" I'll enjoy my new house -- when I can find a place to sit down! LOL

One last little load to bring over then it's all here -- though it feels like there's plenty here already.

Only casualty was my ceramic spoon rest. One Stickley desk chair fell of the truck and got road burn, but is just as sturdy as ever (a little sandpaper, gently applied, and a touch of stain/varnish, and it will be fine). Well, the gorgeous old 4-drawer wooden file cabinet my ex found on the street in NYC, then stripped and refinished, had a piece broken off the bottom -- but we should be able to put it back on with wood glue and teeny tiny nails.)

Of course, I am learning the joys of sore muscles and exhaustion on top of sciatica and a bum leg -- but I'm tough and it's worth it!

Almost wish I had TV to see some of the amazing swim races, but for now, there's no time. Looks like things are simmering down a bit in Georgia, though I find it ominous the language used to discuss the withdrawal, which isn't happening on a schedule -- sound familiar?

Well, my brains are fried and I have miles to go....

Take care all "

" I just heard the ugliest thing on TV just now where Rush Limbaugh said that maybe John Edwards was attracted to a woman whose mouth didnt talk all the time. Who is this disgusting creep? Elizabeth Edwards has incurable cancer. "

" jrmorgansr--LOL! I know that post was intended for me! LOL!
I'm not even gonna go there!
I know when the moment of decision comes, you'll be pullin' that "Obama" lever! ;) "

" Come on, Chris, SHAKE that tambourine!
"Liberals tend to be petty and afraid so they have to diminish the military so they don't have to confront their own cowardice. Its simple projection really"--
ok, Chris, then lets consider this--"Politicians who did NOT serve--
Jon Kyl, John Cornyn, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, Karl Rove, Jeb Bush, Dick Cheney, Bill Frist, Dick Armey, Dennis Hastert, Tom Delay, Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, John Boehner

Plus these non-politicians who did not serve: George Will, Bill O’Reilly, Bill Bennett, Pat Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol, Sean Hannity, Kenneth Starr, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Ralph Reed"
And by contrast--TED KENNEDY AND AL GORE ALSO SERVED! plus....JIMMY CARTER!!!!
So, you wanna talk about "simple projection"?!?!
How about this, Einstein--all these little "Short-Richard'ed" Neocons and Conservative wannabe's who NEVER served feel it's perfectly OK to send men and women to DIE for their "projections", for their glamorized misconceptions of what WAR "IS"! All these CONSERVATIVE COWARDS who idea of "strength" and "patriotism" is signing the death warrants of the brave men and women who DO enlist--YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT "PROJECTION", chris?
ROve? Cheney? Wolfowitz? The same murderous scumbags who have the blood of thousands on their hands? The same drips that YOU support and give lip service to because you have mistaken their chickenhawk rhetoric for some sort of admirable quality? You really make me sneer!
Ha hA---I guess it takes one to know one--go ahead, I'm listening; make yourself look even stupider! "

" On Saturday August 16th – A Night ofSoul and Rock & Roll – 8pm – Buffalo Wild WingsFeaturing The Soul Traders and The Villagers!

This event is a fundraiser for The Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association you can see them here atwww.flrba.com and IGNITE a professional group of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce.

Print flier from here http://www.ignite-cny.org/ and bring it with you to help with the fundraising! "

" Unknown, what's the problem? You had chances to contribute, did you not see the posts from karl, AJ, and CVN? I personally think it's an opinion column, and hopefully not completely taken up with politics. "

" Why is it that so many tickets were sold to the Doubledays game on 8/14 when there were not enough seats to accomadate them. I spent the better part of an hour looking for a place to sit with my family and eventually ended up leaving because we could not find the space to sit all of us together. Why aren't there attendents in the park ensuring that everyone that buys a ticket can have a seat? There certainly are enough employees selling beer at the park. I understand it is a big event when everything is a buck, but come on, it is a shame that people, especially the several elderly people I saw, leave the park because of limited seating. "

" I am sick and tired of the Auburn School District hiring teachers from out of town. It is absolutley ridiculous that with the pool of well qualified candidates, (that grew up, went to school,pay taxes, and live in the city), the district will not even interview these candidates. Maybe the problem lies within the fact that our superintendent and assistant superintendent are not from our town! It is time to wake up Auburn and use the resources we have right here! Why keep pushing highly educated people out of town and or state so they can help other communities grow and reap the benefits of them living and working there? It is evident that the "Good ol Boy" network is alive and well in Auburn, and unfortunatly, it is costing us the opportunity to give back to the people that deserve positions most, the same people that have lived in the city for generations. "

" GO LOPEZ !! "

" Brew: awhile back I posted the links that showed the military was over quotas, they really are.

I wondered why myself they took National Guard --the logical reasons would be:
1. certain units are trained for certain missions
2. other units are still in training
3. A NG Commander has an itchy trigger finger & pushes to 'show off' his team "

" "Just thought I'd give 2 cents of my own. Obama sucks, McCain will win in November and all you can do about it is cry." Wow finally I agree with something jlmorgansr has posted. If McCain becomes President, all that will be left of the United States will cause all the Citizens to cry!! And ya know what... Obama is no prize either! Vote for Paris Hilton, at least we KNOW she is an airhead and doesnt try to cover that up, that puts her a step ahead of these other two idiots! "

" Jerry I didn't know that you had any interests other than your obsession with the school budget. It's nice to see you are getting help with your obsession. Good boy. "

" If the military is so flush with troops why do they activate National Guardsmen and Reserves? If the military is filling their quotas the quotas or the standards have been lowered. Where do you get these facts from? Are you using the same phony sources as CVN? Like the ficticious letters from Obama? "

" hey karl: today's news said GWB is sending some military to Georgia, I guess he found one or two marines hanging around Central Command with nothing to do..
or took them off Obama's security detail.. "

" Jerry, you're right, this column has become utterly boring. Too bad, it used to be fun to get into conversations / arguments about stuff. I really don't bother with it that much anymore, the letters to the editor are better!! "

" Chris Van Note - Sorry I was not able to respond to your question very quickly. I believe you have already surmised what my post was supposed to prove (or actually what my point was); don't be too hasty in painting with a broad brush. There are liberals who served in the military and there are conservatives who have not. For example, Dick Cheney has said he had "higher priorities" than serving in the military during the Vietnam war. You indicated that your intent, though, was to target some of the posters here. Hopefully you weren't shooting a bullet and drawing a target around it. Speaking of bullets, another notable who did not serve was Wayne LaPierre, the the executive vice-president and CEO of the NRA. "

" AJ, I'll let you worry about the chemtrails. After I get packed for camping this weekend, the Buffalo Bills are on tonight at 8. "

" by the way, look to the north - you may find a chemtrail there today! "

" "By the way", Chris..... "

" numpadp, it looks like I probably won that contest.

Let me know what the prize is.


.... "

" 81 comments and 99.9% of them are about Bush and Obama. Three people dominate this 2 cent column. Just thought I'd give 2 cents of my own. Obama sucks, McCain will win in November and all you can do about it is cry, like a certain former vice president. The ice is melting waaa waaaa waaaa "

" No one wants to talk about Georgia. This is interesting to say the least.

I guess maybe it'll just blow over. "

" Chris, you may have missed something here - but I agree with you on not intervening in Oesstia - that would be a huge mistake.

Bravo for the most intelligent stance you have ever taken Chris. Good for you! "

" of course there was George Bush who technically didn't show up to complete his obligation, so lets not forget that Chris. "

" two different things indeed, Chris. Thanks to the stars above!!! "

" You forgot one jmw53 that has never served in the military-Obama. "

" Jmw: What is your post supposed to prove?

I was talking about Karl, AJ and their ilk. You know, the guys who protest at recruiting stations, etc...

Being a Democrat and a raving liberal can be two different things. "

" jmw53, thank you. You point out the utter hypocrisy of scum bags that many non-thinking people look up to. Bravo, and thanks! "

" For Chris Van Note:

Politicians who served: Chuck Robb, Howell Heflin, Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, George McGovern, Al Gore, Tom Daschle, Tom Harkin, Chris Dodd, Richard Gephardt, Charles Rangel, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Bob Kerrey

Politicians who did not serve: Jon Kyl, John Cornyn, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, Karl Rove, Jeb Bush, Dick Cheney, Bill Frist, Dick Armey, Dennis Hastert, Tom Delay, Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, John Boehner

Plus these non-politicians who did not serve: George Will, Bill O’Reilly, Bill Bennett, Pat Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol, Sean Hannity, Kenneth Starr, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Ralph Reed "

" In response to Karl's assertion that the feckless Obamessiah has any credibility on foreign policy...I found this parody on the Al Gore Interweb (tm):

From Obama:

Dear (Former) President Putin:

I'm sorry to be writing this e-mail instead of meeting you in person, preferably in the Oval Office, where I belong. Soon, soon.

Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the foregoing, I felt it imperative that I express my deep concern about Russia's invasion of the tiny, democratically elected sovereign nation of Georgia. It would appear that you are not familiar with my platform for change and hope. War does not fit into this template and I am quite frankly at a loss for words to express my deep, deep distress.

As the chosen leader of a new generation of Americans who speak a global language of peace, hope, harmony and change, this is simply unacceptable. Quite frankly, your actions pose potentially severe, long-term consequences. I'm not sure what those might be, but they won't be nice or fun.

Please picture me looking very serious when I say that I respectfully request you to calm down. Life is but a flicker in time and we're but actors strutting and fretting. That is to say, we're all on this planetary journey together and our karma is interrelated and interdependent. Thus, it would seem that our differences are best resolved through words, not bombs.

It is said that war is a failure of diplomacy. I would submit that it is also counterintuitive. If my Kenyan father and my Kansan mother and my multinational upbringing taught me anything, it is that we are all One. That said, I am The One the world has been waiting for — and you are, quite frankly, blocking my chi.

As soon as possible, I'd like to sit down and begin talking about how we can resolve these and other differences that threaten peace-loving people, which I'm sure includes you. I haven't looked into your eyes and would never presume to know your soul, but I do know that we share a common humanity and that we can all just get along.

Yours in Global Harmony,
Acting President Barack Obama

From McCain:

Hey, Putin.

Don't make me come over there.

McCain "

" Karl, you just don't get it and never will. But thats ok, active duty and vets like me all know that there are going to be people who don't appreciate what we've done or what we are doing now around the world.
Liberals tend to be petty and afraid so they have to diminish the military so they don't have to confront their own cowardice. Its simple projection really. "

" Chris
I volunteered and served 2 tours in Viet
nam and I have always been a liberal! "

" chris van note wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:21 AM:
" Hey CM, you are barking up the wrong tree when you try to explain what honor and duty are to "guys" like AJ and Karl.

Liberals love to complain but when it comes down to what they’re willing to sacrifice, the best they can do is a benefit concert or a protest, followed by their opinion as to why America stinks. "

Why oh why is it that I think you were plagiarizing again Chris? "

" Oh yes, Chris. Honor and duty, like George Bush, or Karl Rove, right?

Give me a break, please!! "

" IS GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

beatifully said, Karl. "

" Well. I don't recall. That was Ronald Regan who said that. "

" Hey if anybody wants to see an AMAZING group of young kids, my two students are playing at Suzee's on Friday night. They're only 14 and 15 years old, and they play Metallica, Ozzy, Megadeath--and they absolutely ROCK! You seriously won't believe how talented the are. I think they call their band "Child's PLay"?
I'll be there! "

" AJ, thanks for posting that about why Russia invaded. You know, the more I'm learning about this whole thing, and the more I hear about John McCain's adviser being a paid lobbyist for Georgia to the tune of $200.000, it's really starting to smell like some sort of Neocon "testing of the waters"?
Which is why, NO, I would NOT send in US troops to ramp up the tensions, like that idiot McCain would. Barack's cautious approach is much smarter! "

" Chris, I admit you''re right here--if "Duty" mean mindlessly kowtowing to the dictates of warmongers, and "Honor" means projecting a phony sense of "America Uber Alles!" and parroting Neocon talking points, then you're absolutely right--I'd rather sing a song loudly..
"All we are saaaaaying...is give Peace a chaaaaaance!"
(C'mon join in Chris! You can play the tambourine!)
"All we are saaaaaaying......" "

" On Saturday August 16th – A Night ofSoul and Rock & Roll – 8pm – Buffalo Wild WingsFeaturing The Soul Traders and The Villagers!

This event is a fundraiser for The Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association you can see them here atwww.flrba.com and IGNITE a professional group of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce.

Print flier from here http://www.ignite-cny.org/ and bring it with you to help with the fundraising! "

" Hey CM, you are barking up the wrong tree when you try to explain what honor and duty are to "guys" like AJ and Karl.

Liberals love to complain but when it comes down to what they’re willing to sacrifice, the best they can do is a benefit concert or a protest, followed by their opinion as to why America stinks. "

" FG...enjoy your new house! "

" I hear that MOVED: sometimes empty-nest is toooooo quiet.
my 3 oldest moved out, it is so strange they 'visit' now.
when the 9 yr old goes away for the weekend--it is sometimes enjoyable yet sometimes lonely.

For sure you miss all the hectic mornings, constant 'on the road' for activities, and family dinners at the table!

Now the table is basically one big coffee table of clutter!
once every 2 weeks I try to find it!
the older kids say "this would never be if we were here" ..so true. lol...

On the bright side: when the first 2 moved out, we remodeled one bedroom for older daughter and the 3rd bedroom for youngest. When older one went off to college, we moved youngest into big room and turned her old bedroom into a 'playroom' for grandkids.

You do have extra money for house remodeling! UNLESS, one calls for a 'loan'.....lol.. "

" sorry AJ BUT the war has not stopped enlistments..not one branch is under quota, and some are actually over quota.

Many still feel being in the military is an HONOR, many are very PROUD of the grandparents, parents, and other family members and friends who are serving and want to BE LIKE THEM!

you would have to serve or be close to one that has/is serving to understand the comradery! "

" FG, enjoy your new home. As for being an empty nester, be careful what you wish for. "

" Sure, cm, people are breaking down doors to join the military, especially now that we know Iraq had WMD's.

Anyhow, for a different perspective on the Ossetia problem check out this audio clip:

http://www.radiodujour.com/people/chossudovsky_michel/mp3/20080811_alexjones_michellchossudovsky.mp3 "

" I am sure AJ there are MORE than we know.
All are trained to fight. "

" well, uh, cm, those are not all fighters.

I also wouldn't trust wiki for much where the MIC is concerned...

But that's just me. "

" Karl: we have plenty left, the USA never puts her eggs all in one basket!

As of October 31, 2007

Service Total Active Duty Personnel
Army 519,998
Navy 373,830
Air Force 328,270
Marine Corps 186,209
Coast Guard 39,121
Total 1,449,428


There are now about 145,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, down from a peak last year of nearly 170,000.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories
/2008/07/07/iraq/main4238452.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Military_of_the_United_States "

" Congratulations on your house FG! Here's hoping you have many fine years there!! "

" I agree about the insults and stuff -- it is indeed frustrating that so many conversations rapidly degrade into name-calling and insults.

Beyond that, I am too tired to reply. Cleaned the new place (didn't need much -- the previous owners left it near-spotless, such that even 2 1/2 mos after they left, it didn't need much even in the way of sweeping and dusting), moved a handful of things, popped online to check my mail and am going to bed so I can pick up a U-Haul bright and early tomorrow and spend the whole day moving in earnest.

G'night all! "

" Please folks, don't be so quick to judge the situation in Ossetia.

Most of us know the media cannot be trusted, and it appears likely this may have been a trap. Georgia attacked first, unprovoked, with the blessings and backing of the US, NATO, and Israel. Personally, the corporate press would be the last place I would go for information. Well, except for the exception of Gorbachev's op-ed piece in the Washington Post. A seeming contradiction, I know. Life is full of them.

Gorbachev has issued a summary of the events as follows:

"For some time, relative calm was maintained in South Ossetia. The peacekeeping force composed of Russians, Georgians and Ossetians fulfilled its mission, and ordinary Ossetians and Georgians, who live close to each other, found at least some common ground....What happened on the night of Aug. 7 is beyond comprehension. The Georgian military attacked the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali with multiple rocket launchers designed to devastate large areas....Mounting a military assault against innocents was a reckless decision whose tragic consequences, for thousands of people of different nationalities, are now clear. The Georgian leadership could do this only with the perceived support and encouragement of a much more powerful force. Georgian armed forces were trained by hundreds of U.S. instructors, and its sophisticated military equipment was bought in a number of countries. This, coupled with the promise of NATO membership, emboldened Georgian leaders into thinking that they could get away with a "blitzkrieg" in South Ossetia...Russia had to respond. To accuse it of aggression against "small, defenseless Georgia" is not just hypocritical but shows a lack of humanity." ("A Path to Peace in the Caucasus", Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington Post)

If you ask me, this has Washington and the oil companies names all over it! Be VERY skeptical!

Chris, I am really surprised that you would be so reluctant to have the US directly join in the fun over there! WOW! "

" FG, I have no problem talking politics, other than it seems to degrade to insults and personal attacks. I would like to see politics continue if there was not the crap with it. "

" Yes, cm---but the Afghani Taliban didn't start their comeback until just a month or two ago. And now we're worried about sending brigades to Afghanistan--the "Graveyard of Empires"--and we don't have anything left whatsoever with which to even threaten Russia. Russia has correctly ascertained our position of extreme weakness, and acted very shrewdly. Let's just hope the damned Neocons don't start looking at the Big Red Buttons!
Not only that, but we have COMPLETELY lost any moral authority we might have had in demanding they withdraw from invading a sovereign nation.
I mean, really--I swear, can you honestly NOT want to reach right through your TV screen and just THROTTLE Bush, Condoleeza, and McCain when they admonish Russia for breaking International Law and invading a sovereign country?!--I mean, the GOLDEN HYPOCRISY?!?! "

" "Haaaaail Mother rrrRRuuuuussia!"
"on to Vic-to-REEEEEEE!!!!"
....uh,...I don't think so Chris, LOL! "

" FG: congrats--be sure to break out the 'bubbly' "

" silly karl at his best!

I recall the War began in 2003 and the surge in 2007--so Russia waits until now for..????
England & Australia have pulled many troops out months ago..
maybe Russia is teasing them?
Or another political move due to our elections coming up?
Or just plain testing missles that they probably don't really have?
Like Iraq and Iran did/does have... "

" wow i am glad to see that bush can drop money like nuffin to help other countries. "

" So Karl, say our military wasn't tied up in Iraq, you would advocate a military response against Russia?
We have plenty of things we could use, but thankfully we won't. You can bet that there are a couple of boomers nearby.
Once again, Red Karl admiring the aggressors-I guess socialist/marxist minds think alike. "

" "In the 21st century, sovereign nations do not invade other another sovereign nation"--John McCain regarding Russia's involvement in Georgia.
Is there any end of hypocrisy to these Republican Hawks?
THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY INVADED IRAQ!!
John McCain--a candidate blinded by hypocrisy that we all can see clearly.
So now the real "fruit" of the tie-up of American troops in the War for Oil is seen. Russia, our largest and most dangerous nemesis in the world, invades another democratic country and what do we have to respond with?
ABSOLUTELY NUTHIN! NOTHING!!
WHat a disaster!!!
Gotta hand it to Russia though--what a brilliant strategic move. What a great "read' of the impotence of the United States att his moment in history! "

" Congrats on the house!

I just associate "ex spouse" = "no talky" - lol.

Nah, I cant stand all the political talk - I mean its ok sometimes but with just some of the different posts recently - it shows we are quite a diverse group that can post about various interests...variety makes the world go round/interesting... "

" Boy, we get complaints if we talk about trivial subjects instead of the important issues facing our area and our world (i.e. POLITICS) and now we are getting bashed for talking politics.

You know what they say -- you can't please everyone so you might as well please yourself. "

" I AM NOW A HOME OWNER! Whoo-hoo!

Also, thought I'd give the update -- I've been contacted by a regional rep for Hess and will be in touch with him about resolving my gas pump issue soon (as soon as I have time in the middle of all this moving and stuff).

Newel -- of course. I love woodwork. My previous rental was in an historic home in Sherwood (which we all affectionately call the Sherwood Home for the Bewildered) which had incredible woodwork. I had the part of the house with the front parlor and a stunning fireplace with a 6-foot across, 1 foot deep mantel, all kinds of molding and a marble hearth. The hardwood floor was made up of several different kinds of hardwood and was in pretty good condition.

I know I could buy something, but I also know my ex has a special talent for wood carving and would make something really unique for our family if I ask. He has a lot of talent and is very generous. I think he will get a kick out of this project -- I just have to stop talking about it and get around to asking him! "

" On Saturday August 16th – A Night ofSoul and Rock & Roll – 8pm – Buffalo Wild Wings
Featuring The Soul Traders and The Villagers!

This event is a fundraiser for The Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association you can see them here at www.flrba.com and IGNITE a professional group of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce. "

" On Saturday August 16th – A Night ofSoul and Rock & Roll – 8pm – Buffalo Wild Wings
Featuring The Soul Traders and The Villagers!

This event is a fundraiser for The Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association you can see them here at www.flrba.com and IGNITE a professional group of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce. The attached pdf flier is VERY important. If you hand in the coupon on the flier with your bill at anytime that day 15% of your food bill goes to our fundraiser. "

" I wonder if the Citizen could have a three cents column, to go along with the three dollar bill, that would address politics. Keep it off the two cents column! "

" numpad, Reagan probably wasn't the first person to ever use it, but he elevated it to an art form. Seems like most politicians have learned from him. I swear that Washington politicians (republicans especially) have a serious amnesia epidemic on their hands.

Does anyone here seriously think their vote really counts? With all of the evidence that has been building regarding the theft of elections, it's hard to imagine that it counts much anymore.

If you are concerned about our democracy, you should watch this 30 minute video! An IT security expert, a Republican no less, who tells it like it is. It's pretty revealing. I highly encourage everyone to watch this and spread it around. Once you're done don't forget to go to the home page of the site for even more video.

http://www.velvetrevolution.us/prosecute_rove/images/Spoon_Full.wmv "

" Well, I don't recall. Who said that? (Answer tomorrow) "

" Pigeon droppings are the worst. They carry a lot of disease. They seem to like Copper John an awful lot. "

" FG, I am not far from your age & work more than a 40 hr week for my profession. We were able to restore two houses because we are tenatious perfectionists! lol There was an exhausting time when paycheck work finished as we would work another 8 hrs on this last house. U literally "hit" the hay when those days were over - we had no life for that period of time. But to c hardwood floors/chandeleirs/french doors and massive woodwork restored makes one sit back in awe. Then time came to sell the 1st house so we had to 'remodel' r/t refurbish two rooms as for sale purposes not many are into "the way the vics lived". Your house sounds like a country theme and that c/b very eclectic and very fun to do. What u want is a newel post(top) finial and u can actually buy them already made - google those words. We have the original grecian urns. "

" NL -- your houses sound like a dream. Between the lack of time and money, I doubt I will see such a day in my life, but one step at a time and you never know (there's always retirement, still a long way off for me at 43).

I hear you on the subject of other birds -- crows are predatory as well as scavengers. I like them because they are smarter than most other birds -- but the smart ones are always the most trouble, same as with cats and dogs. I suppose we all like to think of "Nature" living in "harmony" -- except that part of the "harmony" is a balance kept by some species killing and eating others. I also really love owls -- we used to live at the farm house above the ballfield in Aurora, and there was a nesting pair of great horned owls living in the woods there -- magnificent with a haunting hooting during mating season. But the crows would pester the heck out of the babies when they were trying to learn to fly.

But as for defecating -- all living creatures do! Birds may be a nuisance, but they spread it out so it isn't the health problem it is with dairy cows (not their fault they are kept contained in barns where they can only go in one place). The biggest issue is not bird droppings, but waste disposal. We think we are so tidy because we flush ours away -- but it still goes somewhere and presents a problem for disposal the more of us there are -- and that is a much bigger (and messier!) problem than an annoying bit of bird droppings on your car -- you can wash that away safely enough at the car wash, which can't be said of human waste.

Regardless, I love to see the old Victorians restored (or at least kept up in reasonably good condition). I love a grand old house. Mine (not what you'd call a Victorian, though it was originally built ca. 1870) is a bit more plain, though I do love the refinished hardwood floors, thanks to the previous owners, and the stairs with a small landing/turn near the bottom. I want to ask my ex, who has done wood carving (esp. marionettes) is he would carve me a finial for the end of the bannister -- not sure of the proper name for it when there's a large wooden ball on the top of the bottom bannister post (maybe nl can help me on that one), but I really like those. Currently, the bannister has only a small, flat square of wood, maybe 3 inches square -- but it could serve as a base for a carved ball. (I'd prefer the idiosyncrasy of a carved rather than a turned ball). "

" moved:
the guys at woot.com must be previous employees of Po'Folks restaurant...lol "

" On the topic of security and identity theft of past days, it has come to my attention that what was once reported regarding hotel card keys as not containing credit card data has turned out to be false, at least in Las Vegas. I don't have the link but it supposedly has appeared in the Washington Post.

It's probably much more widespread than anyone would admit, so be sure to destroy any hotel card keys when you finish your stay at any motel or hotel. "

" Cm: Auburn has had that Ebay handle for quite some time now - I have had them listed as a fav but their activity stopped about a yr ago.

Also Cm: TY ! When I am done diddling here, I am gonna look at that gadget on B&BB. I have the 20% coupon sitting on my table!

And again CM: TY for kind remark re our old house. We think it is awesome too after 4 yrs of restoration. Yes every room has a closet and we also have 2 butlers pantries. Kids/adults absolutely luv to wander about & everyone swears there is some paranormal activity. Doors have shut right in your face as u try to leave a room! Auburn really has a vast amt of lrg old homes. I posted a bit ago how I wish the city/preseravtion org would come up with some kind of public restoration committee. With the hx sites we have and having more houses restored we could really be a tourist mecca.

excnyer: wow that is downsizing. It will take us approx 8 yrs to get down to a two bdrm but I fear that place w/b chucked full also as pack rats are pack rats - its in our blood...lol "

" Thanks Citizen, for destroying my entire piece by not including the links, not to mention the italics even! What is up with that? Lame!! Grrrrr...

Well Chris, here are the links. Since you're good at copying and pasting you'll have no trouble.

"conspiricy": http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conspiracy

laws of physics: http://www.serendipity.li/wot/mslp_i.htm

toppling tower: href="http://davesweb.cnchost.com/nwsltr69b.html

David Griffin Interview: http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=%22Debunking+911+Debunking%22&emb=0#q=%22Debunking%20911%22&emb=0

Phillip Zellikow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuoQZkBFj9A&feature=related

missing testimony from report:
http://www.oregontruthalliance.org/node/189

John McLame on UFO's
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=P7TbxrYkkRI&feature=related

Astronaut John Mitchel on UFO's / extraterrestrials:

http://suzieqq.wordpress.com/2008/07/25/ufo-cover-up-apollo-astronaut-edgar-mitchell-claims-it-is/ "

" Here's a site I found interesting, woot.com. They have 1 item for sale each day, unless they have a woot-off, which seems to happen about 1/mo. They sell EVERYTHING and it's no tax and $5 shipping. Check it out and enjoy their descriptions. It's good for a morning laugh. They have things from auto backup alarms for $1, to 50-60 inch HDTVs. Some new, some referb., and some launch. I enjoy their descriptions, yes I have made SEVERAL purchases. "

" Gee, Chris, that was a real humdinger of an insult. Am I 14? No, but I suppose if I were I'd still be way smarter than you, though that would not necessarily be saying much. ;)

Anyhow, I must be missing something here, as I'm not sure how this drifted into 9/11 and UFO territory, except that you were making some sort of comparison as to the quality/credibility of the sources you use.

Since you want to talk about 9/11 sources and what you call "conspiricy" (you really need to check your spelling on that Chris, you continually get it wrong), I'll oblige. I hope you can appreciate the time I have taken to make your research a little easier for you. (I am hoping the contained links will work and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will not have to do any copying and pasting, even though I know that is one thing you are particularly good at)

First, let's talk about the epithet ""conspiricy" theory". While you are looking up the spelling of "conspiricy" in the dictionary, you should really take a close look at its meaning. Hopefully you are smart enough that once you understand its meaning you'll never use it disparagingly again, as you will reealize how foolish you look. OK, forget looking it up, just click on this link.

See, Chris, by the very definition of the word, the official government theory is in and of itself a ""conspiricy" theory" (as you would put it). There is just no getting around it. It is indisputable, and it's highly unlikely you'll convince any dictionary change it to suit your way of thinking - it ain't gonna happen no matter how hard you try or want it. You may as well get used to it!

Once you understand the meaning, you may even begin to wonder just why the media, as smart as they're supposed to be, use the term in such a derogatory way, when they should know better. But maybe that would be expecting too much from you.

So, for your own sake, please do not refer to "conspiricy" theories in such a disparaging way - as long as you believe the "official" "conspiricy" theory, it makes you seem stupid, and we all know you aren't, right?

About Centcom - highly credible source there, and there is a Santa Clause, Easter Bunny, and tooth fairy too! Right! I'm not sure what they have to do directly with 9/11, so there is no point in discussing it really.

About NIS(T). You left out the Technology part. But hey, I'll let that go. Even NIST cannot explain what brought down the towers, they have rejected the pancake theory, came to otherwise unsupportable
conclusions and have been thoroughly discredited.. Google ' NIST +911 +"conflict of interest" ' or just ' NIST +911 ' . And we are still waiting for that tower 7 report, you know, the one that was not hit by a plane yet fell down into its own footprint at or very close to free-fall speed? So much for NIST. Even NIST cannot suspend laws of physics for a portion of one day, as hard as they sometimes try. Nor can Muslims with boxcutters and planes for that matter, as much as the faith based community would like to believe. ;)

I'm wondering how NIST explains this. The way I see it, this building top should have fallen directly to the ground. Only high
explosives or high energy weapons could possible account for the strange action of this part of the building. But then again, I am part of the "reality" based community that the "faith" based community has little faith in.

Popular Mechanics' 9/11 treatment has also been thoroughly discredited - watch this interview with David Ray Griffin on "Debunking 911 Debunking"

I'll add something which I am sure you left out by accident - the 911 Commission Report. This probably had the most conflicts of interest of any investigations I'm aware of, aside from the Warren Commission. Google ' "911 Commission" +"conflict of interest" '. It was an utter fraud directed by a neocon lackey and friend of Rice, well versed in propaganda techniques, - Phillip Zelikow. It was a coverup pure and simple, leaving most of the questions of the victims' families unanswered. The report also left out critical testimony which would have seriously altered the perception of the public regarding the events that day. Be sure to watch the video.

Now, one last thing before I go - you should really look up UFO. I really want to help you out Chris, just so you don't look so foolish again by using it in a perjorative sense. Like "conspiricy" (as you put it) UFO has a meaning which should not necessarily be taken to imply something from outer space. The question was posed to DK in an effort to both use up his time and cast a negative light on him (They
knew his answer ahead of time).

I'll also save you some time on this one as we; since I'm such a nice guy :) - UFO - Unidentified Flying Object. It doesn't say flying saucer, though it could be. (personally, I saw something when I was young which could have been a strange atmospheric anomaly, a ship from outer space, or something actually constructed by our own military, or perhaps any one of a number of other explanations). So, I saw a UFO too, as have millions of others. Even your buddy McLame believes in them! Watch this video and see for
yourself!

Many UFO sightings are well documented by pilots and even noted by astronauts - not exactly your beloved "tin foil hat" crowd.

So Chris, I hope this clears up at least a few things for you about your supposedly credible sources, helped further your understanding of UFO's and 9/11, and I trust this has been a good lesson for you in the proper use of the english language. Your bill is in the mail. :) "

" Cool NL!!!! "

" RE: Moving
I went from a 6 room 1/2 house, cellar and attic to a 4 room apartment; and finally down to a 33 foot Class A motorhome. Now THAT's downsizing! "

" I just came across this site:
seems the city has nothing to sell this week but why are they buying extra and re-selling on ebay?

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=cityofauburn-purchasing "

" NL: your house sounds awesome, I too like the old Victorian homes and I think the ones in Auburn should be restored.
I am imagining the closet space with 8 bedrooms!! and the wall space for photos....lol.... "

" NL: it is
Film and slide digital converter, 100.00 at Bed Bath & Beyond. I also used their 20% coupon.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/
search/search.aspx?order_num=-1&sstr=digital+converter&dim=1&nty=1& "

" God bless our troops, I hope their home soon!! Invade IRAQ & Afghanistan! Bush & Cheeny should be impeached. Darn Messey CROWS, Bring back tjhe crow shoot. Those nasty birds deficate all over. I remember when Boyle had a nice green bench that was white when those messy birds (CROWS) got dond with it! "

" AJ wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:49 AM:
" Chris, for you to be casting aspersions on anyone, especially a reputable site like global research is really comical, especially considering YOU almost NEVER get ANYTHING right. You crack me up. You wouldn't think so poorly of them if you didn't overdose on the neocon kool-aid.

Great economy we're in too, huh, Chris?

Hysterical...

"By the way" Chris, they don't plagiarize either, in case you were wondering. ;) "

You know its a reputable website when the have the "Bush Impeachment Watch" and writers like Dennis "I tawt I taw a UFO" Kucinich...Its got all the popular conspiricy theories ranging from 9/11 to the government coming up with AIDS.

Silly me, I used the National Institute of Standards, Popular Mechanics, Centcom, the actual congressional record, etc...to back up my side of the debate.

Really AJ, are you 14? Only children and the intellectually challenged believe that nonsense. "

" TY QT...wanted to mention a few days ago that I really liked the Chevelle song. I generally dont follow a link on here but I was pleased I did that one... "

" Nature Lover, that political talk does waste a lot of internet space. There is more to life than politics! "

" cm - "cool gadget, transfer negatives to CD's"..whats the name of it!! I am an amateur photographer and would luv to have the chest of drawers full of old images transferred... "

" I hear ya FG. I told the kids a few yars ago--NO more 'mom' cups, plates,knick-knacks!
Thats what I have been doing--is organizing big time..My closet is now all in bins-labeled too.
I have 12 yrs of school for 3 kids in 1 bin! which my plan is to scrapbook for each kid for next years Xmas gifts.

empty-nest is nice at times but rough to adjust to, I am so glad they are all here Xmas morn --early(by 630 am)-- and we have one morning of the 'old days'...

the kids bought me this cool gadget, transfer negatives to CD's..another great way to 'share' old photos, I am a photo junkie!! I do not have ONE empty or even nearly empty wall..

sometimes moving is great--finding things you lost and getting rid of things you no longer need! "

" http://michigantaxes.com/wordpress/?p=335

A search thorough her personal financial statements gives a clue to Pelosi’s recent actions (or inaction) with regard to energy policy.

Pelosi, showing in her financial disclosures that in May of 2007, she purchased (on the opening public offering apparently) a substantial amount of T. Boone Pickens clean energy fuels corp, CLNE. CLNE apparently is funding a proposal in California? ..ahh the shenanigans begin!

While her “substantial” investment might be a fraction of her total investment package, one wonders about the total investment package when $137 Million assets of the company total find a $5 BILLION dollar emerging California market for natural gas if a particular proposal goes through. The multiplier effect can really make a difference.

So Here in Michigan, we look at losing Truck plants, SUV lines, and other related jobs, so MRS “stop the Vote” can make a profit? Truly a patriotic woman, that one is…

———-Added ———–

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Clean Energy) is a provider of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. The Company offers a solution to enable customers to run their fleets on natural gas. It designs, builds, finances and operates fueling stations, and supplies customers with compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company also helps them acquire and finance natural gas vehicles, and obtain local, state and federal clean air rebates and incentives. The Company serves fleet vehicle operators in a variety of markets, including public transit, refuse hauling, airports, taxis, seaports, and regional trucking. It generates revenues primarily by selling CNG and LNG, and to an extent by building, operating and maintaining CNG and LNG fueling stations.

Now of course, if Gasoline is cheap…. "

" Chris, for you to be casting aspersions on anyone, especially a reputable site like global research is really comical, especially considering YOU almost NEVER get ANYTHING right. You crack me up. You wouldn't think so poorly of them if you didn't overdose on the neocon kool-aid.

Great economy we're in too, huh, Chris?

Hysterical...

"By the way" Chris, they don't plagiarize either, in case you were wondering. ;) "

" Ha I have 8 brdms...moved from a 4 to this huge vic but absolutely luv it as always wanted a huge house stuffed literally to rafters w/tiques - and I know exactly where every thing is. We do have sales annually now though getting ready for the next and last house which wont be more than 2 brdms. We pride ourselves on the fact that there is zero new in the house except the beds and the appliances. It used t/b frugality but now what we got for dirt is now highly prized. The change of times.

I am VERY pleased the crows are gone. That was my two cents comment above to generate a different topic as I cant stand any more of this crappy election yakking. I know alot liked the anomaly of the crows but they ate just about all the song birds eggs. We have so many different varieties now at the feeders, its a delight. "

" BTW, cm -- I have 3 bedrooms now in the rental, and I'll have 3 bedrooms in the new house too. I like to have my house neat and organized, which is why I am so looking forward to my two sons getting out on their own and taking their clutter and mess with them. No empty nest syndrome for me!

I save sentimental stuff too, but I try to keep it neatly boxed or otherwise stored away. Too hard to dust when you have to work around knick-knacks and stuff. My biggest clutter problem is papers -- but I spent most of the day the other day sorting, organizing and filing a big backfile of papers I had just been piling up for way too long. And already by this morning I was glad of it, when I was able to lay hands on just the piece of paper I wanted in seconds.

I suppose that's the former cataloger in me!

(Of course, with boxes piled in every room waiting for the move, you'd never know I was an anti-clutter person right now! ;-) "

" Nope, no truck. He had his Dad's truck for some years (his dad died 11-12 years ago), but the brakes were gone and he just used it around the farm (never going fast, just hauling stuff and since it was a standard, he had no trouble stopping when he needed to -- but it wasn't going to pass inspection for road use). He finally sold that a few months ago.

People who buy hay or straw from him come pick it up at the farm, and he pays someone to truck his wheat.

He also borrows a truck from friends or relations when he needs one, so yesterday in the rain we were in the truck of a prison guard friend who uses his little fuel-efficient car to go to work (not sure why he feels he needs a truck in addition, but we are grateful for the occasional use). His need for a truck is usually no more than 1-2 times a month on average -- maybe less -- not often enough to warrant buying and insuring one.

Farmer Guy works hard and makes enough to get by, but he isn't a money-wealthy man -- not that it worries him. As long as he has what he needs, he is content and let's the rest take care of itself. No truck? No problem -- someone will have one, someone Farmer Guy has probably helped many a time when the tables were turned.

He tells of how his dad told him that he could remember the first time one farmer actually CHARGED another farmer MONEY to help him out - the day the whole world changed out here; before that, people just helped each other as needed, lent equipment and labor and whatever else, on straight barter or just on neighborliness. There are still some who operate that way when they can, like Farmer Guy, but they are getting fewer and further between. "

" for years I wondered why Auburn doesn't have a 'Crow Festival' it should be a huge weekend of fun!

why not make money and get citizens to participate in a yearly event that already has the main attraction flying in? "

" Nice uber-left website AJ...

Global Research = nutjob 9/11 truther site. Conspiricy theories abound and look for the Impeach Bush Watch! "

" funny CVN,
may I add that all decisions were based on information from other department heads:
Pres. of Chevron, Pres. of Walmart, along with Willy Wonka! "

" FG: funny stories to savor indeed!
I am now in a 3 bdr. home--and it's cluttered to the hilt. A woman never has enough closets or cabinets!!
I have been 'spring cleaning' since February, my trashmen just shake their heads when they arrive now!
I am too sentimental, keeping everything the kids the made/bought for me.
On the outside one would think I didnt touch a thing-but 'snoops' would go WOW!
lol..

I have said this before, but people who receive income tax refund SHOULD buy something or vacation with it! Do their best to not use it for a bill afterall you pay them all year long-take some money, use it for enjoyment for you and your family.
My tax-man dad hated my idea, save save save..well saving got him 200grand-yet he lived like a homeless man, and after his death my sis 'snorted' every penny. "

" Farmer Guy doesn't have a truck? I guess there is a first for everything. "

" Looks like AJ's tin foil hat has a few rips in it and the evil Neocon mind rays are leaking thru! You gotta love the folks in the "reality based" community.

In response, it wasn't Cheney but McCain...(please note my copious amount of sarcasm)

Not only did McCain engineer the build-up of Russian forces along the border of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, he also orchestrated the Georgian offer of a ceasefire last week, the South Ossetia separatist's response of shelling Georgia, and the Georgian counterstrike that triggered the pre-planned Russian invasion— all carefully timed to coincide with Barack Obama's vacation.

Not only did McCain carefully orchestrate three armed forces in two countries in such a way that it looked like they were acting selfishly in their own best interests instead of as agents of a U.S. Presidential campaign, he also managed to convince Barack Obama to give a spineless response that made McCain sound like a far more knowledgeable, experienced, and competent leader that Obama has ever pretended to be.

In the absolutely most fantabulous move of all, McCain then convinced Obama to flip-flop on his previous spineless position to poorly echo McCain's stance, reinforcing it as the correct one, while gutting his own credibility and showing himself to be hopelessly incapable of performing as a President. "

" Crows are intelligent and interesting and make Auburn special. Chasing them off was just stupid and selfish. We like to see them out here in the countryside, cleaning up after harvests. "

" Funny you should mention your first apartment -- I was just thinking about mine, as my first landlord in Aurora, George Peter, just passed away. In many respects, George was the "Bob Nolan" of Aurora. I was a junior at Wells and my future (no ex) husband and I moved in. He had come to Aurora from NYC, and he had some furniture -- all stuff he had picked up off the streets or salvaged after shows (he was a theater techie).

We had adequate furnishings, though they were all beat up and mismatched, but we had very little money. I'd eat at school when I could (Wells would not allow you to live off campus if they could help it -- only 6 seniors with good academic standing were permitted to live off campus, unless you lived with family or were over 25), but over breaks and summers, we ate eggs and potatoes for most our meals, and for years at work after I graduated, I'd take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on Wegman's family wheat bread and I didn't feel like I'd eaten until I had it. Then one day, I suddenly couldn't make myself eat another one, and I don't think I've had one since (that would have been ca. 1986-87)

After I left my ex, I saved up a couple years and bought my very first piece of "store boughten" furniture -- my couch. I think it remains my only piece of "first hand" furniture, though I have a good houseful of stuff now, most of it fairly nice or at least decent. Well, unless you count mattresses -- I have sprung for a few clean, nice, new mattresses.

It was an adventure getting those chairs home in the rain -- Farmer Guy failed to bring the plastic tarp, and we were scooting the borrowed truck under overhanging trees and stopping in at friends' houses looking for plastic bags or tarps or whatever we could lay hands on. They got a bit damp, downright wet in a couple spots, but I used some old bath towels on them and a fan, and they'll be fine -- while we can look back on a funny story. "

" cm wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:35 PM:
" I am not surprised that there would be a long line for BOB! And I am sure anyone that knew him, knew a great man!

NL: in thinking about my first CA apartment, we had a roll-away bed for a couch, ate on the floor for we had no kitchen table, or any table. A 2 bedroom apt that was nearly empty. But 2 yrs later, it was full. We never used credit, just bought from what we saved.
Ahhh, the good 'ole days. "

I have been without a kitchen table for a while. I usually eat on this OLD mixing board. It's in a case and makes a great table. My furniture is mostly speaker cabinets. Sounds crazy, but sounds good when everything is wired and ready for my bass!!!

That reminds me, a little Frank Zappa tonight, Sheik Yerbouti style! "

" AJ wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:17 PM:
" karl wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:50 AM:
" ANybody else sickened by the hypocrisy of people like John McCain, Dick Cheney, and President Bush in their tough-talk about Russia's invasion of Georgia?
What blatant hypocrites!"

Hypocrites? Absolutely - that is their stock-in-trade. But, it may even be worse than that!

The first casualty of war is the truth, and I doubt that this is any exception.

It appears to many that Russia was provoked. Surprising? Not in the least. Is Dick Cheney is behind this? Probably so.


There is evidence to suggest that the US, NATO, and Israel were behind the attacks, and have been planning this now for well over a month. I don't know about you, but I have no faith in the corporate press to report this with substantial accuracy at this point. Remember how they were all acting like cheerleaders for the Iraq war? Five years later they're still lying about Iraq.

You may want to read the following article. I've found the site to be right most of the time and the writers highly credible.

War in the Caucasus: Towards a Broader Russia-US Military Confrontation?

by Michel Chossudovsky

http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=9788 " "

" Pabis shouldn't receive a "performance raise" especially after the article on the drop-out increase!

maybe thats why the paper printed that drop-out info before the raise info!! "

" I am not surprised that there would be a long line for BOB! And I am sure anyone that knew him, knew a great man!

NL: in thinking about my first CA apartment, we had a roll-away bed for a couch, ate on the floor for we had no kitchen table, or any table. A 2 bedroom apt that was nearly empty. But 2 yrs later, it was full. We never used credit, just bought from what we saved.
Ahhh, the good 'ole days. "

" Congrats on the two chairs! I luv old stuff and when we bought our 1st house 18 yrs ago we had not once cent left for furniture so we started to go to auctions. Back then u could buy an entire room of vic furn for about $150 bucks. Now u cant even get the end table for that.

Sorry u d/n make the Nolan calling hrs. It took the better part of 1.5 hrs standing in line weaving thru the rooms of Farrell's but it was extremely heartwarming to be a part of a reunion of SOOO many people we hadnt seen in years. And it was also a convergence of ALL of Auburn as anybody who is or isnt anybody was there extending hands in common bond. The 6 degrees of separation is so true because u would hug and reminicse and another would join in saying I remember you or I knew such and such, etc. Its a small world. I just couldnt look at Bob however. Jack is and Bob was a pair of thee best old dudes around. "