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I answered calls tonight from a couple angry viewers, upset with our snow coverage today. I usually know within the first three seconds of those calls if the person on the other end really wants to know why we’re doing what we’re doing - or, if they just want to complain and hang up. I wish more of them would have stayed on the line and listened to my answer tonight - because I proudly stand by our coverage.

First off, know this: sometimes TV stations overdo it. We can acknowledge that. This, however, is not one of those times. By 11:30 this morning, we knew this was more than just another snowstorm. The roads were terrible - I-90 was closed near Geiger because of a nine car, two semi pile-up. I-90 was also closed in Coeur d’Alene because of a massive pile-up there. Everywhere in between, roads were being shut down and people were slamming into each other as the snow piled up on the streets. Now, many hours later, the snow is still falling. This is what you’d call a big storm. We decided to go wall-to-wall with our coverage just before four o’clock this afternoon. We don’t make that decision lightly. But, when we couldn’t keep up with the accidents and the afternoon commute was starting to look extremely hairy, we knew we didn’t have a choice. I was confident we made the right decision all along, but had that affirmed a couple hours later when we got a press release from Spokane Police saying chains were required for drivers on the South Hill. That’s a big storm, folks - and, a public safety emergency.

I’m not a snow wuss. I grew up in Montana and spent four winters in Wisconsin before moving to Washington, where I’ve spent 10 winters. Our news director is from Michigan - he’s not afraid of snow, either. But, there’s snow and there’s snow. When we get as much as we did today, we have an obligation to our viewers to share the latest information with them.

I know many of you don’t like to miss the national news. I get that. But, when it’s taking people an hour and a half to get across the Maple Street Bridge, we need to report on that. When they shut down all but two of the roads heading north and south, we need to report on that. When we’re nowhere near the end of this thing, we need to report on that.

If you’re heading out today, please be careful. Things are crazy out there - there are pile-ups stretching from Geiger to Coeur d’Alene and beyond. I-90 is completely blocked at Northwest Blvd. ISP suggests everyone stay off I-90.

     I was off last week so I wasn’t able to do much vloggin’ but before I left I was live in Coeur d’Alene during KXLY4 News at 5 & 6 for the annual holiday lighting ceremony.  Afterwards I taped a short video of the holiday lights around downtown, enjoy.

You can see MORE VIDEOS including behind the scenes from inside KXLY4 News on my Youtube page, click here to watch.

The Free Life -  Helping you stress less, live better and enjoy life.

If you’re looking for free medical resources on Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Menopause, even Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome there are health seminars taking place over the next two weeks in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.

COEUR D’ALENE 

Long Term Care Insurance, Tonight 6 p.m. Free seminar sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. Hosted at Life Care of Coeur d’Alene, 500 W. Aqua Avenue, Coeur d’Alene. More information call, (208) 666-2996.

SPOKANE

Life After Menopause, Tomorrow (12/3) 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Free seminar and discussion for individuals wanting to learn about menopause. Hosted at the Valley Hospital Health and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Avenue, Spokane. A light meal will be served. Pre-registration is required by calling (509) 232-8138.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Crohn’s, Monday (12/8) 6:00 p.m. - Free town hall meeting at Deaconess Health and Education Building, 910 W. Fifth Avenue, Spokane. Room 268. Sponsored by the Metabolic Institute, for more information call, (509) 747-7066.

Understanding Cancer, Thursday (12/11) - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Free presentation for patients, friends, and family. Hosted at the Valley Hospital Health and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Avenue, Spokane. A light meal will be served. Pre-registration is required by calling (509) 232-8138.

 I’m always looking to share the best free things in and around town. Got ideas? E-mail me at taniad@kxly.com.

The Free Life - Helping you stress less, live better and enjoy life.

I’m sure you’re still recovering from a big Thanksgiving feast. I know I am. I’m thankful for the Thanksgiving spread we had here at the station. It was my first Thanksgiving at KXLY 4, and a really wonderful surprise! I’m even told there are leftovers for us to dig into later today! Yum. Just like home.

I know some of you probably took advantage of the Black Friday deals early this morning, but if you’d like to do something fun, and free with family and friends…here’s a list of events happening today and over the weekend. Enjoy!

SPOKANE 

Discover Downtown for the Holidays Open House - Today through Sunday. Hot cocoa and cider, specials, live music, and fireworks nightly at 8 p.m. at Post and Main. Downtown Spokane. Sponsored by Downtown Spokane and the City of Spokane. www.downtownspokane.net

Carriage Rides - Starts today through December 24th. Rides through downtown Spokane to view lights and holiday decorations. Sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Downtown Spokane. Fridays, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Corner of Main Avenue at Wall Street. Free. (509) 344-2231.

Handmade Ornament Show - Local artists display and sell their handmade ornaments made from glass, metal, and mixed media. Starts today and runs through November 30th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free Admission. Tinman Art Gallery, 811 W. Garland Avenue, Spokane. (509) 325-1500.

Festival Of Fair Trade - Buy sweatshop-free handcrafts, clothing, jewelry, and pottery from Nepal, Mexico, Chile, and Guatemala starting today through November 30th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free Admission. The Community Building, 35 W. Main Avenue, Spokane. (509) 464-7677.

Falun Gong - Learn a special form of qigong on Saturday, November 29th at 9 a.m. Free. Gonzaga Administration Building, 502 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane. (509) 252-0433.

COEUR D’ALENE

Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks - Coeur D’Alene welcomes in the holidays TODAY at 5 p.m. Free. Coeur D’Alene Resort. 115  S. Second Street. (208) 765-4000.

Carriage Rides - Now through December 21st. Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Coeur D’Alene Downtown Association. Departs from the corner of First and Sherman Avenue, downtown Coeur D’Alene. Free. (208) 415-0116.  

 I’m always looking to share the best free things in and around town. Got ideas or know of some hidden gems? E-mail me at taniad@kxly.com.

The Free Life - Helping you stress less, live better and enjoy life.

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ll be spending the day here in the KXLY 4 newsroom. There’s even an early morning football game planned by one of our producers. However, you’re spending the holiday I hope you enjoy it. 

Just in time for the holidays, free Thanksgiving meals are being hosted by community groups in Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene. All are free and open to the public.

Today - Spokane

The Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave. Thanksgiving program and turkey dinner at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:45 p.m. (509) 535-8510.

City Gate, 170 S. Madison St. 5-8 p.m. (509) 455-9670.

Thanksgiving Day - Spokane

Christ Lutheran Church, 13009 E. Broadway Ave. Meal at 2 p.m.; reservations are required. (509) 496-6242 or (509) 927-9735.

VFW Post 51, 300 W. Mission Ave. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. until food runs out. For Veterans and their families. (509) 327-9847.

Gonzaga, Sodexo & St. Aloysius Parish co-host dinner, Cataldo Hall, 502 E. Boone Ave., Noon to 2 p.m. (509) 276-7121.

Mid-City Concerns, 1222 W. Second Ave. 2 p.m. (509) 456-6597.

Otis Grill, 21902 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchard. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (509) 922-9136.

Thanksgiving Day - Post Falls

St. George’s Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. 2-4 p.m., (208) 773-4715.

Thanksgiving Day - Coeur d’Alene

Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d’Alene. Noon to 2 p.m. (509) 226-3208.

Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Noon. (208) 765-1002.

When the temperaure drops, most of us just turn our heat up and put an extra blanket on the bed.  But, for some that is far from reality.  There are hundreds, if not thousands in our region who don’t have a bed or warm place to stay.  The situation becomes even more dire as it gets colder outside.  Today, we stopped by Fresh Start in Coeur d’Alene and chatted with a few homeless folks who sleep in the most unimaginable places.  How would you like to curl up next to a gravestone in a cemetery? Well, that’s extactly where Star Haag sleeps almost every night.  How about in a sleeping bag in the woods when it’s 20 degrees out? Welcome to Matt Pridge’s world.  It was heartbreaking listening to their stories.  Matt described how he can feel the frost coating his sleeping bag as the night wears on.  He says it takes him a good six hours or so to “thaw” out from the night before.  They all have their reasons for being homeless, regardless no one should have to sleep oustide in the bitter cold.

Fresh Start and St. Vincent De Paul have teamed up to make Matt and Star’s life a little easier.  As soon as the temperature drops below 10 degrees, the two organizations will open a warming shelter- the first of its kind in North Idaho.  The organizers w0uld like to open it sooner, but they can’t because of a lack of funding.  Right now, there’s only enough money to be open 25 nights out of the entire winter.  If you’d like to help go to their websit:  http://www.freshstartinc.org/. 

I recently downsized my vehicle. 

I got something a little more practical for the Inland Northwest; 4WD. 

I drove it off the lot in Coeur d’Alene on October 4th. 

Since the dealer ‘forgot’ to top off the tank I needed to fill it up.

The price that day for a gallon of unleaded regular: $3.55

Yesterday I made my 4th visit to the gas station since making my purchase.

I’ve been keeping my receipts and tracking the cost.

The price I paid Thursday, with a 10 cent discount (Safeway), $1.75!

That’s a drop of $1.80 in 47 days.  Wow! 

BTW, crude oil dropped below $50 a barrel yesterday for the first time since 2005.

The fog season is just getting underway, and thanks to Matt for snapping this awesome picture of an early-season fog bank.  Matt was hunting by the Coeur d’Alene River, and was looking down from about 5,000 ft.  Send your coolest weather shots to krisc@kxly.com.

    I’m about to put the ‘kibosh’ on my fast food drive-thru habits.   In January, I made a commitment to drop burgers and fries from my diet until after Ironman Coeur d’Alene in June. I did this in part because my doctor said I had above normal LDL (Bad) Cholesterol levels. I was surprised because I ‘thought’ I was in good physical shape. Turns out I was eating too much fried food. 

     Now that my triathlon season is pretty much over, I’ve been making too many return visits to both the Golden Arches and the BK Lounge.   Late last week I was running late and needed something for lunch so I stopped by for a Double Whopper meal.  I was really hungry. I reached inside the bag and was taken aback by how hot the package was to the touch. Those Whoppers are so filling but man, why are they so HOT.  I like BK for the fries.  They’re not as salty as those at McDonalds. But I love McDonalds for the hot fudge sundays (with extra nuts).

     Sidebar: I choose my fast food restaurants based on which ones supply Dr. Pepper. (my only beverage vice)

     Anyway, why does BK need to make the sandwich ‘itself’ so hot. Shouldn’t the meat be the only thing hot? Remember in the 80’s when McDonalds had the campaign promoting its Mc DLT and the container it was served in?  The slogan was “it keeps the hot side hot and the cold side cold”. I miss those days. At least McD’s burgers come in a box verses the paper wrap they use at BK.

     Sidebar:  I usually toss one of the buns on my burger.  The bread is too filling and I don’t need the extra calories.

     And does it seem like there’s a ‘time limit’ on how long the fries stay warm/hot? If you don’t eat ‘all of them’ before you get home or to work, they’re usually cold by the time you get there.  Quite the contrast to how boiling hot they are the moment they’re put in your bag … and of course… that’s the first thing you grab for when they hand you your order. Also, have you ever watch how much salt they pour one your fries before loadin’ up your container?  My goodness!

     It’s not going to be easy to stop my afternoon fast food fix but it’s all in the name of good health.  That doesn’t mean I can’t stop by somewhere for dessert :-) 

Tonight’s Pic of the Night is through my OWN camera lens.  I was assigned to do weather this evening at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s International Boat Show.  I know - tough job!   The wooden boat show is one of my favorite events of the summer.  The lovingly-restored boats are beautiful and so unique, plus, each comes with a fascinating story.  There are more than 100 boats at this year’s show, which runs through Saturday.  The boats in this picture belong to Tom Addis.  The boat on the right is “Lynn,” named after his beautiful wife of 49 years (if you see Tom at the show, be sure to ask him WHY he named the boat after Lynn). The boat on the left is “Babe,” named after his beloved, late mother-in-law.  CLICK HERE for more on the boat show.

Remember the Alamo.

Remember the Maine.

Remember Pearl Harbor.

Remember 9/11.

It’s been seven years since that last rallying cry became a part of our country’s collective consciousness, the latest in an all-too-familiar string of attacks on either our national interests, national pride or our sovereignty.

In the seven years since the deadly attacks against Washington and New York City, 9/11 has become a political football much in the same way the powers that be assessed blame for the attacks on the Pacific Fleet lying at anchor in Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana’s harbor.

What’s long since been forgotten by the pundits and politicians is that in those terrible minutes after airliners were intentionally rammed into the Pentagon and World Trade Center thousands of American lives were lost.

September 11th is a day to remember those lives lost seven years ago as much as we will pause on December 7th to remember the lives lost over 60 years ago in Hawaii.

It shouldn’t be about politics.

It should be about the people our country lost that fateful day seven years ago Thursday.

It should be about Mothers and Daughters. Fathers and Sons. Sisters and Brothers. Grandparents. Husbands and Wives. Police Officers and Firefighters. Soldiers and Airmen. Sailors and Marines.

That’s what “Remembering 9/11” is really about.

NOTE: And to the vandals who defaced Coeur d’Alene’s 9/11 Memorial overnight. There are probably quite a few firefighters and police officers in North Idaho that would love to make your acquaintance. If you have any information on who defaced the memorial to honor our nation’s fallen, please call the Coeur d’Alene Police Department at 208.769.2320.

     This recent push by some residents to ban pit bulls in Spokane hits close to home for me.  My Lexy was abandoned at an apartment complex when she was 3 months old.  I was fortunate to get her when the guy who was providing temporary housing said I could.  She’s been the most adorable dog ever and she has the sweetest demeanor in the world.  She’s so submission it’s comical.  The moment you meet her she’ll roll over on her back and want you to rub her tummy.  She also has a minor bladder control issue when she first meets someone.  The vet says she’s a submissive urinator :-)  And since she was abandoned, the vet’s best guess is she’s a pit bull / german sheperd mix.

 (Lexy’s first day home July, 2006)

    In my opinion, to enact a ban on a single breed of animal is wrong.  Yes, pit bulls have a bad reputation but take a look at this interesting article on “Breeds most likely to kill”.

     According to the article since 1975, fatal attacks have been attributed to dogs from at least 30 breeds.  Other good points to consider when labeling a specific breed as dangerous is nicely outlined below.

• Any dog, treated harshly or trained to attack, may bite a person. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous dog. The owner or handler most often is responsible for making a dog into something dangerous. 

• An irresponsible owner or dog handler might create a situation that places another person in danger by a dog, without the dog itself being dangerous, as in the case of the Pomeranian that killed the infant (see above). 

• Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, even though its breed is considered to be potentially dangerous. A responsible owner can win the love and respect of a dog, no matter its breed. One cannot look at an individual dog, recognize its breed, and then state whether or not it is going to attack. 

     If any city were to ban ‘anything’ based on statistics of bad behavior then maybe we should ban teenager drivers. 

     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group.  In 2005, twelve teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries.

(Lake Coeur d’Alene, Feb. ‘08)

    There’s no way I’d ever willingly get rid of Lexy.  And I’d be hard pressed to move outside Spokane city limits just because people say my dog is dangerous.  I do understand that this proposed ordinance would include a ban against any ‘new’ pit bulls within city limits but I still think it’s unfair to label a breed or any group dangerous as a whole.

(Seriously, does this look like a dangerous dog?)

    Since 1998 I’ve competed in 30 plus ‘official’ triathlons; countless Sprints, a dozen or so Olympics, three Half Ironmans and one Full Ironman.  Never have I placed or been in the top 10 until this last weekend.   

(Sunrise over the Palouse Saturday morning)

     I made the early morning drive from Spokane to Moscow, Idaho Saturday to give the Palouse Sprint Triathlon another try.  Last year I used the race as a tune-up and/or measuring tool to gage my fitness after taking the previous 3 years off from triathlon.  

(Pre-race at Palouse Sprint Triathlon, September 8, 2007)

     In 2007, I finished the 500 yard swim, 9.3 mile bike and 3.1 mile run in 1 hr. 7 min. 27 sec.  I was 34th overall in a field of 112.  I don’t remember my place within my age group (35-39).  This year was different, very different. 

(First lap of the 500 yard swim, 2008)

      Not only did I have a better “fitness base” thanks to my preparation for Ironman Coeur d’Alene in June but I’ve been training everyday since September 1st.  So my confidence was higher too.

(Swim exit, 2008)

     This year I finished the race in 1 hr. 47 sec., more than 6 1/2 minutes faster!  I ended up finishing 1st in my age group (there was 9 of us) and 10th overall in the field of 118 participants. 

(Start of 9.3 mile bike, 2008)

     I felt really good.  My swim was right where I thought it would be, 8:13 vs. the 7:58 from ‘07.  My  bike was much improved. 

(Arriving to the run transition, 2008)

     I rode 3 1/2 minutes faster than last year, 27:23 vs. 31:02.  

(Yards away from the 3.1 mile run finish line, 2008)

      My run was stronger too.  Last year I ran the 5k in 28:27, this year it was 25:11.  That’s more than 3 minutes faster. 

      I had a feeling I might be in the top five in my age group.  I’ve never received an award for finishing a triathlon besides a finishers medal.  So, when I heard my named called I was really happy.  Saturday, I was announced as the 2nd place winner but come to find out that the organizers made a timing error.  Sunday morning all participants got an email with the official results and I finished first.  Pretty exciting.

(Alex and Dave with our medals, 2008)

     Alex, former KXLY4 summer intern and current Senior at Washington State University and member of the WSU cycling team, placed 3rd overall Saturday and 2nd in his age group (20-24).  His time was smokin’.  He finished in 54 minutes and change.  We celebrated after the race with a foot long Subway sandwich.

(Post Triathlon #6)

     Saturday’s triathlon was number 6 in my quest of completing 30 this month.  I’m starting to get my routine down and finding a balance with nutrition and rest.  

(Post Triathlon #7)

     Sunday, I woke up fairly early and was in the pool by 8 o’clock.   I’ll be back at it again this week but this coming Saturday I’m heading to Grand Coulee for a Half Ironman race; 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.  I’m guessing I’ll be taking it easy Saturday night and will probably sleep in on Sunday before heading back to the gym.

(Post Triathlon #8 - Monday morning)

     Monday it was back to the gym to begin week number two.  Happy training everyone and just keep livin.

     One week from today my “30 in 30″ fundraiser / fitness challenge begins.  We’ll kick it off by broadcasting live from the North side Oz Fitness Monday morning at 5 a.m.!   You’re welcome to join me or stop by and say hi.  I’ll be the guy swimming 1/2 mile, riding 13 miles and running 3.1 miles plus I’ll be wearing my yellow “30 in 30″ tshirt.

     As you may know, starting September 1st, I’ll be doing “30 triathlons in 30 days” to raise awareness and money for Cancer Patient Care.  I’m very excited about the response and enthusiasm by my friends, family and co-workers.  In fact, I received an email this morning from my friend  Scott B. from Post Falls.  Scott says he’ll give $10 for every triathlon I do in September.  Which will work out to $300 by the time I finish.   Thank you so much Scott!   To donate, please go to my Cancer Patient Care donation page.  Our goal is $30,000.

     Over the weekend I did some pretty good training.  Saturday, went to Oz Fitness and swam 1500 yards and then ran a 5k.  Sunday was an outdoor workout.  I went on a 30 mile bike ride in Coeur d’Alene with some Ironman friends and then I came home and took Lexy on a 3 mile run around the block. 

(I know, kinda gross, sorry)

     I’m a big supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  In fact, it was through the LAF that I discovered the local connection to Cancer Patient Care.   So, last week I applied for some Lance Armstrong auction gear and wristbands.    I’d like to use these items to say thank you to our supporters and participants.  Their committee meets this week to decide which organizations or events get what.  I’ll let you know the status when I hear back. 

     In the meantime, just keep livin’ strong.