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 Orzo with Salmon Quick, easy and oh so tasty. This serves about 2, just increase for more diners.
Large pot of water filled 3/4 with water, on boil
1 ½ cups of Orzo
½ cup olive oil
½ cup artichoke hearts
½ cup chopped fresh (or frozen) spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp lemon juice
2 or 3 turns on a pepper shaker
1 lb or so of cooked salmon (leftovers, perhaps)
grated parmigiana
Cook the Orzo, about 6 minutes.
Put oil in small pot. Add rest of ingredients, expect salmon and stir, cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes or so. Add chunky pieces of cooked salmon. Cook another few minutes. Drain pasta, return to warm pot, pour sauce over the top, sprinkle parmigiana and serve.
Pronto!
Watch Chef Dan Barber’s TED Talk on sustainable fishing. This is a vital and important issue and a wonderful video.
Check it out and then remember CleanFish (www.cleanfish.org) and Idaho’s Bounty, (www.idahosbounty.org) two supporters of sustainable fishing.
Here’s the link. It takes time but it’s so worth it.
www.ted.com/talks/dan_barber_how_i_fell_in_love_with_a_fish.html
After an interesting contretemps during an Idaho Press Club breakfast that Gov. Butch Otter attended, Idaho Republican Party Chairman Norm Semanko called on Keith Allred’s Campaign Spokesman Shea Anderson, to step down. Anderson sits on the board of the Southwest Idaho Chapter of the Idaho Press Club. Semanko cited a conflict of interest.
“In their own words, the Idaho Press Club ‘is dedicated to improving the practice of journalism in Idaho,’ with that being said I find it ironic that the Southwest Chapter of the Idaho Press Club would allow (former Idaho Mountain Express editor) Shea Anderson, Keith Allred’s campaign spokesman, to sit on their board.”
Semanko is a member of the Idaho Waters Users Association as well as a member of the Eagle City Council.
Anderson whipped off a tatement, which he later said was an overstatement, about a press club member, Karen Day, and her own possible conflict of interest. A friend of the Otters, Day asked the Governor how he would like to see relations between himself and the press improve during his run for reelection. Otter responded in an open way that surprised many. Anderson accused Day of being a plant for Otter’s campaign despite the fact that she is not employed by the governor’s reelection committee.
On Tuesday, March 2, Anderson stepped down temporarily from his role at the Idaho Press Club.
In other Statehouse news, the senate passed the controversial “health conscience” 1533 bill, which allows pharmacists and health care workers to choose whether to treat someone based on his or her conscience.
Backers including Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said this wasn’t a “right-wing scheme” brought by a “bunch of religious fanatics,” but a heartfelt effort to give health care workers protection against having to do something that contradicts their moral or ethical beliefs. Doctors in Idaho already have similar protection.
Not everyone is for it, however. Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, said the inclusion of end-of-life care and stem-cell research in the same section of Idaho law that covers abortions and contraception is wrong.
“It’s poorly written, it mixes issues, it ignores rural areas and invites costly lawsuits at a time when we can ill afford them,” Keough said.
It reads in part:
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
it includes (a) “Abortifacient” means any drug that causes an abortion…
Idaho Code, emergency contraception or any drug the primary purpose of which is to cause the destruction of an embryo or fetus.
(b) “Conscience” means the religious, moral or ethical principles sincerely held by any person.
(c) “Embryo” means the developing human life from fertilization until the end of the eighth week of gestation.
(d) “Fetus” means the developing human life from the start of the ninth week of gestation until birth.
(e) “Health care professional” means any person licensed, certified or registered by the state of Idaho to deliver health care.
(f) “Health care service” means an abortion, dispensation of an abortifacient drug, human embryonic stem cell research, treatment regimens utilizing human embryonic stem cells, human embryo cloning or end of life treatment and care.
(g) “Provide” means to counsel, advise, perform, dispense, assist in or refer for any health care service.
(h) “Religious, moral or ethical principles,” “sincerely held,” “reasonably accommodate” and “undue hardship”
And on it goes. I’m wondering why these people get into health care provider work if that is not their intent. It’s like building a house next to an airport and then complaining about all the planes. I find this bizarre to the extreme. Does a teacher not teach a student because his parents are liberals? Does a landscaper refuse work based on a possible employers lack of children? Where does the interference end? Conservatives like to blather about bleeding-heart liberals but this seems like a serious bleeding. If a person doesn’t want to do aspects of their job wouldn’t that in most cases be a cause for dismissal? Not in Idaho apparently where conservatives intent on making women’s lives more difficult continue to erode personal freedom. This is a case of doing one’s job whether you are happy with the project or not.
For more information go to www.plannedparenthood.org.
Good news, however, is that the Idaho senate finally passed the Animal Cruelty Bill increasing fines and possible jail time for offenders. The bill has been a goal of animal lovers for many years but due to the agricultural industry’s reluctance to support such changes it never made it this far.
Snow is in the forecast, but one might be excused from shrugging considering the gorgeous blue skies, and brilliant sun. For gardeners, farmers, landscapers, and sun worshipers spring is right around the corner, awaiting the defrost, otherwise known as mud season. We’ve had all winter to peruse seed catalogs and the like. Now it’s time to seriously plan.
The last frost in the Wood River Valley is about June 6. Outdoors planting can begin after this last frost date. Timing for starting seeds is relative to this kick off date for our growing season.
Fairfield farmer Bill Corlett says to “choose seeds appropriate for our frost zone and short growing season: plant varieties that mature late and grow quickly. Heirloom seeds, also called open pollinated seeds, are old varieties that have not been hybridized or genetically modified. They are more nutritious and flavorful than the hybrids that are manufactured for their resistance and transportability, rather than their nutritional value. Heirloom seeds can be saved for planting in the next growing seasons. Saving hybrid seeds is not recommended as the child seed may not have retained the same qualities as the parent seed.”
Here is a list of seeds to start indoors, before transplanting outdoors after the last frost. The timing is some number of weeks prior to the transplanting date.
- 12 weeks prior: onions and leeks
- 8 weeks prior: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
- 6 weeks prior: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
- 3 or 4 weeks prior: cucumbers, melons, squash
Here is a list of seeds that can be planted directly in the ground outdoors. Timing is in number of weeks prior to, or after, the last frost date. Generally, root crops (except onions) can be started from seeds planted directly outdoors.
- 5 weeks prior: kale, spinach, turnips, mustard
- 4 weeks prior: beets, carrots, peas, radishes
- 2 weeks prior: lettuce, chard
- 1 week after: beans
- 2 weeks after: corn, squash, cucumber
Here is the growing time in days, from planting in the ground, to harvest.
- 28-35 radish
- 35-45 spinach, mustard, lettuce, green onions
- 50-60 kale, chard, bush beans, turnips
- 70-85 cauliflower, peas, pole beans, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, peppers, cabbage, corn
- 80-90 tomatoes, melons, squash
- 100 onions
- 120 potatoes
Thanks to Valley Victory Gardeners and farmer Bill Corlett for this excellent information.
During the period of giving, one Wood River Valley man decided to give even more. Christmas Trees are ubiquitous during the holidays. Last December, Eric Huus, 37, from Rochester, Minn., of Norwegian heritage, of course, decided to take a little advantage of that situation to help Idaho’s Bounty, the regional farmer’s co-op based in the Wood River Valley. His decision came after attending Idaho’s Bounty Dinner in the Fields event at the end of last summer with friends.
 Eric Huus “It seemed like a great thing and I liked the idea of sustainability,” he said. “My grandpa and cousins are large scale farmers, but I could relate. Here the farms are small. It’s a tough gig being a farmer, especially being an organic farmer in Idaho. I understand about trying to find a market for your produce, and being organic. It all makes sense.”
Huus, a golf pro with the Valley Clubm said he doesn’t eat “beef from anyone unless I know where it comes from.”
He convinced the owners—First American Title— of a lot in Hailey, between Sturtevant’s and the Farmer’s Market lot, about using it for a few weeks to sell the trees.
“They were gracious enough to let me use it for free,” he said. “We got a special events permit from the city council right before Thanksgiving. Then we went to a tree farm outside Portland, Ore. We started off with 200, and we brought them back in a U-Haul. Not the smartest thing. We sold out on a Sunday.
He then went on Craig’s list asking for more trees to be delivered. He said he got 20 hits right away, and after hiring a guy had 100 trees by 11 a.m. the next day.
“We were totally sold out by Dec. 16., he said. “We gave 10 percent of the profits to Idaho’s Bounty. About $600. It was good. We made money, and Idaho’s Bounty made money. I think I’ll do it again but make it bigger next year to be able to go longer.”
Huus is married to Christina Huus, a teacher.
 Presented by Americans for UNFPA, the Family of Woman film festival raises awareness about the problems—medical, political and social—that women face worldwide. As well the United Nations Population Fund seeks to empower women through improving their access to and awareness of their reproductive health and human rights. Americans for UNFPA is a registered U.S. charity.
In 2010, the increasingly ambitious program has expanded to include five films (there will be matinees both Saturday and Sunday). As in the past two years, students from The Community School and Wood River High School will usher and provide refreshments at the screenings as part of their community service.
Schedule of events:
Wednesday, Feb.17: screening at the Community Library, of “A Walk to Beautiful,” an Emmy winning documentary shown at last year’s Family of Woman Festival. The screening is in conjunction with a presentation a week later by Dr. Hailegiorgi Aytenfisu, the former chief surgeon at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. He was an integral figure in the film.
Wednesday, Feb. 24: presentation by Dr. Hailegiorgi Aytenfisu at the Community Library, followed by a no host dinner with local physicians to follow (to be arranged). The presentation is free and open to the public. The St. Luke’s Foundation has underwriten Dr. Aytenfisu’s presence.
Thursday, Feb. 25: fund-raising Cocktail Party, at the home of Russ and Gemma Daggatt north of Ketchum, to benefit Americans for UNFPA, which support the work of the United Nations Population Fund. The event will honor Dr. Aytenfisu and several of the filmmakers. Donation $200.
FILMS:
Feb. 26 – 28: Presentation of films at nexStage Theatre. Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is $15 per film, or $60 for entire package of 5 films.
Friday, Feb. 26 – 7 p.m.
“Sari Soldiers” a documentary from Nepal on how women participated on both sides of the revolution. Filmmaker will be present. This film has been underwritten by a grant from Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, who will host a reception on Saturday at the new Cornerstone Restaurant on Main St. in Ketchum.
Saturday, Feb. 27
3 p.m.
“Bliss” a drama from Turkey about honor killing.
7 p.m.
“Mrs. Goundo’s Daughter,” a documentary from Mali about a woman seeking political asylum in the U.S. in order to avoid returning home. If she is sent back to Mali, her 3-year-old daughter will be subjected to genital mutilated as she was. The filmmakers will be present. This screening is underwritten by a grant from the Perenchio Family of Ketchum.
Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest will host a reception honoring Julie Bridgman, filmmaker of “Sari Soldiers.” The reception will be held at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Ketchum.
Sunday, Feb. 28 – 3 p.m.
“The Maid” a drama from Chile about a woman in the only legitimate job available to most women in her world. The film was nominated for best film in the recent Golden Globes Award. Awaiting
7 p.m.
“Lemon Tree,” a drama from Israel about a Palestinian woman and an Israeli woman. The filmmaker Eran Riklis will be in attendance. This film is underwritten by grants from Ann Down and Bex Wilkinson both of the Wood River Valley.
Filmmakers will visit with students at Wood River High School, Hemingway Elementary, The Community School and The Sage School.
For further information, visit unfpa.org, or americansforunfpa.org, or Peggy Elliott Goldwyn at (208) 622-1554.
There is breaking news that Jim Spinelli, the Chamber of Commerce director in Hailey (Idaho) has resigned.
This post is partially reprinted from a story on www.alternet.org, but if you Google this subject you can find it verified all over. As well, there is a video of Sen. Franken on alternet.org.
Thirty Republican members of the United States Senate including Idaho’s two senators, voted to protect Halliburton/KBR, over a woman who was gang raped while she worked for them. There were 10 GOP senators who had brought their brains and hearts to the session that day. The details from Think Progress:
In 2005, Jamie Leigh Jones was gang-raped by her co-workers while she was working for Halliburton/KBR in Baghdad. She was detained in a shipping container for at least 24 hours without food, water, or a bed, and “warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she’d be out of a job.” (Jones was not an isolated case.) Jones was prevented from bringing charges in court against KBR because her employment contract stipulated that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration.
Offering Ms. Jones legal relief was Senator Al Franken of Minnesota who offered an amendment to the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that would withhold defense contracts from companies like KBR “if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court.”
Seems simple enough. And yet, to Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions of Alabama allowing victims of sexual assault a day in court is tantamount to a “political attack” at Halliburton. Excuse me? Pretty amazing he chose the word “attack” in describing how a lone American citizen was seeking justice.
That 29 others, all men, chose to join him in opposing the Franken amendment is simply mind-boggling.
Here are those who vote to protect a corporation over a victim of rape:
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA) (who lied about Max Cleland to win the election in 2002)
Coburn (R-OK) (Member of The Family)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC) (Member of The Family)
Ensign (R-NV) (Disgraced adulterer and member of hyper- conservative DC baseed super group “The Family”)
Enzi (R-WY) (member of The Family)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK) (Member of The Family)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ) (Ex-presidential candidate shows true social colors-business over people.)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD) (Member of The Family)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)
This looks nothing like the supposed family values all these senators espouse.
In the debate, Sen. Sessions maintained that Franken’s amendment overreached into the private sector and suggested that it violated the due process clause of the Constitution.
To which, Franken fired back quoting the Constitution. “Article 1 Section 8 of our Constitution gives Congress the right to spend money for the welfare of our citizens. Because of this, Chief Justice Rehnquist wrote, ‘Congress may attach conditions on the receipt of federal funds and has repeatedly employed that power to further broad policy objectives,’” Franken said. “That is why Congress could pass laws cutting off highway funds to states that didn’t raise their drinking age to 21. That’s why this whole bill [the Defense Appropriations bill] is full of limitations on contractors — what bonuses they can give and what kind of health care they can offer. The spending power is a broad power and my amendment is well within it.”
Franken’s amendment passed by 68-30 vote.
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