Huckleberries Online

Valentine’s Day Wild Card — 2/14/09

Posted by DFO

Feb. 14, 2009 1:38 a.m. • 227 comments

It’s Valentine’s Day. Which means it’s a day to treat your Sweetie to a walk by the lake. Or a car ride. And/or dinner. Etc. It also means that spring training has arrived for Major League Baseball. And it means that Blogfest ‘09 is only two weeks away. I still haven’t decided on a time — noon to 2. 1 o’clock to 3 o’clock. Haven’t figured that part out. The pizzas and pop have been ordered. I’m told that Bent’s favorite kind of beer will be available. So there’s nothing between the blogfest and us but a few more days. Meanwhile, Huckleberries Online officially celebrates its 5th anniversary Monday. I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for five years. It isn’t as easy as it looks. But it has been interesting. Before I play the Wild Card, can I have a show of hands to see who’s coming to Blogfest ‘09? Now, for the Wild Card …

227 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

tarynahecker on February 14 at 6:12 a.m.
The urchins and I are maybes/hopefullies.
MamaJD on February 14 at 8:58 a.m.
Did anyone see Walt Minnick on Lou Dobbs last night? I can’t find a clip yet online. I’m wondering how the interview went.
florined on February 14 at 9:27 a.m.
Sorry, DFO, I’ve missed something. WHERE is blogfest going to be held?
Bent on February 14 at 9:47 a.m.
I’ll be there, DFO.

Hey mama if you find it, could you post a link. I’d like to see that too. Risch got a whole bunch of face time on CSPAN Thursday morning. It was fun to watch him answering phone calls on the stimulus bill…I may not agree with some of his opinions on the subject, but he did a great job. Very well spoken and professional…
Arch_Druid on February 14 at 9:57 a.m.
That’s hard to say. If you decide on Post Falls that’s a definite no regardless of whether I have the day off. If you decide on a location in CDA, Hayden or etc. I might swing it if I have that Saturday off. But only if.
hhuseland on February 14 at 10:10 a.m.
I’ll be there. Please remind us where. I didn’t write it down.
danofthecommunity on February 14 at 10:38 a.m.
“Meanwhile, Huckleberries Online officially celebrates its 5th anniversary Monday.”

Do you still have the posts from the first month…it might be fun if you reposed them one day at a time beginning with day one up to day 30 or so. See how the people or issues have changed or stayed the same.
Bent on February 14 at 10:53 a.m.
Good idea Dan…that would be interesting. He could start a “retro post of the day” thread.
OrangeTV on February 14 at 11:06 a.m.
(Posted this just now in yesterday’s Wild Card, but thought it was worth a repost here:)

Here it is, thanks to the Wayback Machine, the February 2004 version of HBO, when it was still “No Holds Barred.” It didn’t seem to be open to public comment, though,as far as I can tell. See the birth of a revolution…

http://web.archive.org/web/20040620161313/www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/nhb/archives/2004/02/cover.asp

The very first post:

Fasten Your Seatbelts:

For those who have developed a taste for Huckleberries, Hot Potatoes and other basic food groups in North Idaho, I’m taking it to the next level today … by moving on up to blogging. If you don’t know what that means, sound it out: blog, bah-log, Web log. In other words, a blog is a combination Web diary/column/train-of-consciousness thing.

Here’s what I hope to accomplish with my blog:

1. Let folks in North Idaho know what’s going on behind the scenes in political races and North Idaho governments.
2. Comment on the stories of the day.
3. Bring important Web stories to your attention.
4. Use the blog to test drive new words for my Hot Potatoes columns on Sundays and Wednesdays — words such as ap-hollow-gize and institution-all-lies, which speak for themselves.

I view life through an offbeat conservative filter but that doesn’t mean I’m conservative through and through. I may lean to the right on social issues but I voted for more Democrats than Republicans in Idaho’s last legislative elections. In other words, I don’t put much stock in either party’s politics.

One of my favorite sayings comes from the old Chicago Times: “It’s a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.” So, fasten your seatbelts. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I’m going to have writing it.
Bigguy on February 14 at 11:25 a.m.
“It’s a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.”

DFO - consider it done. Here’s to at least 5 more. HBO is the only place I can get the “real” inside scoop on what’s going down in the area.
Joker on February 14 at 11:54 a.m.
MMMM. I slept in and I feel nice and refreshed. So much for my self imposed time off.

I love it when liberals call themselves progressive. I think we’ve seen that these folks on this blog can’t take a second of criticism about their own party. What a bunch of babies.

They cry it’s all so obvious. Yes it is. But why haven’t they fixed it? Cause they don’t know how. That’s ok.

From what I’ve seen here, the Left Bank is eveyrbit as closedminded as the right wing nuts they decry.
danofthecommunity on February 14 at 12:37 p.m.
I went back and looked at those early posts, quite a trip to see who’s in and who’s out politcal wise.

Some things haven’t hanged though.

“DFO: I’m amazed you folks haven’t figured out the identity of The Bard, yet.”

Still true, five years later.
wheels on February 14 at 12:40 p.m.
Today is yet another commemorative day.Former Commish Elmer Currie Sr., father of current KC Commish Rick Currie is celebrating his birthday.He is 98 years young.A great man.May he have many more.Happy B-Day Elmer.
Bob on February 14 at 12:41 p.m.
Joker stop whimpering because we laughed at your heartfelt and earnest plea to get some college students to make a bitchin cool Koot Co. Demo website. I mean it was cute how you tried to be such a problem solver and all, but get real. You clearly don’t understand the demographics of Kootenai County.

Other than driving out in the summer to use our parks and beaches in Kootenai County what exactly is your connection? Oh sorry. I didn’t know that you also come out to buy cartons of Salems on the rez twice a month. My mistake. You are a North Idahoan!

*cracks knuckles*
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 12:57 p.m.
Your from the Spokane area Bob, you are also, using our parks and beaches.And because, of evangelical christians living here Demos will always have a hard time getting elected in Idaho.I think the last demo liberal senator was Frank Church.

Joker, Bobby’s ready for school! Let the schooling begin!
I’ll kick back and drink a brewski. ;-p
Dennis on February 14 at 1:11 p.m.
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 12:57 p.m.

And because, of evangelical christians living here Demos will always have a hard time getting elected in Idaho.

You might ad Racists & Rednecks there KM to complete the post.

Just Sayin’.
BethB on February 14 at 1:14 p.m.
I expect to be there. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you in person! (I’m still confused by all the names and avatars - Bob, will you come dressed up like a unicorn with a rainbow over your head so I’ll be able to recognize you?)
GaryIngram on February 14 at 1:41 p.m.
Wheels, 12:41 pm post………I gave old Elmer a hug in the presence of his sweet wife and Rick at a public meeting during the last election campaign and said, following a very Republican statement by Rick, “Elmer, if you were dead, you would roll over in you grave!” He agreed.
hhuseland on February 14 at 1:42 p.m.
Actually, the reputation of Idaho for racists and rednecks is overblown. Montana did and still has many more including radical militias, as well as NE Washington. I would hazard a guess that any rural rea sprouts some of that. they can hide easier. Oh, and we got rid of ours, how about you?
GaryIngram on February 14 at 1:44 p.m.
DFO, my hand is raised.
chatterbox on February 14 at 1:59 p.m.
I would love to be there. But please post the whereabouts, as I too, did not write it down.
Heard some kinda interesting news this morning. It seems Headmasters (beauty school) in CdA has been sold to a company called Tony & Guy. They will be moving to another location in downtown CdA because in the student’s words “This building is too ugly for Tony & Guy to put their name on it”. Anyone else hear something to this effect? Or know where they’re moving to?
Dennis on February 14 at 2:00 p.m.
No we haven’t Herb,,,,That is assuming you think I am an out of stater. They’re still here, just flying under the radar. It’s pretty clear you’re running around with blinders on.
Liz on February 14 at 2:02 p.m.
oh yeah: will be there!!
Bob on February 14 at 2:12 p.m.
Kage, my family’s owned property in Kootenai Co longer than you and yours have prolly been there, we’ve been there since the 1800s, Scooter. I grew up in the woods and waters of North Idaho and while I choose to live in Idaho’s bigger, sweeter, smarter, richer, and prettier sister to the west, I have more Idaho cred than most of the Johnny Come Latelys from Orange Co California you so adore.

I’ve seen Rathdrum devil worshippers back in the 70s and little neo-nazi militia children in camo goosestepping on a lake road in the 80s.

So zip it, Kage. I’ve got so much Idaho in me I smell like a horrid mix of potatoes, garnet sand, Subaru brat exhaust, meth lab byproducts, and Squirrel gravy simmering in a pot on a woodstove in a shack in Blanchard whenever I fart.

Where you from Kage? Rancho Cucamonga, Kalifornia?

Beth, I might wear a unicorn shirt or a Kage Mann pelt over my broad viking shoulders.
hmoffsuite on February 14 at 2:14 p.m.
DFO. Would attend if I were there but I’m not and won’t. Congrats on the anniversary of the blog and accept it as a testament to your hard work and skills. You should be proud of the accomplishment.
Dennis on February 14 at 2:22 p.m.
Thanks a lot Bob!!!!! Now we all have the suffer through Kage reciting his family tree of how his famility has been in Idaho since the Mayflower banged in to Plymouth Rock!!!!

Ohhhhhhh The Humanity of it all!!!!!!!

;-O
danofthecommunity on February 14 at 3:02 p.m.
“And because, of evangelical christians living here Demos will always have a hard time getting elected in Idaho.”

Actually a fair amount of us are both, especially us old time natives.
Stickman on February 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Of course my hand is raised DFO, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
bondgirl on February 14 at 3:46 p.m.
Blogfest 09 is being held at Moon Dollars in Post Falls at 609 Syring - It is on the corner of Syringa and Polston Ave in Post Falls inside JD Dickinson Insurance Building and across from Beaudry Motor Sports and Northwest Specialtiy Hospital- any more questions please leave them here and I will try to help answer them with DFO since I helped get the location and It will be all to us no one else in the building,,,,yeah and there is room for us….
Digger on February 14 at 4:11 p.m.
I will be there! Spazz has to work JassFest at UI but you couldn’t stop me. Also appears as if JeanC and Hubby might be carpooling up from Moscow with me - which means a few extra seats in the Tahoe still.

Moscow Minidoka - care to carpool along with us?
Stickman on February 14 at 4:14 p.m.
Such a nice visit from Jen of Butterfly moment yesterday, what a family is that. And today, another one from keithincda, always a pleasure. I hope to see most of you at blogfest, it’s a once a year event that brings the family together, no matter how we think.
Digger on February 14 at 4:24 p.m.
Stickman - I plan on stopping by before BlogFest this year and will be bringing you some handpicked sea shells from Florida’s Space Coast. Spazz and I collected some for you while we were on vacation in January.
JeanC on February 14 at 4:27 p.m.
Yup, the hubby and I are coming up and we are still planning on carpooling with Digger.
GaryIngram on February 14 at 4:38 p.m.
Bondgirl does this very private, unsupervised, unregulated, venue mean we can flame out and throw pizza at each other and the walls, shake and foam beer all over The Bob, tell dirty stories?? – or will Dave be there with handcuffs? Stickman, don’t bring sticks. We’ll brake our own over each others heads. Am I still invited?
Bob on February 14 at 4:51 p.m.
I’m with ya Gary, let’s go for a drunken Vikings theme this year and we will know we have succeeded with the best Blogfest ever when Editor Graham calls DFO on Monday and says on the advice of the S-R attorneys and after reading the Post Falls PD police report and viewing the booking and crime scene photos he’s decided that the S-R will sponsor no future blogfests.
Stickman on February 14 at 5:16 p.m.
Gary: I always look forward to seeing you at blogfest, I promise I won’t bring any big sticks. And Digger, I will be around all that morning before the event, so please come by, again, a pleasure as always.
MamaJD on February 14 at 5:27 p.m.
DFO - I tentatively plan on attending blogfest.

P.S. If there is any truth to the Toni & Guy rumor takeover the Headmasters school, this will be a good thing. For the school, the students and the community that uses the school’s services.
Joker on February 14 at 5:55 p.m.
Bob I can’t believe you stabbed your best friend ThomG in the gentials with a long unbent wire coat hanger covered with rainbow yarn and glitter tape.

You called Walt Minnick a DINO wingnut. Why would you do that? I thought it was in your viking genetic code to watch his back.

ThomG worked hard to make sure Minnick beat Idaho booger eater Bill Sali and was a part of his campaign team. Minnick was his boy.

Seems like there’s a fracture within the left bank ranks. You guys need to make up like Simon and Garfunkle, err, bad example. I mean put on a Barbara Streisand CD,open a bottle of wine, turn the lights down low and look into each others eyes and promise to be best friends forever.
nic on February 14 at 6:11 p.m.
Joker, even if Minnick is a DINO wingnut, he’s still better than Bill “stupid-speak” Sali.
JohnA on February 14 at 6:12 p.m.
Deena and I plan on attending after being out of town last year. We’re hoping there will be warm friendships and cold beer. :)
hhuseland on February 14 at 6:16 p.m.
Dennis, perhaps I wasn’t specific enough for you. I used the terms overblown to mean that we have a reputation that is an exaggeration. That doesn’t mean that we, along with probably every other state in the union, plus Europe and Asia, have differences with people that are not like us, come from Kaliformnia (Bob’s quote) or if you are in New York, well, as a westerner you would be looked down upon.

Prejudice of many different kinds are prevalent throughout the world. I just didn’t feel that Idaho deserved to put at the top of the intolerance heap. If this doesn’t clear the issue up then I guess I’m just going to have to accept that you are showing prejudice toward me due to your political or other leanings.
nic on February 14 at 6:23 p.m.
And while I’m at it Joker…. You’ve proven to be more stable and intelligent than many of the other right-wingers that have dropped in to (and sometimes out of) HBO.

However, I can’t take a single thing you say seriously. I don’t care what your real identity is, but it’s hard to give credit to poo flung like an anonymous monkey. I also don’t care about your political leanings, but if you’re only original thoughts are insults of the liberals you read like a mute dog trying desperately to bark.

Every time I see your pseudonym, my mind thinks “move along, nothing to see here…” Because your comments contain one of two things, ultra-conservative talking points or jabs at Bob. The broken record posting is a nuisance.

You appear to be smart. It’d be nice to see you chime in on something other than “Dems are stupid- HAHA!”
eagleeye on February 14 at 6:24 p.m.
Joker, I understand that you are the recruited guy of the right to hammer Bob, ThomG and Sisyphus. You are just trying to pull things back to the center so that the righties who fled and send private emails to DFO on how much they hate the lefties will once again ring the blog hit button. I am kind of a guy that hangs out in the center. I have since the beginning of this blog.
But a couple of observations. Your obsession with Thom is getting a little Ziggles-like. You remember Ziggles dont you? You guys spent alot of time around the newsroom water cooler trying to ID that guy. Second, you are a clever writer but I dont find you very funny and I know you are trying hard to be funny. But your not. And lastly, do you have any other gear or is it just ridicule the three lefties? Do you have anything of substance to offer or are you just a one trick “Pony”? Please dont take this personal because it is not. I am just trying to figure out where you are coming from.
Dennis on February 14 at 6:55 p.m.
Herb, now it’s my turn to disagree with you. Understand, I have a unique perspective, and political perspective has nothing to do with it. My wife is minority and she gave me two beautiful children. Living in Idaho, North Idaho in particular showed me just how ugly people can be. The reputation Idaho has is deserved. Now I understand that a lot of good people are trying to change the worlds perception of Idaho and there has been some gains. But make no mistake, the racist mentality is still very prevelent.

You are right that prejudice occurs all over the world, heck, my wifes grandparents disowned her because she married outside her race, but when you state that the reputation that Idaho has isn’t deserved, you insult me, my wife and my children because we have seen that ugly side all too often.
Bent on February 14 at 7:01 p.m.
Yes, I think Eagleeye is onto something. Joker does seem to be more intelligent than some of the knuckle-draging right wingers. However, he is wasting precious energy by employing such basic baiting tactics.

Joker your agenda might be better served, and you might earn more cred here by simply going with the flow and jumping into the issues of substance. You aren’t going to pick a fight the way you have been going at it, and even if you do succeed occassionaly, It just seems soo Jr. High to most of the regulars here…

You can continue to poke, poke, poke… but after awhile you run the risk of becoming blog static, digital white noise that is mildly annoying… but easily tolerable.

Nothin’ personal, just sayin’ it’s getting old…
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 7:27 p.m.
Bent, I find it incredible that you consider yourself a moderate.
Maybe, a moderate democrat. Anyway, whats up with the attacks on Joker?The lib regulars on here are far more vicious or condescending in their comments and they have been spoiled the past 5 years by having it mostly their way.Kinda funny how it wasn’t getting old when the 3 lib amigos were bashing others here.
eagleeye on February 14 at 7:33 p.m.
Kage,
What do you mean when you say that the “libs” have had it mostly their way?
JohnA on February 14 at 7:41 p.m.
Eagle Eye, it’s good to see you back on the ol’ blog. I hope you can make it to Blogfest.
Joker on February 14 at 7:43 p.m.
Eagle and Bent,

It might surprise you to know that that I voted for President Obama. I thought, and still think he’s the best guy for the job.

I think Bush and Cheney were terrible for the country. They caused 20 or 30 years worth of future problems for all us.

I am not a kool-aid drinker from the right or the left. Before I posted on thing, I watched this blog for a while. It really was just an echo chamber of the left wing and a platform for a guy from Washington who can be funny at times. I also saw he had a meaniness to him and pushed people away. His message wasn’t your wrong. It was you’re wrong and you’re a freaking idiot for disagreeing with me.

I decided to challenge him and his friends and they had a China Syndrome meltdown. I think I’ve exposed them pretty well for what they are and their level of thinking. It’s pretty simple to Bash Bob Nonini. I wish the Dems had bothered to find somebody better.

I want to have great debates about issues. I think the country needed a stimulus package. But what’s in it? Are certain projects what’s best for the country? Or are they just pet projects for some politician? I am still studying the package, so I can’t have a thoughtful debate yet. Next week, let’s talk about it.

P.S. Ziggles was before my time. I’ve seen him mentioned a couple of times, but I don’t know who that person is or what they did.
hhuseland on February 14 at 7:45 p.m.
Dennis, I don’t intend to insult you, nor your wife. I just think that absolutes are as dangerous as those that hate. I have 7 grandchildren that are half black. My first wife, is Mexican. 3 of my great-grandchildren are also half black. My point was and is, that intolerance is a thing that can work both ways. You are being intolerant of me because I don’t think the world is coming to an end race relations wise. I just think that you might be a bit too touchy. Peace, brother …
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 7:48 p.m.
Eagleeye, liberals have dominated this blogsite for a long time and some would say that prior to last fall, DFO didn’t do enough
policing of HBO and let the liberals attack posters.I know b/c I came on here last July and it was almost a free for all compared to what it’s been since last fall.With liberals circling the wagons and gangtackling conservatives.Now, he’s trying to rein in the bad behaviour and the demos are not happy about it.
Arch_Druid on February 14 at 7:49 p.m.
At least Joker seems to have calmed down from what I saw earlier in the day. Nice.
Arch_Druid on February 14 at 7:52 p.m.
Kage Mann, I don’t take you for a conservative. Sorry. If you were, I’d have more occasions for agreeing with you.
hhuseland on February 14 at 7:53 p.m.
Actually, counting on the fingers of both hands, I left out one innocent black great-grandchild. My memory is getting worse, and if this conversation hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have shared my family with you, Dennis. but since you did, I felt obligated to do the same. I am not the enemy, nor am I a racist.
Bent on February 14 at 7:55 p.m.
Kage, all I am saying is if the joker took a different approach he might enjoy better results on this blog…

And, yeah, who knows what I am. I am certainly not a democrat and I feel like the GOP left me behind a few years ago…

I find it interesting that the far left lables me with an R, and the far right has me wearing the scarlet D. But really, I don’t care what anyone thinks they might know about my politics. My politics are what they are… I’ll declare a party when I align with one… Seems pretty independent to me, thank you very much.

You know, people like you intrigue me. People who feel like they have to silo someone into one camp or the other. It seems that people like you just can’t see anything in between.

It is interesting how people like you seem to think the middle is just the beginning of the other side. Your people keep trying to see everything in black and white, when all I see are shades of grey…
hhuseland on February 14 at 7:57 p.m.
Dennis, I don’t intend to insult you, nor your wife. I just think that absolutes are as dangerous as those that hate. I have 7 grandchildren that are half black. My first wife, is Mexican. 3 of my great-grandchildren are also half black. My point was and is, that intolerance is a thing that can work both ways. You are being intolerant of me because I don’t think the world is coming to an end race relations wise. I just think that you might be a bit too touchy. Peace, brother …

I guess I look at life as a glass half full, while you are looking at the same glass, and noting that it is half empty. Hopefully, you and I will be able to meet at the blogfest.
Dennis on February 14 at 7:59 p.m.
Herb, I agree with you on that point, no arguement at all from me. But when you throw out there that there isn’t a problem or someone / thing is getting a bad rap when the people who have and continue to live through it know otherwise, that is what gets my dander up.

I have and will continue to be accused of being “Over Sensative”, your word was touchy, because I believe that ALL people should be viewed and treated equally. I just wish that all people would view each other by what’s inside, not the outward appearance. I think we would all be better off if we did.
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 8:02 p.m.
Arch, I voted for Sarah Palin and that’s conservative.I’m an independent conservative.
Arch_Druid on February 14 at 8:10 p.m.
Kage Mann, Sarah Palin isn’t conservative either. Anyone who’d play footsie with the Alaskan Independence Party is an out and out radical.
eagleeye on February 14 at 8:11 p.m.
Joker,
Thanks for the response. I know a little bit more about where you are coming from and I appreciate it. I look forward to
debating the issues. But here is where I think you are mistaken.
You say that you have exposed Bob and Thom for “what they are”. Do really know enough about them to make that statement? Or are you judging them simply on the fact that you dont like things they post here? I happen to know Thom pretty well. I consider him a good friend. He is very passionate about his ideas. I have met Bob. It would surprise you on how mild mannered he is in person. He too is very passionate about his ideas. And he is bar none the best and funniest poster that has ever written a word on this blog. Sure , he can be ornry, insulting and sometimes even borderline rude but I can tell you what , in a battle, I want him on my side.
Both of them are good guys. And I would venture to say if you were alone on a pier with either one of these guys and fell in and were drowning that they would grab you out of the water.
There are a few posters that I know on here that would let you drown and call it an terrible accident.
So Joker, I guess what I am trying to say is I think spirited debate and even some serious jabs back and forth are O.K.. I understand you dont like what these guys say. But you are wrong if you think that you have exposed to the world that these guys are “evil doers.” because they are not. They just think differently than you.
hhuseland on February 14 at 8:12 p.m.
Actually, I have spent too many words already, trying to convince you that I never said there isn’t a problem. You took what I said, added your sensitivity and came out with something entirely different. Please go back and examine my words without the editorializing. I think you will find them less damning than you are representing.

Perhaps it would be of use if you and your family were to get together with me for lunch, or something, that is if you live in the area of where we mostly are. I’d be delighted to meet them. Besides, if your children grow up here in North Idaho, and attend school here, they will find that our schools spend as much time on diversity training as they do the 3 R’s.

I know this, because I volunteer at Athol Elementary for reading assistance and every book these children are offered is right smack in the middle of racial diversity. Let’s get together and I’ll show you some examples. Perhaps you and I reaching toward each other, will accomplish what social contacts haven’t.
Bent on February 14 at 8:12 p.m.
Joker I hear ya… but I’m just saying that baiting these guys the way you are doing it just gets old… They are not going to bite because your intent is obvious… and it gets tiresome.

When you start to use this blog to single out a couple of people (no matter who you voted for), you run the risk of mariginalizing yourself.

Hmoff is a good example. He came in here slinging both pistols and wound up annoying almost everyone (except Kage), but once he started listening to others, he learned to pick his battles and started to build some huckleberry capital…

Just an observation… for what it is worth
hhuseland on February 14 at 8:22 p.m.
I for one, haven’t seen Joker in the mold that is being discussed. As a newcomer to the blog, for him not to see the obvious sarcasm and put downs, would be a bit unusual. I don’t see his philosophy as being wild or out in right field. I think He’ll fit in just fine. It’s just that some of the left seem to get real excited when a less liberal person joins us. I think if we have a sickness, it is the lynch mentality of the far left. Just let people that you don’t agree with alone. They, as you do, have the right to express themselves without being attacked. Actually, since this isn’t 43rd state or any of the other left leaning blogs, you are going to find some sensible people on the other side. Diversity isn’t just racial or ethic, it is also allowing people you don’t agree with, a forum.
Dennis on February 14 at 8:25 p.m.
I would like that Herb. And I understand where you are coming from now. My kids did attend Idaho schools, one has since graduated from college and the other is in her sophmore year of college. Unfortunately, the diversity classes you are speaking of were not presented when my son was in school and was an elective class when my daughter attended. By the way, it was a different school district.

Anyway, you have a great evening and I hope to meet up with you soon.
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 8:27 p.m.
Then my definition of being a conservative is different, than your definition.No true conservative would ever vote for Obama.
Cindy_H on February 14 at 8:29 p.m.
As always Bent nailed it.
Well. He offered his usual astute analysis ;-)
Constant baiting is just darn annoying. It’s much more fun to go with the flow. Joker and HMO have been around long enough to see that there’s plenty of opportunity to get their licks in and their points across.
I hope they relax and enjoy the company they’ll find at HBO, and save the jabs for opportune moments. Like I said, there’s lots of them :-)
hhuseland on February 14 at 8:36 p.m.
Well, Dennis, back when you are talking about, this area was as you previously described. Things have changed, as we have discussed, but obviously, the pain lingers on. Are you coming to the Blogfest? If so, bring the family.
Dennis on February 14 at 8:41 p.m.
Herb, I wish I could, but duty calls. Unfortunately I will be working that week end. But I’ll stay in touch and give you a jingle.
Joker on February 14 at 8:54 p.m.
Kage,

I never said I was a conservative. You put that lable on me. I’ve warned people about trying to categorize me… It’s a mistake.

Eagle,

Outside this blog ThomG and Bob may be great guys. My problem isn’t with what they believe, it’s how act on here. It’s very superficial. When Thom rips Nonini, I think ok. Nonini is a dingdong. Then I think,why is he there. Reason: Nobody challenged him. A little research, I find the left has been playing surrender. I am a believer in the two-party system of govenrment, when one party is so ineffective it is sad for everybody.

Go with the flow, I think your fondness for them makes you blind to the fact they’ve been operating in an echochamber.

Kage, Sarah Palin, you’ve got to be kidding me. The Republicans blew it with her. They should have followed the Obama plan. Have her give a great speech, then in four years, have her be the big star.

Now, she’s a late night punchline. Her political career is basically over. What’s the Republicans plan? Who is their leader? They’re in the wilderness. We will see what emerges. It doesn’t look good..

What’s the Republicans next move?
Kage_Mann on February 14 at 9:15 p.m.
Joker on February 14 at 8:54 p.m.

Kage,
“I never said I was a conservative. You put that lable on me. I’ve warned people about trying to categorize me… It’s a mistake”.

Joker, I never said you were.That last post I was addressing Arch, who said I wasn’t a conservative.

Anyway, after seeing what Hillary and especially Sarah, have had to endure, I don’t think Americas ready for a woman Prez or VP.I think alot of voters are too sexist for them to be elevated to the top spots in Gov’t. I wish New’t Gingrich would run for Prez and I think he’d do well, especially if Obama makes some missteps.I disagree,I think Governor Palin has a good future with the republican party, but who knows where she might fit in.
thomg57 on February 14 at 9:16 p.m.
Joker your agenda might be better served—

Actually it is not his agenda that is being is being served, it’s his friends. Joker is just the foot soldier doing exactly what he is being encouraged to do. Unfortunately, it is probably another miscalculation. eh Dave?
Bent on February 14 at 9:19 p.m.
“Go with the flow, I think your fondness for them makes you blind to the fact they’ve been operating in an echochamber.” — Joker

Nah… most of us have been at this long enough to know that it really doesn’t matter what we think… Nor does it matter what they think.

But, If YOU really think about it, Joker, you said it yourself. Anyone who blurks on this blog will form their own opinion of the individual posters, and you aren’t going to change that.

Sure, you’ll get others who agree with you to dog pile these guys, but you’ll also get those who agree with your targets to dog pile you…

So, whose echo chamber is it anyway?

/Okay, that was a little too deep. I must be channeling the Toad
Bent on February 14 at 9:30 p.m.
Of course Cindy nails it too.

The HBO experience is much better if you take in the sites along with the adventure… If your only here for one thing, your shorting yourself.

That’s all we are saying when we say…Go with the flow…
hhuseland on February 14 at 9:32 p.m.
And Thom is not a foot soldier? I would think the Kootenai County Democratic committee would wonder on that one, or are you the only member?

ThomG on February 14 at 9:16 p.m.

Joker your agenda might be better served—

Actually it is not his agenda that is being is being served, it’s his friends. Joker is just the foot soldier doing exactly what he is being encouraged to do. Unfortunately, it is probably another miscalculation. eh Dave?
Bent on February 14 at 9:33 p.m.
Yes, Thom, you may be right, but what waste of time and energy. Huh?
BusyBody on February 14 at 9:48 p.m.
Former Commish Elmer Currie turned 89 on Friday, not 98 as an earlier poster said.
Joker on February 14 at 9:54 p.m.
Ok, there’s seems to be a perception that I am acting on DFO’s orders.

I am not. There is no master plan. Paranoid delusions are running rampant. Some believe my arrival is a signal to them that DFO wants them gone. I’ll let him address that.

Up until about a month ago, I’d never spoken to DFO. After we moved here, a friend pointed out this blog. I watched, studied and learned.

Now, I’ve been called a troll, a spray troll, an ankle biter, a pinata, a right winger and compared to some cat named Ziggles. There are more, but you get the idea.

I love spirited debate. I tried to engage these folks in honest discussion on why Republicans are so dominant here.

The responses were: Silence, dismals, and Bob saying it’s because they’re too many white people.

If Thom is foot solider, why doesn’t he get in there and start fighting for what he believes instead of hiding behind Bob.
Joker on February 14 at 9:59 p.m.
Kage,

Palin has been so marginalized by her lack of preparedness for the national spotlight, I think she’s been reduced to cheering and firing people up.

Those interviews with Katie Couric were a train wreck..Then they hid her, allowing her to appear only on friendly Fox. She was ill prepared.

I think a woman will be president within the next 20 years, just not her.

Keep an eye on Huckabee. I predict he will be the nonimee in 2012.
poolman on February 14 at 10:20 p.m.
Joker - welcome to the liberal left.
poolman on February 14 at 10:25 p.m.
Fight for good not for evil
Bob on February 14 at 10:27 p.m.
Wow Joker all those words signifying basically nothing. I think some of the regs have given you some good advice that might help you, if you hit the kill switch on your supercharged narcissism and bother to read and comprehend what they’re saying.

Let me summarize for you, the normal people here are telling you you’ve been an attack dog with little redeeming value up to this point, but they see some sort of potential in you (it escapes me what they’re seeing frankly but I trust most of em) and are offering you a chance to stop making a fool of yourself.

Totally up to you. I prefer the jokerball machine on permanent tilt like tonight with all the lights flashing and bells ringing. It’s hilarious to read.

Keep trashing me and humping all of my posts, it’s pretty amusing now that I know who you are and what DFO is up to. You’ll flame out eventually and we can wave goodbye to another pretender. Or keep insulting people like Thom George who work their asses off to make changes in Koot Co, with your simplistic and silly solutions of hiring college students to sex up a website. OMG.

Keep em coming, Jokerboy. This is really becoming entertaining.

*sets bowl of popcorn down*
poolman on February 14 at 10:29 p.m.
eat healthy foods

moderation is key
eagleeye on February 14 at 10:29 p.m.
Joker,
Being compared to Ziggles is not all bad. He was wildly entertaining. You know Larry Spencer? What do you think of LCDC ?

Kage,
The reason there became more liberals than conservatives on this blog is that your OpenCdA friends Souza,
DanG and Morgan couldnt take the heat. They folded like a cheap kite in a high wind when anyone questioned them.I have to give you some credit. At least you have the cajones to stay around and battle.

Now cant we get together and have a group hug ?
Bob on February 14 at 10:31 p.m.
Oh and thanks for the great analysis of Sarah Palin’s interviews with Katie Couric. Original and penetrating political review. How did you think of it? Palin sucked on Couric. Who knew?
florined on February 14 at 10:34 p.m.
Wow…just got home from seeing “The Reader.” Strong story, fine performances.
Bob on February 14 at 10:37 p.m.
I’ve grown very fond of Kage Mann and his gamesmanship. He is clever and covert. He uses the squatting troll booger picker costume to great advantage. I particularly enjoy his displays of punctuationtardation. I will never attempt to chase Kage away. He’s a total keeper. I do worry that sometimes in his efforts to fling the biggest, stinkiest, most flyblown troll pie against the Huckleberry stand he sets himself up for a stunning and utter rejection by the good folks here. But he’s been able to semi-redeem himself most of the time. You’re a dancer, Kage Mann. A dancer.
Bob on February 14 at 10:41 p.m.
Unlike that old hack Doug Clark, I actually check on new words before I claimed I’ve coined one, e.g. “punctuationtardation,” which is defined as possessing profound deficits in the ability to correctly punctuate simple sentences.

Usage example: “When Kage Mann typed ‘Bob,needs to stay inWashington blogs not, Idaho ones’ he showed us how bad his punctuationtardation is.”
Bob on February 14 at 10:44 p.m.
Oh in case it wasn’t obvious, I just, coinedthat one.
nic on February 14 at 10:50 p.m.
Bob,is it punctuationtardation… or punctuatardation?Just asking.I need a little clarification,especially if I’m going to be a punctuatard… or punctuationtard.
Bob on February 14 at 10:52 p.m.
Nic, good pickup, I thought about it both ways but when you say “punctuationtardation” out loud it just sings. It’s a beautiful word with excellent rhyming metrics. If I was a world famous hip hop artist I would so write a song around that word, dawg.
Bob on February 14 at 10:56 p.m.
Looks like I chased Joker away again. DFO please don’t ban me because he ran off. I do NOT want to come to the blogfest disgraced and shivering from the cooler.
thomg57 on February 14 at 11:04 p.m.
After we moved here,—Joker

Which explains your rather common ability to state the obvious, but without any clue as to the political landscape. If you truly are interested in dialog you know how to get a hold of me. Otherwise your behavior continues to scream “troll,” whether you like it or not.
keithincda on February 14 at 11:12 p.m.
Bent,

Picked up my bottles at Stickmans today and drank one of his with him…good stuff..thanks
Joker on February 15 at 12:00 a.m.
You boys didn’t scare me off. I do have a life ya know. I can’t be on here all the time.

Bob is busy carpet bombing and Thom steps out from behind Bob’s legs to toss a pebble or two at me. Missed me.

The Left Bank was exceeding good at rallying sympathy for themselves tonight,

Ohhhh Big Bad Joker is being Dave’s attack poodle. Help us. Help us. We can’t defend ourselves. What a bunch of victims.

Hey Thom whaddya think about old Bob blasting your boy Minnick… I guess Porkulus takes the edge off.
Bob on February 15 at 6:53 a.m.
Joker, work on your sockpuppet dialogue a bit more. All your characters sound the same. You make this too easy.

Too bad you have to handicap the fight so much to feel you can slug it out with me. But I do understand considering your limitations.

And you won’t be on later this Sunday morning. I’m pretty certain.

:-) :-) :-) :-)

(multiple smiley faces = laughing) (a microsoft admin I used to date taught me that)
wheels on February 15 at 10:55 a.m.
to BUSYBODY, thanks for pointing that out.I’d hate to age Elmer before his time.Huge typo,my bad.
Bent on February 15 at 11:05 a.m.
Ha Keith, that’s what I heard. Couldn’t make the whole month, huh?
;-)
keithincda on February 15 at 11:50 a.m.
no but I did make it 13 days…;)
thomg57 on February 15 at 3:05 p.m.
no but I did make it 13 days…;)

13 days!?!?

Not a bad start keith. I’ve made it 5192 days, so far. ;-)
Cindy_H on February 15 at 3:11 p.m.
Congratulations Thom!

However, in keiths’s case abstinence probably made the heart grow fonder :-)
keithincda on February 15 at 4:31 p.m.
actually it was Bent’s home brew that made my heart grow fonder…I just couldn’t tell her no!
Bob on February 15 at 4:41 p.m.
I quit for a year once. Worse year of my life. Just kidding, it wasn’t that bad. I do remember finally falling off the wagon with some French liquor and a new girlfriend I was quite enamored of, because, you know, absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.
keithincda on February 15 at 4:55 p.m.
I was just trying to get my annual 1 month dry period done early in 2009 by choosing the shortest “month” of the year..;)
In 2008 I was on the wagon from November 27 until December 30th. Of course I drank like a good little Mexican fish for two weeks south of the border right after the 1st of the year!
I’ve still got 10 more months to squeeze in a dry one this year.
And I still blame Bent’s killer brew for my slip, I was going to make blogfest my entrance back into adult beverage consumption…oh well!
Arch_Druid on February 15 at 5:34 p.m.
I was watching Senator McCain on CNN, he was again for pushing the gvt buy up of toxic mortgages so that Americans could stay in their homes. Not only is that a massive amount of taxdollars to burden the next generation, but it would also involve a tremendous amount of gvt intervention. So, what “Conservative” would have put McCain/Palin in the White House?
Arch_Druid on February 15 at 5:42 p.m.
Just had a googletalk with Toadman before he headed off to bath and bed. He was saying something about way too much hate showing up on HBO and so I invited him to comment on my notes on Facebook. There are kindlier souls around, dudes, Joker and etc. While you are throwing slings and arrows around wildly, you are driving off the kindlier folks. Suggest you cool it and manage a civil discussion/debate instead of a neener, neener, neener attitude. I’ll be here. When I find something interesting to discuss.
Bob on February 15 at 6:39 p.m.
That’s a sad post, Arch. I hate seeing gentle souls like Toadman get run over by the careening hatebus driven madly by a wild eyed troll monster like Joker. I fear DFO has badly miscalculated the degree to which his attack poodle.sockpuppet could target his incessant yapping and snaggle toothed snapping. Unfortunately, Joker has second hand splashed the nice folks with his toxic spew as well as directly poison a few.

But we should get some college students to design cool websites and turn Koot Co into a bastion of liberal Demos!

Cuz the internest is teh hypnosis.
Bob on February 15 at 6:49 p.m.
And yes, I completely appreciate the irony in some of these posts of mine. Oh but how I appreciate it. ;-)

:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
thomg57 on February 15 at 7:47 p.m.
Bob, it’s the irony of some of your posts that puts a smile on my face. ;-)
Bob on February 15 at 9:15 p.m.
Well, Thom, I enjoy making you and many of the others smile … and I think that is where Jokerveria is failing. It’s all mean, stripped bare of the fun. I may be an ornery, misanthropic bastard on occasion, but I’m funny too. Jokerveria is just mean. If he’s attempting to mirror me (and I’m inimitable) he’s missing that critical element. And there is nothing harder than writing teh funny. It’s why Marty Fortier was such a fail, he just wasn’t funny. And why Doug Clark, who once had his funny moments, is now just a slinger of hack at the Spokesman bar and grill and increasingly painful to read. He’s been phoning it in for years. He beat his formula into the ground and out of either a profound lack of imagination or desire or, quite frankly, talent, has not ratcheted it back up. Sad, really. He used to bring it but what was once kinda fresh and original is now stale and repetitive. It’d be nice if he stretched himself a little and tried to be relevant, but as long as he can keep collecting a paycheck for making manure shoveling cracks about Spokane mayors and politicians, and somehow think that’s anything but painful hackwork, he’ll never change.

Oh well. Shall we begin the countdown to Jokerveria?
Bob on February 15 at 9:17 p.m.
Oh by the way:

Free Thawtfulreader!
Bob on February 15 at 10:08 p.m.
From: http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Taking-Things-Personally

How to Stop Taking Things Personally

Plenty of people make fun of others, whether it’s right or wrong; but it’s not always meant to be harmful. If someone says to you, “You are the worst crybaby ever!” you should consider the context. If it’s a friend saying it, you probably shouldn’t take it too personally. This article will help you stop taking some comments personally.

1. Never react to whatever anyone says or does. It’s not about you, its about them. Their comments are probably fueled by anger that may not be towards you at all.
2. Yield to their pressure. Don’t fight, respond for clarity. However, do not give in to their negativity. Imagine putting up a wall between the two of you that stops their confronting you, and your responding.
3. Be kind. As said before, it can be hard to tell what has caused someone to say or do what they have. It’s usually from an old hurt that has not been healed. This is fine, just know to give them space.
4. Be willing to change. Know how to adapt to change. For example, if a coach tells you something that you’re doing wrong and makes you feel a little bad, remember this coach is only trying to help you improve and be the best you can.
5. It’s important to stay calm and be happy. Although sometimes these two things are easier said than done, it’s good to try.
6. Never say “whatever,” as it is a sign of frustration and feigned indifference that will ultimately bring you humiliation in the future. It can also be just another way for someone to know they’ve “got your goat.”
7. If you are picked on and laughed at, join in the laughter. Believe it or not, laughing at your own faults gives you the appearance of being happy with who you are.
8. Always be open to advice no matter what kind it is. Both good and bad advice can forge you into a better person.
Cindy_H on February 15 at 10:19 p.m.
Whatever.
Cindy_H on February 15 at 10:22 p.m.
You forgot the best part:

Be confident in yourself. Know that whatever was said to you does not define you. You are inherently a great person.

Take three to five deep breaths! This clears the mind and gains solid grounding before responding.

Don’t take every comment or opinion seriously, especially from negative individuals.

No man or woman was ever built perfectly or is flawless. Live by this philosophy.

Warning: Try not to take it personally, but watch out for consistent negative or slanderous remarks. Some people are just hurtful and enjoy watching you squirm.

Omigosh! Can you get paid for Wiki writing? I think I’ve found my new calling.
DFO on February 16 at 10:28 a.m.
>I enjoy making you and many of the others smile … and I think that is where Jokerveria is failing. It’s all mean, stripped bare of the fun. I may be an ornery, misanthropic bastard on occasion, but I’m funny too. Jokerveria is just mean — Bob.<

Bob; you know that I consider you the wiliest commenter to grace this blog (as well as a royal pain in the back side, at times). But The Joker has played you. And me as well. I tip my hat to J (while searching for a corner of the blog to hide while you cyber gunslingers fight it out). The main thing wrong re: your premise that I’m The Joker is the timing of J’s two posts Sunday morning — 9:51 and 10:07. The adult Sunday school class I teach at Hayden Bible Church — seven miles from my home — begins at 10 o’clock. If you’d like, I can provide a note from my Mommy, whom I pick up en route, and my pastor to prove I was in my customary spot Sunday. I know there’s circumstantial evidence that points to the possibility that I’m The Joker, like his piggy-back post at midnight Sunday morning. Which was clever as all get out. But I can’t be in two places at once — and I don’t own a Blackberry. I could tell The Joker to scram. But The Joker hasn’t done anything scram-worthy. I’ll try to keep The Joker between the lines, as I’ve tried with varying degrees of success, to do with you. You are — and remain — a valued commenter here. Ditto for ThomG. The Jury’s still out on The Joker. But I remain optimistic in my never-ending quest to make this a blog where all points of view are heard, respected — and cyber foes become friends.

« Back to Huckleberries Online

You must be logged in to post comments.
Please create a profile or log in here.

About this blog

D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.