Grand Forks Life: Open Thread #62.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Open Thread #62.

Go ahead, bloviate.

147 comments:

Rebecca said...: Who will be caucusing next week? I'll be a first time caucus goer here in the state of ND. Any reactions to Obama's ad and presence here in ND considering he's the only one to do so (that I know of)?; 9:50 AM, January 28, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: Hugos. Sunday afternoon. 40 people in line. Three checkstands closed. Cashiers with no sense of urgency. Grandmas writing checks. 20 minute wait in the express line to checkout.

What is this, 1985?; 10:17 AM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Ads and money being spent do not influence my vote one way or the other.

I care more about the the platforms and ideas, rather than how much times I see a candidate while I watch tv.; 11:21 AM, January 28, 2008
Matt BK said...: John Edwards will be in Fargo, on Wednesday, so I hear.; 11:44 AM, January 28, 2008
Unknown said...: Matt, which Hugo's did you go to? I went to the one on Gateway (a.k.a. Ghetto Hugo's) on Sunday afternoon and there were no lines at all.; 1:21 PM, January 28, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: 32nd Ave S; 1:39 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: my favorite is "the slow write"..and don't start before you are given a total....and make sure you then flip to the ledger and start writing in cursive....

or the ...dig through the coin purse to find the two pennies...and then look through your entire purse..

glad to see I am not the only one that bugs...; 2:38 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: I'm voting Ron Paul in the caucus
He's America's last hope.; 2:46 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Throwing your vote away on Ron Paul is a last hope, alright.

Someone beat me to the comments, Matt, but Hugo's are different according to location. I've never been disappointed or disadvantaged at the East Side location, for example; something that I can't say for the other locations. It is ridiculous, how employees in so many retail outlets are inattentive to the point of rudeness these days.

And soon we'll not be 'writing' out checks (even Walmart has made the adjustment to catch up with more metro areas), which helps expediate things a bit. I write in most of the info while I'm standing in line, otherwise, just 'cause I can identify with the 'slow writer.'

Interesting comments, thus far. More like this blog used to be!; 3:14 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Throwing your vote away on Ron Paul is a last hope, alright.

Someone beat me to the comments, Matt, but Hugo's are different according to location. I've never been disappointed or disadvantaged at the East Side location, for example; something that I can't say for the other locations. It is ridiculous, how employees in so many retail outlets are inattentive to the point of rudeness these days.

And soon we'll not be 'writing' out checks (even Walmart has made the adjustment to catch up with more metro areas), which helps expediate things a bit. I write in most of the info while I'm standing in line, otherwise, just 'cause I can identify with the 'slow writer.'

Interesting comments, thus far. More like this blog used to be!; 3:14 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: So if your grandparent can't see as well as they did when they changed your bratty ass diapers, now you want to make fun of them because they too much time to write a check or dig for coins? My aren't we full of ourselves.; 3:31 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Different anonymous posting, but I'll make fun of them. I don't care. Let them get a check card, it takes no time at all and comes out of their checking account.; 4:02 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: anyone else feel ron paul could die in office (of old age)?; 4:46 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Not the oval office; he'd never gain admittance.; 5:09 PM, January 28, 2008
Matt BK said...: Throwing your vote away on Ron Paul is a last hope, alright.

Absolutely no one who exercises their right to vote is throwing their vote away. I respect everyone's right to vote for whom they please, and I wish others would do the same.; 7:39 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: I'm a college student and I am thoroughly pissed that checks are being phased out. If you have a problem with anyone using their right to form of payment slow down. Seriously.

Oh and I am really excited to caucus next week, especially after learning that ND uses a primary style caucus rather than the lame Iowa style.; 9:06 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: What bothers me is all the shopping carts everywhere in the parking lots. I was down south and they had a very inexpensive way of keeping the carts in the store ... anyone who brought a cart back into the store got a raffle ticket and every week there was a drawing for a gift card to that store. I thought this was a great idea, and there were no stranded carts anywhere!!!

I know I'd grab a cart and bring it in for a chance of free money. Anyways, I've always wondered if that would work here???; 9:08 PM, January 28, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: Drew:

Sure, you've got a right to slow the world down, but realize you're a clot in the system. It's too crowded and too hectic for you to take up my time by using an archaic means of exchange - common courtesy would be to at least be prepared to do it quickly.

Meanwhile, the meat is spoiling, the ice cream melting and 5 people are waiting on me to start cooking.

When in traffic, do your part to work with the flow instead of against it.; 9:20 PM, January 28, 2008
Unknown said...: Checks are an archaic form of payment anyway. When friends of mine come to visit from Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, etc., they always laugh when they see people writing out checks at restaurants and at the mall. Banks finally caught on that it was way too easy for people to float checks, and they'd get their money faster if they just gave everyone a debit card.; 10:26 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: Can I just say that teh word caucus sounds dumb as hell. We can't come up with something better?; 11:02 PM, January 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: You and your friends are so hip, Liz. I am in awe. (Eyes rolling); 11:02 PM, January 28, 2008
Unknown said...: Like it or not, friend, my friends and I are the future of this city. :) Don't worry, I'm sure "the home" will accept checks.; 11:11 PM, January 28, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: I'm always amazed by the number of electronic card signers up here that have pen signatures on them. Seriously...how slow can people be?; 12:21 AM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I'm surprised no one has come over here to comment on the presidential mess. As a UND student, I'm a little miffed!; 12:41 AM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I don't really know what to say about the presidential thing. As a student, I'm once again let down. UND is losing its reputation, and I can see why. This **semester**, I payed $97.25 for the new wellness center and it's operation, $81.00 for the software that lets me register for classes and see what I owe (and not much else), and I assume part of that $16 million waste-of-space at Univ/Columbia and Tom Buning's little "severance package" is covered in the $294.25 "mandatory student fees." Tuition has jumped by about a grand since I started a few years ago, and we all know how much textbooks cost. Well anyways, I see they think they found the next president and I'm happy. Now I can go back to worrying about more important things such as if I should work longer hours to pay for things like utilities, food and tuition..OR..use those hours instead to study and actually have some skills to go along with that diploma. Oh well, I know 6 months after I graduate UND will call me to see how I'm doing and ask for a donation- just ask any graduate who keeps their number up-to-date with them. Thanks for reading my rant...

PS- I hate waiting for check writers too. Matt said it best above...; 2:31 AM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: you know, you read the first post in this thread and think, its nice to see some people working against typical dakota stereotypes, posing a question relating to a topic largely dominating national news and bringing it local, only to find its posters more interested in the elderly's check writing habits, shopping carts, and a grocery store. just a thought to ponder. so to start back at the beginning, i'll be caucusing and took the day off to do so which will result in me not having a social life this pay period. obama is the only democrat to have election offices in north dakota and to be honest i think that does matter. i'd agree i'm not going to vote for someone based off a 30 second advertisement, but it does say something of the man that he is willing to spend money in a state that on the national scene doesn't matter, who's 3 electoral votes he won't tally up to himself come november, and who on february 5th will rank 24/24 in regards to "importance" of results. at minimum its shows a willingness to have some sort of a relationship with the entire country, not just those construed as politically potent. i think its pretty safe to assume a majority of american's are disenfranchised with the state we're in, and not just the executive branch, but throughout all government. i in no way mean to lecture, this is merely my viewpoint, but we have an ability to change things, to save an ideology many have lost touch with, an ideology not based between left and right, but based in history, tradition, and virtue, an american ideology. the person who ripped on the ron paul supporter, you're what's wrong with the system, you can follow the mainstream, flow with the current or what have you, but don't criticize someone for taking an interest in their country's future. don't criticize someone who, it would seem, took time out of their life to look into a candidate not given the exposure "front runner" candidates are granted. (i'm not the paul supporter, by the way). i don't think its that much to ask, especially in this day and age where a seemingly world of information is at our fingertips, that once every four years we all delve just slightly into the issues of the time and get up off our asses for the 15 minutes it takes to go vote and take part in the one thing that truly symbolizes what america stands for, the right to vote, the right to shape our own future. anyway, to the first poster, dem. caucus locations are listed on the nd democrats web page (if you're a democrat, i'm just guessing based on the topic you chose), i believe the 2 locations are the best western and the memorial union depending on where you reside (there's a map on the site). you basically go in and each candidate should have some sort of group with shirts, stickers, etc. if you want to talk about the candidates with them or others, that option is there. you then write your vote down and throw it in a box, its pretty casual.; 6:32 AM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I'm 24 Liz, nice try! Just hate better-than-thou attitudes.; 7:05 AM, January 29, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: I think you're all missing my point: it's not "better-than-thou" - I didn't make a personal judgment, she was just slow. But there were many factors involved in slowing down what should have been a very efficient, modern system. It reminded me of being a kid in the 80's, going to the grocery store with my mom and having to wait in line - pre-UPC scanners (remember that?).

My post was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek reflection of that. It really didn't ruin my life, though I, in turn, was making people wait for me. She played a part in making me a rude person. Not cool.

Everyone should be doing their part to help expedite life's processes when there are people waiting for you.

Anon at 6:32 - hard-to-read walls of text generally get glossed over by the blog-reading public. Just a friendly tip.; 7:54 AM, January 29, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: In response to anonymous: My fees were three-four times higher at U. of Oklahoma which was(is) also considered one of the cheapest schools in the Big XII.

And to keep it on topic: Yes I'll be caucasizing.; 9:05 AM, January 29, 2008
Unknown said...: Ah, you're 24... well, that explains it better than you even know.; 11:11 AM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: You got something against young people? Explain your last post, please, Liz. We're baffled.; 12:32 PM, January 29, 2008
Unknown said...: Nope, just something against young arrogance.; 12:39 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I think a degree from U of OK would be worth way more than one from UND. But that isn't the point, college costs are getting too high, and it doesn't look like they're going to be slowing down anytime soon. If you have to be loaded to attend college, then what's the point?; 12:55 PM, January 29, 2008
barndweller said...: I have to say that people writing checks does not bother me as much as people who stand around in front of the counter after they have their slip and my groceries are being scanned.

I also agree a vote for anyone is better then no vote at all.; 1:18 PM, January 29, 2008
Lynsey said...: The Wandering Jew,

I'm a bit miffed about that whole thing, too. One candidate? Seriously? It effectively removes the voice of the State Board of Higher Education, and it raises a lot of questions in my mind.; 1:23 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: "It effectively removes the voice of the State Board of Higher Education"

Given the track record of incompetence for the SBHE, maybe that's not a bad thing.; 1:47 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Ahh, Liz, I'd say your the one that's coming off as arrogant. Do you treat people like this that you talk to in person or are you just a gutless blog bully. If you are truly like this in person; it explains a lot about your posts on here.; 1:55 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Good to know that ridicule & picking eachother apart doesn't stop in high school.; 2:08 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: You're fun, Liz. I'm envisioning you as a fire-haired Irish lass with an ornery streak a mile wide.; 2:34 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Good point, anonymous 2:08, Liz is out of control.; 2:35 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: anon @ 12:55

What is the difference between a degree from the U of OK and UND? Honestly?

If you can name any quantifiable differences I'd love to hear them. Maybe these are things we can present to the new UND president to actually effect some change.

Is it coast snobbery or is there a real difference. All I really see my friends at Ivy schools having over state schools is a piece of paper with a "better" name behind it. They aren't learning any more than I am.

Could one say that it is a form of educational prejudice or discrimination to give preference to a Harvard or Yale degree?

I understand when an individual school isn't accredited (scomm anyone?), but since most of the schools on UND's campus are accredited we should assume an equal education with other accredited schools.

That's the whole idea behind the process of accreditation.

Any other thoughts?; 2:52 PM, January 29, 2008
Rebecca said...: Anon at 6:32 AM:

Thank you very much for your well spoken comment to my questions. Thank you for the posting of the caucus locations as well. I've talked to a few people about the caucuses, and I get the feeling that my generation is almost scared to go caucus cause they don't understand it...heck, I don't fully understand it. But I hope people go out and vote anyway because I think that almost every single primary/caucus is going to matter this time around. Many of the candidates are running neck and neck and every single state delegate is going to count come the national conventions. Even our little ND delegates will matter, and I think that's partially why Obama made the right choice to have offices and an ad here. So, yes, I agree that the idea that Obama is willing to spend the money in a historically 'red', low populated state is enough to make me take notice.; 3:09 PM, January 29, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: In my case, the degree from UND will be worth more considering it's a doctorate ;). What it really comes down to are individual programs. As an example, getting an aviation degree at UND is worth more than one at OU for name recognition alone. The opposite is true for atmospheric science /meteorology. I consider a degree to simply be a key to get through certain doors. Being successful with that degree comes down to being motivated and hard working... something only you can control.; 3:11 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: the funny thing about checks nowadays is that at most places they are processed just as a debit card. LoL. The funds are electronically debited as soon as the check is entered into the cash register. Usually you do not get the additional time before the money is withdrawn. So... Like a previous poster said: Get a Card!!! Its even easier for Grannies than checks are. Lil' ole ladies can just swipe and sign instead of trying to decipher the check writing process anew each time they make a purchase!; 6:11 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Heard a comment about Bill Clinton and was wondering if it was true ? Andrew Young (black leader and UN Ambass) said Bill was "with" more black women than Obama. Is it true ? greenglass4.; 9:45 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Who really cares? What the hell does that have to do with anything?; 10:00 PM, January 29, 2008
Rebecca said...: I agree with anon above, who cares. Haha, wow... here's a link anyway to video of this comment on CNN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breSVtVYSmo

So your point is, Bill Clinton is "more black than Obama"? The comment was -supposed- to be funny, not literal. Jeez, move on to the important topics of the campaigns.; 11:06 PM, January 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I agree with people complaining about Hugo's and their slow checkout lanes. However, does anyone ever have the same problem at Walmart? Whenenver I go there, even during peak hours, they have a ton of registers closed with 10-20 minute lines at every register. Come on, it is Walmart! Can they not afford to hire a few more cashiers at 6 dollars an hour or whatever pathetic hourly rate they offer to speed things up a little?; 7:29 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Walmart has to be the slowest; I agree. And you're right---it IS Walmart.

How y'all doin' with the cold? Keeping warm? Cars starting? :o); 7:34 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: How dumb is our society becoming? Complaining about the service at Walmart. Seriously? What do you want? The cheapest price or the best service? Pretty simple deal.; 8:50 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Was anyone else a little disappointed that Bush didn't spend enough time on the economy on Monday during the State of the Union?; 8:56 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: wannagrapple,

Exactly, if they can balance a check book, they can balance a statement that includes debit card transactions. A 5-minute tutorial at the bank would do it.; 9:01 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: What's wrong with expecting a cheaper price WITH decent service?
Pretty simple deal.

The last couple of posts say a lot of the way America has become, including mention of a president who hasn't spent enough time on the economy since he was elected.

Y'know, we really need to get back to what America was intended to be: a place where people honestly gave a damn about the next person, instead of the all-too-popular "I've got mine, too bad about you" philosophy that is apparent, even within this blog.

Excuse me, please, if that doesn't set well; maybe it's the continuing sub-zero cold that causes me to compensate by getting hot under my collar.; 9:13 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Consumers rack up their credit cards. Refi all the equity out of their homes. Buy property with an adjustable rate mortgage when fixed rates are at historic lows. This is the President's fault? C'mon people, are you serious?

Mortgage crisis? No, now way? Stupid citizen crisis? Yes.; 9:21 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: A foolish war?
Out-of-range fuel costs for the average homeowner? (Not to mention for those in rural areas that need to drive miles to work.)

Who has profited? Dick and George, both names, easily come to mind.

Granted, we've made a mess through irresponsible use of credit. If we were to follow the leader, though---if that were at all possible---well...

...we'd simply borrow more, tell a few, uh, un-truths...and continue doing what we've always done.

And you tell me to be anything other than disenchanted with the way this country is behaving?!; 10:00 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: anonymous 9:21, I would say its half the banks fault and half the consumers fault. I mean what is a bank doing if they know that a person can not pay back the debt they extend? It just shows short term profits will out weight common sense in many circumstances. Everyone is to blame in this circumstance, the government, banks, and consumers.; 10:14 AM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: If everyones to blame in this circumstance than who do you think is the easiest fix. My guess is that its not the government or the banks. I still think it falls back on the people who made the bad decision. I remember an old saying, "Having a Champaign Taste on a Beer Budget". It seems to me we all want a big house and nice cars, along with everything else in the world when we really don't need it.; 12:38 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Where's a good place (for a family with a toddler) to go eat supper on Valentine's Day? Or are we better off staying at home? :); 1:41 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Denny's.; 2:16 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: We are unofficially an oligarchy. Fortune 500 companies accept much more risk than they should because they know the government will bail them out, because they have the pols in their pockets. Until we regulate campaign financing or institute public financing of elections which works great in Britain, we will be subject to the whims of big business. Do the homework.; 3:39 PM, January 30, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: "Can they not afford to hire a few more cashiers at 6 dollars an hour or whatever pathetic hourly rate they offer to speed things up a little?"

They can afford it, just can't find enough people to take the low wages (as well as any other place in town. You'd think that the job demand at all of the fast food/service places would actually drive wages up at some point.; 4:14 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Lets Go Sioux!
Beat the Gophers!; 4:42 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: I went to an Obama rally to see what all the hype was about. To say there's "no there there" is a huge understatement. It's bizarre people are biting so hard on his voodoo.

I did observe something very alarming, the security was relaxed to accommodate the large crowds. A very big mistake. We all know there are many freaks on this planet. Maybe this is an indication of just how clueless this guy is.; 4:56 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: To Anon wondering about Valentines Dinner - Try Al's. I know it across from Simplot so the smell OUTSIDE isn't the greatest but inside you can get great meals at a good price and your toddler will be more than welcome.
You could also try the Blue Moose (which will be really busy).

Good luck and happy early Valentines; 5:12 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Paradiso is always a good place for kids.; 5:45 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: As long as those kids know nothing about good Mexican food.; 5:53 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Where chips are free, Diarrhea extra?; 5:54 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: But if the kids really like gravy on their burritos, you could take them to the place across the street. Nothing makes the perfect burrito like some gravy on top.; 7:12 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: Paradiso IS a good place for kids. They work the reception area!

A bit of sarcasm, to voice what has become increasingly irritating in an establishment that one time was outstanding. It has become a tad expensive, compared to earlier, but the most noticeable negative at Paradiso has to be the young employees that congregate around the entryway, gabbing with each other, instead of assisting customers.

Petty, yes...but enough to have kept me from returning the last three months, where I once included Paradiso in at least one visit a week.; 7:33 PM, January 30, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: 4:56 pm Anonymous...where did you see Obama speak?; 8:17 PM, January 30, 2008
Jimmie said...: Wow, so much to talk about.

Election/caucus: Why does ND not require voter registration? Voting records are public in other states--you can get a record of who voted and in what precinct. I don't really understand ND's system since I haven't lived here that long (and still haven't voted here), but it just seems odd not to have to register and declare a party or independent.

Check writing: Aaaahhh! Definitely one of my biggest pet peeves since moving up here...I can assure you that nowhere else in the country do people write checks like they do here. I work with some people who were writing checks at Hardee's and Burger King, and actually got offended when some of the fast-food joints stopped taking checks and started accepting debit/credit cards. I actually tried to explain to a co-worker that a debit card is actually a good thing (she doesn't have one), because all of your transactions are posted immediately online and you can track your spending, etc., etc. She was quick to remind me that this is why she doesn't have one - they often live paycheck-to-paycheck and write checks before they have the money in the bank sometimes, hoping the paycheck hits before the check clears. Her bad habit of doing this illustrates exactly why checks should be obsolete - it is way too easy for people to spend money they don't have, and thus causing prices of merchandise to rise because merchants are spending money on returned check fees and associated costs.; 8:30 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: I don't know about your bank but my debit transactions don't appear online any earlier than my checks. I find it a lot easier to keep an accurate balance in a checkbook. Maybe the stores need to have an express line for angry, impatient people who think anybody writing a check is a cretin. God what some people don't bitch about.; 8:57 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: I hate when people touch my snow...damn North Dakotans...so archaic & unintelligent...; 9:21 PM, January 30, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: Actually, anon @ 8:57, I recall many stores not allowing checks in the express lane. Haven't seen it in a while, though.

Again, the check-writing lady was a small part of the problem - the cashiers were much worse because they were being paid to not hustle.

The lady ended up providing a little comic relief because she ended up dumping her bag all over the counter as she was going for the checkbook - of course, after she was given the total. I felt a little sorry for her, but it wasn't that big of a deal in the end, just interesting that people are that inconsiderate/out of touch.

I'll say it again: people who hold people up because they don't utilize the most efficient means of getting the job done are ignorant at best, rude at worst. It's no different than the people who drive under the speed limit in the passing lane or don't use the turnouts on a mountain road. To paraphrase Norm, there are other people behind you - help by getting out of the way or no soup for you.

Anon at 2:16 - you win the internet.; 9:44 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: hahahahah please tell me the anon@4:56 went to the Obama rally at Tabula and thought that TV actor Dule Hill was Barack Obama. Who's the clueless one?

And way to make vague comments demeaning Obama, please enlighten us on his "voodoo."; 10:47 PM, January 30, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: I'm guessing anon @8:57pm has an age greater than 40 (I apologize if I'm wrong). Checks vs. Debit Cards might as well be new generation vs. the old, because that's generally how the lines draw.; 11:13 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: I guess I should clarify my reasoning behind why I prefer checks. I actually feel like I'm spending money. I don't know about anyone here, but I've had bad experience with credit cards/debit cards before online banking became the norm.

I prefer check writing because it's much easier to keep track of my own stuff and because I have a dual check thing, it assures that stuff is written down somewhere (in comparison to a debit card receipt which usually ends up smashed in a coat pocket).

It's not a generational issue. I'm not an old fashioned hick. I just have a preference for checks and I'll use them till they are completely unavailable. If that bothers you fine. Ignorant? No. I don't bitch because your (hypothetical) sense of fashion makes me want to vomit, nor do I question your (again hypothetical) choice in favorite television show even if it forces my favorite one off the air. I don't even care if you prefer to use a debit card. Just leave me alone!; 11:33 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: how do I make my name go blue and clicky?!

WG; 11:56 PM, January 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: get a blogger account; 12:36 AM, January 31, 2008
Jo said...: Re: check writing. My mother-in-law uses a debit card, then immediately writes the amount in the ledger that comes with checkbooks so that her account is balanced. I'd call that a compromise.; 4:26 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: why not just not write anything down, and then just look at it online when you feel like it and as often as you feel like it.

paper sucks. ;-); 7:45 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: I love how people here complain about waiting a couple of extra minutes when it comes to doing something (driving, checking out). Try living in a larger city.; 8:16 AM, January 31, 2008
Jimmie said...: Check writing, again....

I guess I've never really understood the concept of sitting down and "balancing" your checkbook. I know that everyone over a certain age (and plenty of younger people, as well) do this, but to be perfectly honest, it baffles me.

If you write checks and use duplicates or keep a ledger...or if you use a debit card all or most of the time...with the advent of online banking (and yes, when I use my debit card, the transactions are instantly online), why does anyone need to balance? You can see the total the bank says you have and you can see everything that has cleared, whether that is a check or an electronic transaction. If you know you have a $20 check that hasyet to clear, then you know that your balance is $20 less than what it shows online. Maybe I am confused as to what the actual purpose of "balancing" your checkbook is, but I just do not see the point. If the bank says I my balance is 3 cents less than what I think it is, oh well, I really do not care. If it says it is $100 less than what I think it is, then I will do some investigating and figure out why.

And as for the person who says to let them write their checks and leave them alone...well, writing checks in a busy store this day in age is like driving slllooooww in town. Yes, it's allowed, but you are inconveniencing a ton of other people who are behind you and have to wait on your slow self. Now, if you are the Speedy Gonzales of check-writing and you can finish your check-based transaction in the amount of time it takes me to swipe my debit or credit card, then more power to you, I really don't care. :-); 8:41 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: "I went to an Obama rally to see what all the hype was about. To say there's "no there there" is a huge understatement. It's bizarre people are biting so hard on his voodoo."

Anyone pick up on the racism in an earlier blog? I think that's a GFL first.; 8:46 AM, January 31, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8:53 AM, January 31, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: Wait, you mean that wasn't Obama at Tabula the other night? How could I have been so stupid?!

"Anyone pick up on the racism in an earlier blog? I think that's a GFL first."

I caught it.; 9:15 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Racist like Obama's dancing line.
Add childish, petty, 3rd grade level gotcha to the list of problems with America, ya think!
Vote for Obama and this will all go away, right?

Please clean up the racist "gravy on the burrito" comments. They're highly offensive.

Jeesh; 9:44 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: But they do put gravy on burritos.; 9:46 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Its a bigger problem that there's a demand for gravy on burritos then the fact that they actually appear on the menu.

Remember, until about 1990, Red Pepper softshells were wrapped in lefse. Fusion cuisine pioneers?; 9:52 AM, January 31, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: "Vote for Obama and this will all go away, right?"

Please show us where this was stated. I'm genuinely curious to read it.; 9:54 AM, January 31, 2008
Matt BK said...: Some people balance their checkbook because they might not have a computer (not everyone can afford one, and not everyone who has one can afford internet access, etc.) Just because we are talking online doesn't mean everyone else does.

Others perhaps use it as a euphemism for going over all the accounts they have--when you get involved with investments, or multiple savings accounts, or what have you, it becomes difficult to know how much spendable cash you may have access to.

I keep everything organized on my computer, but it's still balancing my checkbook. Because I have to write checks for certain things (rent, anyone?) and these checks don't get cashed right away, I don't want to have to trust the bank to tell me the right balance, because if I spend too much, that rent check is going to bounce (grad student here). Checks are still useful for doing business on a personal level, e.g., paying someone back something you owe them but is more cash than you want to carry around, etc.

As far as people writing checks, I can wait. It's still legal, just like my driving the speed limit is still legal and nobody riding my ass is going to make me drive faster.; 10:49 AM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: i dont have anything to say, i just want to see this thread get to 100 comments; 10:52 AM, January 31, 2008
Jimmie said...: Driving the speed limit = fine, especially in winter weather conditions.

Driving well below the speed limit when the roads are clear = drive me (and everyone else) crazy.; 12:00 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hey Jimmie: "I guess I've never really understood the concept of sitting down and "balancing" your checkbook. I know that everyone over a certain age (and plenty of younger people, as well) do this, but to be perfectly honest, it baffles me."

Don't look now...but what you do online is called balancing a checkbook.; 12:51 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Matthew--thank you--ditto what you said honestly, if I CHOOSE to write a check--I should be able to do so without being criticized. I pay bills--some I am able to pay online and others I am not able too. So you have to wait another 30 seconds for me to sign my name--big deal. I love my card, but there are times when I like/want to write a check.
And for those of you with friends in the "big city" who think us check writers are so behind the times. I got a new flash for you--*I* have friends in the city that still write checks and they are educated and very cool. LOL; 1:32 PM, January 31, 2008
Jimmie said...: anonymous @ 12:51...

I don't actually "balance" when I go online. I just look to get an idea of what my current balance is. I don't compare receipts or ledgers or anything...just get a glimpse of where we are.; 1:38 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Matt and Coffee Guy, we get it. You're not from here. AND, you play music. Oh boy! You guys are cool, very cool.; 2:47 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: I sense there are a lot of Democrats on this board. Very liberal. Not that there is anything wrong with that.; 4:21 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: "I love my card, but there are times when I *like/want* to write a check."

Seriously? You seriously find some times when you enjoy the check writing process? Now I have heard everything. Utterly, astoundingly baffling. Never have I heard such bizarre justification for a ludicrous Luddite practice such as check writing.

Wow.; 4:30 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: LOL---geez, wannagrapple--why do you care? Never have I seen someone so upset by someone else's desire to do something so trivial as write a check. Calm down--your eyes are bulging!; 4:40 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Last night Bubba said a recession will be good to slow some of America's carbon emissions...we're doomed.; 4:42 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: "Never have I seen someone so upset by someone else's desire to do something so trivial as write a check."

don't mistake bafflement with being "upset". I am just puzzled by what possible advantage the hold-outs could possibly be deriving.

btw... I am not the only anti-check perosn here, and I would say that my comments have been some of the LEAST vociferous that have been voiced here. You on the other hand (anonymous) are voicing with exclamation points and envisioning bulging eyed comment posters.

so. do you project often?; 5:05 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: "I sense there are a lot of Democrats on this board. Very liberal. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Hopefully Conservatives/Republicans will find blatant racism alarming as well.; 5:08 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: But--why do you care?; 5:12 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: We need to stop the harsh racial stereotyping jokes Ole, Lena, and Swen have endured over the years. It has become so bad, parents don't use these names for their children anymore. I'm curious to know about "pollock jokes". Are these still cool. Please advise. Preferably someone from Oslo, Drayton, or Pembina.; 5:44 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: The Pollacks were getting really pissed off about people telling all these Pollack jokes so they decided to stage a march on Washington.
When last heard from they were 10 miles out of Seattle; 5:53 PM, January 31, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: "Matt and Coffee Guy, we get it. You're not from here. AND, you play music. Oh boy! You guys are cool, very cool."

It's very sweet how some people remember picayune details about me, despite those same details not arising for months.; 6:29 PM, January 31, 2008
Still Fighting It said...: "Matt and Coffee Guy, we get it. You're not from here. AND, you play music. Oh boy! You guys are cool, very cool."

I love it when the 'rounders do their thing. Unfortunately, it usually involves missing the point entirely.

I'm not leaving ay time soon, probably never - so get used to me and my cool ways. :); 7:23 PM, January 31, 2008
dale said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:52 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: I agree with Dale. This old fart uses a check card regularly but if I don't keep a register I find it a crapshoot as to what my balance is. My online banking information is not current and it takes just as long for the debit card withdrawals to post as the checks. I have an average of $2,000-$2,500 in transactions in a month and don't find online balances to be timely or how I want to operate my account. It seems mighty pompous for anyone to criticize someone for how they make a purchase, whatever choice one makes. People who talk on their cell phones while in the checkout lanes tend to not concentrate on the task at hand but I don't get impatient or critical of them.; 10:31 PM, January 31, 2008
GrandForksGuy said...: Hey, has anyone else heard the radio commercial for Rhombus Pizza where they say it was recently voted as "the best" pizza in Grand Forks? I first heard the spot of KNOX yesterday. Is it possible that they're talking about this blog's recent "Best of GF" poll for "Best pizza in Grand Forks?" The only other "best of" poll I know of is the Dakota Student's and their most recent poll has Deek's winning best pizza in town. I'm really curious if Rhombus is actually using my little poll in their advertising. If so...cool!; 10:43 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hey Dale,

Going through something similar right now. Grocery store charged me the same amount about two months apart, and sent in the transaction to my credit card company two months after that. If I didn't balance stuff regularly and just paid bills, I'd be out some money. But I have the CC company checking it out right now. They were going to have the store provide documentation for that charge. I guess I'll eventually see how things go.

Having very little money, I keep track of it religiously, even down to how and where I spend cash. Quicken makes it easy. in 11 years, there's just under $13 in cash that I don't know where it went. Everything else has always balanced over the years.

It also really opens your eyes when you do some of the reports in Quicken...; 10:51 PM, January 31, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: "I found that a local restaurant ran my bill through twice, several weeks apart. Called the bank to get it reversed, but I'd never even have known about it, if I didn't balance my checkbook."

I always write my receipts for meals in even amounts (IE .00). I've caught a few mistakes this way.
.

What does drive me insane are the commercials that imply check writing (or even cash) is inferior to credit and causes everything to come crashing down.

That said, if you are going to use a debit card, why not use a credit card? As long as you have financial restraint and pay off your balance each month, you can make money by getting % back on every purchase. I've paid for new sets of tires, various mechanical service, etc. with my CC money back.; 10:53 PM, January 31, 2008
Anonymous said...: While there might be a double charge very rarely on your card, checks are a much bigger risk today. With high quality laser printers and templates you can easily find off the net, fake checks are REALLY easy to make. There haven't really been many scams around here yet, but in other areas (Minneapolis, Sioux Falls) this has become a bit of a problem. Some of these counterfeits have come from employees who quickly scan in or copy your check, take the copy home, and viola, they have checks with your name, address, account number, and whatever else on it...and they typically don't get caught because it takes atleast a day or two to show up online, if the victim uses online banking at all. My two reasons for using a debit or credit card whenever possible- #1 speed and ease of use. #2- I'm not going to buy someone a new plasma HDTV- CC receipts almost never carry enough info to make an unauthorized purchase.; 1:33 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: Grand Forks Guy: Aha! Not only has that commercial been aired, the guy on 90.1 on Sundays brags up the place, too, claiming it was ranked in first place in this blog!

(Don't be getting a large head.) :o); 6:33 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: GrandForksGuy,

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I don't think that commercial is talking about your poll. That commercial has been playing on and off for a couple months now. I believe they are talking about when a group of people from the community (city leaders, quasi-celebrities, regular Joes) tested the pizza from various joints and voted on this. The Herald covered this. I think it took place less than a year ago. Rhombus did have something in their place showing they have been voted GF's best pizza.; 8:31 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: I just heard that Carmike has lowered its prices to $4.50 for matinee and $6.50 for regular shows (just like River Cinema). Will this make anyone more willing to view a movie at Carmike? I will still only attend River Cinema...I haven't had pleasant experiences at Carmike!; 8:54 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: Does anyone who actually owns the old Leevers building?; 10:08 AM, February 01, 2008
dale said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:11 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: A few monthes ago a "best pizza" contest was held at the LaGrave Learning Center--I could be wrong but I think it was in conjuction with Neighborhood Networks Week or something to that effect.; 10:21 AM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: When I was up there for Christmas, I went shopping and waited in line forever while people were writing checks out.

I've gotta admit, it drove me absolutely nuts. My girlfriend was with me and she was like "What the hell is the holdup? People still use paper up here? Why?!" I could only say that I had no idea why and I went on steaming about the long wait.

After a while, I asked myself why I was getting so mad. The answer that came to me was "Well, dammit, I'm in a hurry! I have so much shopping to do, and traffic is going to be crazy and.....wait....now that I think about it, traffic won't be so bad up here, compared to Tampa. I guess I'm not in that much of a hurry after all."

The point is, life is just slower up there, so it is understandable that a slow, leisurely way of doing business would still be accepted up there.

Check writers need to know this, though. If you go damn near anywhere outside of ND, and you try to write a check, you will get barked at like you've never been barked at before.

"I love my card, but there are times when I like/want to write a check."

Believe me, it will come as a shock when the 65 year old woman in line behind you says, loudly, "What the F--K?! Hurry yo ass up! What's wrong with you?"

People outside of ND don't have the same tolerance and understanding of Norwegian stubbornness.; 2:32 PM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: :o) @ Kelly's post...

And you really think the trade-off of warmer climes is worth the relocating, Kelly?

C'mon home. :o); 3:42 PM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hey, don't get me wrong, I really do love North Dakota, but I can't pay the bills with nostalgia.

Plus, the bottom line is that damn-near all my friends have moved away from ND as well. It was really heartbreaking to hear that hardly anyone showed up to my 10 year high school reunion for Central a couple of years ago. Because of that, I'm probably not going to my 20 year reunion either.

The few people I've stayed in contact with have said, almost unanimously, that they didn't go to the reunion because they had no reason at all to go back to ND.

"Nobody's gonna show up anyway." was the popular response.

I GUARANTEE that I would come home if I could get a decent paying job or if there were any indication that I had any kind of a future up there. But so far, a new Denny's and a chain pub ain't gonna cut it, man.; 7:59 PM, February 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: You COULD open up an eating establishment here, Kelly. :o); 12:18 AM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: I dunno...

The concept I currently have for a restaurant/club probably wouldn't fly up there. Plus, I would need LOTS of capital I don't have.; 12:56 AM, February 02, 2008
dale said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:35 AM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: On the "Best pizza in Grand Forks" Thread - The Dakota Student polls UND students on a variety of subjects every year. Rhomba's Guys pizza won for best pizza back in 2006. They won for best drink specials in 2007.Deek's Pizza won best pizza in 2007. In other "best of 2007", bet non-alcohol activity: Karaoke @ Parrot's Cay. Hollywood Video is the best movie rental place. Blue Moose is the best first date spot. Subway is the best sandwich spot.; 10:40 AM, February 02, 2008
OUWxGuesser said...: http://www.humanresources.und.edu/professnl.htm

I count 11 jobs paying $40k+ (many quite a bit higher) open just on campus.; 1:45 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: How did Deek's win? That stuff has made me sick twice (booze not involved) and it doesn't even taste good to begin with.

Just curious- does everyone agree with what the students picked as "best of GF"??

http://media.www.dakotastudent.com/media/storage/paper970/news/2008/01/18/News/.The-Best-3161133.shtml

Where are they going to hang the complementary plaque in University park? Haha.; 1:45 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: ...and what kind of "hook-ups" are they referring to?? I might have to visit the CF library more often now...; 1:47 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: Ok, here's the concept:

A restaurant that serves authentic southern cuisine. Everything from Cajun jambalaya, boudin, and gumbo to Memphis style smoked BBQ ribs, pulled pork, fried okra, collard greens, peach cobbler and even some Flori/Cubana dishes like Arroz con Pollo and grouper.

Next door would be a large blues club with a stage that would host a variety of acts including comedy.

I even have a concept for a two story nightclub with a Bourbon Street theme complete with indoor French Quarter building facades with balconies overlooking either side of the dance floor that's set up like the street that runs between the two street-side facades.

I just don't know if a concept like that would fly up in the Northlands though.; 2:38 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: I wasn't feelin' the all you can eat amateur improv theater buffet.; 3:29 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: Actually Kelly, I'm pretty sure it would be quite a hit. It's something different and most of the people I communicate with up here are pretty eager for something new. That's why we all flock to the next new restaurant only to find out we can go to good ol' Applebee's to get the same old food. I would definitely check it out!

Hell, if you could get a decently sized venue for any kind of music with good food and drinks. (especially if it also caters to under 21's I would bet you'd come up with something good.; 3:52 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4157223; 3:57 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: The Nutrition Center has been cut from Bush's budget and is slated to be closed. There goes a few million dollars in salary that will no longer be circulated in Grand Forks.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=65815

Looks like some of those jobs you mentioned at UND might be suddenly more competitive than previosly imagined. :-(; 4:11 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: "I wasn't feelin' the all you can eat amateur improv theater buffet."

Ummmm....What? Who the hell came up with THAT idea?!; 4:32 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hey Kelly,
I'd recommend researching "The Cajun House" in Scottsdale, AZ. They have a similar concept to the one you are considering. The only difference is they only have cajun/Louisania cuisine. Their concert venue is set up to look like Bourbon Street/French Quarter complete with balconies, etc. It is a great place to see a concert. I saw the Radiators there a few years back and it was a great time. Your concept sounds like a great idea in most markets.; 11:01 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: OH...MY...GOD.

Take the tables out of the center, and make it wider across, and that's EXACTLY what I had in mind!

I swear to God, I've never heard of this place. Wow.

Just goes to show ya, there's always someone smarter than you!

Just...wow. I feel like such an idiot.; 11:54 PM, February 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: I am not a huge fan of themed restaurants/venues. They always seem so very contrived.

As well, not to be too critical, but I wouldn't suggest that you envision such a grand conglomerate of business (you mentioned a restaurant, a blues club/comedy place and a nightclub/dance floor). That is way too ambitious, and would demand too much input from the community right away to keep it afloat.

Howzabout finding a local entity that is conducive to your goals and see if you can get a property near them, to form a cross promotional type of relationship. Perhaps you provide the Blues Club with Dancing in the Opera House and team up with a local restaurant for specialty food service (Sanders is a few feet away). Just a thought. Its obviously not ideal, but your vision is nigh unto a theme park with so many separate aspects. Its almost like an entire revitalization project in and of itself!

If you can make it happen though... I will go. If you don't put it on 32nd street. ;-); 5:05 AM, February 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: Go for it, Kelly. Don't let knowledge, experience, finances, and a market conducive for your plan stand in the way.; 10:49 AM, February 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: You know? That's just the thing.

I have ALWAYS thought that GF needs an entertainment district.

Nightclubs, restaurants, entertainment venues, even bowling or (God forbid!) a Chuck E Cheese or something, all side by side in one area. Each feeding the other. That way when, say, the entire community gets together to hate Chuck E Cheese (as an example) and forces them to close, the vacancy wouldn't last long.

A lot of people talk about the Canad complex as a bad thing, but really, I think it's a damn good start. I think somebody with more experience up there should be looking into luring outlet stores and perhaps a new, bigger mall.

Of all the large cities in ND, Grand Forks has the best potential for tourism. It can be the gateway to Minnesota lake country for Westerners, the gateway to the Rendezvous Region for Southerners, the gateway to the badlands for Easterners and the gateway to the U.S. for Northerners.

Pep talks aside, there is so much potential in GF, but it seems most of the people who want to do something about it have become frustrated and left.

Why?

Maybe they were told, one too many times, that they were dreaming too big.; 2:52 PM, February 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: Any recommendations on dentists in the Grand Cities...preferably someone who takes BCBS?; 11:17 AM, February 04, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: Katie, Charles Bridgeford is great, and great with kids too. Call his office about BCBS.

117 N Washington St Ste C
Grand Forks, ND 58203-3450
(701) 746-0485

-CG; 12:44 PM, February 04, 2008
Anonymous said...: I get it Coffee Guy-- you're not from here, play music, and know about good dentists ... what gives!!

cheers
The Knotty Boyz; 4:03 PM, February 04, 2008
Anonymous said...: I get it Coffee Guy-- you're not from here, play music, and know about good dentists ... what gives!!

cheers
The Knotty Boyz; 4:03 PM, February 04, 2008
Anonymous said...: GFG must be busy with school; this blog is going the way of Tobin's "entertainment" blog as of late.

Not complaining, really; I just enjoy the spontaneity of yesteryear. :o); 4:19 PM, February 04, 2008
Coffee Guy said...: Hey Knotty Boyz, you may be one of the most insane live bands ever, but don't start pulling that crap here. These people love me. L-O-V-E me.

-CG; 6:38 PM, February 04, 2008