Archive for November, 2006

New State Prison in Idaho Falls

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 14, 2006

If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to the newsletter or RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!I hope someone builds a privately-run state prison in the Idaho Falls area. A new prison in our area would provide many local jobs, it would be a shot in the arm for local growth, and Idaho […]

Biggest developments in 06′

Posted by dnix0112

November 13, 2006

Even though the year is not yet over and there may certainly be more news before it ends, I have decided to take a look back and rank what I see as the biggest developments in 06′.
First off, I am sure everyone will agree the biggest would have to be Taylor Crossing and the announcement […]

The Home Depot Customer Service Deficiency

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 12, 2006

I laughed when I recently read The 10 Best (and 10 Worst) Companies for Customer Service. Number four on the list of worst companies was The Home Depot.

I also had a recent poor customer service experience at the Idaho Falls Home Depot store. Please keep in mind that I spend lots of money at home […]

94.3 Gets Family Christmas Music Wrong

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 11, 2006

Many eastern Idahoans were disappointed when local radio station 94.3 played two months of Christmas music then switched to wuss programming.
The other night I was actually in the mood for Christmas music, and quickly found 94.3 is playing two months of Christmas music again this year.
Unfortunately, I had to quickly shut off 94.3 and […]

Give me thirty seconds and I will give you IE tabs in Firefox

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 10, 2006

Firefox is the superior browser to Internet Explorer (IE) 6 or 7, but occasionally some websites have particular code that only works in IE. Those sites are few and far between, but they do complicate the browsing experience by forcing you to launch IE instead of another Firefox tab.
For example, I can use Yahoo! […]

Idaho asserts education as lowest priority

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 9, 2006

It seems America took four steps forward while Idaho took eight steps backwards this election. I don’t mean one party is or will be better than the other. I mean that folks were tired of the same, tired lines from one party and elected a new direction, a change up.
America’s change ups that are […]

KPVI 6 Reporter Suzanne Hobbs on the Oprah show

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 8, 2006

I was surprised to see a local reporter on the Oprah show and not see or hear a mention in our local media. KPVI Channel 6 reporter Suzanne Hobbs was featured for about four minutes during Oprah’s November 3, 2006 show on teen mothers who kill their newborn babies.
Footage was shown from the infamous […]

Idaho Electronic Voting Considerations

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 7, 2006

I’ve read many stories the last couple years about electronic voting technology. HBO’s Special Hacking Democracy on aired Sunday and is available to watch for free on Google Video. It is a great expose of the problems with this early technology, and how the electronic voting machine companies are covering up the shortfalls.

I recently saw […]

How Idaho Falls can foster a Silicon Valley economy

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 6, 2006

I recently read an article about how your town could make itself into a Silicon Valley. The emphasis was on fostering a technology-startup economy that generates lots of cash and tourists. Wouldn’t it be nice if Idaho Falls could cultivate an environment that generated lots of startup companies, with the cash and tourist boom following?

The […]

Idaho Falls Legislative Race

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 5, 2006

This should be the final candidate-discussion article for the 2006 Election season (is that applause?)

I’m kinda disappointed in some of our local candidates exposure to the public. Only Cannon, McGeachin, Williams, and McGimpsey setup websites to reach voters. Only Cannon and McGimpsey made an effort to discuss issues with local voters on this website.
The […]

Firefox 2’s built-in spellchecker is great for blogging

Posted by Joe Vandal

November 3, 2006

Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2 were both released a week or so ago. IE7 is pushed as an automatic update from Microsoft, so the number of people switching to that is significant and growing. You can get Firefox 2 for free with a small download at Mozilla.org It takes just a couple minutes to […]

Local Company to Throw Concert, Party for new Clothing Line

Posted by JeremyPlo

November 2, 2006

It’s not every day a national act plays Idaho Falls … it’s also as rare that a local pigeonhole clothing line becomes as successful as Devin Taylor’s Bleeding Star.
So to celebrate their new fall line of t-shirts, Bleeding Star will be bringing in metal acts Drop Dead, Gorgeous , Dear Whoever, Upon Beauty Rests, The […]

Idaho Falls Live Chat

Last Message 4 hours, 50 minutes ago

Joe Eagle, oaj and 1 guest are online.

Guest_7000 : That is funny!
Guest_5547 : What a hoot! its funny to see somebody complain about sock puppeting while they themselves are sock puppeting. lol
Guest_House : Looks like whats their name is whining again.
boomer : Your rules are very clear, and they're right above the response box. All you mods need to do is enforce them. There are lots of ways then can do it, and there should be nothing to prevent them from expressing their views as long as they follow the same rules. It's up to you to decide if a mod is off center or playing hanky-panky in some way, and you can fire 'em at will. This is your joint, and we are all here as your guests. You can stop any party that gets too rowdy anytime you want.
boomer : Hi, Joe...
Guest_me : hmmm, a matter of opinion...
0000 : Yeah, the difference is that now we're crabbing with good reason.
Guest_me : Not many posting lately, seems more like a bunch of crabbing. Hope to see more viewers posting instead of arguing.
Guest_me : I like the new format, several articles on the front home page. Makes it easier to go back over the last week or more of posts.
0000 : He has no interest in that 1234. That's been made quite clear.
Guest_1234 : Talk is cheap. So put your actions where you mouth is.
Guest_1234 : Joe, how can discussion be mind bending when only folks who agree with each other and you and the mods are welcome?
0000 : tks u2
Guest_1234 : k bey. nice chattin
Guest_1234 : slapping each other on the bak and eating each others fleas. a pretty aprop. comment i think
0000 : yeah I agree with that. I need to go to bed. You take care okay?
Guest_1234 : an out of town friend logged on the other day and reviewed some stuff. her comment was it felt really creepy to her ... like a bunch of monkey's who can only get their identity from
0000 : Well here comes the ultimate in "sigh"ers. You have a great night 1234
0000 : they'll get pretty bored amongst themselves with nobody to make fun of and everyone to agree with.
0000 : yep, it sure will.
Guest_1234 : and when that happens the site will die. too bad.
0000 : then they can keep the site one-sided complete with condescending and spiteful remarks by whoever wants to make them provided they agree with the majority.
0000 : I agree. But if Joe only listens to them, then the rest of us don't count I guess huh?
Guest_1234 : moderators evenhanded? yeah, sinc when. this sort of "spinning" the facts is really annoying
0000 : seems that way
0000 : they don't want drama, but they sure stir it up and then blatantly refuse to fix it.
Guest_1234 : he seems to want a community of stepford wives
0000 : quite the results huh?
Guest_1234 : ya, i've e-mailed too with the same result.
0000 : Amen to that. I am sure he umm...won't read this. He asked me to email him, but I did the other day and he didn't bother to acknowledge my email.
Guest_1234 : do a lot of us feel unwelcome here? yup! cause this is a very conservative town and many of you seem to feel that it we're not with you we're against you.
Guest_1234 : you said it was the worst ever? come on! anyone who can read can find all sorts of examples here of really rude and over the top behavior and they were'nt pulled.
Guest_1234 : whoever it was was upset, but then again i don't blamne the person. as a single mom (and the victim of a violent crime) i would have been very scared on bundy's threats. and the post was not what you're making it out to be imo.
Guest_1234 : just logged on and checked out the live chat. i did see hoagie's last post if you're referring to the one in opposable thumbs (if it was hoagie -- who know -- you seem to assume it was.
Guest_1234 : Hey Joe,
Guest_441 : Maybe I could tie it in to a "what I wish I knew back in high school" article. Who would of thought I'd see Poison as a senior in HS and as a mom! Ugh. Nite, headed to bed here too. Agreed on the drama. Feels like days of our lives sometimes.
Joe Eagle : I hope we can get off the drama over the past couple of days and get onto good thought bending discussions
Joe Eagle : Well, it's late better hit the sac. (yep, i'm getting older)
Joe Eagle : ha ha.
Joe Eagle : Nah, no need to attend all... Just a glimpse of a piece is all one needs... That's all the local papers do and they spit out articles like no tomorrow.
Guest_441 : At least I don't have the poufy bangs anymore.
Guest_441 : Ah, but then I'd have to attend all events to be fair. Want to sponsor us? Sagging, funny! Aren't we all!
Joe Eagle : and maybe sagging in a few places...
Joe Eagle : It can be on the quality of entertainment brought by the State Fair...
Guest_441 : I think it's still the same four. Hair probably not as high and teased though.
Joe Eagle : Youll have to let us know who the players are: Bobby Doll, Ricky Rocket, CC Davill, Brett Michaels... or others?
Guest_441 : What would a Poison article entail, besides those of us pushing 40 trying to revive our youth......
Joe Eagle : sounds like a blast!
Guest_441 : It will be our 3rd date in 2 months, we need a night out! Found a sitter too, yahoo!
Joe Eagle : Now, i've got the money for a concert, just not the time...
Guest_441 : Same here, but my babysitting money went for a few fun things. Best concert, Pink Floyd in 94. Or I can learn to use my current camera better!
Joe Eagle : WE'LL, now'd be a great time to get that new camera!
Joe Eagle : I grew up in humble circumstances... never much money in my pocket to buy concert tickets...
Guest_441 : My digital camera doesn't seem to work well at night, must be doing something wrong.
Joe Eagle :
Joe Eagle : Never really went to a concert....
Joe Eagle : 441, you'll have to take some pictures and write an article about the concert for us all.
Guest_441 : Or never bought a ticket b/c you snuck in?
Joe Eagle : Gnight, 0000. Thanks for your comments.
Guest_441 : You've never been to a concert?
Guest_441 : Just like when Def Lepard was here back in what, 2002?
Joe Eagle : If I was going to be in town when they play thursday, I might have actually bought my 1st concert ticket ever.
0000 : hey you two, have a great night, i'll wait for the next blowup here, it won't be long I'm sure
Guest_441 : I can't wait to see Poison, memories of high school come flooding back!
Guest_441 : could go
Joe Eagle : I can't believe they are featuring Poison! I remember them from way back in the 80's
Guest_441 : Good idea, this good go on all night. We are headed over but not sure when.
0000 : and view IPs
Joe Eagle : I'm heading to the fair tomorrow!
0000 : I think you need to read threads
Joe Eagle : If you could email me some examples of your concerns, that would help. Maybe there are some situations you are aware of that I am not.
0000 : Bluernote is another who seems to try to remain neutral in his comments, doesn't attack
Guest_441 : Sigh........So, who's headed to the fair next week?
0000 : not when they stire the fire joe
Guest_441 : I agree, it's thankless no matter how you look at it. Kind of like being a parent sometimes.
0000 : gato is one of few who usually tries to stay out of the mix when it's heated, but even at that, I think she should step in and try to calm it down
Joe Eagle : They are volunteers... they volunteered when there was a need. If anything I think we should be at least thankful to them for helping with the site.
Guest_441 : No, you read it wrong. I meant we all submit ideas for how to be a moderator, rules for moderators, etc. Then Joe drafts a "rules for moderators" guidelines based on input.
0000 : then Joe, you need to pick more responsible moderators
0000 : 441, another popularity contest
Joe Eagle : Moderators need to be able to comment. They are volunteers who help keep the site up and running and free of junk. They first came here to participate and give of their time to all.
0000 : we know who most are and we usually know when they are using a sock puppet, but one way or the other, some of them really stir the pot.
Guest_441 : Maybe we need to start a "what will make the best moderator" thread, let the readers post how they would like to see moderators act, see what ideas come out of it.
Joe Eagle : Well, that's why I've allowed all the moderators to remain anon. So they can participate as a regular user and still edit an objectionable post when necessary (vulgarity, attacks, spam, etc)
0000 : that might help 441
0000 : not even when they use sock puppets
Guest_441 : Maybe moderators could step in with a "hey, chill out, here's the rule you're violating here" comment, but refrain from giving their own opinion in the thread during the arguing.
0000 : when they start throwing in smart a-- commens, they don't look responsible
0000 : if they can't remain objective, yes
Joe Eagle : Do you think moderators should be restricted from posting their views?
0000 : some of the mods are great at stirring the pot. They should try to remain neutral instead of smart a** remarks
0000 : having moderators as opposed to little spies might be a start, people who will step in to calm things down instead of stirring the fire with unwarranted comments
Joe Eagle : I agree we want them to feel welcome...
Joe Eagle : What do you think would help people feel more welcome
0000 : That's why Joe Vandal quit allowing moderators, he did it.
Joe Eagle : I absolutly do not read all the posts. If only I had that much time on my hands... But I've asked the moderators to keep me informed as to what they do change, and I do read through some threads when I get the chance.
0000 : You are the only one who can change that.
0000 : Some don't exactly feel welcome
Joe Eagle : And as I said - everyone is welcome here, just lets please play a little nicer.
0000 : I thought you didn't read posts much?