Religious violence, Dees, and potato sports reporting

Nick Gier, who taught religion and philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years, will soon have a new book out the INKster thinks would be of interest to readers. Titled "Religious Violence in Asia," the book encompasses 20 years of research by Nick, who refers to himself as a "Buddhist-Unitarian."

"The main lesson from my book is simple," Nick writes. "Don't fuse national and religious identity. You are bound to have big troubles."

To read more on Nick's book, access http://www.nickgier.com/Burma.pdf.

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The University of Idaho's College of Law will host the 17th Annual Bellwood Memorial Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the UI Student Union Ballroom.

This lecture is titled "With Justice for All in a Changing America." National civil rights leader Morris Dees will speak at the lecture series.

Dees' work as the chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center spearheaded legal initiatives that resulted in a $6 million judgment against Aryan Nations and its leader, Richard Butler. That action bankrupted the racist organization, severely diminishing its influence in North Idaho.

The event is open to the public.

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In a recent press release datelined in Eagle, Idaho, the Idaho Potato Commission announced it had signed up TV sports reporter Heather Cox for the 2013-14 college football season. She is an Idaho resident best known for her sideline reporting at college football games nationwide for ABC and ESPN.

During the football season, Cox will produce 10 40-second videos that deal with both sports news and consumer promotions from the IPC.

"It's a thrill for me to work for the IPC," she said in a prepared release. "I'm a Boise resident and love Idaho potatoes, I rely on them as a nutritious energy source to give me long-lasting energy."

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For several years, the INKster has had the privilege of printing Vicki Leeper's list of things to do on the Palouse for $10 or less. She is the tourism director for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. Vicki sends in the list every month and it appears to be well read.

Recently, my brother in Spokane sent me an old copy of the Spokesman-Review (June 14), which also had a list of "10 under $10" that had a regional list of activities similar to what Vicki submits.

My brother thought it was a monthly feature but there was one difference - the Spokane list contained pictures! Perhaps Vicki and the INKster should talk about that possibility.

... the blotter rests.

Vera White pens INK. To contribute to INK, email White at vnwhite@cableone.net.