// When set to 1, this will make the {left_blocks} variable available in
// footer.thtml (and disable it in header.thtml). This is really only useful
// for two-column layouts where you want the left column contain the stories
// and the right column contain the standard blocks.
$_CONF['left_blocks_in_footer'] = 1;

I'm having a problem with this. It works intermittently. I moved the left blocks to the footer page as you can see here: www.ctocnet.org/index.php

now reload the page a few times and you will see that the blocks aren't always
working, sometimes they both render like the should, sometimes on doesn't show up at alll or only hald shows up.

any ideas on how to fix this bug?

As the comment says, it's really only meant for two-column layouts. So you should move all your blocks to the left, then switch on that feature / hack.

Works for me ...

bye, Dirk