Two Cents

Monday, October 13, 2008 2:45 PM EDT

Two unending wars, billions wasted, the economy in shambles! Thanks Bush, you've done a heck of a job!



It's election time and don't forget our Senator, Mike Nozzolio. We all know how much he's helped everyone and we can't afford to lose him.

Having heated my home with a wood pellet stove for 10-plus years, I have never seen such a shortage of wood pellets as I am seeing now. One might want to think twice about installing a pellet stove these days, or consider burning another source of fuel, such as corn.

The reason that we have the kiosks in the city is because the city management is not aware of the fact that we have elderly and handicapped people that might need a parking space downtown.




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The Citizens' Say

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There are 207 comment(s)

movedsouth wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:09 AM:

" The college students interviewed were probably for Obama, he didn't know how many states there are either! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:06 AM:

" You can read MY opinion of doctors here: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/10/19/opinion/letters/letters05.txt

I'm afraid I rather went off on a guy who was getting snorky with my yesterday.... "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:24 AM:

" The $250k is for couples, it's $200k for individuals. "

cm wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:59 AM:

" almost forgot:
CONGRATS to the RAYS!! World Series here they come!
(my sis is a SOX fan---lol) "

cm wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:49 AM:

" early AM news:
returning incumbents=SEND THEM PACKING!
(I agree)

straw poll this AM
Mccain leads 55% to Obamas 43%
(changes by the minute)

Obama is pushing early voting on a grand scale, in speeches, e-mails, a Web site and even ads placed inside video games.
Eighteen video games, including the extremely popular "Guitar Hero" and "Madden 09," will feature in-game ads from the Obama campaign.
(ads in video games???)

IN Florida, they interviewed 12+ college students AFTER one of the 'register to vote' rallies.
All had registered..BUT
NONE knew how many states there are in the USA.!!!!
NONE knew what ROE Vs.Wade was about!!!!

...and yes, they are helping to pick our next leader! "

cm wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:56 AM:

" Brew: I am not saying giving senior discounts is a bad thing--I just think adding 'others' to the sale, creates even more business.
THE BUS fare idea was a great one!

The 250 number hits groups of Doctors, how much more will that affect healthcare costs?
No matter WHO pays higher taxes, it trickles down to the CONSUMER. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:58 PM:

" The majority will not be taxed any higher by Obama as very few make $250K a yr.
To be honest I was not offering senior discounts due to their financial need but to attract business on a slow Wednesday. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:04 PM:

" Obama wants a 3 mos. moratorium on foreclosures, bailing out the homeowner. "

cm wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:53 PM:

" very true brew: oops would not be good to hear!
actually the hospital and nursing staff were outstanding! with the exception of waking her/me every 2 hrs thru the night.errrggg.
its the doctors that have no care for your time, leave you waiting hours on end for a simple question 'staying or going home'?

I dont go to the DR unless I am near dead, thats not really good, but thats me.
However, I learned a lesson having brochitis 2 yrs ago, by the time I went to the DR I had pneumonia. I did refuse to go into the hospital, lived off a breathing treatments, inhaler, and meds which costed me 1800.00 cash in 3wks!
And I worked too!
should this issue visit me this yr. I will nip it in the butt right away. "

cm wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:40 PM:

" Brew: if McCain 'plans to tax the health care benefits you receive from your employer',
the majority of the taxpayers will be SAFE, since the majority DO NOT have health insurance! "

cm wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:38 PM:

" Auburn is too small for a need of parking kiosks..
what are the true $$ figures for its revenue??

Parking at the hospital should also be free, as if money troubles paying for medical care isnt enough they need to get a few more dollars out of parents visiting a sick child ??

brew: nice of you to give discounts when you owned your Auburn business, but I am sick of senior discounts!
I think if there is a senior day there should be a kids day, moms day, dads day, school teacher day!
seniors are NOT the only shoppers, and they are ALL not poor.
in FL many businesses have taken on this trend, to % off, to all sources of consumers, and this was long before the economy was nose-diving. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:39 PM:

" McSame needs to think again about criticizing Obama for raising taxes. He plans to tax the health care benefits you receive from your employer. He says Obama's programs are socialism but he is talking about bailing out homeowners with federal funds and that is socialism at it's best. All he has for weapons are lies, deception and his own delusions. I can't understand why Obama is not leading the polls by 20% or more. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:27 PM:

" CM, you are lucky they didn't lose the kid. I just don't trust hospitals. I think a hospital is one place you should never have to hear the word OOPS! "

nature lover wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:12 PM:

" Ahhh what a fantastic weekend we had here in the Fingerlakes, eh? Hope all enjoyed! Got gas at BJ's today, waiting in line for a small time but was worth $2.79!!! Now Hess downtown was $2.88 and saw many were at $2.89. BLD: mmmm, 1st stick of Padma in burner as I type...definantly an instant fav. And as I said JTP is a republican stooge, dont u agree Brew as I posted below? "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:02 PM:

" ANY type parking will require someone to enforce and someone to process tickets, I see it as a non issue. I don't think people overall have a problem with paying, it's the back and forth to the kiosk. If the kiosk would make it more difficult for downtown employees to park all day, then that's a plus. Joe the plumber did not say he made $250k a year. I have NO problem paying more taxes, I just don't agree with spreading the wealth. I don't think working people who don't pay taxes should get a rebate check from Uncle Sam. There are other programs for that. Colon Powell said that spreading the wealth is like doing roads and infrastructure, he should know better. I thought he was smarter than that. Another example for NYS is the Star program. If your school taxes are less than the Star amount, you get a refund. That's not bad having your school taxes a minus $$$. All the things one says against Joe has NOTHING to do with his VALID QUESTION. Then again, some people just attack the individual instead of the issue. "

13579 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Today I filed out my absentee ballot. I won't say who I voted for President, I'm a Democrat who splits the ticket, voting for the person, not the ticket. It included Judges, Senators, ASssembly, and City Court Judge, the only guy running was Mike McKeon, no one was chosen to run against him. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 4:10 PM:

" McSame has hit a new low point. He is now making Joe the Plumber the cornerstone of his campaign. He is now making the accusation that Obama is attacking Joe for asking a question. That is sooooooooo untrue! The media is letting the public know that Joe the Plumber making $250K a year is a fraud. He is not even a licensed plumber and he makes $40 a year and hasn't even paid his taxes. McSames lies and deception are going to lead to his demise. I wouldn't vote for him for dog warden. I am not in agreement with everything Obama proposes but he is the only choice. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:48 PM:

" I was contemplating opening a small business and was researching my prospects. I had to give up the whole plan because when my profits exceed $250K I will have to pay 3% more to help our kids get an education, help people get healthcare, and give a tax break to the citizens that are my customers. NOT! "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Downtown Auburn is basically a main street and 1 block depth each way from the main street. It is very compact and parking spaces are few. They have to compete with plazas that have ample and free parking. If there were no kiosks or meters, the people that work and live in the area would park on the main street. There would have to be a two hour or less parking restriction to prevent this. That would require a parking officer to enforce and a clerk to process tickets. These city employees would have to be paid with your taxes since there would be no parking income. Do you want to see the city budget increase and possibly your taxes go up to subsidize parking in downtown? If there is no parking enforcement the area will lose more business from lack of parking spaces and the city will lose sales tax revenue.
If a senior is unable to walk to a kiosk then they should be able to use a handicapped parking space. Why are you making a problem out of that which is not a problem. If you really need to get to a business downtown you can afford to pay a meter. Some owners that want to promote their business should reimburse the customer for parking. I operated a business in Auburn that had a senior citizen day on Wednesday and deducted the price of a bus fare for seniors who took the bus in addition to the 10% discount for seniors. For a few cents you promote your business.
From all the complaints about parking costs I would think you are dropping ten dollar bills in these kiosks. You are whining about chump change.
The hospital to me is a different thing. Our local hospital has free parking and even valet parking. The valet parking thing is spreading all over the state except in Boston where there just is no parking available other than lots and garages that charge you $10 to $30. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:29 PM:

" a business making more than 250,000 after write offs, bills and employees paid, IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS.

small business america does not make 250k+ "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:28 PM:

" i dunno movedsouth, you would have to ask a democrat that, which i am not.

i do wonder though, do you think it is it ok for the GOP to just keep spending and not raising taxes? just to allow the national debt to grow and grow and grow? of course, everyone wants lower taxes, but i would rather cut spending and raise taxes and have a balanced budget than allow the debt to grow and grow and grow.

i myself was a ron paul supporter. i don't generally support one party or the other, but mccain is just an angry dufus. so, i must either write in paul, vote for obama or just not vote all together. i cannot supporter that old curmudgeon. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:27 PM:

" horseradish, I understand the difference between gross and net, but I still don't believe in raising taxes on small businesses. It's not too hard to understand. I have nothing to do with business, I'm happy getting my monthly Gov. checks. I don't understand why the Democrats want to raise taxes, and letting Bush's tax cut expire is raising taxes. If the Missiah does get in, I hope the GOP controls Congress. If not, that would be like giving Obama a blank check. On the other hand, if the Dems stay in power, there will be nothing to complain about WHEN things get worse. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:49 PM:

" also, where in the rulebook does it say that only big metropolis' have kiosks and meters on the streets? almost every small town i have ever been has had them, while many of the larger cities have not. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:48 PM:

" yeah, thats because you were in oklahoma. who the hell wants to be in oklahoma? im sorry ill let them have a few pennies for me to be able to park in nys. :) "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Hi David Delker!

Yeah, one of my Drum friends said gas was $2.29 in Tejas!

Here's a cool Utube!!

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuOAY-S6OY "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 19, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Farmer Guy told me today that he had heard that OK has the lowest gas prices in the country. Take advantage while you are there!

Friday I drove between Ithaca and Watkins Glen. The most prominent gas station along that route had gas for $3.51 -- no typo, that's a THREE dollars and fifty-one (and 9/10ths) cents

The same day, gas was $289 in Auburn (I paid $2.88 this morning in Auburn).

There's no way you can convince me that it costs the gas truck $0.62 more per gallon to deliver to Burdett or wherever it was than to Auburn.

Meanwhile, the quality of the gas is also an issue. Early in September I noticed a sudden steep drop in my mileage, despite proper oil changes and all. I had been averaging over 44 mpg, and suddenly I was getting 37-39 mpg. Then one day I filled up at Farmer Guy's farm tank, which he had had filled early in the summer. My next tank, I got better than 46 mpg! I went back to a commercial gas station the next fill up and dropped right back down to the upper 30s. I had heard they drop the quality of gas over the winter, but early September is hardly winter. Nonetheless, there is no question that they have lower the quality of gas available in this region since early September.

There's way too much manipulation of markets of all kinds.... "

excnyer wrote on Oct 19, 2008 12:03 PM:

" In our travels, the last time we saw parking meters on the streets was in Milwauke. We were just in Oklahoma City, visited the Oklahoma National Stockyard area, parked the Harley on the street, and walked away. NO METERS! It irks me when I think of Auburn and the way they squeeze pennies out of it's citizens. Auburn is not a huge metropolis and does not need to have parking meters/kiosks on it's downtown streets. And, also, while on the subject, AMH shouldn't be charging for it's patients/visitors to park. Due to my husband's condition, he has to have his blood checked monthly. We have NEVER had to pay for parking at ANY of the hospitals we have visited! "

excnyer wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Farmer's Gal,
Nope not a typo, gas is $2.29/gal in Oklahoma. When we put gas in our RV, we paid $2.45 at a Flying J. When we put gas in our Harley, it was $2.29 for regular and $2.49 for 91 octane (Harley's have to "eat" better). The "gas" people said that they expected gas to remain at these rates (or below) for the next few months. It's my thought that OK's tax on gas isn't as high as NY. "

AJ wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:36 AM:

" Same exact thing happened two years ago with gas price decreases, FG. I think I posted a link to the charts some time ago when debating with CVN about things "getting worse" because of Democratic rule. I expect gas prices to go back up after the election as they after the last election. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:16 AM:

" the reason there are kiosks in the city is because the city is finally getting caught up with the rest of the world. what is wrong with you people. those same elderly people who can't get to the kiosk, shouldn't be driving. they are probably the same people who drive 35 ne route 38a in a 55 zone (btw, you are going to kill someone) "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:08 AM:

" dd, so maybe they should change the way their business is run. that is a BAD way to run a business, and most businesses should get out of that habit anyways. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:06 AM:

" movedsouth, it doesn't discourage small businesses from opening. The majority of small businesses don't even MAKE (IN NET INCOME REMEMBER) close to 250,000. most don't make over 100,000. Remember, this isn't the owners income, this is the BUSINESSES income. the owner and business can have different incomes. a small business that is starting up isn't thinking, "damn i shouldn't start a business because if i ever make 250 grand they will take 3% of my income at that point"

they are thinking "i want to start a small business and i hope i can make an income at all"

i don't think most people mind paying taxes as long as they aren't wasted. Right now, the majority of our taxes are wasted on stupid crap. That is the biggest problem. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:02 AM:

" hey movedsouth, where do you live, i suspect it must be a pretty wealthy area. because most small businesses don't make close to 250,000. You have to remember that the income figure is NET INCOME, not how much money you bring in, but how much money YOU MAKE AFTER PAYING YOUR BILLS. That doesn't even take into consideration all of the tax deductions that a small business owner can take advantage of to get under that amount.

Its not that difficult to understand. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Not wanting to raise taxes on small businesses is NOT being heartless an greedy, it's called common sense. Why discourage small business. "

cm wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:43 AM:

" always before an election there is a CRISIS! Then a miracle!!
personally I think its all planned..

Thanks Gator: grand-daughter came home friday-but she has to wear a heart monitor for the next month. 'the report' is lost in the shuffle, so what they saw on the original test concerning her heart is NOT known yet.
I told my son he needs to DEMAND answers. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 19, 2008 5:04 AM:

" Be fair, Karl -- Democrats lie too ("I did not have sexual relations with [Monica Lewinski]" comes to mind) -- it's a politician thing, not a party thing. Nearly all of them lie, and the further up the hierarchy you go, the more they lie to the people about issues of greater importance.

excnyer -- did you really get gas for $2.29 a gallon, or is that a typo for $3.29 a gallon? There are a few places around here where it has gone under $3 -- $2.89 is the lowest I've heard, but down to almost $2 a gallon is hard to believe. I would have no complaints, but it would be amazing. Well, I have heard before that the politicians work with their corporate handlers to bring down gas prices in the immediate weeks before an election -- maybe it's true! "

dd wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:48 PM:

" Farmer's Gal--most small business' are DBA's which means that eh business IS the individual. Yes, most people would not see an increase unless they made over $250K (3% incease), but why would you punish a business for being successful? "

dd wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:43 PM:

" Thank you Davidd--I mean DD? you sound like me. "

DavidDelker wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:58 PM:

" PS--I love how OPEC has to have an "emergency" meeting this week. Gas prices (as well as price per barrell) getting too low for them. Its about time that we call in the note for Kuwait when we saved their a$$es from Iraq 20 years ago, don't you think? "

DavidDelker wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:55 PM:

" I like alot of what everyone has to say---I haven't been in Auburn in 20 years, but like the active people in this blog. Alot of good discussion. Do any of you mind if I am an equal opportuity offender? I am an independent, and don't mind voicing my opinion at times. McCain, AND Obama are opportunists. Neither have anyone else's best interests at heart. Not one politician has for decades. We should wake up, and realize that even though we are a "democracy", we really have no power due to the fact that our choices are limited to wanna be "people's people." I, for one, am tired of paying into a corrupt system that benefits no one except those that have an unfair advantage. I pay more into the system than alot of people, and have no problem with it, other than I see how the people living off the system live---I do not mean welfare, but the politicians, so I guess, yes I do mean welfare. Where else can you work for four years, and have your benefits/pension paid for your lifetime? Only in America. "

dd wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:06 PM:

" Would everyone be ok with a flat 15% flat tax for individuals, and 20% for business'? Do away with loopholes, and deductios, and such. We talk about everyone paying into the system, and keeping business in NY. It would work the same in every state. I guess too simple............... "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Small businesses get many tax deductions for equipment, expenses, travel and many other various programs. They can make more than $250K and the deductions can bring them below the level of higher taxation. The difference in tax rates is only a few percent. If you can't bear to pay a few percent more taxes to asssist the poor and disadvanaged and you earn over 250K then you are heartless and greedy. Fight your battle over government waste and corruption but not the needs of the less fortunate. What really gets me are the fools that argue against taxing the wealthy when in fact they will never be at that level of income so what are you fearing? You are never going to achieve that level of income except in your dreams. "

karl again... wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:39 PM:

" mark, of course you were being lied to--Republicans were in office--what'd you expect? "

excnyer wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:27 PM:

" cm,
Yes, we are still in OK. On Monday, we're headed to Thackerville, OK on the OK/Texas border. We'll be there for 2 weeks; then it's on to Whitney, TX for a week and Round Rock for a week. Since the price of gas has gone down ($2.29), we've decided to scrub the Route 66 tour and visit family in Texas.
We went to OKC today; visited the Stockyard, Bricktown (went to Toby Keith's I love this bar restaurant); tried to find the OKC memorial, but couldn't, then back to Newcastle. Tomorrow is "prepare to move" day. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:50 PM:

" ABC News "In the end, the difference really comes down to a larger philosophic debate: Should people be rewarded for success or should they take part of that success and redistribute it to those who are earning less." It's all a matter of degree, why not take the median income and take from those above and give to those under? "

Gator wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:49 PM:

" AJ you truly show your ignorance and totally bitter personality when you make such broad statements towards all Republicans. It takes all I have not to lower myself to your level. Why you and a few others find it so necessary to insult others to try and make a point. There are many on this site who are able to voice their opinions without stooping to such a low level.

cm I hope your granddaughter is doing better. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:47 PM:

" Well, he did field the question about how he would vote very well. I have known plenty of working class people who were educated and/or well-spoken. I have no idea if this guy was a plant or not, just that I don't agree with him. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:15 PM:

" There are 27.2 million small businesses in the United States, according to the SBA. Of those, only 6 mill firms, or about 22 %, had employees. The rest were sole propitiator companies, according to the government. Most small businesses file individual tax returns. The vast majority of these companies earn less than $250,000 a year. In tax year 2006, 138.4 million tax returns were filed by Americans. Only 2.9 percent -- a little more than 4 million tax filers -- reported earning more than $200,000. Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Vote2008/story?id=6051995&page=1

Googling sm bus 250k gets u a ton of links. And to me it was obvious Joe the plumber, NOT articulate and well-spoken, (argh so sic of that guy) was a planted republican stooge. He fit the bill for McCain's 'straight talk' express - a lame attempt at trying to look like he is able to talk down at our level. "

longboard315 wrote on Oct 18, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Lets go Red Sox!!!! "

AJ wrote on Oct 18, 2008 2:37 PM:

" The problem is that republipukes have no interest in contributing their fair share to a civilized country. They seem to be the most selfish, greedy people you can imagine. "

Fresh Air Kid wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:47 PM:

" How long is that Porta Potty going to be left at Hoopes Park right near Genesee Street? Looks real nice. Will someone at the city get on the ball and drag that thing away???!! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:38 PM:

" BTW, growth is never unlimited -- sooner or later, you have to pay the piper when the pyramid scheme comes down on itself. We are just about at that day. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Very nicely put, Brew. We build our successes with our own hard work PLUS the aid of others along the way.

Help me here if I missed something, but my understanding was that INDIVIDUALS making LESS than $250,000 would get a TAX BREAK. That would make it seem that INDIVIDUALS making more than $250,00 were being taxed "more" -- but the idea is that they would be taxed the same as they are now, not more, while those making less would get a bit of a break. Put it in the right perspective and it seems perfectly reasonable to me.

I had not heard ANYWHERE that the plan included taxing BUSINESSES which make more than $250,000 more than those which made less. The cut off for taxing a business should be much higher, because businesses have higher expenses. An individual can live comfortably on a h*ll of a lot less than $250,000 (everyone I know is goggling that anyone would think that an income of $200,000-$250,000 was "middle class" -- I have no control over salary, but the folks working for me, skilled library clerical staff, make between $25,000-$30,000 a year; as a department head, I make a little over $55,500 and it's more than I ever dreamed of making. I could not afford to buy my own home on less, but I could easily live on half that much if I were renting. Heck, I supported a family of four on what would today be about half that amount).

So, let's not mix up the deal for INDIVIDUALS with the deal for BUSINESSES.

As for Joe the Plumber -- he was very articulate and well-spoken, and I thought his concerns were legitimate if not in agreement with my own perspective. It's just that the tax part is only one issue among many.

Again, if I have read correctly, Joe is a plumber who works for a small business and his boss is a certified plumber, while he isn't. He is dreaming that some day he would like to buy the business when his boss retires, and doesn't want to have to pay more taxes on account of it. Well, I hate to tell him, but even with no change to the tax structure, he's going to find his taxes higher and much more complicated when he becomes a business owner.

I do believe that the government needs to make it easier for small businesses, particularly those just starting out -- but I have no problem at all with taxing more from high-profit businesses, particularly those which are well-established.

And you know my views on taking work and profits out of the country. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:22 PM:

" NL, I see nothing that Joe was a stooge, Maybe a link to your info? I find it hard to believe that 95% of small businesses make less than $250k, but that aside, maybe Joe isn't looking for a tax cut, just not a tax increase. It could make a difference for anyone thinking of buying a small business. It does discourage starting a small business. Remember when Fox Chevy had someone steal $1 million and not even know it. SPREAD THE WEALTH, NO!!!!!!! Nowadays even professional couples make that kind of money, let alone Doctors, Lawyers, etc. "

mark wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:04 PM:

" What gets me is about a half a year ago high demand was the reason for skyrocketing gas prices. Then, I didn't have to wait in line. Now, gas is cheaper and I have to wait in line? Was it invisible demand or were we being lied to - just like everything else in the world. "

AJ wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:43 AM:

" Financial Meltdown: The Greatest Transfer of Wealth in History
How to Reverse the Tide and Democratize the US Monetary System

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tDl6kiDcyJ6cvX8QIe7fquK9V_dpWXhhVRJ3eaROoQOCY2lgW3j4v9XyT2sBpJsn_KDjv4IuX-Jpx_5N7QtrE5Azg-AcPZ6KHEYKBPkBBq9lWPmotm3H4uHpEoLAVOR4XSXdm4rgh49xs8fy1qmQFElMl7AmC-k7pOc2fL03gIs= "

AJ wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:41 AM:

" CM, I thought you were a little smarter than that! "

nature lover wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Joe the plumber was a republican stooge. And like Palin, his background wasnt properly checked b4 he was thrust into the spotlite. Ol' Joe had his 15 minutes of 'fame' but now will have to pay the piper as a tax evasionist and quite possibly lose his job. I wonder how the licensed plumbling firm feels 'bout ol' Joe going on Nat'l tv proclaiming he wants to buy said business? Joe is like many Americans that feel a sense of entitlement and are partially to blame for this mess we are in. And that sense of entitlement isnt the same as busting keyster all your life and honestly having the money needed to actually have a down payment for said business. What did ol' Joe think? that he was gonna break out one of his eight credit cards and charge it?

And Brew, I agree with you this time!! If a person becomes successful enough and is making over 1/4 mil a year, then yes your time has come to be in a different tax bracket. Arent most of us from our 1st jobs to what we are now? More than 95% of small businesses will NOT be making more than 1/4 mil. To want to make more cash and get tax breaks is criminal and a major Republican entitlement trait that has us in this mess. "

karl again... wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:38 AM:

" cm, the fact that you would even THINK that that disgusting tripe was worth airing here says a LOT more about YOU than what the President may or may not think.
Personally, I don't give a rat's behind what that criminal thinks, but for you to actually post that letter BLAMING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE for HIS CRIMES and those of his corrupt cronies is simply sickening.
Honestly--it's like printing the self-righteous, narcissistic manifesto from Ted Bundy, or the BTK Killer on why his victims "deserved" what they got.
Your complete lack of judgment completely and genuinely SICKENS me. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:55 AM:

" NO WAY do I believe that a small business making $250k should pay more in taxes, it can only discourage new small businesses. Spread the wealth, BS. "

AJ wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:52 AM:

" WE ARE entitled to our opinions, CM, but we are not entitled to BS FACTS.

You are one of those people that ignores reality based on facts which turn out to be total lies.

I agree totally with Karl - that post was really over the top. "

cm wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:57 AM:

" karl: how do you know this isnt how the PRES. thinks? along with others?
It has nothing to do with being
anti-american--its a person opinion!
Something WE all are entitled to.

Moved: agreed, whats with bashing JOE?
many licensed workers have others 'journeyman' working under them, they even get paid for loaning their license out to journeyman who are trying to get started on their own.
THEY (media/dems) are just trying to get the attention OFF Obama, so others can believe the nonsense commercials running right now!

I dont think 250grand is a high amount for a small business to make.
depending on employee size, insurance costs, rent/leasing items needed whether it be supplies or a building, TAXES,
250 grand might be sinking the average small business already! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:40 AM:

" BTW, Farmer Guy has gone his whole life by his middle name, as has one of his 3 brothers, as did one of my professors in college, etc. No big deal. My mother only agreed to name my brother "the third" after his father and grandfather on the condition that he NEVER be called that. Since both my dad and grandfather hated their name, my dad readily agreed. (Never could understand why they insisted on the kid getting that name since they so disliked it). So there are lots of people who go through their whole lives called something other than the legal first name on their birth certificate.

Heck, at home here, everyone calls me Butkis -- which most certainly is not what is on my birth certificate. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:38 AM:

" I had to laugh when they started talking about Joe the Plumber, because I have a friend I have always called Brian the Plumber. He has a real last name, but for whatever reason, I have always referred to him this way.

I agree that his question is a legitimate one, and a dicey area in policy, however it is decided. But the question they failed to ask Joe was this: Is the tax question the deciding issue when you go to the polls? What issue do you consider the most important when making the decision to choose one candidate over another?

Don't get me wrong -- the tax question is a good one, and an important one, and should be one of the considerations. But there are others -- stance on the war, willingness and ability to do something to reduce corporate and special interests influence over government, immigration, education and right now, most critically, what to do about the economy. And overarching it all: character and temperament.

McCain is dangerous -- he is a demonstrated, documented and self-admitted hothead (he has, on occasion, denied having a temper, and on other occasions admitted it -- the testimony of colleagues and others is enough to show conclusively that he does have a bad temper and does not have control of it). His true attitudes, as revealed by his supposed humor, are nasty, mean, misogynist and racist. He is a crude, arrogant, belligerent hothead and it would be dangerous as well as irresponsible to put a man like that in the White House; his running mate isn't much better, and worse on some other scores.

So, though it is none of our business for whom Joe will vote, and I thought he handled that question beautifully and eloquently, it is worth asking him how he prioritizes the tax question among the others of importance when making the decision as to whom to choose when we go to the polls. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:29 AM:

" Thank you, horseradish -- someone besides me needed to say that.

Good riddance, Mr. Bush, I wouldn't be heart-broken if you did quit. You say people don't know what's going on -- in part because much of our government takes strategies to prevent us from knowing what's going on, to encourage us to be distracted with celebrities and sports and horrific crimes, not to mention the concentration it takes many folks just to keep their heads above water -- who has time and wherewithal to really get to the truth about what goes on in government or in corporate executive meetings where all the worlds decisions are really made?

Not taking the long view and being responsible stewards of our planet, which includes polar bears and caribou, is part of what's wrong with our world. We let the corporations push policy which puts profits at the top of the list of priorities and the long-term damage to our living space be d*mned -- like dogs pooping in our own yard.

Our Middle East policy is the primary reason we are the target of terrorists in the first place, and barging in and beating and bullying countries in that region has done nothing to prevent or slow terrorism nor will it ever, and has accomplished only a lot of death and destruction as well as stirring up a lot of animosity and division in those countries, making them ever more unstable. Well, destabilizing countries so we can better control them is a long-standing American foreign policy.

Please do take a hike and don't let the door hit you in the *ss on the way out. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:28 AM:

" Joe the plumber does not make $250K a year and under Obamas plan he will pay less taxes. When he makes more than $250K he can afford to pay the nation for his sucess and repay those who helped make him a success. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:34 PM:

" Out here in Socal we have Steve the Plumber, Wayne the Electrician, and Maria the Merry Maid.
Who else??? Margaret the Postmaster, Cathy the waitress, Ken the cook, and Skip the mechanic. I think we are getting along just fine. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:51 PM:

" "Joe's boss IS a licensed plumber, but Joe "should" also have had a license. BUT, the ting is that he asked a valid question. All the concerns about Joe are just a smoke screen to cover Obamas tax plan. If the business made over $250k, they would be taxed higher. Making over $250k for a small business is not out of line. Check the going hourly rate for a plumber. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:23 PM:

" no, it doesn't appear he uses the name joe on a regular basis. it appears he just used it for this "event" "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:53 PM:

" it appears they are not licensed either. "

karl again... wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:53 PM:

" cm, I have to tell you that that B.S. you posted about "The Letter" from George Bush was honestly SHAMEFUL.
To defend-by-proxy this incompetent, criminally-ignorant and willfully corrupt SCUMBAG is as anti-American as a person can get.
You have this SOB who has raped and pillaged the country with help from all his cronies and criminal friends, and you post some extremist-authored letter that dares to blame the American people for HIS folly and stupidity?
Honestly; you should be genuinely ashamed of yourself. How LOW. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Joe the plumbers name is Joe, he just uses hie MIDDLE name. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:41 PM:

" It is legal to work as a plumber for a licensed plumber. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:17 PM:

" umm, he is not a plumber. his name isn't even joe. it is samuel.

either way, on national television they asked him what jobs he has been doing/will be doing, and he named ones which are illegal to be done by an unlicensed plumber.

he is also a tax evader.

no wonder he is so concerned about taxes, he hasn't been paying them :) "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Joe IS a plumber, just not a licensed plumber. There are several trades where people work under the license of another. But to be attacked for asking a reasonable question, is just plain stupidity. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:44 PM:

" Why is Joe the plumber being attacked, he asked a valid question. "

cm wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:42 PM:

" todays email, long but to the point:

The speech George W. Bush MIGHT give:

Normally, I start these things out by saying 'My Fellow Americans.' Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore. I do know something terrible has happened, and that you're really not fellow Americans any longer.

I'll cut right to the chase here: I quit. Now before anyone gets all in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, or to avoid prosecution or something, let me assure you: There's been no breaking of laws or impeachable offenses in this office.

The reason I'm quitting is simple. I'm fed up with you people. I'm fed up because you have no understanding of what's really going on in the world. Or of what's going on in this once-great nation of ours. And the majority of you are too damned lazy to do your homework and figure it out.

Let's start local. You've been sold a bill of goods by politicians and the news media.
Meanwhile, all you can do is whine about gas prices, and most of you are too damn stupid to realize that gas prices are high because there's increased demand in other parts of the world, and because a small handful of noisy idiots are more worried about polar bears and beachfront property than your economic security.

We face real threats in the world. Don't give me this 'blood for oil' thing. If I were trading blood for oil I would've already seized Iraq's oil fields and let the rest of the country go to hell. And don't give me this 'Bush Lied...People Died' crap either. If I were the liar you morons take me for, I could've easily had c chemical l weapons planted in Iraq so they could be 'discovered.' In stead, I owned up to the fact that the i intelligence was faulty.
Let me remind you that the rest of the world thought Saddam had the goods, same as me. Let me also remind you that regime change in Iraq was official US policy before I came into office. Some guy named ' Clinton ' established that policy. Bet you didn't know that, did you?

Now some of you morons want to be led by a junior senator with no understanding of foreign policy or economics, and this nitwit says we should attack Pakistan, a nuclear ally. And then he wants to go to Iran and make peace with a terrorist who says he's going to destroy us. While he's doing that, he wants to give Iraq to al Qaeda, Afghanistan to the Taliban, Israel to the Palestinians, and your money to t he IRS so the government can give welfare to illegal aliens, who he will make into citizens, so they can vote to re-elect him. He also thinks it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons, and we should stop our foreign aid to Israel . Did you sleep through high school?

You idiots need to understand that we face a unique enemy. Back during the cold war, there were two major competing political and economic model's squaring off. We won that war, but we did so because fundamentally, the Communists wanted to survive, just as we do. We were simply able to out spend and out-tech them.

That's not the case this time.. The soldiers of our new enemy don't care if they survive. In fact, they want to die. That'd be fine, as long as they weren't also committed to taking as many of you with them as they can. But they are. They want to kill you, and the b*****ds are all over the globe..

You should be grateful that they haven't gotten any more of us here in the United States since September 11. But you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement, and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that. When this whole mess started, I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight. I'm disappointed how many of you people think a long and difficult fight amounts to a single season of 'Survivor.'

Instead, you've grown impatient. You're incapable of seeing things through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do. You think that wars should last a few months, a few years, tops.

Making matters worse, you actively support those who help the enemy. Every time you buy the New York Times, every time you send a donation to a cut-and-run Democrat's political campaign, well, dang it, you might just as well FedEx a grenade launcher to a Jihadist. It amounts to the same thing.

In this day and age, it's easy enough to find the truth. It's all over the Internet. It just isn't on the pages of the New York Times, USA Today, or on NBC News. But even en if it were, I doubt you d be any smarter. Most of you would rather watch American Idol or Dancing with Stars.

I could say more about your expectations that the government will always be there to bail you out, even if you're too stupid to leave a city that's below sea level and has a hurricane approaching.
could say more about your insane belief that government, not your own wallet, is where the money comes from. But I've come to the conclusion that were I to do so, it would sail right over your heads.

So I quit. I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there (Al Gore could only dream) and the capability to be fully self-sufficient for years. No one ever heard of Crawford before I got elected, and as soon as I'm done here pretty much no one will ever hear of it again. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to die of old age before the last pillars of America fall.

Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Pelosi is your new President. You asked for it. Watch what she does carefully, because I still have a glimmer of hope that there are just enough of you remaining who are smart enough to turn this thing around in 2008.

So that's it. God bless what's left of America .

Some of you know what I mean. The rest of you, kiss off.

PS - You might want to start learning Farsi, and buy a Koran "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:15 PM:

" yeah, rainman, exactly what we need, inflated stock values. again, another thing that got us in this trouble. you are an intelligent man, do you work for mr bush? "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:14 PM:

" rainman. please stay in bermuda and take the rest of your companies jobs with you. we don't need them, and/or want them. people like you are the reason we are in this mess to begin with. we want american companies, that pay american employees. if you want to be in bermuda, go for it, no harm done to me, but you should expect to pay higher tarriffs. nothing wrong with an economy that is more closed than this. as a republican i am suprised you don't know this. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:06 PM:

" hahaha, yeah rainman, youre an economist. just like your friend joe is a plumber. HAHAHAHA "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 17, 2008 5:32 PM:

" NL, you didn't waste any time. They ship pretty quick. My orders come to CA in about 3 days!! Glad you are satisfied with them. Gypsy Rose is another "hippy" store I shop at, too. Check that out if you wish.

Peace! "

Rainman wrote on Oct 17, 2008 5:10 PM:

" Just a note that although the many executives have huge incomes the owners are the stockholders and that is many of the workers, Investment funds (401Ks IRAs), Pension plans. So don't complain about corporate profits and the stock market tanking. When the Corporations make money the stock goes up. Teachers, Govt Pension plans all are tied to the Market. Corporations are not bad. Some Executives are. Low paid jobs leave when companies can't compete. Getting on a plane so adios of a few weeks! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 17, 2008 4:46 PM:

" I said nothing about highly taxing local businesses, nor about more or less regulations for local businesses. My previous comments were about moving production abroad, i.e. taking jobs away from Americans. My more recent post was about foreign-owned companies selling products here, taking profits out of the country. What either of those things have to do with driving business out of the state, I don't know.

My "plan" would have to be at the federal level, to keep businesses from dancing around from state to state seeking one where they would be allowed to move our jobs abroad.

I can see no reason -- no reason at all -- why we should be importing products we can make right here in the United States and allowing them to be sold for less. It's pretty obvious that is destructive of our economy.

If you really want to support American workers, American jobs, and American business, as "Republican" as it sounds, you have to take steps to PROTECT American interests. Protecting huge corporations profits on the backs of underpaid slave labor working under environmentally destructive conditions in third world countries does NOT help American workers, American jobs or truly American companies.

OBVIOUSLY, "dish towels" were a made-up example. The product here is irrelevant -- it applies to anything we can make here.

Perhaps I should have said "Microwaves" -- just try to find one made in this country. Yet, in the 1970s, my dad worked for Litton ABM (Automated Business Machines) -- a branch of Litton which made, ran, serviced and did training in computers. This same company went on to make cash registers and, guess what? Microwaves. They no longer make microwaves. There are no microwaves made in the United States any more. The reason -- our markets were flooded with microwaves made in East Asian sweatshops, many of them produced for American owned companies who took jobs away from Americans to be able to take advantage of the cheap slave labor abroad. Who is served by that? Not the workers here who lost their jobs. Not the all-American companies who could not compete with the price. Not the East Asian workers who are being used and abused. Not the consumer who gets cheaply-made, inferior microwaves. (I had an old one that lasted more than 20 years; since then I have had cheap foreign-made microwaves that don't last more than a few years, then I have to buy a new one. It would appear that I am "saving" because the initial cost is less, but I have had to shell out more over the years than if I had had another of the good old ones, and I am contributing to the problem of landfills full of electronic junk).

No, the only ones who profit are the already wealthy who own the corporations, and believe me, that does NOT trickle down, especially not when they are employing people in foreign countries rather than here.

I AM looking at the past 12 years -- and I see a steady stream of jobs moving out of the country, and the resulting mess it has left of our economy. "

AJ wrote on Oct 17, 2008 2:40 PM:

" I have just discovered a new website which some of you may be interested in - I'm sure you will be FG. It's at

http://www.theyrule.net

Overview
They Rule aims to provide a glimpse of some of the relationships of the US ruling class. It takes as its focus the boards of some of the most powerful U.S. companies, which share many of the same directors. Some individuals sit on 5, 6 or 7 of the top 500 companies. It allows users to browse through these interlocking directories and run searches on the boards and companies. A user can save a map of connections complete with their annotations and email links to these maps to others. They Rule is a starting point for research about these powerful individuals and corporations.

Context
A few companies control much of the economy and oligopolies exert control in nearly every sector of the economy. The people who head up these companies swap on and off the boards from one company to another, and in and out of government committees and positions. These people run the most powerful institutions on the planet, and we have almost no say in who they are. This is not a conspiracy. They are proud to rule. And yet these connections of power are not always visible to the public eye. "

13579 wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:20 PM:

" What if mcsame ever won, then died in office, could you ever see Palin in office? Scares the he*% out of me Obama looks pretty good to me. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:55 PM:

" Wanted to TY, BLD as I just opened my rather large order from Incense Warehouse. I was like a kid in a candy store. Bought Padma and of course the old stand by Spiritual Sky and about 6 other kinds along with burners and soap, etc. What fun and got a good friends gift out of the deal. Enjoy your weekend! "

Unknown... wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:34 PM:

" Well said, FG!!! Now all we have to do is convice the greedy ones to cooperate!!! "

Andy b wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:13 AM:

" "Rainman. Please continue posting on here. You are a breath of fresh air. "

Rainman wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:38 AM:

" Good luck with that plan. If it works so great, why are the highest taxed and regulated states losing the most jobs? It is obviously not a science but those who want to disagree look at the last two years and not the prior 12. I am not trying to convince everyone to agree with me but keep on dreaming. Bring back the towel manufacturers and the buggy repair shops. Good grief. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:49 AM:

" We already have accelerated job loss -- jobs are leaving the country left and right.

Here's how I break it down.

Take this Berumda-based company. Let's say they make dishtowels and sell them all over the world. They have a plant in upstate NY and sell them here too.

When an American citizen works, and earns money, and spends some of it on one of these Bermudan dishtowels, the money goes right out of our economy to Bermuda. A small portion comes back to pay the local workers, but the profits are out of the country.

Because the Bermudan dish towels are selling here, that means there's a market for them.

If the Bermudan company could not longer sell dishtowels here, either because they were banned or the tariff was too high to be profitable, there's be a gap, an empty space where the product used to be sold. The production facilities are up for sale and the local workers are unemployed.

Perfect! Some entrepeneurial American can start a small company, buy the facilities and create new jobs, which can be filled by the workers who lost their jobs when Bermuda pulled out.

Now dishtowels are made locally, and everything stays in the local economy. Their are dishtowels for people to buy, there are jobs for the workers, who then have pay to buy dishtowels themselves and the system feeds itself.

Sending production abroad bleeds our economy.

Of course, there is always the balance of trade thing -- does more money flow out of America to Bermuda or does more money flow out of Bermuda to America? I find it hard to believe that we are getting more profit out of Bermuda than they get from us.

The truth, of course, is that I am an Isolationist at heart, not just a protectionist. I realize that doesn't really work in the modern world any more, but it's still where my heart lies -- take care of your OWN people FIRST, and only if your country is so affluent that there is money left over to help others should it be sent abroad.

It should always be about what's best for American citizens first, not what brings the most profits to the few, regardless where in the world they live. And always, always, always jealously guard your sovereignty so you don't owe any other country so much that they can dictate to you the policies you can enact in your own country for your own people's good. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:12 AM:

" Rainman, that's what we have already, and it's thanks to moving jobs abroad. If the Bermudan company couldn't sell here and laid people off, some local company would have the chance to fill the empty space with locally produced products, and the local jobs would be replaced. If it's a product we don't really need, it's no great loss in my books. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:11 AM:

" NAFTA has done more harm to the American economy than almost any other policy in US history. I can't believe ANYONE would support it. We should be producing and selling locally as much as possible, and growing our economic infrastructure internally. We need to take care of our own, and we need to NOT be so beholden to other countries that our government is so bound that it can't make decisions for the good of our own people, like banning dangerous, unhealthy products from China all together. If we don't sell to the Chinese, fine. Too bad. Sell locally. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:08 AM:

" Last month some guy came to the beach I live at and had these idea that it was a nude beach. The cops very mercifully sent him on his way since he was not viewed by any children and no one filed a complaint. "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:05 AM:

" Your 20 yrs experience as an economist just makes you one of the many diverging opinions out there. If economics is such a science why can't any of you agree on any points? "

Rainman wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:29 PM:

" My point is that it is a global economy whether you like it or not. We put tariffs on them and they put them on us. Our US companies will suffer. I supported Clinton and most of the Democrats that supported NAFTA. The company I work for is Bermuda based and employs thousands in the US. We compete all over the world. Punish companies like mine and there will be more jobs lost in the US. If profits shrink in the US due to tariffs companies will focus elsewhere. You can't turn back the clock on our global ecnomy. We will end up with only more prison guards and other govt employees like the Upstate NY economy.

I have been an economist for over 20 years and am only stating my opinion from my experience. Protectionism can't work unless you don't mind accelerated job loss. "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:51 PM:

" grammas off to the hospital for a night with the little one--something came back NOT normal with the EKG--another 24hrs of the heart monitor on.
nice gramma giving mom a break! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:37 PM:

" It went out the door along with sovereignty, horseradish. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Rainman, I am not a liberal, more of a Ron Paul supporter than anything else. But really, it wouldn't be that hard. Failed politics have failed us for decades. It isn't either parties fault, its the entire countries. So, reverse it. There is nothing wrong with making our markets a little more closed. Globalization isn't always a good thing. If they want to export labor to other countries, fine, but don't expect a single bit of federal or state money. If they want to move oversees, let them move it all over there. Let them sell there goods somewhere else too. We have alot of hard working people here, nothing wrong with allowing new companies to form here in the united states. Tarriffs are fine, nothing wrong with allowing american companies a competitive advantage in selling goods here. In fact there is a lot right with that. What happened to national pride? "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:51 PM:

" A very happy birthday and many happy returns, 13579! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Tariffs worked for generations -- before we started borrowing so heavily from other countries and became so much in their debt that the idea of sovereignty is a joke -- we are no longer an independent country which can make policy decisions based on what is best for our people (even if our corrupt government were willing to make that a priority over their own greed) -- we are bought and sold by so many other countries that THEY can call the shots on our policies, even though it means we are scr*wing the American worker -- and all to line the pockets of the already wealthy, and to finance an endless and unwinnable war. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:46 PM:

" I'll readily admit I am no economist, but my rough layman's ideas include penalties for moving jobs out of the country and tariffs for importing goods back into the country so that it is cheaper and more profitable to keep production here. If a company can't produce while paying their labor a decent wage, they SHOULD go out of business -- otherwise they are contributing to bringing us all down to the level of a third world country. "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:55 PM:

" BREW: we cant ever go this beach! lol

http://news.aol.com/article/britons-jailed-for-sex-on-beach-in-dubai/
212805?icid=200100397x1211596586x1200721868 "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:53 PM:

" 13579: Happy Birthday!

Andy B: good one! lol..

I see both sides--lets not reward them for taking their company oversees but i dont agree with rewarding them to stay either.
FL started this with one company--not they are all joining the bandwagon--
"what will the STATE PAY US TO STAY"

as a nation we cannot afford to give all these tax breaks to ALL companies, and we shouldnt be choosing which ones should benefit.

I think it would be best to say--OK move away-BUT the cost of selling in the US is going to rape your wallet not the US consumers/citizens!
If its almost impossible to export to us, they will want to keep their USA market and stay here.
IF not someone better WILL come along! "

irritated wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:50 PM:

" I believe the store that sold the tie dyes and indian items moved from the mall to the plaza on W. Genesee St where Dollar General and Lewis's restaurant is. "

Andy b wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:55 PM:

" We see what mess the country is in. The causes of the mess are what is being disputed. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:46 PM:

" Rainman, if I am quoting Obama correctly, he said he will offer a $3k tax credit to businesses for each American employee they hire along with other incentives. Perhaps, Karl could further this? And your term 'whiner' is just plain ignorant. I am sorry but it will be the year of a democratic president. I honestly dont understand how some of you republicans can actually not c what a mess this country is in! "

Rainman wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:12 PM:

" Can one you of the whiners who insist on preventing companies from moving out of the country or punishing them for doing so plan on accomplishing that? Tax them into closure? It cannot work. The only thing that will keep them here is to make it more inviting by lowering taxes or cutting labor costs. Give me one example of how it will work without affecting the many companies that are based overseas that sell us goods and services or buy our? Pipe dream from leftists with no basis in reality. If they chose to stay than great but it is impossible to force them without nationalizing them. Is that your plan? "

nature lover wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:03 PM:

" HB 13579..same birth year as my mother! no, didnt watch debate as didnt want to c fingers pointed at "that one" lol...

Fg..we r auction/tag sales beasts and years ago I actually bought a library...omg I still havent gotton thru them all!! Probably will sell on ebay as on a huge downsize here... "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:53 PM:

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY 13579!!!! "

13579 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:45 PM:

" 10/16/39 HB 2 me. Hi Yall, Yesterday I wrote about those $*%# Kosks. Today I'll write about the so-called Debate. How many stayed up to watch it, besides me? I couddldnot stay awake, it was so boreing. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:20 PM:

" LOL, cm, I have a whole children's library at my house, except the ones the ex took with him when he moved out of state. He's along the lines of a clinging parent, and was very anxious about not living with the kids anymore (the fact that one was on college at the time notwithstanding). He keeps promising to send them back, to keep the collection together and because, well, they weren't his and he took the best ones MY mom gave the kids (all the ISpy books, for example) -- and he will, (he's very honest) but it will probably take him 10 years to get around to it. ;-)

Karl -- I'll betcha dollar to donuts a large percentage of that decrease is due to companies being allowed to move production abroad. Think about what it will do to our societal makeup if we have no producers in the whole country, only service industries and the owners of production. Oh, and the very poor, all those people who lost their jobs with no new jobs to fill.

Interesting thought, interested -- it would be irresponsible of me to encourage anyone to an act which might cause bodily harm or damage to property, but it must be very tempting. "

AJ wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:54 PM:

" Ooops. Looks like a I almost forgot how to count - I meant to say four videos. "

interested wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:51 PM:

" How bad would it be if I started throwing rocks at the people that speed up and down my street, squeeling tires from one stop sign to the next? "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Unknown: we probably DO know each other..lol
actually I knew what they sold, however I wasn't a shopper there except for my raspberry perfume.
now I wont say the same about some I knew. There were lines I didnt cross back when I was a teen. By time I was 16 I was working 2 jobs and too busy to party.
Then the drinking age was 18, yet I never walked into a bar until I was 21.
THEN I had a few wild years! lol...

FG: I looked all over online--mostly the same 'ole stuff every site--I wanted something different, a unique pumpkin.
I couldnt begin to count the number of books my daughter has already! Soon she could open her OWN library! that monthly scholastic form nails me for about 40.00 each order!
I have finally shrunk to a 3 book minimum, and like her stuffed animals, TO GET a NEW one she must DONATE an OLD one. "

AJ wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:22 PM:

" Two more reasons two be VERY scared of this election - these short videos say a lot:

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/36893
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/36892
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/36890
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/36887

And then there is this piece about Zogby's push-polling for M/P:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/15/13844/116

This is going to be a bumpy ride.... "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:29 AM:

" As an academic librarian, I don't have any special training or experience in children's librarianship. I took electives in XML, network security, designing websites for libraries, library management, stuff like that, not storytelling or juvenile literature.

Sad thing is, the folks in the school librarian program not only had to take more credit hours than the rest of us AND get NYS teaching certification, but they ALSO had so many required courses that they had NO electives -- so none of them could take Storytelling either. This state is SOOO over-regulated in all the wrong places, and so under-regulated where it counts -- like banking, or environmental protection from corporate waste.

However, as a librarian and a mom who raised kids without TV, I am sure I could make personal recommendations. Also, Amazon has a feature to help people select books for small children which goes by age range, starting from birth. Check it out! "

karl again... wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:08 AM:

" Factory output at the lowest level its been in 34 YEARS!
My god--WHAT have the Neo-Conservatives done to this once-great nation?
Is there ANY doubt that THEY are the true "domestic terrorists?"
I'm sickened, saddened, and outraged at the same time! "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:47 AM:

" hey brew didnt one of the last hurricanes sweep by you? lol..

my sis sent me this, it makes me think how 'small' MY troubles are:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/
2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_
of.html "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:44 AM:

" thanks FG, brew too.
even sick she was comical, walking down the hall, she saw a baby and says:
'awe look gramma, its a miracle' "

Unknown... wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:43 AM:

" cm, you know what other things!!! Hey, we probably know each other!!! Wouldn't that be a hoot!! "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:38 AM:

" The danger I was mentioning was that of hurricanes coming off the ocean. That is the only drawback to living on the beach. "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:18 AM:

" I didnt see the debate yet-but its on DVR. I was at the hospital later than planned, then had to help my daughter make a 'storybook pumpkin'
if I had thought of it sooner, I should have asked FG to pick one!
we did ONE FISH,TWO FISH by Dr.Seuss

BUT from what I have read online it seems both Obama & McCain we both heated up! "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Brew: the beaches here are no more dangerous than others.
My idea of going to the beach is soaking up the sun and reading a good book unless I am with someone I really like...lol
I am not a water person, I go no further than my knees. Even the I have to be able to SEE my toes!
...maybe I drowned in a past life... "

cm wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:06 AM:

" karl: seriously what REAL power does a President have?
IF ANY of them had REAL power life wouldnt be as we know it today! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Here's hoping that with loving care from Gramma, your 3-year old will be well in no time. Farmer Guy has a 3-year granddaughter next door who visits us sometimes -- it's a precious age. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Even with no inside knowledge, it certainly sounds like a glitch in the system. I know the system The Citizen is using is less than optimal -- it has limited flexibility, and the searching and indexing functions are way sub-par. It beats print only, but the webmaster is definitely limited by the software provided.

My guess is that you are correct. "

karl again... wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:37 AM:

" Post debate impression--McCain seriously looked unbalanced. He's really, seriously almost lost it, didn't he?!
He actually scared me tonight--I could NEVER see this maniac in the White House--could you imagine this guy with any real power?!
He looked petulant, pissy, maniacal, seething angry at times.
Man, what a scary performance.
Obama--as ever, was cooooool. "

karl again... wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:34 AM:

" 1. Occidental College records -- Not released
2. Columbia College records -- Not released
3. Columbia Thesis paper -- "not available"
4. Harvard College records -- Not released
5. Selective Service Registration -- Not released
6. Medical records -- Not released
7. Illinois State Senate schedule -- "not available"
8. Law practice client list -- Not released
9. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate -- Not released
10. Embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth -- Not released
11. Harvard Law Review articles published -- None
12. University of Chicago scholarly articles -- None
13. Your Record of baptism-- Not released or "not available"
14. Your Illinois State Senate records--"not available"
FROM A "PEOPLE" AND A VOTER--"I COULD NOT CARE LESS!"
And why should anyone else?! "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:13 AM:

" I submit this inquiry to the web lady FG. What is wrong with the letters to the editor? When I try to respond to a letter the response is posted to a different letter? When I click on one letter I get another. Another Citizen glitch? "

brew1234 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:55 PM:

" CM, I live on the beach and my yard is all sand and no vegetation. No trees anywhere except a few scrubby looking pine trees. Unfortunately where you live the beach is dangerous. You had best live on the back side of the big sand dunes.
I wish for the best of luck with the babies health. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:30 PM:

" wow I just clicked onto AOLs news on the debate:
http://news.aol.com/elections/debates
/article/presidential-debate-hofstra-mccain-obama/203722?icid=200100397x1211175951x1200672909

I am stunned over the comments people left-I can't believe AOL didnt boot them off, especially the Imus sounding one! "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:34 PM:

" oh and thanks Nature: we are all feeling a bit OLD over this Clear Light issue---lol.

Unknown: what 'other things' lol..

I remember that waterbed, thats what gave me idea to buy one, which I had on lay-a-way, seemed like forever, but I was so proud delivery day.
I have honestly had a waterbed until 2006, awesome headboard, drawers underneath, and a mirrored canopy!
Neck surgery didn't agree with the boat ride.
The oldest son, now has it, but put in a Serta mattress. "

horseradish wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:31 PM:

" wow. mccain just lost the election. that was a horrible effort. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:24 PM:

" 10:11 PM:
that was supposed to be COUGHING fits...lol "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:23 PM:

" this week:
monday my daughter goes to school, normal day.
Tuesday she goes to school, when I picked her up she has a boat she made out of paper--'MOM, guess what this is?'

I said 'the Nina, Pinta, or Santa Maria? Columbus Day?'

she says, 'YES, My teacher FORGOT about it yesterday, so she taught it to us today! how did you know?'

I state, 'my teacher taught it to me BEFORE that day, in the olden days it was called a HOLIDAY and we had Columbus Day OFF from school.'

....another tradition gone..... "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:11 PM:

" thanks Nature, just got back from the hospital, shes doing alot better --as far as her couching fits.
'please gramma take me home,I want to go home with you' MY poor girl..

I do want to say: have a good pharmacist! Friday she went to DR, he prescribed medicine, her mom took it to her pharmacy, and it WAS the WRONG dosage for her age, it could have been a devasting outcome!
never assume YOUR doctor has NOT made a mistake!
everyone needs to question the medication, the dosage, and side effects.
the next time your pharmacist says:
'do you have any questions about this medication'
your answer should be YES, I do! "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:01 PM:

" detective Colombo asks Obama:

I can't seem to get some information I need to wrap this up. These things seem to either be "locked" or "not available'. I'm sure it's just some oversight or glitch or something:

Could you help me please find these things, sir?
1. Occidental College records -- Not released
2. Columbia College records -- Not released
3. Columbia Thesis paper -- "not available"
4. Harvard College records -- Not released
5. Selective Service Registration -- Not released
6. Medical records -- Not released
7. Illinois State Senate schedule -- "not available"
8. Law practice client list -- Not released
9. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate -- Not released
10. Embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth -- Not released
11. Harvard Law Review articles published -- None
12. University of Chicago scholarly articles -- None
13. Your Record of baptism-- Not released or "not available"
14. Your Illinois State Senate records--"not available"
Oh hey listen! I know you are busy! Is this too much for you now?
I will come back tomorrow. Give you some time to get these things together, you know?

Who wants to know these things? asked Senator Obama.
Columbo answered: THE PEOPLE! "

blueyankee443 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Why shouldnt the businesses complain.Al
l the other people complain.If its not
business complaining,it all the new law
s and the new high priced fines you hav
e to pay.For one speeding ticket in Ar
izona for being 15 miles over the speed
limit is $225.00 plus fees which bring
your total to $326.00.They have the way
to make money off of this one factor al
one.Arizona is against speed as much as
other states,and its good revenue.The
businesses are pretty much the same.The
y give you stories,how bad off they are
and still seem to make a living ok. "

blueyankee443 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:16 PM:

" I came to China to beat the clock.It ju
st does not work.All these things will
still be there when I return.Its not so
much better here,as what happens is als
o higher prices,and less food on the ta
ble,even for only two people.Here there
is necessary automobile and car insuran
ce to pay.No taxes,as everything is in
cluded into one price. "

Unknown... wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:33 PM:

" Clear Light?? Holy crap, I used to go there all the time back in the day!!!! They were the first ones in town to have an actual water bed!! Sometimes I'd buy clothes, sometimes other things... "

nature lover wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:08 PM:

" Does anyone know a website to view tv commercials candidates just outside of our locale? Like say in Hamilton NY?

CLB was always in a fog and I bought patcholy there also was so popular now it has a stigma. Thx for the web ref...

Cm sorry about your family illness... "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:56 PM:

" It's election time and don't forget our Senators, and Assemblypersons, and Congresmen and women, and all the rest of the incumbents who have contributed to the mess we face today. Vote them all out and get some fresh un-bought-n-paid perspectives in our government, local, state and national! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:39 PM:

" Going price is about $250-$300 a ton for wood pellets (Mine were $302, but that was with a delivery fee tacked on, and I have since found a source for less than I paid) -- if you could ship them for a total bill (cost of product plus shipping) of under $300, you could get yourself a business, I suspect! "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:54 PM:

" need me to mail some pellets from FL--I dont think they are in demand here! lol.. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:26 PM:

" I missed that one about pellet stoves -- I have one in my new house too. It took a lot of calling around to find a supplier who had any. I also hear that there is at least a 3 month wait if you want to buy a new pellet stove, wood stove, etc.

Thing is, everyone is looking at fuel prices and deciding they'd better find an alternative way to heat their homes, so supply is not keeping up with demand. You can't get your supplier to tell you where he got his pellets, as he's afraid you'll go direct or try to become a supplier yourself. One friend of mine is considering trying to get the equipment to make pellets himself, to use and to sell. A few more entrepeneurs like that locally, and our shortage will resolve itself.

Still, I wish my pellet stove were the kind which can burn other materials as well. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Well, Mark, that's really mature. You criticize me, so I defend myself, and you act as if that is unreasonable and an invitation to escalate things. You said your bit, I've said mine, I see a couple people have backed me up -- game over. "

13579 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Over a long period of time, I/we (my late wife in 2000, 3/4) lost a total of three dogs. One was hit by a truck. Ons was sprayed in ine mouth by a skunk, and the last after quite a few years with us, had a heart attack and died. Each one was like losing a child. I'm not ashamed o admit I cried over each loss. I asm Male. By the was, I don't think the absntee ballots have been sent yet. I don't think anyone at Bluefield has gotten theirs yet. theres still time. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:06 PM:

" excnyer: thanks, she is so NOT liking all the poking of needles! cant say I blame her.
I remember the indian store at the mall, its gone too. My dining & family room is all Indian stuff.
Theres an awesome store in Vegas in Caesars that has gorgeous head-dresses!
still in OK?

funny Bass: I hate yardwork! This property is a plant haven, the neighbors know when I HAVE DONE IT, I chop everything to the ground!
if you google-mapped me you'd see I am surrounded by trees-you can barely see the house from the sky!
OAK trees = alot of leaves, if I had 1300 for each tree they would be gone too! "

AJ wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:05 PM:

" ejs wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:15 PM:
" to those who blame Bush for the past couple years should think about how well the economy was going up until 2006 when the Democtratic party took over congress. Its been down hill since especially in the last month .As for Bush's foreign policy , with a new democracy in Iraq maybe there will finally be peace in the middle east and in 15 - 20 years maybe my grandsons will not have to fight the terrorist.THATS WHAT ITS ABOUT ! "

EJS, do you EVER venture out of your shell to check out REALITY? "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Thanks FG!!! Good points made.
Clearlight Boutique??? hmmm... kind of cloudy... oh yes I do!!! I used to buy LP's,concert tickets, incense, Patchouly and the coolest pipes. That place was the best. Shame when it went out of business. Google Incense Warehouse they have a huge variety of incense at good prices.

CM, not to sound cocky, but I charge a lot for it. I have references too!!
The reason why I charge a lot is because of the demand for it. Another reason is that it takes a lot out of me. "

excnyer wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:42 PM:

" cm,
I hope your granddaughter gets well soon. "

excnyer wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:41 PM:

" nature....Wow! did you just time warp my brain! I'd been in Clear Light, but I can't remember buying anything. There was a store in the Fingerlakes Mall that sold it. I'm not sure if it is still there (they sold a lot of American Indian items).
cm...I have already voted (absentee ballot).
BLD..you work too hard! "

mark wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:33 PM:

" no fg, it's not just you. you just come back at me for saying something about it. so then, in return, i come back at you. "

ejs wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:15 PM:

" to those who blame Bush for the past couple years should think about how well the economy was going up until 2006 when the Democtratic party took over congress. Its been down hill since especially in the last month .As for Bush's foreign policy , with a new democracy in Iraq maybe there will finally be peace in the middle east and in 15 - 20 years maybe my grandsons will not have to fight the terrorist.THATS WHAT ITS ABOUT ! "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Clear Light was one of my FAV places.
I used to by this raspberry perfume..
I honestly finished the bottle last year.
the end of an era...

grand-daughter is in hospital-pneumonia-
poor baby and just days away from her birthday party-she will be 3.
shes asking for gramma and auntie!
heading up there when school gets out.

I think the ladies of 'the View' argue more about this election than us on this forum! lol...
the commercials have gained frequency here--FL being a swingstate--only 20 days to go and it will be over with! "

nature lover wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:07 AM:

" BLD..I get my incense at the statefair in the african american section (next to the home and health bldg). I pick and choose enough diff sticks to last me a year. U know, I have no idea what brand it is, except scent wise. Auburn doesnt have a place (that i know of anyway) - remember Clear Light Boutique? omg I still have 'stuff' from there in my memory room...too funny but no danged good incense left!!! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:30 AM:

" You've got a problem, Mark. Lots of other people send in long posts and talk about stuff in their lives -- you've just taken some kind of prejudice against me for whatever reason. Whatever.

Sometimes a long, consolidated post works better for me than a half dozen or more mini-posts -- no big deal. You aren't interested, don't bother reading.

As I've said before, Two Cents has become a community with a life of its own. Like other folks here, I have a full-packed life on- and off-line, and plenty of friends (my open house was packed for 6 hours if anyone needed evidence, and there were lots more people who wanted to come but had previous engagements).

You just seem to have a problem. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:10 AM:

" I cringe with jealousy, every year the week before Xmas-as my neighbors MAID pulls into her drive,while I am scrabbling to get my FAV holiday ready.

when I lived in Ny, I worked 2 jobs ( 1 pt-time, 1 full-time) in the winter to cover the higher gas bills, but only 1 full-time in the summer to make up for time with the kids.
This could never have been done without My sis sharing the APT with me and aiding in babysitting. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:00 AM:

" mark: I like listening to stories, I wish on many days I had taken the time to listen to more of my grandparents stories instead of hanging with my friends.
I yak with my friends almost daily--grandparents are long gone--with only memories and 'wish I had'... "

karl again... wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Guess what, Mark?
You don't have to READ anything here--buzz off! "

mark wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:32 AM:

" maybe it's fg that needs some friends outside of this blog so we don't have to listen to your whole life story EVERY day. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:44 AM:

" Let's see, where to begin...

CLEANING LADY: I have had cleaning ladies in the recent past, but I can't afford much and am usually looking for a reliable high school or college student who wants to pick up a little extra cash -- 2 hours, once a week, light work (sweep/dust/vaccuum -- I do the rest) for $20 ($10 an hour). But it's difficult to find anyone to take such a small amount of work, and I can't afford a professional service. Right now, I can't even afford a student -- need to get a year or two of mortgage payments behind me as well as a couple salary increases before I try again. But it sure makes a difference!

CHICKENS: I miss having chickens, but don't get any because I don't think they should be left home alone all day -- not nice to keep them in, but too many predators to leave them out. When I was married with a stay-at-home dad, we had chickens and we loved it. They are so entertaining, and it's nice to have the fresh eggs for birds which ran free, ate bugs and had a great life.

DISHWASHER: I read somewhere recently that no matter how carefully you conserve water when washing dishes, you cannot use water more efficiently than with a dishwasher. There's no place to put one in my new kitchen (and living alone, I dirty very few), but in 10 years my plan is to save up and have enough to re-do the kitchen. My brother is an architect and said he'd be happy to do the design, so that'll be one savings right there. I'll put in a dishwasher, move the stove to an outside wall so it can be vented, and put in wooden cupboards which are level instead of the current crooked metal ones. (They aren't as bad as they sound, but they are kinda odd).

PRACTICALITY OF TAKING A (SECOND) JOB: My ex ended up staying home with the kids for quite a few years because he could not find work in this area which paid enough to make up for the added expense of a second car AND child care. Why work just to pay someone else to raise your child? That made no sense. People gave us a hard time all the time about it (as if it were their business), but the practical reality was that it did not pay for him to work outside the home. He did pick up an odd job of carpentry or theatre here or there, but mostly, he did the bulk of the housework, child care, shopping, laundry, errands, etc etc. We lived hand-to-mouth on my piddly salary, but it would have been even more stressful and no more money in the aggregate if he had taken a job for what he could get around here.

DOGS: Please extend my sympathy to your sister who lost a dog, cm. You may recall Farmer Guy and I lost one about a year ago -- heart attack after being neutered. That was a really great dog too. This past weekend his oldest daughter, who lives in Boston, brought him a new dog. Her child care provider couldn't keep the dog and was thinking about putting it down, but Farmer Guy volunteered to let it come live on the farm. Well, this dog is a city dog, and is scared to death with all the new environment in the country. He is used to sleeping indoors but that doesn't work out here and he has to sleep outside (he has adog house and a pen as well as a very long lead). But the biggest issue is that he doesn't trust adults. He growls and cowers and snaps. Then Farmer Guy's two other daughters came over with their toddlers (ages 2 and 3) -- and the dog totally transformed -- he was wagging his tail and happy and licking the little children, letting them tug on his fur and play with his toys. This dog just loves little children and is a completely different and gloriously happy dog around them. I am not sure what we'll do with him -- he broke off his leash the other day and took off to the house next door where Farmer Guy's youngest daughter lives with the three-year-old (and a baby). But she can't take the dog, so it's tricky. Funny how very different each animal is.

UNPACKING THE NEW HOUSE: BLD -- I've been in my new house 2 months (as of this past Monday) -- and I had everything unpacked and put away a week ago. Here's the secret -- you just have to do a little bit every day, not a lot, but no exccuses -- you just do some every single day. Next thing you know, you're done! I have a full time job and lots of activities outside work and I still managed to do it all myself in under 2 months. I even got prints, frames, glass, matboard (all separate purchases), cut the mats and had pictures up in time for my open house this past weekend -- as well as spending two days baking and preparing food with Farmer Guy.

Maybe there is something to that early to bed, early to rise stuff. I do seem to get a lot done every day.

SECOND JOB: Nature asked how we got on the subject. BLD had commented that people could solve their personal financial troubles by just taking a second job. I responded that such a plan works for some but not for many others. The conversation went from there. "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:09 AM:

" The missing FL girl Caylee Anthony:
the grandfather George, testified AGAINST his daughter in grand jury hearing.
I noticed his wife WAS NOT beside him or even there.
I am a mom who would protect her kids, but NOT if I knew they had something to do with a horrible crime! "

cm wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:48 AM:

" Bass: didn't anyone teach you to NOT mix business with pleasure? hahaha

Its just me and my daughter here, but I still use the dishwasher, only running it once a week.
I need yardwork done-so when your finished at Nature's zip down to FL..lol. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:06 PM:

" CM, you show me where I can put it and I will get one. I live alone and don't dirty enough to load one. My recent maid ended up as my girlfriend, and because of circumstances we are through. She is bringing me dinner tonight, hopefully on a paper plate!!! We are still good friends. I do yard work for her on occasion, just so you don't think I am a womanizer. That I am not.
I guess I will just have to step up to the plate and wash the dishes when I am done. The maid idea does sound good though... "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:34 PM:

" Incense???? What kind?? I am burning Padma as I write, but have a bunch of flavors! Been playing to a lot of music I have never played before. What an adventure! "

cm wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:29 PM:

" BASS: get a dishwasher! Lowes for about 250.00 or less. classifieds=less.
being from a large family I too hated doing dishes, yet I hate waking up to dishes in the sink too!
when the older kids were home--we all took turns-everyone had a night of dishes!
I also tried everyone had a night of cooking. guarenteed when 2nd son cooked is was scrambled eggs--in fact he cooked Xmas breakfast last year! lol

nature: serious--my sis would be a good option-she has no kids-only a pet cockatiel that can do more tricks than I have seen any bird do!
shes 44, responsible, and has lived with her honey for 19yrs.

FG: earlier in the day I agreed hard to keep one job let alone two.
I guess it depends on each persons situation.
sometimes for a single mom with kids its a waste to have job 2 for the cost of babysitters.
some dont have the transportation.

MANY factors would have to be considered to make a second job work for most.

My oldest son/my baby (lol) just celebrated his 27th today. We had family get together last night, at which he said he was juggling 10 jobs! But he has no kids and his girlfriends help.
He builds websites, has a t-shirt business, make signs and business cards, sets up bikini contests, book bands, teaches marching band, and bartends! He is way too busy. "

cm wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Nature: my good sis can dog sit for you.
she had my other sisters dog while she worked everyday,the dog was spoiled and hated to be alone.
the dog died 2 months ago, from a shot reaction. They are both devastated.

My sis loves the Advantage commercial with the 'shiba inu' pup. I plan to surprise her with one next year. I found an awesome breeder at a girl scout event.

shes a sis I would trust with my life, she's also looking to babysit. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Mr. Slionski is obviously older (meaning was taught differently) or didnt pay attention in biology class. The study of evolution he refers to is what we/I was taught referencing Darwins theory - there was NO religious reasoning. It is taught that whales evolved from land walking mammals. And yes, male whales have a reproductive organ (I guess it could be called a penis bone) that is retracted as it swims! So there u have todays lesson. Mr. Slionski's letter makes zero sense to me because I cant figure what he is truly complaining about and thus its reads of ignorance.

BLD - too bad we arent closer cuz we could exchange services: u watch Mr Dog and I unpack/decorate...oh the miles!! Lite some incense... "

news reader wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:14 PM:

" Support Maxwells. It is a local business, family run. Good service, no parking hassles. (I think they still deliver. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) "

karl again... wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:18 PM:

" I'm sorry, but I just have to ask this--is the guy, John Slionski, in the "Letters" section today about Evolution actually trying to allege that whales have a "PENIS BONE"?!?!?
Please--did I read that correctly?!?!
I'm choking I'm laughing so hard!!! LMFAO!!!!! "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM:

" NL, It's a deal, only if you finish unpacking my house! Been 2 months and I just recently unpacked my clothes! I unpack my dishes as needed. Of course my music gear came first!!
Honestly, I am in need of a cleaning person. I HATE dishes! "

nature lover wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:21 PM:

" BLD LOL - I pay REALLY good also but think including a round trip tic would be a bit eccentric! But what fun that would be! Hey house swap!!

FG - in THIS area, we are in desperate need of people that perform the odd jobs that BLD does in SoCal. BTW how did we get on this subject? Does anyone know of a reputable dog sitter? I always thought that if I won the lottery one of the major gives I would make is to build a new SPCA where it was a doggy hotel/dog service then they could be self supportive. There are MANY dogs in this area that are hairy children that dont speak in need of sitters. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:52 PM:

" NL, thanks!!! Only if you were in the Morongo Basin in CA. I have time issues with travel, but thanks!! It is amazing how many people need someone to watch their pets. It has been an extremely busy summer for me. I once was responsible for someone's chicken. And it paid rather well, not chicken Scratch!! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:35 PM:

" I suppose that could work if you are healthy, good with animals and have a vehicle to get to your clients homes. Not everyone has those things. In Detroit, there is not much in the way of so-called "public transportation." Yes, a few go-getters may be able to find some extra work this way or other similar ways, but when you have a significant portion of the population out of work all at the same time, in an area which has been in an employment/economic blight for 25-30 years, where there is no public transportation to speak of, where the people who would be your clients don't have money to buy your services, there aren't enough of these kinds of second jobs to go around to all the people who need them and could do them.

I can work for some, but there will be many, many others for whom such a suggestion is beyond the realm of realistically possible.

And on the other end, it can be a bit risky hiring someone you don't know well to do odd jobs -- without a legitimate DBA and all, which costs money to get started, you run about against all types -- lazy ones, criminal ones, slidshod ones, nutcases, all sorts. It can be very difficult trying to break into a new field without entree.

I'm not saying it isn't a good idea in general, or that it wouldn't work for some people, I'm just saying I don't buy any kind of neat, pat "simple" solution to our very complex modern problems. If it sounds so easy you can't understand why everyone isn't doing it -- it probably isn't really that easy in Real Life. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:05 PM:

" BLD - WE/I could SO use your services here! Since my dog sitter decided to have her 3rd child, I am at a loss and we take vacations on the lakes here rather than fly now cuz we can bring the dog aka our kid. I always said when I went to part time after I aged, that would be one of my duties as there is a desperate need for people wanting to do the odd, yet so important jobs. Good for you that you do so many nice things for others!! "

AJ wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:00 PM:

" CEO — Chief Embezzlement Officer

CFO — Corporate Fraud Officer

BULL MARKET — A random market movement causing an investor to mistake himself for a financial genius.

BEAR MARKET — A 6 to 18 month period when the kids get no allowance, the wife gets no jewelry, and the husband gets no sex.

VALUE INVESTING — The art of buying low and selling lower.

P/E RATIO — The percentage of investors wetting their pants as the market keeps crashing.

BROKER — What my broker has made me.

STANDARD & POOR — Your life in a nutshell.

STOCK ANALYST — Idiot who just downgraded your stock.

STOCK SPLIT — When your ex-wife and her lawyer split your assets equally between themselves.

FINANCIAL PLANNER — A guy whose phone has been disconnected.

MARKET CORRECTION — The day after you buy stocks.

CASH FLOW — The movement your money makes as it disappears down the toilet.

YAHOO — What you yell after selling it to some poor sucker for $240 per share.

WINDOWS — What you jump out of when you’re the sucker who bought Yahoo @ $240 per share.

INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR — Past year investor who’s now locked up in a nuthouse.

PROFIT — An archaic word no longer in use. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:24 PM:

" FG, I would ask you to re think that. Second jobs can be just about anything. I work with animals. I am called upon to pet sit, or just keep an eye on things when the owners are away. I could stay pretty busy doing yardwork. Not that I would do that full time again. It's just anyone can do other things. It doesn't have to be steady, but it does help keep the boat afloat. Even running errands for elderly and/or disabled can be good. At least my 2nd jobs are way more interesting. I just love my horses I care for. "

13579 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:17 PM:

" The Kosks werre Palish's idea. He's not an Auburian, lets get rid of those #%*^ kosks, before the rain and snowstorms, and bring back those Parking Meters. Horah "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:21 AM:

" Spin is another matter all together --it's just one flavor of propaganda. But negative campaign info doesn't HAVE to be all spin. I think if it uncovers important issues about which we should know, then it is doing something beneficial, even though it gets a person down to be constantly barraged with negative input all around.


With the tiny top percentage of the wealthy consolidating ever more wealth, and moving production out of the country for their own profit while putting working people here out of work, and all the while squeezing what's left of the "middle classes" to cover social programs, we've long been headed towards a great levelling so we can all be members of the one global third world while the elite few suck us dry for their own comfort.

And cm, yes, I knew about the many kind-hearted and helpful things our soldiers do abroad (along with killing people and blowing things up). After all, they are human beings with hearts too, or most of them anyway. But talk about a waste to first spend taxpayer money to blow up a city, then spend taxpayer money to rebuild the same city, and in some case, spend taxpayer money to blow up the city we just rebuilt. That is a problem with those calling the shots, not the soldiers on the ground doing their duty.

I have seen lots of pictures (from the media, obviously) of soldiers engaged in kind and humanitarian acts -- maybe because I get most of my news online, or maybe because I followed Yahoo's "Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone" for the better part of a year. While I am all for kind and humanitarian acts, I strongly believe they should start first at home, with our own poor children and messed up cities. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:11 AM:

" Obama's new tax plan is just an increase of welfare. Lower income will not only NOT pay taxes, but get a REFUND. Let's not put welfare in a tax plan. "

vic wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:09 AM:

" Many other cities have the new parking kiosks. It's a change, get used to it and stop complaining already "

cm wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:25 AM:

" nature: the 'goldies' will be fine spending their hidden dollars in swiss banks..while gathering more bucks from the tax payers!

I usually dont agree with 'elizabeth on the View' but she nailed it last week when she said a BILL put into law should JUST be the BILL--nothing added to it! No porks! "

cm wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:22 AM:

" FG: I wouldnt mind the negatives IF they were actual FACTS.
what they do is take a word/sentence and spin it..
the media does the same.

as I have stated before, I know people actually over in Iraq or just got back from a tour, and its NOT all bombs and guns.
One is a medic, he has worked on more Iraqi children and adults, saving many lives due to the lack of hospital and doctor care--and from being bombed by nutcases armed with explosives at a 'newly built' school.
However where is the media then?
where is the media when a child gets a teddybear or some shoes from a soldier?
where is the media when a new school opens?
where is the media when new doctors take their oath under an American tent? "

nature lover wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:03 AM:

" I agree cm, it breaks my heart to c America having 'tent cities' for the homeless now. In LV, there were so many they put up a fence, hired a security guard and provided a water source. America is beginning to sound like a 3rd world country in some parts.

To anyone: I would like to know what the real plan is regarding golden parachutes for these banks that are being "socialized'? "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:49 AM:

" I like the guy who threatens to take out the photographer right here because no one would know -- and he makes this threat on camera! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:41 AM:

" movedsouth -- right you are; I've seen and heard Obama on the subject of Afghanistan and I don't like it. As I've said, we have the lesser of two evils and I don't like either of them -- but McCain is dangerously nuts and Obama is currently the only one with a real chance of keeping the nut out of the White House. But it isn't very hopeful for the American people either way.

tome -- also right. Democans and Republicats alike have led us into the economic mess of the century. Glad to hear you are not voting for an incumbent, despite party affiliation. Look for a fresh new candidate, maybe one without all that much experience, but someone who isn't so "hooked in" the the current, corrupt system. If you are in the 123rd district (Auburn is), I hope you'll take a look at Barbara Abbott King against Gary Finch and help remove another long-time incumbent who only has the interests of the CAFOs in mind. The tax payers don't need to be putting more money in the pockets of those corporations which already have plenty, but Finch regularly sends out flyers bragging about how that's just what he's done.

BLD, you can't always "just get another job or two" in depressed areas where there aren't enough to go around for everyone to have just one job. I'm thinking about how GM is closing a plant in Detroit, putting more than 2,000 people out of work in a city which hasn't had employment opportunities since the late 70s. try telling one of those laid-off workers, oh, just go get two jobs -- there won't even be ONE for them to find.

cm wrote: "I would almost agree with you except if it wasn't going towards the war it certainly wouldnt go to Americans anyway."

That's still no excuse to waste it on the war. If we weren't spending it on the war, no, it wouldn't be going to Americans -- but we also wouldn't be borrowing it from China to pay for the war -- it's money we don't actually have that we're wasting on the war, leaving us beholden to the Chinese and the unsafe cheap products with which they are flooding our markets -- and we can't say no to them because we OWE THEM TOO MUCH MONEY.

So much for sovereignty.

I saw where John Geer of Vanderbilt University is going to be giving a lecture here at Ithaca College on 21 October entitled "Why Negative Campaigns Are Good for Our Country" (7:30 PM, Park Auditorium, Ithaca College). Sounds interesting -- too far for you to come, cm -- but it's a different angle on processing and deciphering campaign rhetoric in an attempt to distill anything useful out of it. "

AJ wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:35 PM:

" See if you can figure out how many of these people graduated from high school. These short videos at a Palin rally are almost hilarious...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/36841 "

AJ wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:24 PM:

" The 35 Articles of Impeachment And The Case for Prosecuting George W. Bush - compiled by Dennis Kucinich, and produced by Elizabeth de la Vega.

You can buy the book for only $12.00, or get your free downloadable copy here:

http://feralhouse.com/titles/images/BushImpeachment.pdf "

cm wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:23 PM:

" Both parties could save alot of money if they would STOP running these nasty worthless commercials!

FG: yes, some cards go unused, that is Why I am careful as to which ones I buy and who they are for.
last Xmas I got my daughter a build-a-bear card, she was at the store when it opened! hahaha

I always ask my kids for Red Lobster, and thats where I have New Years dinner every year, for about the past 10 yrs.

by the way-GAS today at walmart was 2.89 here..
SO why isn't everyone THANKing Bush! "

cm wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:07 PM:

" to be perfectly honest I dont think any of Mccains plans will follow thru simply because of the other 534--who have a lower rating than Bush right now, which says alot!

now Obamas 'secrets' will pass simply because he's a DEM, and we all know they like to TAX us to death while they enjoy vacations, low interest homes, and extra raises on a regualr basis, while convincing us it's for our own good! "

cm wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:02 PM:

" Nature: I would almost agree with you except if it wasn't going towards the war it certainly wouldnt go to Americans anyway.

It would plain out be 'we don't have the money or some other country that hates us would get it for some humanitarian cause'.

perfect point is: how many years have we had homeless people, medical crisis, and people dying in the winter because they cant heat their homes? "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:46 PM:

" The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:21 PM:
" justventing

You can raise your income by getting an extra job or two.
That is the only way this country can survive and grow. We have mortgaged our futures to such a degree with debt, that there are no other options.
The CEO team is making millions + millions in bonuses so they can't afford to pay us any more.
This is nuts! That's not an American Dream, it's a nightmare. "


Well, it is the truth. "

tome8689 wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:46 PM:

" I'm a Republican and Senator Nozzoilio will not be getting my vote. He is part of whats wrong with government. He's been there too long and really has no clue what the average citizen deals with day to day. He's a very polished politician that needs to find a new job! He takes a lot of credit for things other people worked hard to get accomplished! "

tome8689 wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:40 PM:

" This problem is not just a Bush problem. It goes back to Clinton who put pressure on banks to give low income applicants mortgages. The banks became greedy, idiots like Barney Frank fell in love with one of the male administrators at Fannie Mae and did nothing to watch out for the taxpayers while overseeing them. Let's not forget the idiot Senator Chris Dodd who got a no interest loan from the now infamous Countrywide Bank ,who was at the epicenter of the sub-prime fiasco. Yeah Bush let it all happen on his watch but the democrats hands are extremely dirty as well. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:58 PM:

" There are tens of thousands of dollars every year wasted on never-claimed gift cards. Better to give cash than tie it up at some specific store.

McCain changes his position constantly in a transparently obvious attempt to tell people what his slow and inept handlers think is what people want to hear today. Every politician does this to some extent but McCain shifts faster than sands in a windstorm and with about as much long-term purpose. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Obama wants the troops out of Iraq so we can send more to Afghanistan, so it's not all savings. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:37 PM:

" Obama has NO way of raising money for his new plans!!!!! He feels it's a burden we have to take. "

nature lover wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:20 PM:

" I would say cm, if we stop spending what is it 10 billion a week on Iraq, we may have some spare change for...r u ready for this? Americans! What a novel idea!!

Now what is your opinion of McCain wanting to tax health care? Or any of his other "economic" plans? "

cm wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:22 PM:

" They gave a blurb on the news Obama speaking in Ohio today.
he says: 'When they ask you HOW we will get the money for healthcare, energy programs, and the economy-
tell them if we have money to rebuild Iraq we have money to rebuild Ohio'

AS USUAL side-stepping the question and NOT SAYING HOW!!!!

Tell the truth Obama--borrow more from china or raise taxes or BOTH??? "

The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:21 PM:

" justventing

You can raise your income by getting an extra job or two.
That is the only way this country can survive and grow. We have mortgaged our futures to such a degree with debt, that there are no other options.
The CEO team is making millions + millions in bonuses so they can't afford to pay us any more.
This is nuts! That's not an American Dream, it's a nightmare. "

cm wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:14 PM:

" AJ: very funny!

brew: its not just walmart, most stores now have 30 checkouts and only 5 cashiers! I just came home from Super Target, only 3 cashiers.
it will only get worse thru Xmas.

I will start buying gift cards on a weekly basis, easiest way to shop.
I get the grandkids savings bonds, they receive too many toys from other family members! "

karl again... wrote on Oct 13, 2008 5:19 PM:

" Does anybody know what John McInsane's position is today on any given argument?
I can't tell; he changes it every day... "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Oct 13, 2008 5:16 PM:

" That's what happens in a depression, whether anyone is ready to call it by that name or not. No one has money, not individuals and not businesses. Prices are higher than people can afford and businesses still don't meet their expenses. That's what it means to have your economy in trouble. "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 13, 2008 4:51 PM:

" " Here's facts on the crises! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5z9lD4C2Io " "

justventing wrote on Oct 13, 2008 4:50 PM:

" I am sick and tired of hearing about businesses that say they have to raise their prices to cover cost. What about the consumer? Where do you think the consumer gets the extra money? We cannot raise our income as easy as you raise your prices, so again I dare any of you people who run a business to tell us consumers just where are we to get the extra money for your goods? In a way I am glad some of you are failing, it gives you a taste of what it’s like to lose money just like us consumers. So how does it feel? "

movedsouth wrote on Oct 13, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Here's facts on the crises! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5z9lD4C2Io "

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