...not 1953 as the picture's caption would lead one to believe. At that time, the elevator was installed... as were ramps to make it handicap accessible (well before the ADA in 1990). The ADA must have steeper guidelines than what was allowed for during the remodel...?
Sad to see "the old high school" go. Hopefully the building can be put to good use. A recreation center similar to the old ELHS in Auburn would be a great idea. Maybe someone would resurrect the community theatre project and reopen the auditorium in the gymnasium...
No mention whatsoever in the paper that the plug was pulled on the "Dream Act?" You can bet your last hard earned tax dollar this rag would have been crowing from the rooftops had it passed. I'm just surprised they didn't publish something bashing "those naughty Republicans" for shooting it down.
While I agree with you, Gil, that the jobs and new businesses are needed, I have to side with the abutters in this instance. There are locations within the industrial zone where this business could open. If I owned abutting property, I wouldn't want a slaughterhouse going in right next to me, either. Allowing a variance would be typical of Auburn, though. It's just one more way for the city to put the screws to it's taxpaying residents.
You have to figure anyone that purchases property within the agricultural zone would be aware of the restrictions in place. It's not unusual for annual taxes to be around $5,000 or greater (10+ acres, house, garage & barn, typically). Their property valuation (and taxes) will not necessarily go down because an industrial operation gets a variance to go in next door. They'll continue to pay what they've been paying right along... and if they should try to sell? No way in hell is anyone going to give them what the city values their property at because of the industrial activity next door... through no fault of their own. When they bought, they bought with the assurance that something like this would NOT be allowed.
Allowing an industrial operation a variance to open on property zoned only for agricultural use would subject the area to increased road traffic (trucking in animals, trucking out meat, plus the daily workforce); to added noise (the animals, the equipment); to added pests (bugs, varmints). Last but not least, the area would acquire that lovely smell of death. It belongs in the industrial zone where the roads are engineered to handle heavier traffic; where the noise won't be an issue; where the bugs and the smell won't bother residential farmers.
The Civil Rights Act of 1866, followed by the 14th Amendment in 1868, were enacted to ensure the citizenship of the children of freed slaves... and in direct correction of US 393 (Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857) which ruled that freed slaves and their descendants were NOT citizens of the United States, and therefore had no legal rights as outlined in our Constitution. While the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," it was never intended to be used to support ILLEGAL immigration. Its wording, however, has allowed it to be used for just that purpose.
At that point in US history, the issue of ILLEGAL immigration had not reared it's ugly head. People arrived here from foreign lands in great numbers. In 1882, the government started paying more attention. Restrictions were placed on WHO could enter. Then came the Immigration Act of 1924 which closed our borders to HOW MANY could enter ("mass immigration"). People of other nations are still welcome to immigrate LEGALLY.
The laws exist. They are "Constitutionally" correct. We only need enforce them. Perhaps it's time to reexamine the 14th Amendment so that it's not abused further.
The typical end user will not be calling Maine Fiber Co to order DSL, etc. These fibers are more for hospitals, colleges, etc... End users who would be installing their own equipment on either end of the fiber.
That's what it breaks down to per parking space ($525,000 for 12 spaces. $43,750 per space.), as long as there are no extenuating circumstances to ADD TO expenditures.
And the school committee can just say "we're doing this." (???)
Who gave them the checkbook? I think they need to give it back.
I would also like to point out, that the Oxford casino referendum has a clause that disallows another casino from opening within a 100 mile radius of Oxford. While some folks can say that "this language can be addressed in a year," I would sooner believe the Lewiston proposal will be shot down if the Oxford deal goes through.
We each have a vote. I'm going to vote the way I want to... and you should vote the way you want to. Ultimately, the majority will rule. If the casino ends up in Oxford, that's great... if it doesn't, then Lewiston may have a chance at being something other than a stinky armpit for the rest of eternity.
While I agree that there are many out of work, I plan to vote no... but it's because I want the casino in Lewiston. It's not that I don't care about the Oxford Hills area... I just feel compelled to support the community I live closer to. Other folks from this area may feel differently... they may be compelled to vote FOR the Oxford casino to keep it AWAY from Lewiston... We won't really know until all the chips are down, though, will we?
just report his commentary as inappropriate and move on. Anything more than this only gives him reason to say more.
He's really not worth that when he wants to be like this. And it's a shame. Sometimes he has some really interesting things to say... when he's not being so hateful.
Tron: I agree with you on this point, but it's hard to take you seriously when you go off half-cocked like that. (and, yes, I am well aware that you probably don't give a flip what I or anyone think of you anyway... just sayin')
CandiceAnne: Thank you for the link. Were you trying to make the point that this corporation already has workers and equipment *here*... and they're just adding this site to their workload?
There are probably a lot of companies right here in our own state that would welcome this work. They would also be very proud to be chosen to do this for our local veterans, and therefore would do a wonderful job with the project. This corporation "from away" may have done a wonderful job with whatever contracts they've completed in this area in the past... but that's not the point.
The point is... there are local people that are qualified to do this labor -right here- who don't have jobs because these big construction contracts go out to bid with no consideration to what's best for the local economy. Sometimes the locals can get hired on (short-term) for the contract, but most times the outfit brings in all their own folks. Their alternative? Sign on with yet another company which will bid on contracts all over the country and be willing to leave their families behind for weeks or months at a time... not something most are willing to do... It's a vicious cycle and I'm getting a headache thinking about it.
...but my father goes to the CBOC at the armory in Auburn on Minot Avenue.
They're in the rear of the building. It opened last summer, if that is of any help to anyone?
...the LAW is about NOISE. The law is not focused on motorcycles. It includes car and truck exhaust as well. You, papajuliet, are just looking for a reason to complain about bikers in general.
The group in question is seeking to regulate all businesses that generate an unnatural increase in noise. Children playing, using their "outdoor voices," can be noisy. Not trying to pick a fight with you... just trying to explain where the other guy was coming from...
The police departments are LOVING this new law... NOW they have a reason to pull anyone on a "loud" motorcycle over. They don't care about that possible $137 fine for the loud exhaust... they're hoping you're up to something more sinister... something that only those dastardly leather-wearing, pirate-imitating, pierced, hairy, tattooed people would be up to, I'm sure.
I can tell you, for a fact, that not ALL union members will vote DEM just because they're asked to. While it is true that the union I belong to (it's a "closed shop" where I work) does send a letter to advise for whom they'd prefer we vote, many people actually use that as a guide for "who DOESN'T get the checkmark."
By KimberBeth, unverified — Thu, 09/30/2010 - 14:55
Yes, really! And twice now he has spelled "your" (the possessive form of "you") as "you're" (the contraction for "you are"). (PHEW!)
Ok... I know it's petty... but it was deeply troubling me that someone spouting off about folks on here being UNEDUCATED had no problem using blatantly incorrect grammar and/or spelling.
That being said... If not wanting to allow a citizen of any other country to enter the United States and take up residency without going through the proper channels (LIKE OUR ANCESTORS HAD TO DO) is now considered RACIST... then I guess I'm a racist, too. Make room for me by the campfire, I'm coming over. I'll even bring marshmallows...
I don't care WHAT color our president is. I don't agree with most of his policies. Telling him to go to hell may be pointless and immature by many people's standards, but I can undertand how an individual could be frustrated enough to do it.
After viewing the clip, I cannot see where Mr. LePage's reaction can be seen as an example of "shooting off his mouth." His words may not have been politically correct, but he spoke honestly and from the heart. Perhaps that, in itself, is what has everyone in such upheaval?
At this point in time, aren't we all fairly accustomed to hearing our politicians dance around what they really think about an issue? I'm surprised no one has yet begun yammering on about how this naughty, naughty Republican said something negative about our wonderful president. (Come on, you know you want to... I'm sure it's killing you to hold back that nasty "Tea-bag" comment you're DYING to make.) Furthermore, we're not in church here. Stop being so sensitive about all the "dirty talk." With all this talk of amnesty for illegal immigrants (among other things), I'm sure Mr. LePage isn't the only person who'd like to tell the president where to go.
I, for one, like the fact that Mr. LePage isn't just like all the others. "All the others" have gotten us into one heck of a pickle. I'm not crazy about some of his ideas about environmentalism, either... but somehow I don't think he's so unreasonable that he would not listen to his consituency...
Just an observation, but when she voiced her concern she may have believed her facts were correct. The only information I've got on this issue is what I've read here over the last few days... It would seem that, to her, it only looked like things had been mowed three times. If this is not the case, there are better ways to reassure someone that things are actually being taken care of than leaving a crudely fashioned note. (Was it written in black crayon on a lunch sack? How odd...)
I think, if it were me, I might also be a little upset... Step back a moment here and think this through: You think the place needs to be mowed. You point it out to the proper authorities. Nothing happens. You collect signatures of other folks who have also noticed that the place needs to be mowed. Nothing happens. There's a write-up in the paper ABOUT how "nothing happens." ...and like magic... the cemetery is mowed... EXCEPT for the plot where your loved ones are buried... AND you get a rude note telling you "It's personal." Hmmm... Yeah... Coincidence, I'm sure.
...but remembering from Mr. Beedy's eighth grade history class lesson, he found it was also more specifically a nickname given to the lumberjacks that worked on the Androscoggin River. The article leads the reader in that direction, but you still kinda need to make that leap :)
"Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." -Hugh White (1773-1840), US Senator
Mr. Coburn:
I hope you have the opportunity to read this. I think it shows a great deal of maturity and courage to come forward and publicly take responsibility for your actions. I hope that you continue along this path and find a way to show your community that you are indeed remorseful, and that this is not simply a ploy for sympathy. I also hope that you might work at convincing the others involved that taking responsibility is the correct thing to do.
There isn't a reader among us who hasn't done something they regret deeply. It may not be as regretful as cemetery vandalism, and it may be far worse. Any of us that has made a mess of things, then had the courage to face it and ask forgiveness KNOWS that the road ahead is more difficult... but it sure beats walking around with a guilty conscience... and it's the honorable thing to do.
One reader mentioned you may have come forward and apologized to get a better deal on your sentence. Another reader mentioned you may have offered this apology for your "15 seconds of fame." I'm hoping you prove them wrong. I'd love to see you pull yourself up by your bootstraps and have a happy and prosperous life IN SPITE OF this rocky start.
Before any of this happened, there weren't too many of us in the community that knew you. Well, son, we know you now. Unfortunately, you didn't make a very good first impression. The opportunity is yours to show us that you're a better person, Billie. Please don't waste it.
Have you visited your local Farmer's Market lately? You know, that little shack by the side of the road in front of the big garden?
Or if that's too rustic for you, how about Blackie's on Minot Ave in Auburn?
If you're interested in buying good, locally grown vegetables, at an affordable price, those might be the better places
to start rather than wishing another conglomerate would find it's way north.
By KimberBeth, unverified — Thu, 09/02/2010 - 10:24
The only reason Hannaford is even remotely interested in this spot is to drive out Food City just up the street.
There may be enough people in the area to support Food City, but not necessarily enough to keep them afloat PLUS a big ole sprawlin' Hannaford... What does everyone have against "The Little Guy" anyway?
...I no longer have all the details, but there is now more to it than just incorporating and getting your 501c3... A call to the State of Maine Animal Welfare office would point you in the right direction, though. Good luck to you when you're ready :)
...that many of them don't have much of a home life.
By nature, a dog needs a pack. When you separate them all into individual kennels, they will bark. When you have them in the back yard, all tethered to their individual tie-outs, unable to socialize normally, they will bark. On the flip side of that coin, if they are burning up all their energy running around in a huge pen socializing with the other dogs... they might not have all that get-up-and-go when it's time to work. Also, most are also not spayed and/or neutered, because a good puller or racer may produce good pups. When you have a female in heat, you need to keep her separate. The males will raise hell to get to her. An outdoor kennel can get very noisy. It's safe to say, sled dogs are generally more often kept as livestock rather than as pets (not saying that this particular owner treats their dogs this way... I have no personal knowledge of this particular owner). When kenneled, they have a lot of pent up energy, and they will bark... a lot.
As to "how do you know" it's the sled dogs and not the neighbors dogs? Ha. Are your sled dogs huskies or hounds? If they are, there is a very distinct difference. They don't just bark, they howl. There is also a huge difference between the sound of one or two dogs barking at one or two dogs in the next yard over... and a whole pack of sled dogs in one yard barking at once.
Years ago I was involved with an organization that took in the homeless huskies and sled dogs, helped them with their house manners, and found them new homes. I had a 20x50 enclosure in the back yard. At times, I had as many as 12 dogs. We didn't tolerate senseless barking. If one of the "kids" barked incessantly, it obviously needed something, and we'd figure out what it took to quiet our motormouth :) They would howl when the fire engines went by, but I never had one noise complaint from my neighbors.
What a bunch of cowards showing such hateful disrespect to the dead. This is not a "victimless crime." When you violate a cemetery in this way, you violate the community as a whole.
I'm pretty sure the distinguished gentlemen incarcerated at The County will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. You had better not be anticipating a hero's welcome.
Here's hoping these are merely misguided souls, and not soulless fiends. Here's hoping they come forward, admit they messed up, and CLEAN UP AFTER THEMSELVES.
Karma's a b!tc#, baby... coming forward is the right thing to do. Just be thankful we don't have public stonings as a form of punishment in this country, because you'd be prime candidates!
It may seem as though folks interested in the whole "Goth" thing might be "just the type" to party in cemeteries... but I can confidently assure you, The Goth have just as much, if not more, respect for the dead and their resting places as any other community.
Perhaps what you were leading to, was that since the Goth movement, younger people are more aware of cemeteries? Hmm... thinking back (I'm 40)... I seem to remember a lot of cemetery parties. No, this is nothing new... nor is the occasional ignorant jerk (or group of jerks) who think it would be cool to trash a cemetery.
...that Kim is finally found so her family and the community can have closure. One day she was there and the next day she was gone. What's frustrating is that there has to be someone out there that knows -something- about the whole thing.
Being from the area and of her generation, I've heard all the urban legends and ponderings through the years regarding her whereabouts. Still seeing her pretty face on the all-too-familiar posters all over town is a heart-wrenching reminder that things like this -do- happen here... but I think the worst part of all of it... is that the whole community pretty much believes it's one of our own at the root of her disappearance... and that this person has gotten away with it and been allowed to live out their life among us while Kim has not.
They must have run out of memo's by the time they got to our street, because no one in my neighborhood was aware of this. We've all been putting our recycling out for the last two Monday's running... and wondering if the guys were on strike or something!
Thank you for sharing this story! Thinking this is worth taking a trip to Wilson Pond some evening around 8PM... hoping to hear the gentlemen say goodnight :)
That's like saying "The Democrats" are too busy passing laws to hand out our tax dollars to illegal immigrants and welfare recipients to be interested in creating jobs for the working class (Sorry, temporary positions with the census bureau or IRS don't really count for much). I think it is probably more accurate to say that there are many young Americans that hear it and do not understand... just as many are unaware of proper flag etiquette.
Although I hold a rather Libertarian viewpoint, I was raised by very Republican parents and grandparents. They were painfully aware of the significance of taps. They were also very familiar with driving their young male family members to the train station to send them off to war. Their political views in no way made them less patriotic. I would dare say the same holds true for many modern Republicans and Democrats, alike.
If, in fact, there are Americans among us who are unaware of the significance of taps... wouldn't it be more constructive to explain it to them ("Excuse me... this is taps... Please (take your hat off and) have a moment of silence to honor the fallen.") rather than to blindly berate them as nasty "republicans?"
Thank you, veterans, for fighting valiantly so that we may have the freedom to have these discussions here today. God bless the USA.
Sounds like a grand idea... but if a person doesn't have the money, they don't have the money. I don't know Mr. Vining's financial situation, but a $20,000 fine seems a little mild.
Maybe it would be more effective to have him do community service at the animal shelter in addition to a fine?
I hope neither of us ever need to test any of the above theories. Thank you for the alternate point of view.
Never having owned a dog that would have been inclined to run away, it didn't occur to me that the Doxie or the JRT might have chosen "run and hide." Typically a bigger dog sees "run" as something prey would do... a bigger dog would more likely stand its ground... but a little dog might choose "run away," I guess?
I've always been on the other side of the coin... I've been a husky owner for years (I have only one elderly dog now)... they train their humans differently :) Personally, I would have never taken my dogs out without a leash... but they were huskies... they might be three counties over before I could find them if they got loose... and I knew full well what mayhem they were capable of along the way. It was my responsibility to keep them from getting themselves into trouble, and I took it seriously. I can tell from your posts that your dog's best interests are a priority to you, as well.
...that both the doxie and the huskies were leashed, but the huskies were unlicensed and un-vaccinated. THAT owner simply couldn't control the number of prey-driven dogs she had leashed at one time.
Dogs, by nature, are not "solitary" creatures. They require a pack... a family... to be happy. Forcing it to live it's life "in solitary" would be more cruel than giving it the needle.
While I understand your argument, I would have to argue... there is nothing quite as effective as pulling a voice-command-responsive dog AWAY from an attacking dog... as the leash attached to it's collar... and a big stick...
At least that's what the article should be titled. Nice going, Mr. Vining. Because of your irresponsible actions, your dog will most likely be put down. The leash laws are in place for a reason, and it's NOT simply to raise revenue.
There seems to be a lot of this "dangerous dog" thing going around lately. A family just lost a doxie to a husky (both leashed, but unlicensed and un-vaccinated) in Lewiston last month.
Sadly, we live in a society where there is still a bit of stubbornness where it comes to owning dogs. There are owners who either give the argument that their family has "always" raised their dogs this way, or they think it's cruel to restrain a dog, or they believe vaccinations make their dogs sicker than the diseases they are made to prevent. There are also owners who refuse to license their dogs simply because they feel the town gets enough of their money already.
The fact is, it's cruel to raise a dog without giving it the boundaries it needs. A domesticated dog needs those boundaries. It needs a pack leader (and that, by no means, requires cruelty) to know what is acceptable behavior. When contained to your yard, it needs vaccinations to protect it from the wildlife (and un-vaccinated domesticated animals) which will eventually wander -into- your yard. It needs to be licensed so that on the rare occasion where it slips its collar or digs under the fence you can show up at the shelter and claim it. Believe it or not, they -want- to give you your dog back. They're not the enemy.
Class rings used to be something we all looked forward to getting. I remember working so hard for mine and stashing money away and debating which design I wanted. I don't think they're that big a deal anymore... my son didn't even want one :/
If only someone would be so kind as to find and return mine, too... Livermore Falls, Class of '88, green stone... anyone? Been missing since 1989. Probably long gone.
I agree, northwoods. If you don't have a big stick or a cane, kicking (as awful as it might sound to some people) is the best distraction. Striking them is not nearly as awful as dealing with the bite wounds that can come of a bad fight.
As an experienced husky owner, I will not begin by crying about how it's only in the dogs' nature. I want to know what in hell possesses people to own ANY breed of dog in a highly populated area and be so irresponsible as to NOT vaccinate? These two dogs are most likely NOT rabid. They saw a small dog, and thought, "squeak toy." They could have just as easily lunged for a rabid skunk or raccoon, which WOULD have made them sick. I'm sure this owner loves her dogs, but it's a selfish love. Can't afford the license and vetting? Surrender the dogs. Our local shelters do a fantastic job at re-homing ALL breeds. When they get over-crowded, they call breed-specific rescues to help with the overflow. There may be places in the country where dropping your pet at the shelter is a death sentence, but we are fortunate to live in an area where the majority can find a new home. If you can't take care of your animals, do right by them. Surrender them to an organization that can and will.
That being said, I do feel badly for the huskies which were only doing what huskies do... their owner should not have had them in a situation where they were not completely in her control. In all honestly, if you own a husky, you KNOW you can't allow (most of) them to be around small animals. If you're leash-walking and you see a small dog, you take them AWAY from it. If you can't control your dogs on their leash, you need to find another way to exercise them.
My sincere condolences to the family who lost the doxie. What a terrible thing for a child to have to witness. My heart goes out to you.
Recent Comments
Last renovation was 1981-82...
...not 1953 as the picture's caption would lead one to believe. At that time, the elevator was installed... as were ramps to make it handicap accessible (well before the ADA in 1990). The ADA must have steeper guidelines than what was allowed for during the remodel...?
Sad to see "the old high school" go. Hopefully the building can be put to good use. A recreation center similar to the old ELHS in Auburn would be a great idea. Maybe someone would resurrect the community theatre project and reopen the auditorium in the gymnasium...
Well ain't that odd...
There are a number of reasons why a suspicious fire might start... doesn't have to be the "NIMBY's."
Huh... who'da thunk it...
No mention whatsoever in the paper that the plug was pulled on the "Dream Act?" You can bet your last hard earned tax dollar this rag would have been crowing from the rooftops had it passed. I'm just surprised they didn't publish something bashing "those naughty Republicans" for shooting it down.
Not so much "NIMBY"... just put it where it belongs...
While I agree with you, Gil, that the jobs and new businesses are needed, I have to side with the abutters in this instance. There are locations within the industrial zone where this business could open. If I owned abutting property, I wouldn't want a slaughterhouse going in right next to me, either. Allowing a variance would be typical of Auburn, though. It's just one more way for the city to put the screws to it's taxpaying residents.
You have to figure anyone that purchases property within the agricultural zone would be aware of the restrictions in place. It's not unusual for annual taxes to be around $5,000 or greater (10+ acres, house, garage & barn, typically). Their property valuation (and taxes) will not necessarily go down because an industrial operation gets a variance to go in next door. They'll continue to pay what they've been paying right along... and if they should try to sell? No way in hell is anyone going to give them what the city values their property at because of the industrial activity next door... through no fault of their own. When they bought, they bought with the assurance that something like this would NOT be allowed.
Allowing an industrial operation a variance to open on property zoned only for agricultural use would subject the area to increased road traffic (trucking in animals, trucking out meat, plus the daily workforce); to added noise (the animals, the equipment); to added pests (bugs, varmints). Last but not least, the area would acquire that lovely smell of death. It belongs in the industrial zone where the roads are engineered to handle heavier traffic; where the noise won't be an issue; where the bugs and the smell won't bother residential farmers.
Correct, yet incorrect at the same time...
Yes, Tron... it was "those nasty Republicans" who had the nerve to allow freed slaves the right to citizenship.
I find it a bit irrational that you want to label the entire Republican party (from 1868 to present day) "for discrimination."
fatandhappy, you misunderstood my point
You and I are in agreement.
Civil Rights Act (1866); 14th Amendment (1868)
The Civil Rights Act of 1866, followed by the 14th Amendment in 1868, were enacted to ensure the citizenship of the children of freed slaves... and in direct correction of US 393 (Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857) which ruled that freed slaves and their descendants were NOT citizens of the United States, and therefore had no legal rights as outlined in our Constitution. While the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," it was never intended to be used to support ILLEGAL immigration. Its wording, however, has allowed it to be used for just that purpose.
At that point in US history, the issue of ILLEGAL immigration had not reared it's ugly head. People arrived here from foreign lands in great numbers. In 1882, the government started paying more attention. Restrictions were placed on WHO could enter. Then came the Immigration Act of 1924 which closed our borders to HOW MANY could enter ("mass immigration"). People of other nations are still welcome to immigrate LEGALLY.
The laws exist. They are "Constitutionally" correct. We only need enforce them. Perhaps it's time to reexamine the 14th Amendment so that it's not abused further.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/usconstitution/a/amend14.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1866
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0060_0393_ZO.html
http://www.path.coe.uh.edu/seminar2002/week2/immigrant_facts.html
What they fail to mention...
...is that these fibers are "dark." http://www.mainefiberco.com/about.html
The typical end user will not be calling Maine Fiber Co to order DSL, etc. These fibers are more for hospitals, colleges, etc... End users who would be installing their own equipment on either end of the fiber.
$43,750
That's what it breaks down to per parking space ($525,000 for 12 spaces. $43,750 per space.), as long as there are no extenuating circumstances to ADD TO expenditures.
And the school committee can just say "we're doing this." (???)
Who gave them the checkbook? I think they need to give it back.
Here you go.. the first of the "new jobs!"
Congratulations, folks... Is this what you were voting for? ...I tend to think not...
I'd like to say I'm disappointed, but I'd have had to expected better first.
How many casinos can the area support?
It's just my opinion. I offered it respectfully.
I would also like to point out, that the Oxford casino referendum has a clause that disallows another casino from opening within a 100 mile radius of Oxford. While some folks can say that "this language can be addressed in a year," I would sooner believe the Lewiston proposal will be shot down if the Oxford deal goes through.
We each have a vote. I'm going to vote the way I want to... and you should vote the way you want to. Ultimately, the majority will rule. If the casino ends up in Oxford, that's great... if it doesn't, then Lewiston may have a chance at being something other than a stinky armpit for the rest of eternity.
Not necessarily true.
While I agree that there are many out of work, I plan to vote no... but it's because I want the casino in Lewiston. It's not that I don't care about the Oxford Hills area... I just feel compelled to support the community I live closer to. Other folks from this area may feel differently... they may be compelled to vote FOR the Oxford casino to keep it AWAY from Lewiston... We won't really know until all the chips are down, though, will we?
please don't feed the bears, citygirl
just report his commentary as inappropriate and move on. Anything more than this only gives him reason to say more.
He's really not worth that when he wants to be like this. And it's a shame. Sometimes he has some really interesting things to say... when he's not being so hateful.
"Spelled," Brian_L, not "spelt
Sorry... couldn't resist :(
OK, Kids - cool it a sec...
Tron: I agree with you on this point, but it's hard to take you seriously when you go off half-cocked like that. (and, yes, I am well aware that you probably don't give a flip what I or anyone think of you anyway... just sayin')
CandiceAnne: Thank you for the link. Were you trying to make the point that this corporation already has workers and equipment *here*... and they're just adding this site to their workload?
There are probably a lot of companies right here in our own state that would welcome this work. They would also be very proud to be chosen to do this for our local veterans, and therefore would do a wonderful job with the project. This corporation "from away" may have done a wonderful job with whatever contracts they've completed in this area in the past... but that's not the point.
The point is... there are local people that are qualified to do this labor -right here- who don't have jobs because these big construction contracts go out to bid with no consideration to what's best for the local economy. Sometimes the locals can get hired on (short-term) for the contract, but most times the outfit brings in all their own folks. Their alternative? Sign on with yet another company which will bid on contracts all over the country and be willing to leave their families behind for weeks or months at a time... not something most are willing to do... It's a vicious cycle and I'm getting a headache thinking about it.
Not sure about THAT...
...but my father goes to the CBOC at the armory in Auburn on Minot Avenue.
They're in the rear of the building. It opened last summer, if that is of any help to anyone?
Actually, no...
...the LAW is about NOISE. The law is not focused on motorcycles. It includes car and truck exhaust as well. You, papajuliet, are just looking for a reason to complain about bikers in general.
The group in question is seeking to regulate all businesses that generate an unnatural increase in noise. Children playing, using their "outdoor voices," can be noisy. Not trying to pick a fight with you... just trying to explain where the other guy was coming from...
The police departments are LOVING this new law... NOW they have a reason to pull anyone on a "loud" motorcycle over. They don't care about that possible $137 fine for the loud exhaust... they're hoping you're up to something more sinister... something that only those dastardly leather-wearing, pirate-imitating, pierced, hairy, tattooed people would be up to, I'm sure.
Yes, you're correct...
... and it's that later period in time I was referring to. I should have been more clear.
Thank you for chiming in :)
Not all union members...
I can tell you, for a fact, that not ALL union members will vote DEM just because they're asked to. While it is true that the union I belong to (it's a "closed shop" where I work) does send a letter to advise for whom they'd prefer we vote, many people actually use that as a guide for "who DOESN'T get the checkmark."
wingnut?
...there once was a time where the presence of a police officer would make me uncomfortable... and then it was explained to me this way:
If you're not doing anything illegal, you have nothing to worry about. Go about your business.
That applies to ANY party you're affiliated with...
Can't. Hold. It. Back. Any. More...
Yes, really! And twice now he has spelled "your" (the possessive form of "you") as "you're" (the contraction for "you are"). (PHEW!)
Ok... I know it's petty... but it was deeply troubling me that someone spouting off about folks on here being UNEDUCATED had no problem using blatantly incorrect grammar and/or spelling.
That being said... If not wanting to allow a citizen of any other country to enter the United States and take up residency without going through the proper channels (LIKE OUR ANCESTORS HAD TO DO) is now considered RACIST... then I guess I'm a racist, too. Make room for me by the campfire, I'm coming over. I'll even bring marshmallows...
I don't care WHAT color our president is. I don't agree with most of his policies. Telling him to go to hell may be pointless and immature by many people's standards, but I can undertand how an individual could be frustrated enough to do it.
Well... this won't be well-liked, but it's my observation...
After viewing the clip, I cannot see where Mr. LePage's reaction can be seen as an example of "shooting off his mouth." His words may not have been politically correct, but he spoke honestly and from the heart. Perhaps that, in itself, is what has everyone in such upheaval?
At this point in time, aren't we all fairly accustomed to hearing our politicians dance around what they really think about an issue? I'm surprised no one has yet begun yammering on about how this naughty, naughty Republican said something negative about our wonderful president. (Come on, you know you want to... I'm sure it's killing you to hold back that nasty "Tea-bag" comment you're DYING to make.) Furthermore, we're not in church here. Stop being so sensitive about all the "dirty talk." With all this talk of amnesty for illegal immigrants (among other things), I'm sure Mr. LePage isn't the only person who'd like to tell the president where to go.
I, for one, like the fact that Mr. LePage isn't just like all the others. "All the others" have gotten us into one heck of a pickle. I'm not crazy about some of his ideas about environmentalism, either... but somehow I don't think he's so unreasonable that he would not listen to his consituency...
Facts vs. Perception
Just an observation, but when she voiced her concern she may have believed her facts were correct. The only information I've got on this issue is what I've read here over the last few days... It would seem that, to her, it only looked like things had been mowed three times. If this is not the case, there are better ways to reassure someone that things are actually being taken care of than leaving a crudely fashioned note. (Was it written in black crayon on a lunch sack? How odd...)
I think, if it were me, I might also be a little upset... Step back a moment here and think this through: You think the place needs to be mowed. You point it out to the proper authorities. Nothing happens. You collect signatures of other folks who have also noticed that the place needs to be mowed. Nothing happens. There's a write-up in the paper ABOUT how "nothing happens." ...and like magic... the cemetery is mowed... EXCEPT for the plot where your loved ones are buried... AND you get a rude note telling you "It's personal." Hmmm... Yeah... Coincidence, I'm sure.
In a more general sense, yes...
...but remembering from Mr. Beedy's eighth grade history class lesson, he found it was also more specifically a nickname given to the lumberjacks that worked on the Androscoggin River. The article leads the reader in that direction, but you still kinda need to make that leap :)
A very nice apology, now let's see you back it up w/ ur actions.
"Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." -Hugh White (1773-1840), US Senator
Mr. Coburn:
I hope you have the opportunity to read this. I think it shows a great deal of maturity and courage to come forward and publicly take responsibility for your actions. I hope that you continue along this path and find a way to show your community that you are indeed remorseful, and that this is not simply a ploy for sympathy. I also hope that you might work at convincing the others involved that taking responsibility is the correct thing to do.
There isn't a reader among us who hasn't done something they regret deeply. It may not be as regretful as cemetery vandalism, and it may be far worse. Any of us that has made a mess of things, then had the courage to face it and ask forgiveness KNOWS that the road ahead is more difficult... but it sure beats walking around with a guilty conscience... and it's the honorable thing to do.
One reader mentioned you may have come forward and apologized to get a better deal on your sentence. Another reader mentioned you may have offered this apology for your "15 seconds of fame." I'm hoping you prove them wrong. I'd love to see you pull yourself up by your bootstraps and have a happy and prosperous life IN SPITE OF this rocky start.
Before any of this happened, there weren't too many of us in the community that knew you. Well, son, we know you now. Unfortunately, you didn't make a very good first impression. The opportunity is yours to show us that you're a better person, Billie. Please don't waste it.
Like a hole in the head
Have you visited your local Farmer's Market lately? You know, that little shack by the side of the road in front of the big garden?
Or if that's too rustic for you, how about Blackie's on Minot Ave in Auburn?
If you're interested in buying good, locally grown vegetables, at an affordable price, those might be the better places
to start rather than wishing another conglomerate would find it's way north.
...and Turner is "big enough" to support a Hannaford?
The only reason Hannaford is even remotely interested in this spot is to drive out Food City just up the street.
There may be enough people in the area to support Food City, but not necessarily enough to keep them afloat PLUS a big ole sprawlin' Hannaford... What does everyone have against "The Little Guy" anyway?
becoming an official canine rescue is harder these days...
...I no longer have all the details, but there is now more to it than just incorporating and getting your 501c3... A call to the State of Maine Animal Welfare office would point you in the right direction, though. Good luck to you when you're ready :)
The sad thing about "sled dogs" is...
...that many of them don't have much of a home life.
By nature, a dog needs a pack. When you separate them all into individual kennels, they will bark. When you have them in the back yard, all tethered to their individual tie-outs, unable to socialize normally, they will bark. On the flip side of that coin, if they are burning up all their energy running around in a huge pen socializing with the other dogs... they might not have all that get-up-and-go when it's time to work. Also, most are also not spayed and/or neutered, because a good puller or racer may produce good pups. When you have a female in heat, you need to keep her separate. The males will raise hell to get to her. An outdoor kennel can get very noisy. It's safe to say, sled dogs are generally more often kept as livestock rather than as pets (not saying that this particular owner treats their dogs this way... I have no personal knowledge of this particular owner). When kenneled, they have a lot of pent up energy, and they will bark... a lot.
As to "how do you know" it's the sled dogs and not the neighbors dogs? Ha. Are your sled dogs huskies or hounds? If they are, there is a very distinct difference. They don't just bark, they howl. There is also a huge difference between the sound of one or two dogs barking at one or two dogs in the next yard over... and a whole pack of sled dogs in one yard barking at once.
Years ago I was involved with an organization that took in the homeless huskies and sled dogs, helped them with their house manners, and found them new homes. I had a 20x50 enclosure in the back yard. At times, I had as many as 12 dogs. We didn't tolerate senseless barking. If one of the "kids" barked incessantly, it obviously needed something, and we'd figure out what it took to quiet our motormouth :) They would howl when the fire engines went by, but I never had one noise complaint from my neighbors.
It can be done, but it's a lot of work.
$40,000 in damage, 150 stones overturned. Karma, baby...
What a bunch of cowards showing such hateful disrespect to the dead. This is not a "victimless crime." When you violate a cemetery in this way, you violate the community as a whole.
I'm pretty sure the distinguished gentlemen incarcerated at The County will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. You had better not be anticipating a hero's welcome.
Here's hoping these are merely misguided souls, and not soulless fiends. Here's hoping they come forward, admit they messed up, and CLEAN UP AFTER THEMSELVES.
Karma's a b!tc#, baby... coming forward is the right thing to do. Just be thankful we don't have public stonings as a form of punishment in this country, because you'd be prime candidates!
In defense of the "Goth movement" ...
It may seem as though folks interested in the whole "Goth" thing might be "just the type" to party in cemeteries... but I can confidently assure you, The Goth have just as much, if not more, respect for the dead and their resting places as any other community.
Perhaps what you were leading to, was that since the Goth movement, younger people are more aware of cemeteries? Hmm... thinking back (I'm 40)... I seem to remember a lot of cemetery parties. No, this is nothing new... nor is the occasional ignorant jerk (or group of jerks) who think it would be cool to trash a cemetery.
(sigh) you're right
...and I took the bait :(
(hangs head in shame)
Thank you for sharing...
...such a beautiful poem :)
Hoping beyond hope...
...that Kim is finally found so her family and the community can have closure. One day she was there and the next day she was gone. What's frustrating is that there has to be someone out there that knows -something- about the whole thing.
Being from the area and of her generation, I've heard all the urban legends and ponderings through the years regarding her whereabouts. Still seeing her pretty face on the all-too-familiar posters all over town is a heart-wrenching reminder that things like this -do- happen here... but I think the worst part of all of it... is that the whole community pretty much believes it's one of our own at the root of her disappearance... and that this person has gotten away with it and been allowed to live out their life among us while Kim has not.
Well that explains THAT
They must have run out of memo's by the time they got to our street, because no one in my neighborhood was aware of this. We've all been putting our recycling out for the last two Monday's running... and wondering if the guys were on strike or something!
Brought tears to my eyes
Thank you for sharing this story! Thinking this is worth taking a trip to Wilson Pond some evening around 8PM... hoping to hear the gentlemen say goodnight :)
A rather offensive broad brush, don't you think?
That's like saying "The Democrats" are too busy passing laws to hand out our tax dollars to illegal immigrants and welfare recipients to be interested in creating jobs for the working class (Sorry, temporary positions with the census bureau or IRS don't really count for much). I think it is probably more accurate to say that there are many young Americans that hear it and do not understand... just as many are unaware of proper flag etiquette.
Although I hold a rather Libertarian viewpoint, I was raised by very Republican parents and grandparents. They were painfully aware of the significance of taps. They were also very familiar with driving their young male family members to the train station to send them off to war. Their political views in no way made them less patriotic. I would dare say the same holds true for many modern Republicans and Democrats, alike.
If, in fact, there are Americans among us who are unaware of the significance of taps... wouldn't it be more constructive to explain it to them ("Excuse me... this is taps... Please (take your hat off and) have a moment of silence to honor the fallen.") rather than to blindly berate them as nasty "republicans?"
Thank you, veterans, for fighting valiantly so that we may have the freedom to have these discussions here today. God bless the USA.
$20,000 fine
Sounds like a grand idea... but if a person doesn't have the money, they don't have the money. I don't know Mr. Vining's financial situation, but a $20,000 fine seems a little mild.
Maybe it would be more effective to have him do community service at the animal shelter in addition to a fine?
perhaps :)
I hope neither of us ever need to test any of the above theories. Thank you for the alternate point of view.
Never having owned a dog that would have been inclined to run away, it didn't occur to me that the Doxie or the JRT might have chosen "run and hide." Typically a bigger dog sees "run" as something prey would do... a bigger dog would more likely stand its ground... but a little dog might choose "run away," I guess?
I've always been on the other side of the coin... I've been a husky owner for years (I have only one elderly dog now)... they train their humans differently :) Personally, I would have never taken my dogs out without a leash... but they were huskies... they might be three counties over before I could find them if they got loose... and I knew full well what mayhem they were capable of along the way. It was my responsibility to keep them from getting themselves into trouble, and I took it seriously. I can tell from your posts that your dog's best interests are a priority to you, as well.
Happy trails :)
AT LARGE
Interesting argument, jeffyd. Pretty sure it doesn't apply to Mr. Vining's situation, though.
I meant to say...
...that both the doxie and the huskies were leashed, but the huskies were unlicensed and un-vaccinated. THAT owner simply couldn't control the number of prey-driven dogs she had leashed at one time.
Dogs, by nature, are not
Dogs, by nature, are not "solitary" creatures. They require a pack... a family... to be happy. Forcing it to live it's life "in solitary" would be more cruel than giving it the needle.
voice commands
While I understand your argument, I would have to argue... there is nothing quite as effective as pulling a voice-command-responsive dog AWAY from an attacking dog... as the leash attached to it's collar... and a big stick...
One irresponsible owner kills two dogs, traumatizes children
At least that's what the article should be titled. Nice going, Mr. Vining. Because of your irresponsible actions, your dog will most likely be put down. The leash laws are in place for a reason, and it's NOT simply to raise revenue.
There seems to be a lot of this "dangerous dog" thing going around lately. A family just lost a doxie to a husky (both leashed, but unlicensed and un-vaccinated) in Lewiston last month.
Sadly, we live in a society where there is still a bit of stubbornness where it comes to owning dogs. There are owners who either give the argument that their family has "always" raised their dogs this way, or they think it's cruel to restrain a dog, or they believe vaccinations make their dogs sicker than the diseases they are made to prevent. There are also owners who refuse to license their dogs simply because they feel the town gets enough of their money already.
The fact is, it's cruel to raise a dog without giving it the boundaries it needs. A domesticated dog needs those boundaries. It needs a pack leader (and that, by no means, requires cruelty) to know what is acceptable behavior. When contained to your yard, it needs vaccinations to protect it from the wildlife (and un-vaccinated domesticated animals) which will eventually wander -into- your yard. It needs to be licensed so that on the rare occasion where it slips its collar or digs under the fence you can show up at the shelter and claim it. Believe it or not, they -want- to give you your dog back. They're not the enemy.
My sincere condolences to the Miller family.
Congrats, Michelle! Kudos, Angie! :)
Class rings used to be something we all looked forward to getting. I remember working so hard for mine and stashing money away and debating which design I wanted. I don't think they're that big a deal anymore... my son didn't even want one :/
If only someone would be so kind as to find and return mine, too... Livermore Falls, Class of '88, green stone... anyone? Been missing since 1989. Probably long gone.
Kicking
I agree, northwoods. If you don't have a big stick or a cane, kicking (as awful as it might sound to some people) is the best distraction. Striking them is not nearly as awful as dealing with the bite wounds that can come of a bad fight.
Two huskies, downtown, no vaccinations, no licences.
As an experienced husky owner, I will not begin by crying about how it's only in the dogs' nature. I want to know what in hell possesses people to own ANY breed of dog in a highly populated area and be so irresponsible as to NOT vaccinate? These two dogs are most likely NOT rabid. They saw a small dog, and thought, "squeak toy." They could have just as easily lunged for a rabid skunk or raccoon, which WOULD have made them sick. I'm sure this owner loves her dogs, but it's a selfish love. Can't afford the license and vetting? Surrender the dogs. Our local shelters do a fantastic job at re-homing ALL breeds. When they get over-crowded, they call breed-specific rescues to help with the overflow. There may be places in the country where dropping your pet at the shelter is a death sentence, but we are fortunate to live in an area where the majority can find a new home. If you can't take care of your animals, do right by them. Surrender them to an organization that can and will.
That being said, I do feel badly for the huskies which were only doing what huskies do... their owner should not have had them in a situation where they were not completely in her control. In all honestly, if you own a husky, you KNOW you can't allow (most of) them to be around small animals. If you're leash-walking and you see a small dog, you take them AWAY from it. If you can't control your dogs on their leash, you need to find another way to exercise them.
My sincere condolences to the family who lost the doxie. What a terrible thing for a child to have to witness. My heart goes out to you.