

While the Supreme Court has ruled Obamacare is constitutional, it does not mean that Obamacare is good law or policy.  I, along with the majority of Americans believe it is not.   

 I call on my colleagues in Washington, both Republicans and Democrats alike to listen to the will of the American people and repeal Obamacare.  We can then sit together and begin a new, honest and open dialogue about how we can reform our nation’s health care system.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats have a monopoly on all of the right ideas, but if we listen to each other and the American people, I am convinced that we can make long term improvements to health care that expands access and controls our costs.

I want families to be able to make their own choices in health care, visit the doctor of their choosing, and receive the health care they and their doctor feel is best.  Those decisions shouldn’t be made by Washington, as Obamacare will do.  I am optimistic that Congress can and will do better.

When Native Tongues Go Silent. Idaho State Moves Toward Solutions

Cherokee:
 Yigaquu osaniyu adanvto adadoligi nigohilvi nasquv utloyasdi nihi
 (May the Great Spirit's Blessings Always Be With You)


Ea Nigada Qusdi Idadadvhn
 (All My Relations In Creation)


Lakota: Wakan Tankan Nici Un (May the Great Spirit walk with you) Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin
 (We Are All Related)

"Languages around the world are disappearing at a fantastic rate, especially indigenous languages in areas where European nations took control," - Beverly Klug, Idaho State University education professor. 

According to Marianne Mithun, author of The Languages of Native North America, there are languages with no clear distinction between nouns and verbs, and languages that can give tense and conditionality to adjectives. We have languages that use different pronouns for a 'we' that includes the person being addressed, and a 'we' that excludes that person. How can we retain a record of people here on Earth who have created alternative linguistic structures that are even more unfamiliar to English speakers? How can educators open minds to the astonishing variety of ways human verbal communication can be categorized and organized?

 I first met Beverly Klug in 2004 when I began a stint of teaching for four years at Idaho State University. We had a vibrant exchange on topics from literature in the classroom to the rampant discrimination against Native Americans that was evident in Southeast Idaho. That is why I was delighted to see her as one of the organizers of a "Symposium on Indigenous Languages: Retention and Revitalization," geared to increase discussion and awareness of the issues concerning indigenous language loss last April.

Even though federal legislation exists protecting Native languages and Executive Orders have been issued by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama reiterating that language and culture are to be part of the education provided for American Indian children in the United States, this information is widely unknown or afforded in public schools. Speakers will provide many answers concerning this area of inquiry for those who attend, with opportunities for discussion for participants.

Speakers included:

Christine Sims, Pueblo of Acoma, "Importance of Indigenous Languages Revival and Retention"; who also showed a film on Wampanoag language efforts followed by discussion.

director of the Center for American Indian Languages at the University of Utah, disucssed the work being done regarding revitalization of Shoshoni and the need for doing so.

 Sky Hopinka, a member of the Hochunk Nation and Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, gave a talk on "Language Loss and Effects on Culture";  Hopinka will spoke on a new methodology being used to teach the Chinuk Wawa language to tribal members; with a film on Hawaiian language revitalization efforts followed by discussion.

Michael Fillerup, supervisor, English as a Second Language in Flagstaff, Ariz., schools discussed Navajo Immersion schools/bilingual education programs and "How to start a successful language preservation program in 10 easy steps."

Children from Candy Titus's language and cultural classes at Lillian Vallely School in Blackfoot/Fort Hall shared their Native culture with audiences followed by reading of a Shoshoni story by Drusilla Gould.

There was a Panel discussion by members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes concerning their language retention and revitalization efforts. Languages around the world are disappearing at a fantastic rate, especially indigenous languages in areas where European nations took control, according to Beverly Klug, ISU education professor and a symposium organizer. The idea that every indigenous person should speak only the language of those who were now in power had its beginnings in the doctrine of "Doctrine of Discovery," which gave power to the Church and European monarchs over the lands and peoples of non-Christian countries in the service of the Christian God.

In the United States this was followed by the concept of "Manifest Destiny," again including this idea that subjugation of Native peoples was the ultimate goal of the government, and that this included eliminating Tribal languages. Educational systems became the tool by which this process was to occur. After it was apparent that this policy proved to be disastrous for Native peoples, plunging them into a world where they were unable to communicate with their own family members and, in general, not accepted as equal to Euro-Americans, the government reversed its course in the late 1920s following an investigation by Lewis Meriam and his team (referred to as the "1928 Meriam Report"). In trying to protect their Native languages, indigenous peoples in the United States found a strong leader in Patricia Ann Locke, Lakota and Chippewa, who grew up on the Ft. Hall Shoshone-Bannock Reservation. Among her decades of working as an educator from elementary to the university levels, she advocated strongly for Native rights in education. She was responsible for pushing for legislation for the preservation of indigenous languages. In 1991, she won a MacArthur Foundation fellowship for her work to save Tribal languages that were on the brink of extinction. Locke passed away in 2001.

The symposium was supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a state-based program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.idahohumanities.org for more information on the Idaho Humanities Council. Other sponsors include the ISU College of Education, ISU College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology, the ISU Office of Research, and the ISU Cultural Affairs Council. Additional members of the symposium committee are Christopher Loether, ISU anthropology professor; Drusilla Gould, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member and senior lecturer, ISU Department of Anthropology; and Sherice Gould, Language and Cultural Preservation Department Manager, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. Literally hundreds of tongues are still spoken only by a handful of aging people; hundreds more have gone silent. This symposium is Highly recommended to anyone interested in linguistics, and a must-see for any conlanger.

Crapo Announces Staff Changes in Washington, D.C.

Makes changes to legislative, communications staff Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is announcing two staff changes in his Washington, D.C., office. Peter Stegner is Crapo’s new Legislative Assistant for environment, natural resources and other issues related to Crapo’s membership on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  Stegner brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as Regional Director and Staff Assistant at the North-Central Regional Office in Lewiston for more than three years, and most recently as Crapo’s Media Director based out of Washington, D.C.  A native of North Idaho, he holds a Master’s in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Idaho. Judd Deere has been hired to serve as Crapo’s New Media Director and will assist with various media duties, including the implementation of innovative social media platforms, such as Crapo’s new Twitter account, https://twitter.com/#!/MikeCrapo.  He will also manage the senator’s Facebook and YouTube accounts, and the official website.  A native of Benton, Arkansas, Judd previously worked for Senator John Boozman as the Correspondence and Systems Director, and has also worked as Field Director for the Republican Party of Arkansas.  Judd graduated from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.   Judd’s background and knowledge of new media ensure success in finding creative avenues for the senator to interact with his constituents.

One step closer to curing autism

Idaho State University researchers make discovery about potential causes of autism

Posted June 6, 2012

A team of Idaho State University researchers have discovered that fish show autism-like gene expression after exposure to water containing psychoactive pharmaceuticals, according to research published June 6 in the open access journal PLoS ONE.

The results may suggest an environmental trigger for autism, although this finding may only apply to genetically predisposed individuals.

Michael Thomas

"The psychoactive pharmaceuticals were tested at concentrations similar to those found in aquatic systems," said Michael Thomas, ISU associate professor of biological sciences and the lead researcher in the project. "This discovery implies that these drugs might be involved in the increase in autism in the past 30 years."

Thomas said that although these findings are significant, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the study.

"We've really proposed a new question, but not any new answers," he said. "But asking a new question is the first step towards learning something new, and in many ways, it's the most important step. It is our hope that this new question will useful for the autism research community, and eventually lead to fruitful new answers. It is important to remember that much more research on this topic is needed – it's not time to draw any conclusions, yet."

The team discovered that certain psychoactive pharmaceuticals induced gene expression patterns in a fish model that mimic expression patterns in humans with autism. The gene expression patterns are associated with neurological development and growth.

The fish exposed to pharmaceuticals also displayed behavioral characteristics that indicate anxiety-like symptoms. This shows that gene expression induced by drugs had a broader impact on the fish.

The drugs studied include an anti-seizure drug carbamazepine and two anti-depression drugs, fluoxetine and venlafaxine. These represent some of the most frequently prescribed pharmaceuticals. The introduction of fluoxetine and venlafaxine correspond to periods of rapid increase in the prevalence of autism, Thomas said.

This raises the possibility that pregnant women who drink water containing trace concentrations of these drugs will pass them along to the fetus, according to Thomas. The fetus has a leaky blood-brain-barrier, which allows drugs to pass directly into the developing brain.

"The drugs affect activity of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which are important in the development of neurological networks and, basically, affect how the brain is wired," Thomas said.

Again, Thomas emphasized that his study is early-stage work and more study is needed – at this time there is no reason for pregnant women to be concerned about results of the study.

The journal PLoS ONE is published by the Public Library of Science and is among the top tier of research journals and is noted for publishing work that is both cutting-edge and potentially transformative. This study can be viewed online at http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0032917.

The ISU research team involved with this project included Loubin Yang, biological sciences research assistant professor, and ISU graduate students Parag Joshi, Victor Ezike and Gauray Kaushik. For the project, Thomas also collaborated with Rebecca Klaper at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School for Freshwater Sciences.

The title of the study is "Psychoactive pharmaceuticals induce fish gene expression profiles associated with human idiopathic autism."

"This project is an exciting contribution to the biomedical sciences from Idaho State University, and creates interesting opportunities for students to become involved in cutting-edge research in ways that are not possible at larger institutions," Yang said.

Richard Jacobsen, ISU executive director for the Office of Research and Technology Transfer commented on team's research.

"This is great research because if focuses on the potential effects of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and the results may be useful for additional applications beyond fish," Jacobsen said. "It is also an excellent example of cooperative research with other universities, in particular, the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences.