*Ex-lawmaker's Spokane visits cost thousands: Taxpayers picked up $77 Davenport tab for Curtis's sex romp/Rich Roesler, Spokesman-Review -- Hot Potato: In this instance, the taxpayers got the old scroogie and paid for it, too.

*Idaho dock rules sent to Legislature/Betsy Russell, Spokesman-Review -- Hot Potato: Commercial marina owners shouldn't be allowed to sell boat slips, condo style. The public still owns the waterways. Not them.

*Travel: Be prepared in passes: Snow may fall after Thanksgiving; pricey gas shouldn't deter travel/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press -- Sweet Potato: My favorite kind of snow is the kind that stays in the higher areas and leaves local roadways alone.

*Broncos vs. Vandals: Talking smack can get you in the paper/Idaho Statesman -- Sweet Potato: The trash-talking encouraged by the Statesman is fun. I particularly liked this entry in the link above: "You know what you can do with a degree from bsu? Hang it in your rear view mirror and park in the handicap spot."

*Chateau de Loire hearing set for Monday: Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in Kootenai County Administration Building/Marc Stewart, Coeur d'Alene Press -- Hot Potato: Aren't these the guys that were yapping about racial discrimination after the project was turned down the first time? Sounds like a decent project -- in the wrong place. The road around the lake can't handle that many new Hummers and SUVs.

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