Naran is a somewhat mature young lady from Kennebunk(port?). She thinks her property taxes are waaay too high. Sure, Kennebunk(port?) is a nice place to live, very appealing, with good schools, and has high property values, but you’ve got to have something to complain about.
To her great credit, she was in favor of allowing gay marriage and is smart regarding issues relating to homosexuality. She is also a good moderator, from what I can tell. *
Probably the meanest thing I can say about her is that she has a tendency to use cutesy little catch phrases in her posts. Things like referring to herself as “Miss Prunelope Pimstep, Auntie Mabel, Betsy Ross.” There may be a completely hilarious context or backstory that I’m not familiar with, but my best current theory is that she uses this old-timey cutesy talk because the older men using the website find it erotic.
She must endeavor to be sexually appealing because the high taxes of Kennebunk(port?) have forced her towards a destructive life of prostitution. It is through this lifestyle which she gained her tolerance of homosexuals. In 1997 her “Madam,” a woman named Ms. Berrykins, invited her over for a few glasses of fine cabernet. A summer storm knocked a tree down, blocking the the driveway to Ms. Berrykin’s home and preventing Naran from leaving. Another bottle was opened, and after some awkward drunken foreplay Naran and Ms. Berrykins initiated their brief yet bitter affair. Their safe word was “Auntie Mabel.”
Although Naran never forgave Ms. Berrykins for leaving her two weeks later (for a young Italian carpenter named “Giorggio,” no less), she henceforth gained a respect for the strong feelings a person can have towards a member of the same gender.
Giorggio and Ms. Berrykins moved to Naples (the original one, in Italy), where they married, had three children and lived happily ever after until Giorggio became entangled in the feared Carpenter’s Mafia, which killed him after he accrued large debts on purchases of hardwood, 4 inch nails, and drywall.
*Once upon a time, when this website was young, fresh, and idealistic, I thought Naran was a pretty decent moderator. She seemed reserved and fair. But for whatever reason this has dramatically changed. She now spends nearly every waking hour policing every opinion presented on the site, metaphorically humping the Governor’s leg but only because she can’t get an appointment to hump it in person. Any opinion critical of anything the Governor does or supports is attacked vehemently. And, when there is a lull in the activity on AMG, she hits the Portland Press Herald and comments up to 60 times each day.
So I apologize. I was wrong. May whatever God you believe in forgive me. – AMGLOLZ on April 15, 2011.
By the way, you’ll need to forgive Aunty Mabel if she is a little more testy than usual lately. Her biggest fear has once again come true. Her town, Kennebunk, approved another school budget. Fighting the annual school budget vote is by far Naran’s biggest platform to spout from. Here are a couple of snippets from her Debbie Downer response to a letter to the editor of the local paper:
“…due to job losses, and the drastic increase to the cost of living, many district residents are not so happily immune to the recession as Ms. XXXX. Taxes, at least in Kennebunk, have already risen about 34% over the last ten years, and most of the increase is directly attributable to RSU 21. Meanwhile, the cost of living, as everyone knows, has risen as much as 100% (if not more) in many categories, putting a severe strain on many families. (Insurance, groceries, fees, license costs, medical and dental costs, etc.)…I know people who need that additional “$4 a month” for their electric bill, or one more gallon of gas to get to work, or for groceries…”
I guess I’m not “everyone” because I had no idea that the cost of living has risen as much as 100% or, gasp, even more. Secondly, whenever she pulls out the “many families…” line it just reinforces my belief that she actually never leaves her house and thus, does not actually know anybody.
At least she will be slightly placated that to even get this budget to the table, twelve staff positions had to be cut. I mean, who cares about those pesky staff people having jobs. Maybe Naran will pony up the money for their electric bill, or one more gallon of gas, or for groceries…Oh wait, maybe those were the many families she meant.
But wait, here’s her best shot:
“Ms. XXXX needs to look beyond her own financially insulated status before she tells everyone else how they should be living, and what their opinion should be about more tax increases.”
Hmm, “looking beyond one’s own insulated status…telling everyone else how they should be living and what their opinion should be…” Using one of Naran’s favorite little condescending quips, “Pot, meet kettle.”
Is she just bitter that she’s not one of the 1%? Or, is she one of the 1%? She claims to advocate for the financially uninsulated, and yet, does she have an income-producing job? Anyone who blogs as much as she does cannot be a 9 to 5er. Rumor has it that her first house in Maine was purchased with federal and state subsidies, and that she has a condition which entitles her to collect SSI benefits. Maybe Aunty Mabel would care to respond to those matters. If that ain’t pot-and-kettle, I don’t know what is.
The Queen of bias and selective “journalism” really said this recently:
“A biased and selective press means a manipulated and uninformed citizenry. It is essential that our journalists be fair and balanced in what they publish, no matter how much it pains them personally to publish such information.”
And then she posted this extremely informative and unique link (please disregard my overt sarcasm)
For further information, please see “Press” at this link. Thank you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Estate
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/kennebunk-news-kennebunk-news?page=179#comment-643222
Unbelievable. Naran has really lost it now. In chanelling her idol, Paul LePage, she has taken to out and out lying. I’m sure we’ll soon hear about her rejection from William and Mary due to flunking the pre-application test.
Anyway, here’s what she claims: “Apollo – same here. I never visit any of the liberal sites or blogs, ever. I dislike giving them any bandwidth on AMG, particularly when one of them has been banned from this forum. The emails begging for readmission and posting of rebuttals are annoying.”
And yet she calls the PPH a liberal blog and, boy, does she make her presence known there. I just hope she’s dumb enough to come on here and dispute my charges. Wouldn’t that be classic?
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/bill-nemitz-and-gerald-wienand-maine-republicans-secret-weapon?page=1#comment-645158
Under Narans watch the whole site has basicly become 6 angry, bitter, white, racist, old men bickering and bitching amongst themselves….the site is so out of control and irrelevent and un thought provoking it is not even worth visiting (as much) any longer….Most of the “normal R’s” have jumped ship rather than engage in the nonsense that now occurs there on a regular basis. I have multiple friends who are registered Republicans who have been members and throw their hands up now over the whole debacle that is AMG……Nice work Miss Moderator
In the “Who is Reince Priebus” thread currently NOT burning up AMG (Gee? Wonder why?), AMGer “Spider” challenges The Narantula and actually CALLS HER OUT on her never-ending hypocrisy…..
“Akin is a cretinous Neanderthal,…”
“XXXX – I appreciate your attempt to explain your position, but if you could dial down the name-calling and the rhetoric, it would be appreciated.
Thank you.”
There is a word that describes this contrast….you copy that Naran?
Wow. Despite whatever douchery this guy Spider may have engaged in previously, I now like him. A lot.
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/who-reince-priebus
Gotta love this half-baked proposition from Naran….Even her usual cheerleaders are (easily) poking holes in this brainchild of hers
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/taxes-non-profits-its-time
Naran’s obsession with the “misuse of taxpayer’s money” regarding the Brunswick superintendant’s criticism of LePage using school letterhead has become particularly amusing.
Where the hell is Naran lately? Based on her non-stop whoa-is-me financial plight, she surely cannot afford to be away on vacation
Oh, the irony runs thick and deep on AMG these days….
From the Colleen Lachowicz thread–”Meanwhile, she’s still blocking any comments or questions on her blog page that are remotely critical…….why is she such a coward in reality?”
And from the “Hired hacks” thread–”PPH and its sister papers have become a large, cold, echo chamber.”
There are many, many more examples, of course, but my head hurts.
Wowee! The woman is going insane in the Mike Michaud ad thread.
I can just see her in my mind’s eye, running around the room then back to the computer to add yet another post to the thread.
It would be sad if not for the fact that it’s so silly!
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/poll-shows-michaud-raye-race-tightening
polls have been closed for only a few minutes and Naran is already in full Sour Grapes Mode…Ripping on King’s election night party
In the “BDN Portland” Thread
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/bdn-portland-dominates-what-happens-rest-state,
Naran offers up this awesome annalysis/insight: “For some reason, I think it would be a wash, or a negative on the state’s part — but, that’s just me.
Meanwhile, the Portland Public Art Commission probably has some dandy new projects in line for 2013, including more $42,000 park benches”
REALLY??? Greater Portland’s financial and employment contributions to the state are a wash or net negative….So Naran, if Portland is a net negitive to the state, who is infact the wagon puller? Millinockett, Machias?
Jesus Christ!!
It is a ludicrous question. Anyone who walks through downtown Portland and looks at all the buildings that house various business headquarters, the well dressed busy people bustling on the streets, and the constant mass of shoppers cannot honestly think that Portland is a net drag on the state’s finances.
Elsewhere, Naran makes a point to mention that Kennebunk is a net “donor” community. Well, Kennebunk wouldn’t be that way without Portland. Portland is the business anchor of Maine.
They just can’t admit that the most liberal part of the state is also the best to do business in. It doesn’t compute despite how obvious it is.
This one So hurts my head! In her world all those thousands of jobs which create, at the very least state income tax revenue are somehow completely offset by subsidized housing, etc….WTF! Gotta love Roger Eck talking out of both sides of his mouth as well….
I’m guessing Economike is going to walk away from this thread
Loved this recent exchange on PPH when Naran tried to get cute:
Naran Row-Spaulding • Top Commenter • Managing Editor at As Maine Goes:
Lilley — when someone looks up the name in 65 years, it will be listed in the encyclopedia under the term “Grandstanding.”
Brian Messer • Top Commenter • 1/3’10 at United States Navy Reserve:
will that be a sub heading under “Gadfly” and your picture?
Ever since she decided to block specific people on Facebook (myself included), I only see her comments if I’m logged out. It’s rather refreshing not to see the snark. Rather cowardly, though, to block people. Most especially to block the people who keep her in check on the PPH forums.
However, it’s totally status quo for folks who think along the same lines.
Not an AMG thing entirely, but too good not to pass along here…..
In the comments section of Bill Nemitz’ column in the PPH, comparing Paul Le Rage to Tatiana the Tiger, some guy writes:
“I don’t understand the process the PPH uses for these comments. earlier, there were multiple Narrow Crow Starling comments here (Big surprise huh) now none appear to me, no complaints though. Maybe if she changed her avatar or something, the one she uses with the cocked head and fly away hair, her constant apologies for LePage, she must be his official chihuahua. As soon as you seer her avatar you know exactly what her yapping will consist of: “LePage is great, leave my machine guns alone you horrible people”.
Well done, Brian Messer of the US Navy Reserve, whoever you are.
I am convinced that it’s because she gets grumpy when someone says something she doesn’t like. she must only be able to see one or two posters’ comments at this point.
I can’t even get excited about Smitty’s Cinema coming back to Windham without Naran Downer commenting on how much waste is created at such a venue. http://www.pressherald.com/news/smittys-cinema-renovating-theater-for-windham-sequel_2013-01-24.html?fb_action_ids=10200321281904584&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=timeline_og
And where’s the rage over what possibly becomes of all those empty automatic weapons shell casings at area gun ranges? sixty rounds per cartridge sure leaves a big mess. Does the recycle van come around everyday to properly dispose of those too? Naran, please opine….she probably favors tar sands too
Look, we already knew Naran is a fully trained accountant, public relations expert, teacher, architect, civil engineer, medical doctor, and rodeo clown. Why are we surprised to learn that she is qualified in movie theatre management and sanitary engineering as well? The question isn’t about what areas are Naran’s special skills; everything is in her wheelhouse. Everything. Truly amazing when one considers that she has only two hours per day left for continuing education after she is done commenting on websites.
In the Elisabeth Hasselbeck is getting fired from The View thread, The Narantula lets fly this whopper:
“I have only watched the show a few times (way too annoying) but I’m not surprised they terminated her. God forbid they not have an echo chamber.”
Irony so thick you can cut if with a spork.
BTW, it has not been confirmed that Hasselbeck has indeed been canned. If she was, however, I would assume it’s because she’s terrible on the air, not that she’s “too conservative.”
One of the tastiest stories of the month is the item about two more State Republican Committee members resigning after Chairman Rich Cebra steadfastly refused to do anything about the “irregular election” of officers in Penobscot County. More are expected to follow this week.
But when someone started a thread on the topic, Naran posted “I am locking this thread for the weekend” and locked the thread. No. Really!
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/two-state-committeemembers-resign-over-penobscotgate
Her “journalist” equivalent of “I’m taking my ball and going home.”
Woops! She has removed the thread. Wish I know what precipitated that maneuver.
What a tool.
But why isn’t the resignation of three state committee members after a crooked election not news? Why is it not here?
“All the news that fits my philosophy”
The mark of a truly objective journalist.
“access denied”
From the Portland is a great place to retire thread
“Portland is a holy site for every aspiring non-profit socialist and greenie in Maine. To them, it’s the Emerald City of the Northeast, replete with big public money and endless opportunities for career advancement.” NRS
You mean the place that generates $1 out of every $3 in this state Naran? Are all those shiny tall building homeless shelters and all those dudes walking around wearing suits lift them off a bunch of rich guys from Boston? It should come as no surprise considering based on her description of K-Bunk if I hadnt been there I would assume it is riddled with slums and folks on the dole…She is a complete whack job
We don’t see Naran on the Bangor Daily News anymore, and she has blocked me on Facebook so I can’t see her postings on PPH.
I miss her cigar references: “No stogie for you!” Is she any relation to Monica?
She has removed every thread which is about the Ron Paul people or anyone who is criticizing Rich Cebra and his handling of the election in Penobscot County.
Most amazing is her removal of two different threads which addressed the resignation of three state committee members over the issue, including one of her former co-moderators.
As of yesterday, there are five people who have resigned from that committee over the Penobscot scandal.
How does a self-proclaimed journalist justify removing valid news like that? Where is Scott Fish? He at least used to allow some discussion of these things.
havent heard much squaking from the Narantula on the school grading thread since the Kennebunk schools received mostly A’s….
Naran caught again speaking out of both sides of her yapper:
Her post regarding PPH story on Tom’s of Maine dept. leaving for New Jersey:
“You’d think that after making hundreds of millions from their products, Tom’s would keep their jobs in Maine.”
Response from Todd Buckley:
“Wait a minute Naran. In a comment on the Lewiston distillery jobs going to Kentucky you said:
‘Private company making private decision to move their own property/business…’
“Doesn’t that apply here also, and shouldn’t we just butt out of this one too?”
Finally! This was purportedlyBarack Obama’s promise leading up to to the 2008 election. Has there been any progress as far as renewable energy goes?