How Do You Say ‘Coeur D’Alene’ In Spanish?
So, what do Internet users think about Commissioner Ron Rankin’s goofy plan to designate English as the official language of Kootenai County? Let’s hear from one of them: “Yo creo que seria un buen idea para designar espanol como la lengua oficial del departmento Kootenai. Creo que si alguien es demadiado estupido para aprenderlo, entonces no deberia hacer declaraciones sobre los otros deberia o no deberia hacer.” In other words, “I think it would be a good idea to make Spanish the official language of Kootenai County. I think anyone who is too stupid to learn it ought not to be making pronouncements about what others should or shouldn’t do.”
Heart of an Awl, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene policewoman Michelle Gallegos might be an endangered species in Senor Rankin’s English-only world. In writing out a report on a petty theft Thursday, she slipped when describing the color of two earrings stolen from Lord’s Jewelry, typing agua rather than aqua. Be careful out there, Michelle. … Then, if His Rankiness’ paranoia becomes law, we certainly have to do something about the name of Kootenai County’s seat. How in the world are we going to keep French Canadians away if we continue to embrace the word Coeur d’Alene? Any votes out there for using the English translation for the Lake City: “Heart of an Awl”? … Finally, there’s Rankin’s worry that we will print driver’s manuals in multiple languages unless we stop these fer’ners now. Well, Huckleberries hates to mention this, but Idaho already issues a “Manual Para Choferes Del Estado de Idaho.” And Rankin has no authority at the county level to do much about it - unless he’s planning a coup.
Fair-weather friend
And this from Ben Stein’s popular column in the March issue of The American Spectator: “It’s drizzly and cool here in glorious L.A. - that means low 70s - but with dreary fog. Still, a lot better than beloved Sandpoint. It’s been snowing there for about three months solid, and I now hear it’s snowing and raining. The roof of the high school gym collapsed in town, and so did the roof of an elementary school in Priest River, where I sail my boat in summer. No, thank you. I’ll stay in Southern California in the winter.”
Huckleberries
Now that trademark restrictions prevent us from referring to Silverwood’s giant roller coaster as “The Grizzly,” Bonner County’s Lou Siebenlist suggests a new name: “The Roller Coaster Formerly Known as The Grizzly.” Next, we’ll need a contest to come up with an appropriate symbol. … Local chauvinists are eating their hearts-of-an-awl out since Reader’s Digest named Spokane as the eighth-best place to live in America. Sheboygan, Wis., was numero uno. (Oops.) But Huckleberries ain’t moving. … The vanity plates on a Montana vehicle spotted on Interstate 90 near Heart of an Awl explained the obvious: “L84WRK.” … But who can explain why a Washington State University fan driving a Toyota with bumpersnickers that say “Cougars” and “I brake for all animals except DAWGS” would be wearing a Husky-purple sweater? … Gotcha: Kudos are in order for James Murray, who is leaving his job as East Bonner County Library District director for a “one-in-a-million” job opportunity in Eastern Washington. Before James jumps ship, however, he needs to spend time learning how to spell “library.” His title in a Feb. 27 news release was one “r” short. … It’s my 2 cents: Education supporters in Post Falls, Boundary County and Bonner County can take heart. Last week, Pocatello voters approved a bond for a desperately needed new high school - on its fourth try.
Parting shot
A woman from Pound Ridge, N.Y., sent e-mail to say she was in the Pay Less Drug Store on Ironwood Drive on Monday 20 minutes before a man robbed the pharmacy at gunpoint, demanding cash and narcotics-type drugs. Concludes she: “Boy, am I glad I’m safely back at home in New York!”
, DataTimes MEMO: Got a Huckleberry? Call Huckleberries Hotline at (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or send e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.