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| Post Number: 1
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jimhanson 
Group: Moderator
Posts: 8491
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 06 2004,10:39 am |
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I'm reminded of an old joke. An old Jew is at the Wailing Wall, speaking in Yiddish (it helps if you tell the joke with an accent). A TV reporter comes up to him and asks "what did you just say?" The old man tells the reporter "I'm asking God to make me a better person, to understand my enemies, to try to do the right things in life, to not cause hurt in this world. I'm asking Him to do the same for my enemies, to help us all see the other person's point of view, to treat others as we would be treated. That's all I ask!"
The reporter says "That's very noble". After going through this experience, how does that make you feel?"
The old man replies "LIKE I'M TALKING TO THE **** WALL!"
I'm starting to feel the same way about the Forum. Perhaps it is the political season, but I get the feeling that the tenor here is getting "edgy". I've always felt the Forum was like the old-time cafe's in small towns--the local "House of Knowledge". A Discussion (that IS the name of this Forum) could always be found at various tables over cups of coffee--sometimes even a mild argument--but never rudeness or name-calling. The level of discussion lately has been too harsh. If the level of discussion reached that point in the old cafe's, people would just quit coming, and the same will happen here.
I've talked to a couple of you about my desire to pull back from the issues. I thought about dropping out for a while--some people do that with an "I'm out of here" attitude. I even tried not posting for a few days after I flew a trip--but I'm always curious as to what people had to say--it's hard to drop out.
I've tried to put my finger on what makes the Forum so addicting. One reason is that, because I have to be here so many hours, nearly 7 days a week (though I don't work very hard!)  --I don't "rub up" against people often, and get a chance to share their views. Another reason is the anonymity of the Forum--people will sometimes say one thing to your face, another in private--the Forum doesn't care, because people are anonymous--they will tell you what they think.
I've always thought that the Forum was more about the ability to organize, explain, research, and defend your own thoughts than it was to convince others. Let's face it, most people aren't going to change their thoughts based on an anonymous poster on the Forum. I've had a great time researching facts (Even if I 'Know" them, because I know they will be questioned) and developing my own ideas--but some arguments are best walked away from.
It's time for me to back away from being so involved--not because I don't like it, but because I like it so well! I'm not mad at anybody--(well, OK, maybe a couple of you!) It has become too time-consuming. I spend time talking to unknown friends, when I should be trying to spend more time with "real" ones. I spend time with this electronic medium--this GAME--when I should be out having more REAL ADVENTURES (though it IS fun zapping liberal "aliens"!) If I spent some of the time that I spend on the Forum working harder on selling airplanes, I'd make more money--and maybe Maryalice could retire!
I've got a busy summer season coming up--fishing trip to Arkansas, a walleye tournament in Chamberlain, several weeks up in the Arctic (but not to that heavenly place called ANWR!) --so this is the right time to kick back a bit.
I'm not going to go away--I'll just try to refrain from posting on political topics--though in today's divided world, nearly ANY topic can be political. I'll do SOME posting, and more reading. I'll still be available by E-mail or PM. If you hear muffled screams and gnashing of teeth, that would be ME, trying NOT to get involved in a topic!
In the meantime, take the time to re-read the joke at the top of the page, and keep it in mind.
JIM
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"If you want to anger a Conservative, tell him a lie. If you want to anger a LIBERAL, tell him the TRUTH!"
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| Post Number: 2
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minnow
Group: Members
Posts: 2243
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 06 2004,11:35 am |
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Me too...I'm too old to ratchet jaw with dumb little kids like Truth and Daisy Duke, rednecks, white trash, and closed minded old timers. In AL, even the kids are old timers!
I just post here to while away the boredom, but with the exception of a few like Lib and J Hansen, I just don't like or respect most (typical AL) people here. A good example is morons like Gilispi, who accuses....or has the dumb nerve to call me paranoid, even though it's public knowledge he's already offered a $200 bounty on head. That's just plain criminal...a criminal act. I really don't have time for such nonsense.
Plus,
.... It's spring now and I have a life to lead...So.....
Whoops...I seemed to have left out some posters "few like Lib and J Hansen and Minnow fan and a few others..."
Most of the close minded oldies and hypocrites I could do without.
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| Post Number: 3
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GEOKARJO
Google This!!!
Group: Members
Posts: 7799
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 06 2004,12:21 pm |
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While many of you sit here behind your computers and bitch about the daily grind of local issues and national issues. I want to ask one thing........................ What have you personally done to promote Albert Lea.
It is human nature to bitch about something you have no control over or no involvement in. We say Sparks didn't do his job.
Natural Biologics first wanted to locate to Austin ( they may be closed now but our research was valid we will win this.... ) Austin did not have a sewer to handle the needs of the plant.
I lived in Albert Lea. I knew I was paying for a new sewer for a kill plant that got scrapped and reccomended Albert Lea to the company and talked to Dave Olson of V-Ram Products as to who we should contact and he directed us to the proper agencies.
I took my 401k and invested into this store, now I am moving my store and will be keeping more money in the community. I am a national internet service bringing money in from 100 s of miles to Albert Lea. I did it without the help of the city or Greater Jobs.
As I said before name one thing, you personally are able to boast, that you have promoted growth in Albert Lea.
If you can't quit your b*tchin.
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| Post Number: 4
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Truth
Group: Members
Posts: 552
Joined: Feb. 2004
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Posted on: Apr. 06 2004,9:20 pm |
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Good name calling minnow. Nice. Real mature.
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The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy.
Nietzsche
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| Post Number: 5
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Mamma
Group: Members
Posts: 1474
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 06 2004,10:07 pm |
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Minnow has a life to lead? I thought this was his life? Who can we appoint as official "story teller" now?
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A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.
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| Post Number: 6
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kid dyn-o-mite
Group: Members
Posts: 366
Joined: Apr. 2004
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Posted on: Apr. 07 2004,1:56 am |
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Sure, if you think someone can replace the minnow. Are you up to the task Mamma? Because I don't think Truth is going to cut the mustard, as they say.
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This message has been approved by me, Kid Dyn-o-mite.
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| Post Number: 7
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Mamma
Group: Members
Posts: 1474
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 07 2004,8:12 am |
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no, I am not up to it. Nobody, but nobody, can ever replace the Minnow.
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A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.
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| Post Number: 8
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BDV
Group: Members
Posts: 11
Joined: Mar. 2004
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Posted on: Apr. 07 2004,10:27 am |
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Hey now, don't give us that redneck "nobody can replace minnow" trailers trash talk. YeR InSane, What are you gerdrunken? (See it won't be hard to replace him Mama) YeR an IDIOT.
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| Post Number: 9
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rosebudinal
Group: Members
Posts: 303
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 07 2004,10:48 am |
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I will miss Jims frequent posts. But, he knows that I will pm him if need be. He deserves a break!!! Mama, you are not even remotely close to Minnow and that"individual" that called you an idiot doesn't deserve a response. You are above that. There are certain posters in here that I find uninteresting, slanderous, etc. but, they deserve to post their opinions as much as the next guy. Sometimes, I think an ignore button would help alot in here. in the meanwhile......
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| Post Number: 10
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Mamma
Group: Members
Posts: 1474
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Apr. 07 2004,7:32 pm |
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If that was your audition it was pretty darn close!
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A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.
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