If you've ever had to compose any pieces of writing in your career, you understand exactly just how much you find out about the subject you're researching.

In my case, that subject is Boise, Idaho.

1,194 times have I poured some coffee, cozied up to my keyboard, and began the dialy process of finding out what's going on in and around Boise. New businesses opening. Concert announcements. Crime. Festivals and local events. Political drama. This list truly could go on forever, but you get the point.

Most days, the subject matter is something positive:

Sometimes, they're sad:

I'll be honest. Most of the things that end up in my articles are pretty stupid:

Here's what I've learned.

Despite a few angry people on social media screaming about the old days, Boise is an absolutely incredible place. Other than my birthplace, it's the one place that's truly been a "home away from home" for me.

Boise's people are kind, considerate, resourceful, and so incredibly talented. Walk down Freak Alley. Go see a show at the Egyptian. Check out a local street performer.

The views are simply breathtaking. I grew up in Metro Detroit. Things like elevation, foothills, mountains, these are foreign concepts to most midwesteners. If Boise is the only place you live, you'll never know how truly gorgeous she is until you travel.

The energy is tangible. New businesses are opening all the time. People from all over the country are relocating to Boise to bring their individual flavors and influences to our already diverse population.

Boise holds a very dear place in my heart. It's where I met my wife, where we have family, and a place I'm always dying to brag about to my tribe. Yes, we do occasionally talk some sh*t in these articles and joke around, but please know it truly does come from a place of love and admiration.

Thanks for taking the time to read this in its entirety. Cheers.

- Chris Cruise

P.S.-- about those Californians, could they really be making things better?

😎 20 Ways California Transplants Make Idaho Living Better

Friends, Not Foes

🥔 Contrary to the bad wrap they so often receive, California transplants bring a lot to the table here in Idaho.

From their environmentally-savvy ways to how much they support local and family-owned businesses, Californians have several positive attributes that contribute to and enhance Idaho living.

🙂 Before you dismiss the idea entirely, give the gallery below a scroll and let our 20 examples sink in.

11 Random Facts About Idaho That You Probably Didn't Know

Even the most die-hard Idahoans will probably get most of these wrong...

10 False Facts About Boise That Sound True

The internet is full of misinformation, Now, it's about to have even more. I have written ten fake facts about Boise that actually sound like they could be true. You could fool even a local with these facts, they're that believable. But, again, they are not real. Let's face the fake facts!

15 Wacky Winter Weather Facts To Help You Survive the Season in Boise

For many of us Snowmageddon 2016-2017 is a not so distant memory. Some people really miss seeing that much white stuff in Boise. Others dread the possibility of it happening again. How common is it? We dug into some historical weather data from the National Weather Service to see just how extreme it was compared to some of the other winter extremes Boise's experienced.

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