If anyone has a cat... or a cat has you, to be more precise, this will really hit home.

For more, follow Simon's Cat on Twitter @SimonsCat

The Podcast

Hello to all who have and will visit this blog. Just to remind you that my sister blog is full of the shownotes from my podcast "Boise and Beyond", now available on iTunes. There are two, if you search, one with the Mevio shows 1-40, and the new Libsyn feed. The Libsyn feed is the one with the picture of the Gnome.

I'll be uploading Show 44 in the next few days, just doing the editing now.

Let me know what you think.

30 Minutes You Won't Want Back

I heard about President Obama agreeing to send troops into Uganda several months ago. As Retired Military, all I could think was, "Uganda?? Really? How is our National Defense at risk there?"

I wish this video had been available before the troops were approved to be deployed.

Thank you, President Obama. You listened to the People. Please keep the advisers in Uganda until this criminal despot murderer has been captured.

As with any organization which asks for your money, do your own homework. Check out the other NGO's who have been doing humanitarian works in Uganda for years. Ask yourself what or who is behind this video.

Is Joseph Kony still alive? Is he still in Uganda? Is he still a force to be reckoned with anymore?

Question with boldness.

Well. I made it to the airport at least.

Hmmm I'm at the Boise airport. If this video works you can see the scores of people here. The winged creature on the floor was spotted in the drinking fountain either bathing or getting a drink but it was too far to take a picture.

My flight to SFO is delayed 40 min, but the counter crew claims I'll be ok as I only have to go from gate 74 to 96. At least I won't have to change terminals. This means I may not have time for the duty free for that gin. Yikes!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Listen to my podcast at boiseandbeyond.libsyn.com.

Location:Boise

Quiz

I'm off on travels tomorrow and I'll be getting in flight entertainment. I wonder what the feature film choices will be?

There should be at least 5 to choose from, so is anyone guesses two of the choices on my flight tomorrow (as verified by the in flight magazine) there will be a prize.

Email guesses to boiseandbeyond@gmail.com

Multiple guesses accepted, but only one entry per email.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Listen to my podcast at boiseandbeyond.libsyn.com.

Location:Worldwide

Mevio suspends accounts

Without notice or provocation, Mevio has suspended the accounts of a great many podcasters who have used their free podcast hosting service. Many have used them for over 5 years.

Popular long running shows like allthe Channel Erk shows, Relic Radio (old time radio shows), and the Ourobouros podcast have been affected.

Consequently, we are all having to find new hosts, a service which will upload our mp3 files into iTunes for your listening pleasure. This may take some time for some shows.

In the meantime, subscribe to my Audioboo account (search for Tiggr) and listen there.

I'll post here as soon as I've sorted the host kerfuffle.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Leave a comment here or a voicemail at 1-401-6BOISE6

Location:Worldwide

The cat Who Roared

This week we got our first decent snowfall of the winter. Great for the local ski resort, not so great for my yard. My back boundary is at a slight decline from the street, so when the 5+ inches of fluffy whiteness started to melt, it was like living with a moat and no drawbridge.

Early yesterday morning, as the snow continued to melt, I was lying snuggled in my bed, and EVILCAT ( names have been changed to protect the innocent) bit me, a clear indication that he wanted me up for something.

E.C. Jumped off the bed, sniffing at corners of the room, scratching on papers, and generally acting like he needed to "go". I picked him up, prepared to toss him out the back door ( the same door with the cat flap, sheesh).

But, nooooooooo. As I got closer to the door, he started climbing onto y shoulder, claws doing what cat claws do best, and jumped off me, and ran. Ok, so there was an inch of rain water at the back door. I got the message. I needed a litter box and QUICK!!! Grabbing an empty boot box (thank you Columbia boots) and my recycle bag, I shredded enough used envelopes to do the trick, then deposited you-know-who in the box.

Whew... He got the message, but not until I had walked away a few steps and averted my glance. Cats do NOT like to be stared at during delicate acts. Accident averted.

Before heading off to work, I sidetracked to the drug store and picked up a disposable aluminum turkey pan and kitty litter. This I assembled and showed to the cat, hoping he'd get the gist of this shiny new commode.

After work and as soon as I got home, I checked for tell-tail (pun intended) signs of litter usage. Nothing. Not one footprint, not any gravel on the carpet around the pan. On the other paw, no signs that he'd stayed inside the house for a second full day either, if you get my drift...

Fast forward to the next morning.............

No biting to wake me up! I say EC asleep at the foot of my bed- hmmm normal activity. I got up, made my coffee, fed the beasties and went to turn on the puter--- and there it was! The ultimate in kitty appreciation-- a dead rodent! Possibly a short tailed mouse- possibly a baby vole or mole... But definitely a present, delicately placed right where I'd be sure to see it, in front of my computer chair. Awwwwwww


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Leave a comment!

Location: Boise, United States

My first published article!

From the Union Jack News (www.ujnews.com), here is my book review of Stephen Rea's latest book!

By Guest Reviewer/Laurel Meadows WHEN regular reviewer Karen O’Keefe received Stephen Rea’s book Finn McCool’s Football Club: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of a Pub Soccer Team in the City of the Dead, she immediately judged the book by its cover and assumed it was about football. As Karen has no interest in football, American or The Beautiful Game, she promptly mailed Rea’s book to me, a card-carrying Pompey supporter. Rea’s book grabbed me from the opening paragraph, with its first-hand accounts of surviving Hurricane Katrina and its terrible aftermath. The book may begin with a hurricane, but the real story does not. Imagine, if you will, moving to a new home in a new country with your new wife. Now imagine that you have chosen to move to a city that is arguably the most difficult to outgrow being an “outsider.” After freelance writer Stephen Rea had travelled the world a bit, and was ready for a change, he and his wife Julie packed up and moved to New Orleans. That is where the real story begins. Rea and his wife have come to remember those early days as “the good ’ol days” in comparison with what was to follow. After leaving Rea’s native Northern Ireland, he and his “ever-chilled” (as in “pass me another jumper”) wife Julie, settled in New Orleans, a city they had both visited, but one in which they had never lived. While Julie started a new job, Stephen worked on writing a comedic novel set in The City of the Dead, completing 100,000 words. But, he realized, something was missing: friends. Getting a bit of cabin fever, he succumbed to the call of his lifelong passion: football. Finding an “over 40s” team was difficult, but eventually Rea succeeded. His new team’s routine was simple: show up to pitch, play game, and leave pitch until next practice. There was none of the good-natured banter and camaraderie he was used to back home. Although Rea had not wanted to fall back on the ubiquitous Irish Pub, he found himself at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, a bit of home in New Orleans. Everyone was welcome there, no matter which colours they wore. Even better, Finn’s was starting a football club... for “Over 40s”... an answer to Rea’s prayer. Time passed, and Finn’s Football Club (FC) was days away from its first real match when Katrina began its rainy approach. Although they watched the news with the rest of us, they, like the rest of us, thought the storm would pass without much fanfare. Obviously they, like the rest of us, were sorely mistaken. The close-knit mates of Finn McCool’s FC rode out Katrina, some in Houston, some still in New Orleans. Although Rea’s book has football as a continuing thread, it’s not a football book. Although Hurricane Katrina is a strong player, Rea’s book is also not another depressing “I survived the Mother-of-all-Hurricanes” book. It is a book about friends and friendships new, old, and undiscovered. And it’s about what is important in life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, as will you. And Karen is now sorry she judged this book by its cover. About the Author: Stephen Rea has been a freelance writer for the past 20 years. He owned a travel agency in Northern Ireland for 12 years, giving him the opportunity to travel to all seven continents, all 50 US states, and many countries around the world. Rea and his wife Julie continue to live in New Orleans. Until next month... Please email Laurel at laurelmeadows@gmail.com or visit her website at www.tiggrztravels.blogspot.com or listen to her podcast Boise and Beyond, available on iTunes. You may email Karen at okeefekg@gmail.com or visit her website at www.snark-hunter.com.

Breakdancing at the Boise Fry Co

Today was the official grand re-opening of the formerly known as Idaho Fry Co... due to legal issues with the Idaho Potato Commission, they were forced to change their name to Boise Fry Co...

This was taken with a new flip cam... and am trying it out for the first time uploading...

Another delicious recipe from Eat Better America

Visit the Eat Better America website to find more healthy recipes, tips on eating healthier, and living well.

Here is another great recipe to try out!

"Healthified" Apple Crisp

What is "Healthified"?

We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.

Variation

For variety, stir 2 to 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed into the topping mixture before sprinkling over apples.

Did You Know?

Good apples for apple crisp are the same as those that are good in apple pie, such as Braeburn, Jonathan, McIntosh or Northern Spy.

0 reviews

1 rating - Click to rate

50% less fat • 33% more fiber • 29% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. By using fiber-rich whole-wheat flour and oats, we were able to add a third more fiber to a dessert that's good to the core! Fromeatbetteramerica.

prep time:15 min

start to finish:50 min

makes:8 servings (about 2/3 cup each)

6	cups sliced unpeeled cooking apples (6 medium)
1/4	cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2	teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4	cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4	cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/3	cup packed brown sugar
1/4	cup butter or no-trans-fat 68% vegetable oil spread stick, softened
1/2	teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4	teaspoon ground ginger
	Reduced-fat vanilla ice cream, if desired

1.	Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix apples, apple juice concentrate and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well mixed. Spread in baking dish.
2.	In same medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
3.	Bake uncovered 25 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Serve with ice cream.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 15mg;Sodium 45mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 21g); Protein 2g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%;Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/4 c Fruits, 1 oz-equivalents Grains
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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My first video podcast

From my trip to San Francisco... it's a bit shaky, but worked. I hope it posts here.

A Message from Scotland

The release of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi

• Posted by Gordon White on August 24, 2009 at 5:37pm
• Send Message   Add as Friend   View Gordon White's blog

I post this blog as a Scotsman and I think I speak for the overwhelming majority of the Scottish public.

I have heard today that there are calls in the United States to boycott Scottish goods and I must say this is perfectly understandable in the circumstances. However, I would implore all of my American friends and colleagues not to take this action.

I completely understand your anger at the release of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi and I completely agree with the sentiment that he should never have been released from jail, regardless of illness or suffering. This decision was taken by the Scottish Government and is certainly not compliant with the thoughts or wishes of the Scottish people who are outraged at recent events. EVERY Scottish person I have spoken to about this vehemently objects to his release and fully support the notion that he should not be free and, he should certainly have been returned to a heros welcome in Libya. Everyone I have spoken to agrees that the suffering caused to the families of the victims far outweighs the "suffering" endured by al-Megrahi.

I hope there is a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament and, I hope First Minister Alex Salmond is true to his word and resigns when the vote goes against him. I further hope that Prime Minister Gordon Brown suffers a similar fate, his refusal to comment on the matter is typical of his lack of leadership and buck-passing. The resignation of both would be a very small positive in what is one of the biggest mistakes made by this country in many years.

My thoughts (and that of all my Scottish friends and associates) goes out to the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and every other victim of acts of terrorism around the World. It's a great pity that the most notable thing our ineffective government has ever done is an act of outright betrayal.

I would ask all American readers of this blog to pass it on to your friends and family, the decent people of Scotland are 100% behind you. I would also ask any Scottish readers to link to the blog or paste it into their blog, it is important that the World knows that, like the bombing of Pan Am 103, this was the action of very few people but will leave a scar on so many.

Tags: abdul baset ali al-megrahi, alex salmond, gordon brown, kenny macaskill, libya, lockerbie, pan am flight 103, scotland, scottish parliament

A Message from Scotland

I love Peach Cobbler

When I was growing up, summers meant going to the beach, fresh strawberries from the roadside stands, and my mothers Peach Cobbler... She always made it with Bisquit mix, and used this for our strawberry shortcake too. I find she was ahead of her time, apparently, as I just got an email from

Here is their recipe for easy, health(ier) peach cobbler. yummmmmmmmy!!

Classic Peach Cobbler Cobbler like mom used to make - now healthified and just as tasty! • 280 calories • 95% less sat fat • 57% less fat 39% fewer calories • 57% less fat • 95% less sat fat fat than the original recipe—see the comparison. Cobbler like mom used to make – now healthified for more health-conscious times. You’ll feel just peachy! prep time:15 min start to finish:1 hr 30 min makes:6 servings 1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart® mix 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup fat-free (skim) milk 3 tablespoons canola oil 3/4 cup sugar 1 can (29 oz) peach slices in light syrup, drained 1 teaspoon lemon juice Vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, if desired 1. Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish, stir Bisquick mix and cinnamon. Stir in milk and oil with wire whisk or fork until blended. 2. In medium bowl, mix sugar, peaches and lemon juice. Spoon over batter in baking dish. 3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream. Nutritional Information 1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 35g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%;Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 3 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/2 c Fruits *% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. What is "Healthified"? We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original. Substitution If fresh peaches are available, use 4 cups sliced peeled peaches instead of the canned peaches. Or, you can use a 16-oz bag of frozen sliced peaches, thawed. Did You Know? The lemon juice used in this recipe adds a little sparkle that perks up the peach flavor.

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It's over, done, finis, kaput even

Well, the voting for the Nickelodeon Best of... contest concluded yesterday July 15, 2009. Winners will be announced tomorrow, July 17th.

In advance of any knowledge of results, let me please thank everyone who voted for me. From Twitteratti to Pompey Till I Die forum members; from Sydney, Australia to Portsmouth, England, and many points inbetween, you put up with my many reminders to vote for this blog over the last 70+ days, and for this I'm very grateful, astonished and humbled.

Barring any hanging chads or post-mortem (sp) voting from the Chicago precincts, lol, we should have a pretty good showing.

Again, thanks for your support, and I'll post the results tomorrow after I get them!!

Now, as for the picture...

1. What is this building used for?

2. What installation is it's home?

3. What city/state is it in?

4. Name the famous "busted" peak nearby...

GeoChicken searches for his mum

Hello! GeoChicken here again...

When Tiggr took me to Canada last month, I begged her to see if I had any relatives nearby. We went to the Calgary Zoo (a very nice zoo it is, too) to see what we could find.

Below are a few of my potential relatives... Which do you think looks most like me?

First, we have some flamingos. The color is not quite right, but at least they are birds.

I'm not sure a Vietnamese Pot Belly Pig is a relative, but it was very friendly!

The ostrich sort of resembles me, don't you think?

I think this one wins by a.... nose...
What is your favorite zoo? San Diego? Columbus? Bronx? London? 

Why do you like it?

NaBloPoMo?

#1

Just a quick post whilst sitting in the USO up on the Mezzanine level of SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma, WA for you feriners). Just to prove that it's probably a good idea that the fate of the free world is NOT on my shoulders anymore... 

I have a six hour lay-over on my way home from Calgary to Boise. I knew this, and figured I'd be paying for internet while in the airport. I went directly to the USO, as they have the really comfy couches, sandwiches, etc, and I could nap with my carryon bags in a secure closet if needed.

I bought the internet, at $7.95 for 24 hours (not like I'm going to be here that long... I hope...).

Maybe it's because the USO is not near any departure gates, but the wireless PAID internet has a very weak signal up here. Therein lies the rub...

I've been in here for 3 hours, grrrrr, and have just noticed the WEP key for the "USO's" FREE wireless internet... oh, and their internet is full strength too... double grrrrrrr...

I will try to post everyday this month, and it should be quite easy (HA!) as I have at least 30 pics from my vacation to Calgary.

Please enjoy and comment if you wish.

Podcast feed: boiseandbeyond.mevio.com

Boise to Banff

Hello! I'm the GeoChicken:

My friend, Tiggr, brought me along on her vacation to Canada... see the beautiful Rocky Mountains? I'm up near Banff in the province of Alberta. More about that later...

Follow my adventures getting here, and doing a bit of geocaching along the way!

Tiggr is Travelling this weekend!!

This is a clue... do you know where it is?

I'll be posting a podcast from near this Capitol city. Capitol of where? Ahhhh, that's for you to figure out... but, some clues:

It is in the Western Hemisphere.

Although the picture show a very flat horizon, there are very tall mountains within a couple of hours drive from here.

I have driven here twice in the last 10 years.

Any ideas? Post your answers in the comment section and we'll see who answers it correctly.

GOOD LUCK!

Quick update

Wow, I got a notice today, that this humble blog is up for an award! NO, really!!

That being said, I thought I'd better update it. 

If you like this blog, and it's contents, please vote for it at http://tinyurl.com/vote4tiggr .

New picture quiz coming this weekend!! 

You can also listen to the very first episode of my new podcast "Boise and Beyond" at BoiseandBeyondpodcast.blogspot.com . There is also a promo for Seth Harwood's print book "The Rookie" and Episode #184 of Erkpod in which Erk from Australia visits Boise, and I take him to see some of the famous, and not so famous, sites around town.

Thanks!