I have just finished reading the line-up for the canal concerts. Why isn’t Black Widow listed to play? They are my favorite band that I look forward to attending the series to listen to every year. I guess I just have to go elsewhere to see them or just look forward to the Canal Fest. What a disappointment. Hey, another band that would be great to hear is the Stamp Lickers. You need to diversify the line-up.

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This is in regards to the person who is complaining about the person flying a rebel flag. Well, that person should know that that person has a right to fly that flag. That is what this country is about; freedoms, expression and freedom of speech. So, to that individual — keep flying that rebel flag. If you want to fly a Nazi flag, then fly a Nazi flag. That is why I wear the U.S. military uniform. To keep the freedoms we have in this country.

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Stoves are not included in the NY State Appliance Swap Out because they do not qualify as an Energy Star appliance. Their main purpose is to use energy to make heat. Dryers, ranges, toasters, etc. use energy at a much higher rate than clothes washers or refrigerators. To qualify as Energy Star, the product must have some mechanism such as a motor or a fan that can be adjusted to run at a lower rate of energy usage and still do the job it was made for. You still need to have enough heat to cook your food and to get that heat you use a lot of energy.

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A few years ago, I received a letter from the building inspector about my roof. Some tiles blew off and the fact is, it was just old and needed to be replaced. Then, a few weeks later, I received another letter saying that if I did not comply, I would be taken to court and fined if my roof was not fixed. Well, I went down and paid for a permit and fixed my roof. I was driving down Oliver Street the other day and saw a roof that has tarps on it and shingles falling off. I was wondering how someone could let their property get so bad and not be held accountable? I asked around and found out that the property is owned by a politician. That answered my question. I guess that it is OK if you are a politician to let your property go to hell.  

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I agree with the person who called in and said we need Walmart, and that these lawsuits are costing our taxpayers plenty. We in North Tonawanda have lost all of our tax-based industries! Competition is healthy. It keeps prices down. Now, if only the health insurance companies would think like this, things would be great.

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Attention, Democratic leaders in Washington! If you don’t grow a backbone and pass health care with a public option, your time sponging off the American people is over! Do something! We are paying you! As far as the Republicans go, you just have to realize they are only in it for themselves and the money from the insurance companies’ lobbyists. You really can’t expect anything from them.