• Thursday Poll: For all the excitement in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, Hucks Nation isn't excited about Coeur d'Alene Ironman or Hoopfest. 77 of 132 respondents (58.33%) voted they weren't interested in either big sporting event this weekend. 38 respondents (28.79%) said they were more interested in Ironman than Hoopfest, while 12 respondents (9.09%) preferred Hoopfest to Ironman. Only 5 respondents (3.79%) said they were interested in both events.
• Today's Poll: Should North Idaho College try to find someone locally to become its next president?

• Wednesday Poll: 72 of 122 respondents (59.02%) view the $94,633 in bonuses given to legislative staffers during these hard economic times as an example that lawmakers “take care of their own.” 25 respondents (20.49%) say bonuses meant some state workers are more important than others. 12 respondents (9.84%) say state workers are more important than private ones. 9 (7.38%) said bonuses were a reward for good work. 4 people were undecided.
• Safe Driver Poll: 67 of 77 (77.01%) said they are “absolutely” safe drivers. 17 (19.54%) described themselves as “so-so” drivers. 3 (3.45%) admitted they are bad drivers.
• Raw Milk Poll: 19 of 41 respondents (46.34%) said they're less likely to support Republicans as a result of GOP-suppored raw milk seminar Wednesday. 17 (41.46%) said forum has no affect on their political support re: Republicans. 3 (7.32%) said they're more likely to back Republicans for pushing the local forum. 2 were undecided.
• Today's Poll: Which major Inland Northwest event this weekend interests you more — Hoopfest or Ironman?

A dramatic lifestyle change has melted 78 pounds off Tom Aylward’s 6-foot-4-inch frame and introduced him to healthy eating habits for the first time in his 62 years. Fifteen months ago, the Spirit Lake man weighed 319 pounds and couldn’t walk upstairs without losing his breath. Stepping on the scale made him feel bad about himself. Now the retiree has completed three sprint triathlons, the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon and the Spokane half-marathon. Each accomplishment moves him a step closer to his goal: finishing Ironman. The day after the 2010 Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Aylward signed up for the 2011 race. It includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon – 26.2 miles/Alison Boggs, SR. More here. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Question: How is your New Year's resolution to lose weight going?

Christa Manis: I think there should be a competition for moms. Like IronMOM that would include maternal feats of strength, multitasking, schedule juggling, and racing through stores. I think I could be competitive depending on the day and my diet.

• You can read Christa’s 3rd report on Ironman CdA here

Question: Which feats of maternal strength would a mother have to perform to be designated an IronMom in the competition suggested by Christa?

Item: Ironman didn’t relish hot dog seller/Tom Hasslinger, CDA Press

More Info: Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene, the annual triathlon which brings thousands of people into Lake City every summer, was one of the complainers against the hot dog stand owner whose contract was terminated by the city this year, the Coeur d’Alene Parks Department said. Gordon Andrea operated his concession stand at Independence Point for more than 20 years, but a number of complaints from members of the community — and Ironman — were instrumental in the termination of his contract with the city, the department said.

Question: Do you miss the vendors that used to sell hot dogs, candy corn, snow cones and a number of other treats in City Park during the summers years ago?