I Heart, I Heart Huckabees

I truly heart, I Heart Huckabees.

So what does the movie I Heart Huckabees have to do with sustainable living, outdoor recreation, nature, or anything of that sort? Well nothing really, and yet, something too. It happens to be a favorite of mine for its hilarity, unabashed vulnerability, passion, and oddness - yeah, definitely the odd factor. Aside from that, I think Jason Schwartzmann does a superbly perfect job as Albert Markovski - the founder of his local Open Spaces Coalition who is seeking some information on a coincidence with the help of a husband and wife duo (Dustin Hoffman & Lily Tomlin) that offer existential detective work. Albert is trying to save a portion of a marsh from development. Somewhere along the way, he aligns with an executive (Jude Law) from the Huckabees corporation (ie Wal-Mart) who tries to throw Albert out of the equation. Also in the film is Mark Wahlberg (another excellent performance!) as Tommy Corn, a dissolusioned anti-petroleum firefighter who is also undertaking the existential process. OK, so it's a tad weird, but that's part of what makes it so very great. I suggest you watch it for yourself and go along on their journey to enlightenment.

On a side note, Schwartzmann also happens to be a talented musician. He was a drummer for the band Phantom Planet and released his own solo record in 2007 as Coconut Records. The CD is called Nighttiming and is great for its light pop/rock sound. I especially recommend listening to it in the summer as it just has that carefree summer-days feel to it.

Here's the trailer for I Heart Huckabees, just so you have an idea of what you're getting into.

Have you seen the movie or listened to the CD? What did you think?

Knitty Gritty

See what I've been up to over at Meadowlark Farms - Where there may not be a farm yet, but there's a farm girl learning the ropes of homesteading and sustainable living all in preparation for the blissful day when she can use them on her own land. Come learn with me, and by all means, teach me what you know!

Calendar

View the Calendar of Events every Monday. It can also be accessed by selecting Calendar from the right-hand column, and older calendars can be viewed there also. Check back for updates! If you have any events you would like to submit that compliment the sites content, please email them to pachaATcableoneDOTnet. Thanks!

February 4th - 10th

Monday, February 4th, 2008
*The Tennessee Three: Johnny Cash''s Legendary Band – Presented by Arts on Tour
The Tennessee Three began as the backing band for legendary country music and rock-a-billy singer Johnny Cash. They toured and recorded with Cash for over 40 years, until his semi-retirement in 1997. A live performance by The Tennessee Three is unlike any other in the history of music. They are not a "tribute act" or "cover band". They are original men who provided the unique sound that powered nearly every Johnny Cash stage show and recording since 1960. With its current lineup, they carry on the tradition, featuring guitarist Bob Wootton on vocals and W.S. Holland on drums. Their live shows attract a growing number of fans eager to experience the excitement of the sound defined by The Tennessee Three. In 2006, the group released a tribute album to Johnny Cash titled The Sound Must Go On. You can learn more about The Tennessee Three by visiting their website at www.tennesseethree.com.
More Info

Saturday, February 9, 2008
*Annual South hills Snowshoe Event
Open to all levels of interest. What a great way to spend the day!
More Info

*Winter Walks/ Cross country ski tours/ Snowshoe walks
Join the Silver Creek Preserve manager, Dayna Gross for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or walking around the Preserve (snow dependent). Please call ahead to find out what equipment you will need (or bring it all!!).
10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m

Winter is a magical place at Silver Creek. Come see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Free. Please call ahead to register, 788-7910.
More Info

*Winter Ecology Workshop
Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a Ranger guided winter ecology snowshoe walk and workshop. The workshop starts with a 45-60 minute classroom session followed by several hours out in the park on snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for use or you are welcome to bring your own. Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk.
More Info

*Winter Event-Frequent Flyers Club
Migrate to the World Center for Birds of Prey and Fly with Us!

Visit The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey on Saturday, February 9th for an enlightening day on raptor migration and flight demonstrations. Witness live falcons demonstrating their speedy flight skills and discover how and why some raptors travel more than 15,000 miles each year during migration. The Interpretive Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission will be $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, and free for youth (16 and under). Guided tours of the facility will be offered throughout the day and a children’s activity focusing on migration will be offered from 11:30-2:00.
More Info

* Peregrine Fund Community Reading Program (in Boise)Our environment is the focus of this year’s “Let’s Talk About It” community reading program hosted by the Ada Community Library and The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey. The theme – Our Earth, Our Ethics – will be explored through five books that deal with the challenge of balancing human activity and the natural world. The drop-in discussions are free. No registration is required.Feb 9: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (2001) Set in the small farms of southern Appalachia, this novel is built around three plots that celebrate the full environmental agenda, from the importance of species diversity to support of natural pest control, while offering a range of human love stories.More Info

Calendar

View the Calendar of Events every Monday. It can also be accessed by selecting Calendar from the right-hand column, and older calendars can be viewed there also. Check back for updates! If you have any events you would like to submit that compliment the sites content, please email them to pachaATcableoneDOTnet. Thanks!

January 28th - February 3rd

Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
*Winter Walks/ Cross country ski tours/ Snowshoe walks
Join the Silver Creek Preserve manager, Dayna Gross for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or walking around the Preserve (snow dependent). Please call ahead to find out what equipment you will need (or bring it all!!).
10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m

Winter is a magical place at Silver Creek. Come see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Free. Please call ahead to register, 788-7910.
More Info

*Winter Ecology Workshop
Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a Ranger guided winter ecology snowshoe walk and workshop. The workshop starts with a 45-60 minute classroom session followed by several hours out in the park on snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for use or you are welcome to bring your own. Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk.
More Info

Recycled Style

"Using thrift store fabric and attention to detail, Shaun Deller makes wool and cotton hats that blend retro cycling flair with a sustainable materials ethic. What's not to love?"

Film by Daniel Sharp and provided by Nau - "...a small group of people, committed to the power of business as a force for change. Defined by what [they] love, and how [they] work and play, [they're] looking to do more than make clothes: [They're] seeking to redefine what it means to be successful."

Get your own Deller Gear here.

Calendar

View the Calendar of Events every Monday. It can also be accessed by selecting Calendar from the right-hand column, and older calendars can be viewed there also. Check back for updates! If you have any events you would like to submit that compliment the sites content, please email them to pachaATcableoneDOTnet. Thanks!

January 21st - 27th

Friday, January 25th, 2008
*Avalanche Class
Come and expand and/or refresh your avalanche awareness with this class offered by the CSI Outdoor Program. Anyone who plays in the snow this winter is recommended to have this base level knowledge.
More Info

Saturday, January 26th, 2008
*Snowshoeing
Magic Mountain is offering a chance to snowshoe on the Magic Mountain snowshoe course through Twin Falls Parks and Recreation. Come and experience the “Magic on the Mountain.” The course runs around the lodge and the mountain and is well marked so don’t’ worry about getting lost. You must pre-register at Twin Falls Parks and Recreation.
Fee: $6, Includes equipment rental.
Time: Meet at Magic Mountain @ 10 AM
More Info

* 5th Annual YMCA Dinner & Auction 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
6:00 pm @ The Radio Rendevoo
More Info

*Discover Scuba
Discover the joys of scuba diving. Dive Magic will introduce you to the basics through professional instruction. These workshops are designed to give participants ages 8 and older an opportunity to try scuba diving. Register at Twin Falls Parks & Recreation. Bring your swimming suit and towel.
Time: 9 – 11:30 AM
Fee: $20
Location: YMCA/City Pool
Min 2/Max 20

*9th Annual Bald Eagle Day Public Celebration at the Barber Park Environmental Education and Special Events Center,
This free family-oriented event includes a variety of activities designed to allow the public to get “up close and personal” with America’s national symbol. Participants can take part in wildlife viewing along the Boise River with Audubon Society volunteers, listen to informative presentations with bald eagles and other live birds of prey, participate in hands-on educational activities, and visit informative environmental booths from local organizations.
More Info (including a schedule of events)

*Winter Walks/ Cross country ski tours/ Snowshoe walks
Join the Silver Creek Preserve manager, Dayna Gross for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or walking around the Preserve (snow dependent). Please call ahead to find out what equipment you will need (or bring it all!!).
10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m

Winter is a magical place at Silver Creek. Come see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Free. Please call ahead to register, 788-7910.
More Info

*Winter Ecology Workshop
Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a Ranger guided winter ecology snowshoe walk and workshop. The workshop starts with a 45-60 minute classroom session followed by several hours out in the park on snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for use or you are welcome to bring your own. Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk.
More Info

*Peregrine Fund Community Reading Program (in Boise)
Our environment is the focus of this year’s “Let’s Talk About It” community reading program hosted by the Ada Community Library and The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey. The theme – Our Earth, Our Ethics – will be explored through five books that deal with the challenge of balancing human activity and the natural world. The drop-in discussions are free. No registration is required.

Jan 26 : Indian Creek Chronicles by Pete Fromm (1993) This non-fiction account of the author’s seven months at a remote fish hatchery in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness reads much like a novel. Fromm writes with humor and intensity as he meets the challenges of isolation and intense cold.
More Info

Sunday, January 27th, 2008
*Ian Tyson in Concert
Ian Tyson is one of a kind ... authentic and durable. In the tough world of show business where an artist can consider himself lucky to have one hit and a few good years, Ian Tyson has had two distinctly brilliant careers. Spanning three decades, Tyson has forged a trail of musical innovation. Starting with the legendary folk duo of Ian and Sylvia in the 60''s, the trail has culminated with the seminal Cowboyography collection reaching platinum status in the mid 90''s. Tyson continues to write, record and perform his artistic songs of the West. KEZJ and the CSI Rodeo Team with a portion of the proceeds benefiting CSI Rodeo Team Scholarships. Tickets are $36 and can be purchased in the CSI Fine Arts Box Office, online at http://tickets.csi.edu/ or by calling 732-6288
More Info

A Snowshoe Adventure - Our First!

My Husband Chase Looking Like a Seasoned Snowshoer

Me, Surviving the Cold

There's a quiet solitude in the snow covered backcountry. One experiences a feeling of isolation as sound is muffled by a thick white blanket of snow. The only noises to break the silence are the "caw caw" of a ravens silhouette, and the eerie creak of a lodgepole pine bending to the will of an icy wind. On a recent trip to the backcountry however, I was not alone at all. Trekking through the snow with me were my husband, Chase and our dog, Bruce on our first time walking with snowshoes.

These snowshoes were gifted to us - by us - for Christmas. I was very excited about this purchase as it would enable me to explore areas that I wouldn't be able to get to otherwise (considering I don't have cross-country skis, nor do I own - or have any wish to own - a snowmobile). My favorite thing about being outside is simply that - being outside. It thrills me just to be looking, observing, walking about or sitting still. There's lichen spreading out on the surface of a volcanic rock. Sculpins feeding on the bottom of a turbulent creek bed. Bees buzzing around lupine and buckwheat, while sage wrens flush out of a community of sagebrush and greasewood. So much beauty to wonder and be amazed at.

I can't help that the aforementioned nature occurrences tend towards warmer weather enjoyment. The truth is, I'm not a snow bunny, as it were. The cold has never been my friend, in fact, I think it'd be fair to say that I hate the cold. This is perpetuated by the fact, that if in the cold for a very short time, I am quickly utterly miserable. Let's use the walk from my front door to my car for instance. This is a short distance, perhaps a whole 12 feet at most. By the time I've reached the car door I am frozen, like water into ice. My fingers redden and sting as they transition into numbness, causing me to fumble my keys as I try to get the dang car started and the heater going to thaw me out. Chase attributes this to me just being a wuss (he does work out in the cold after all) and you may think the same. But I stand by what I say - I hate the cold.

I blame the bulk of my wussitis on having lived in Glendale/Phoenix, Arizona from the ages of five to eleven. The bright sun with its warm rays must have seeped into my bloodstream. When I returned to my birthplace of Southern Idaho in 1994, I had only one pair of pants - some blue jeans with a rather large Mickey Mouse on the front of one leg. I was doomed to suffer the cold from the start.

So back to snowshoeing. You'd think that with me being a cold phobic that spending a few hours trudging around in the snow at the height of winter would so not be for me. But as I stated earlier, I love being outside. Snowshoes would allow me free reign out in the South Hills that I cherish - a great opportunity to see the changes that winter has made on a once familiar area. You can see from these past adventures (here and here) that we have been to the hills in their snowy splendor, but without the means to explore further, we weren't able to venture far from the road. Snowshoes make that possible.

We headed out to the Rock Creek Recreation Area and chose the first trail we spotted, as the roads were covered in a thick sheet of slippery ice. Whalstrom Hollow (topo) was the trail that became the testing grounds for our first snowshoeing adventure. Chase made sure I was bundled up under many layers so as not to get cold. He carried a heavier than necessary backpack that I filled with binoculars, a bird book, a mammal field guide, a tree identifier, my field journal, hand/toe warmers, extra layers, compass, ponchos, snacks, emergency blanket, water, pocket knife, first aid kit, carabiners, pencils, neck warmer, safety whistle, flint, signaling mirror, waterproof matches, GPS, camera, toilet paper, and no doubt more! We only used a few of the items so I suppose I need to learn to pack lighter - the field guides really add weight! We strapped into our snowshoes as Bruce wrapped his leash around our legs attempting to trip us up and pull our arms out of our sockets with his eagerness to get going. Once we headed up the trail a bit, we set him loose to his own devices.

The trail is a nine-mile loop that zig zags uphill. Here's an excerpt from Ralph Maughan & Jackie Johnson Maughan's Hiking Idaho to give you an idea of all it has to offer:

"Extraordinary desert stream to mountain habitat with volcanic rock formations
and beaver ponds. The South Hills were created by volcanic action, and this hike
takes you through welded volcanic ash deposit formations (tuff) that have eroded
into hoodoos and pinnacles. These ash deposits are capped with black basalt
cliffs at the top of the loop. Consequently, there is not only interesting
geology but a variety of flora and fauna as you start out in willows and sage,
top out in subalpine fir, descend through aspen and beaver ponds, then drop back
to the trailhead through red rock and hoodoos."

Of course all of that was covered in about two feet of snow or more, but beautiful all the same.

The hike proved to be quite a workout for the both of us (especially for out-of-shape me), but the snowshoes were very easy to use. They felt like a normal extension to the feet and I could hardly even tell I was wearing them. We both got tripped up once or twice though, by getting our own shoes crossed or stepping on each others (totally unintentional :). The worst fall was of my own doing. On the way back down, with momentum set to work, I somehow just barely crossed my shoes and ended up laid out flat against the snow without even knowing what was coming to me. I laid there, head at a lower angle than my feet, surprised that I wasn't upright - it happened that fast. We had a good laugh at my expense. Indeed, we shared many laughs as we romped around in the snow like children - throwing snowballs and sliding down hills. We only ended up going a half mile up and then again back down (the descent being a lot quicker of course). We were getting pretty close to spent endurance-wise (terrible I know) and we needed to get home to our little one.

It was so great to be out of doors in such an amazingly beautiful setting. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity and I can't wait to go again! I plan on completing that loop and getting to many other places as well. And if you're wondering how I fared in the cold - you might be surprised to know that I was actually warm, in fact, even hot at times. Though a bit of snow blown onto my cheeks quickly reminded me how cold it truly was. But I can handle it.

© 2008 SegoLily

Scenic Idaho #9

Water Flowing Through the Snow

More Scenic Idaho

© 2008 SegoLily

Scenic Idaho #8

Tree-Line

More Scenic Idaho

© 2008 SegoLily

Calendar

View the Calendar of Events every Monday. It can also be accessed by selecting Calendar from the right-hand column, and older calendars can be viewed there also. Check back for updates! If you have any events you would like to submit that compliment the sites content, please email them to pachaATcableoneDOTnet. Thanks!

January 14th - 20th

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
*Avalanche Awareness Class
Kirk Bachman, Sawtooth Mountain Guides, presents an evening of Avalanche Awareness which will focus on the Mountain Snowpack and the effect of terrain in avalanche hazard. This free clinic presentation will include information on the mechanics of slab avalanche, Snowpack and its development of layers, effects of weather leading to changes in snow stability, terrain features and the effects of elevation and slope. Come to REI and increase your avalanche awareness.
More Info

Friday, January 18th, 2008
*Jackson Hole Ski Extravaganza
Come Join the CSI Outdoor Program for the MLK 3-day weekend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!!

2 days of skiing and Lodging for $169.00
More Info

*Natural History and Conservation of the Orange-breasted Falcon
You are invited to a free public seminar on the Natural History and Conservation of the Orange-breasted Falcon which will be given by Robert B. Berry, Co-Founder and Director of The Peregrine Fund. The seminar will be held at the World Center for Birds of Prey.

The seminar is richly illustrated by images of the species’ life history with a minimum of maps and tables, including its status, habitat, threats, foraging behavior, prey base and reproduction. Also included are conservation and research, captive propagation, and the first ever experimental release of captive bred Orange-breasted Falcons in Belize in 2007.

Bob Berry was a first-hand witness to the extinction of the Eastern Anatum Peregrine Falcon in the 1950s and ‘60s, which had a profound influence on his life’s work in conservation. A falconer from the age of 10, Bob began experimenting with captive propagation of Peregrine
Falcons in 1964 and helped found The Peregrine Fund in 1970. He did pioneering work with behaviorally conditioned raptors and has successfully propagated all of the species he has worked with, including Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons, Gyrfalcons, Ornate Hawk Eagles, Teita Falcons, and Orange-breasted Falcons. Bob is the founding President of the North American Raptor Breeder’s Association. He is the Director of The Peregrine Fund’s Orange-breasted Falcon Project, which aims to establish and study an experimental population within the species’ former range in tropical Central America.

Where: The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey
Velma Morrison Interpretive Center
5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise
When: 7.30 p.m. Friday 18th January 2008
Light refreshments provided ● Call for directions: (208) 362-3716

Saturday, January 19, 2008
*Avalanche Awareness Class-Field Day
Kirk Bachman, Sawtooth Mountain Guides, leads this day at Bogus Basin Ski Resort practicing skills for avalanche hazard awareness as a follow-up to the Avalanche Awareness class. Emphasis for the day will be placed on avalanche beacon use and learning to assess Snowpack stability while touring. Registration for this field day requires attendance at the REI Avalanche Class, minimum of intermediate or higher ski/snowboard ability, and registration and payment of the following instructor fees:

Cost: Registration forms available at REI Customer Service. $85.00 fee payable to Sawtooth Mountain Guides. Class is limited to 12 people. First come first served. A limited number of restricted use lift passes will be available for individuals who do not have lift passes.
More Info

*Birding on Snowshoes – Hosted by the Environmental Resource Center
An adventure viewing birds in the Silver Creek area.
More Info

*Winter Walks/ Cross country ski tours/ Snowshoe walks
Join the Silver Creek Preserve manager, Dayna Gross for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or walking around the Preserve (snow dependent). Please call ahead to find out what equipment you will need (or bring it all!!).
10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m

Winter is a magical place at Silver Creek. Come see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Free. Please call ahead to register, 788-7910.
More Info

*Winter Ecology Workshop
Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a Ranger guided winter ecology snowshoe walk and workshop. The workshop starts with a 45-60 minute classroom session followed by several hours out in the park on snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for use or you are welcome to bring your own. Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk.
More Info

Sunday, January 20th, 2008
*Winter Trails 2008 – Blaine County Rec. District
We will offer a ski free day at Quigley Nordic (Hailey) that day. In addition, we will offer free rentals & mini clinics for new skiers only. Participants will need to sign up in advance for the rentals & mini-clinics at our co-sponsor, Sturtevants' in Hailey.
More Info

Winter Trails Day 2008

Fun in the Snow

Are you ready to play in the snow? Well if you're new to cross country skiing or snowshoeing, then you're in luck. Winter Trails Day 2008 is a nationwide event encouraging people new to winter sports to discover the joys of being outside when the ground turns white. Winter sports provide excellent fitness benefits as well as a chance to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts - and not to mention the chance to see nature in a serene, majestic state. These events will be free and all equipment will be provided. All ages are encouraged to come out and play in the snow!

The official date for the event is January 12th. Some places require pre-registration. Check here to find an event near you. For Idahoans, check the calendar, where I have already conveniently compiled a list of local events. Dress warm and enjoy the beauty that winter has to offer!

© 2008 SegoLily

Umbra Delivers

Advice Maven, Ask Umbra - Offering "Astute Advice on All Things Environmental"

In Ask Umbra's latest column from the Grist website, she offers up a "clip-and-save guide to useful online resources for conservation decisions." So here I share it with you in hopes that you'll be able to put it to use when making your own decisions throughout the New Year and beyond. Keep it somewhere handy!

"Safer alternatives to toxics in consumer products: Pollution in People

Alternative energy and household efficiency, especially when remodeling: U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Cars: Union of Concerned Scientists, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and maybe the Yahoo! Autos Green Center, a collaboration with Environmental Defense, which retired the tailpipe tally.

Eco-groovy gadgets, consumer goods, and trends: Treehugger

Appliances, including computers: Energy Star and ACEEE

Anything plant-related, including pesticides and composting: Search "topic + Cooperative Extension" (+ your state if it needs to be local)

Recycling and disposal: Earth 911 and your local recycling business"