Smart Meters - CMP

As many of you know, CMP has begun installing "smart meters" on homes to which they provide power. Currently, they are doing it whether you want it or not, like it or not. They apparently have no respect for your property being yours, not theirs.

But here is the real issue --- while they claim the smart meters are used to make your electrical usage "more efficient", that is nothing more than a slick way of saying they will now be able to limit the amount of power that goes to your home, if they or the government feel you are using too much. Electricity police.

The government under Obama/Pelosi/Reid already passed a bill in the "stimulus bill" that allows them to do just that. They now have the power to decide for you just how much electricity you need, and when you may access it. That was the ONLY purpose behind Obama's "smart grid". It has nothing to do with efficiency - it has everything to do with regulation and control; an integral part of his Cap & Trade dream.

Residents of Maine need to stand and tell the PUC to give residents the choice of opting out of a smart meter. And CMP should be forced, by injunction if necessary, to halt installations until such time as the PUC makes a determination and, if necessary, the people appeal to the courts.

For the moment, this is still America, which is supposed to be a free country. But every time the government or some bureaucratic agency takes a breath, we lose freedoms.

The Constitution was written to help us protect our rights and freedoms by insuring that the people control government, not vice versa. But as of today, government now controls insurance companies, auto manufacturers, our health care, much of our food supply, our schools, and now our electricity usage (and on December 20th the FCC plans to take control of the internet). So, tell me - what freedoms DO we still have left? In what manner do we control the government? And don't say "voting", because many of the agencies passing these regulations such as the EPA, FCC, FDA etc. are not even elected to office - they are dictatorial and can even bypass Congress.

Something needs to change. We need to draw a line in the sand. And in Maine, I think this is that line.

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A Day To Give Thanks

From our house to yours, we wish you a life with much to be thankful for. And somewhere amongst the din of family, turkey & gravy, apple pie and football, please take a few moments to think about all that you do have to be thankful for.

Around our table each person is asked to relate those things for which we are most grateful.

As for myself, I am thankful for everything - even the bad things that allow me to appreciate the good all the more. After all, would spring seem so sweet if we did not have to suffer through a winter to get there?

So, I am thankful for the hard times that plague our nation, as it will make us stronger, and teach us to be humble. I am even thankful for my COPD, as it has taught me to live every day as if it might end sooner than expected.

Yes, let us be thankful even for the "blessings in disguise" - those trials and tribulations that, without them, we would be much less than we are.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

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The "789" Chevy

Thought y'all would enjoy this, courtesy of Norm Walker -

This car was built by N2A motors (No Two Alike). The company is planning a production run Of about 100 vehicles. It sits on a Corvette C6 chassis, Front styled like a '57 Chevy, side like a '58, rear like a '59. Hence the designation "789". See it here

Thanx, Norm

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Remembering Glen

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It is with great sorrow that I report Glenn Thurlow lost his fight with Cancer 11/9/2010

Glen was well-loved, and well-respected by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

I am sorry I do not have any details to report on any services. If anyone has that info, please let folks know by posting a comment below.

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Birthdays and Time Travel

Last Saturday we attended Dale Chasse's 50th Birthday party at the Captain's Galley in Old Orchard. Everyone had a lot of fun - Dale is just a great guy, with lots of friends.

It came to pass during the evening that mention was made of an apparent "time traveler" spotted in a 1928 Charlie Chaplin film, "The Circus". In it, someone in the public crowd was caught walking past the camera, apparently talking into a cellphone.

The film is real, and has been authenticated. For those of you who expressed interest in seeing it, you can view it here...

A note here - the cellphone would be 70 years away. The transistor radio 20 years into the future. Walkie-talkies - 10 years into the future. And hand-held tape recorders were 40 years away.

Watch closely, not only the slo-mo and close-ups, but also the feet of the individual. And note that the person does seem to be trying to hide themselves by dressing in rather strange and heavy clothing - considering everyone else in the film is dressed in summer attire.

I'm not saying I'm convinced - but it certainly does raise questions!

And no, it is not Sarah Palin reading crib notes on her hand :o)

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More Slides

I have posted a couple more slideshows - you're really going to love the one about Garage Doors. Pix were provided by Bill Gribizis (thanx, Billy-Boy).

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Thought I Would Share This

A lot of folks - especially older folks (and many car buffs are) - find themselves afflicted with joint pain. Personally, I have been fortunate enough to escape that, but my dear wife has suffered for over 15 years. We tried everything the doctor could toss at us - no help.

Then as I studied the issue, I discovered that yucca is a natural and outstanding, safe supplement that is thought to promote symptom relief similar to steroid medications with none of the side effects and has many uses including for the joints, skin, and digestion. Yucca is given internally for joint health and digestion but must be diluted before being administered because it is quite bitter.

I thought we would try it. I surfed around and found the strongest I could find - an extract called YUCCA INTENSIVE. But it was $15 for a 2 oz bottle (with eyedropper - one drop per 10-12 pounds of body weight). Then I found out that the exact same product, made by the same folks is also packaged for pets, and sold at 1800petmeds. I checked it out and, though it was still $15, Petmeds offers a $5 off instant online coupon - just type WEBC5 in the coupon box.

Anyway, to make a long story still long, we tried it. Robin puts 12 drops a day in her coffee. And within 5 days the pain was gone for the first time in years. As a side note, she doesn't get indigestion anymore, either.

So, I though I would pass this along. I can't guarantee it will work for everyone, but it worked for Robin. If you do try it, I would be interested in hearing the results you have.

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