I think Terry is right to focus the issue on the problems of the system rather than the individuals. We all know enough people that have a difficult time supporting themselves in Buffalo, where there are more jobs than in the rural areas that house prisons. Furthermore, a lot of these people that I know (and I imagine most of you know) are well-educated, with college degrees. If it's difficult for people like this, Joe and Jane Culpepper's options are even more limited. Maybe we should all blame ourselves for shopping at Wegman's instead of the Farmer's Market or Food Co-op, essentially putting Joe and Jane's family farm out of business.

In a similar vein, Paul commented on people that join the army to pay for college. I think the real question is - Why should someone have to join the army to pay for an education? True - there are other ways to finance college, but nobody should have to make the choice of joining the army or paying off loans for the rest of his or her life.

I had my first ever casino experience last night. The buffet was good and I got my very own Player's Card. I only lost 6 bucks, so I'm glad I stopped when I did.

The whole experience reminded me once again of what a messed up place we live in. In the middle of all that Niagara Falls poverty, there's a room somewhere filled with money. Not to mention all the food that is thrown out after it goes "bad". I'm so glad I could be a part of such wasteful overindulgence.

Wow - Holly has sparked quite the discussion. For what it's worth, I never thought you emanated a particularly lesbian vibe. Sounds like there are just too many narrow-minded people out there who assume that a woman with some self-confidence must be a lesbian. Sort of like those people that think all feminists are lesbians. Very annoying.

Check this out. New York State has released new high-resolution aerial photos. This shows the Wilson Farms parking lot area. These things are freakin' free! Paul - if we can add some zooming functionality to the site, we could put the whole Elmwood area online.

For shopping at the only shopping mall with no products made at sweatshops, visit
. Wish I knew about this before.