Ben Stein's money goes toward home in Seasons at Sandpoint

It was Ben Stein's money and he spent some of it around Christmas to purchase an upper unit condo at the Seasons at Sandpoint.

Ed Ostrom, broker at Windermere Idaho First, said the famous actor, author, game show host, lawyer and financial commentator, had been looking for property in these parts for the past several years.

"Ben narrowed his search down to a house on the lake or the Seasons. The outstanding view from his condominium is stunning," Ostrom said.

Stein has been a fan of this region for many years. He has mentioned the lake and the natural beauty of this area in columns as well as on the CBS Sunday Morning News.

He is also a financial guru on the Fox Network.

Ostrom, who ran for mayor in Sandpoint in the last election, said Stein won't live in Sandpoint full-time, but is sure our new neighbor will be active in many local causes and will become an "outstanding member of our community."

Stein also donated $500 to Ostrom's mayoral campaign.

"It was money well spent," Ostrom said. "It went to pay for advertising in the Bee."

Stein will be the keynote speaker at the LuxuryRealEstate.com conference in April when he is sure to mention Sandpoint to all of the attendees.

Best sign I have seen this winter: "Free snow. You haul."

Eighth graders Anna Guida and Michele Rockwell stopped by the Bee selling ads for the Sandpoint Middle School yearbook Thursday. How do you say no to these super sellers? $35.

If you don't want to be left out, call Mrs. Price at 265-4169.

More winter contest ideas:

? Name the date when the pile of snow will melt near the train depot — by Ward Tollbom.

? Have a decorate the snow berm contest — by Marsha Ogilvie.

? Find the buried cars in various local parking lots — by their owners.

? Buy as many Girl Scout cookies as possible from Olivia Keyes — by her Dad. Call the Bee if you miss those Thin Mints the girls sell. I have run into more people who love Girl Scout cookies but don't have any Girl Scouts around.

I have enlisted Devyn and Brittney at the Bee to take any phone orders for the cookies by calling 263-9534. Anyone who orders through the Bee, will get their name mentioned in this column along with delicious cookies.

Operators are standing by …

Rumor had it that Tim Dougherty did a great job as emcee at The Follies last weekend. I ended up giving my tickets to Rachel from our office.

Rachel's review of the night included "dark promiscuity … below the belt remarks and only one negative comment about the Bee."

The highlight of her night occurred when her friend accidentally tripped and stepped on a woman's foot and spilled some wine. The woman slugged Rachel's friend several times with the program.

Rachel and friend quickly adjourned to the "no slugging" side of the Panida after that.

She also was impressed with a girl in the drink line who decided to do a back bend in front of John Peters of Three Glasses fame.

Now, you don't find that kind of fun in Rochester!

E-mail of the week:

You live in Idaho if…

? If someone at Merwin's offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Idaho.

? If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Idaho.

? If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Idaho.

? If "vacation" means going anywhere south of Salt Lake City or east of Thompson Falls for the weekend, you live in Idaho.

? If you measure distance in hours, you live in Idaho.

? If you go to Wal-Mart to catch up with your neighbors, friends and relatives, you live in Idaho.

? If you own deer whistles or know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Idaho.

? If you have switched from "heat" to "A/C" and back again in the same day, you live in Idaho.

? If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked, then you live in Idaho.

? If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, then you live in Idaho.

? If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Idaho.

? If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Idaho.

? If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly," then you live in Idaho.

Do any of these fit you? Do you have any more you would like to add to the list? Drop me a line at the Bee or e-mail me at dkeyes@bonnercountydailybee.com.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee and now knows he is from Idaho and might get in fighting shape to attend the Follies next year.