HBO AM Headlines — 11/29/07

Kerri Thoreson/OnLocation North Idaho

The world’s tallest Christmas tree, at 161 feet, is more than twice the size of the tree at New York’s Rockefeller Center (75 feet tall). The 120-year-old Grand Fir (Abies grandis) overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene from the waterfront home of Duane Hagadone (outlined in lights in the background of this photo) and features a 10 ft. tall star on top. The Coeur d’Alene Christmas tree is green in more than one way, decorated with LED lights, which use 90 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs. The bulbs will use the same amount of power as 21 average household light bulbs/Kerri Thoreson, OnLocation North Idaho.

* Swearing in schools common /Meghann M. Cuniff, Spokesman-Review — My head would pop if I had to listen to foul-mouthed punks spewing in a school hallway. (Side Note: ‘Tis nice to see my young former colleague’s byline in the SR again. She must have written this before she left.)

* Prosecutor cracks down on builders, contractors: Officials hope actions will get attention of those who willfully ignore ordinances /Marc Stewart, Coeur d’Alene Press — Controversial Prosecutor Douglas has been getting a lot of Brand X publicity (with mug shot) that shows how tough he is on various violations. Seems Duane wants to keep him around for 4 more years.

* A helping hand, close to home: As Idaho money runs out, waiting list grows at agency for the aging /Erica F. Curless, Spokesman-Review — This’ll test how compassionate Idaho Republicanism is.

* Hough wins contest, visits with family on TV: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ winner gets to talk with grandparents on ‘GMA’ /Sean Garmire, Coeur d’Alene Press — Nice photo of Grandma and Grandpa Hough by HBOer Kerri Thoreson. (Side Note: I almost got in trouble with Mrs. O because I was checking out the AP photo wire at home and discover that Julianne and Helio had won “Dancing With The Stars” moments before the announcement was made Tuesday night. That’s why I had the winners photo posted within one minute of the announcement.)

* Early flu shots urged as season sees first case /Amy Cannata, Spokesman-Review — So far this year, I’m tackling winter with Airborne sans flu shot. It’s worked to date.

* Offer pending for Sandpoint bypass right-of-way /Keith Kinniard, Bonner County Bee — Just do it.