The President always wanted to re-evaluate the census process? - Moe_Lane’s blog - RedState
Prediction: Our new president is about to politicize the 2010 census. He has stripped his new secretary of commerce, Judd Gregg, of his power to control the census and will have it run directly from the White House. That will mean remarkable transformations in the US population that miraculously occurred between 2000 and 2010...and all of them will redound to the benefit of the Democratic Party.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Crime: Landlord Orders Ex-Husband To Pay Murdered Wife's Rent
Crime: Landlord Orders Ex-Husband To Pay Murdered Wife's Rent: "The ex-husband of a woman who was murdered at a Christmas party along with 8 other people has been ordered by her landlord to pay her rent. The landlord says she gave insufficient notice to vacate the premises, and broke her lease. Apparently they require 60 days notice before being shot dead by your sister's ex-husband in a Santa suit."
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Mystery Reader sent this heart-warming story full of Christmas cheer, involving a murdered wife, the ex-husband who killed her, and the landlord who accused her of breaking her lease by getting murdered.
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Mystery Reader sent this heart-warming story full of Christmas cheer, involving a murdered wife, the ex-husband who killed her, and the landlord who accused her of breaking her lease by getting murdered.
Real Estate Blog - How to be an authority in your Niche marketing
Real Estate Blog - How to be an authority in your Niche marketing
In which Mr. William Johnson tells you how to be an authority on townhouses.
In which Mr. William Johnson tells you how to be an authority on townhouses.
Cohousing offers green living, sense of belonging - Kansas City Star
Cohousing offers green living, sense of belonging - Kansas City Star: "Cohousing is a type of intentional community, where like-minded residents get together years in advance to plan, design and build homes in a neighborhood where they will eventually live together. What makes it 'cohousing' is the focus on mutual support and a sense of communal living that stresses the sharing of resources to have less of an environmental impact. It's different from a homeowner's association mainly because there's no decision-making hierarchy or board - all important moves are made by consensus."
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Cohousing is actually voluntary, unlike CIDs, which are about as voluntary as being drafted into the military. It isn't for everybody, but it has been around in the US since the late 1980s and in Scandinavia for longer than that.
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Cohousing is actually voluntary, unlike CIDs, which are about as voluntary as being drafted into the military. It isn't for everybody, but it has been around in the US since the late 1980s and in Scandinavia for longer than that.
Community Associations Institute: Nuisance Dogs Bill - We need your help!: "CAI-CT supports legislation that would provide authority for animal control officers to impound the dog of a resident of a condominium association. Many of our associations have experienced the problem of roaming animals, but in some cases, animal control officers have stated that they do not have the authority to go onto private community association property. In several instances, vicious dogs have terrorized communities because animal control officials have felt they did not have the authority to provide assistance. Proposed legislation would allow for enhanced public safety in all communities."
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OK, but why wouldn't the animal control officer just ask for permission from the condo association to impound the Hound of the Baskervilles that is terrorizing the community? If the situation is that bad, presumably the condo association has been asking for animal control to show up.
Association for condos sets program : SearchChicago Homes : Condo watch
Association for condos sets program : SearchChicago Homes : Condo watch: "The Association for Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowner Associations will host the South Suburban Expo on March 7 in Orland Park.
'The South Suburban Expo provides an excellent opportunity for board members to get the education they are seeking and the opportunity to meet industry professionals who can help them with many of their needs and questions,' said Beth Lloyd, president of ACTHA.
The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palos Country Club, 13100 Southwest Highway. About 60 companies that market their products and services to condo buildings will be at the free trade show portion of the expo."
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ACTHA is the CAI alternative in this area. I note that the seminars for board members are $40.
'The South Suburban Expo provides an excellent opportunity for board members to get the education they are seeking and the opportunity to meet industry professionals who can help them with many of their needs and questions,' said Beth Lloyd, president of ACTHA.
The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palos Country Club, 13100 Southwest Highway. About 60 companies that market their products and services to condo buildings will be at the free trade show portion of the expo."
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ACTHA is the CAI alternative in this area. I note that the seminars for board members are $40.
Bloomberg.com: Stop me if you've heard this one before...: "Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company under U.S. government control, will loosen rules for homeowners seeking to lower their loan payments by refinancing.
Fannie Mae will drop some credit-score requirements, reduce income-documentation standards and waive the need for appraisals in some cases, according to a notice yesterday to lenders posted on the Washington-based company’s Web site. The changes apply to loans that the company owns or guarantees.
The company, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the $12 trillion in U.S. residential mortgage debt, is seeking to break a “logjam” in refinancing and allow more homeowners to take advantage of near-record low interest rates..."
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Great. Just great. Let's get those people back in the housing market--the ones who have low credit scores, can't document their claimed income, and want to buy a house that's worth less than the mortgage. What could possibly go wrong with a clever arrangement like this?
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Oldest fossil evidence of animals found - UPI.com: "'Demosponges appeared during the Neoproterozoic era, 1,000 to 542 million years ago, an era of climatic extremes and biological evolutionary developments culminating in the emergence of animals and new ecosystems,' said University of California-Riverside Assistant Professor Gordon Love. 'These sponges currently represent the oldest evidence for animals in the fossil record.'
The preserved compounds Love and colleagues discovered in the sponges, called steranes, exist in a wide variety of biochemical configurations, said Stephen Macko, program director in the National Science Foundation, which funded the research."
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Dr. Love missed an opportunity. He should have called them "Love Sponges."
Listen to past Dave Ross Shows - 710 KIRO · MyNorthwest.com
Listen to past Dave Ross Shows - 710 KIRO · MyNorthwest.com
If you scroll down to January 29 and click that link, you can hear me talking about Governor Hairbrush, Rod Blagojevich. This is a Seattle radio station, and Dave Ross is a great interviewer.
If you scroll down to January 29 and click that link, you can hear me talking about Governor Hairbrush, Rod Blagojevich. This is a Seattle radio station, and Dave Ross is a great interviewer.
Nearly 9 Years Later, Pebble Creek Turf War Still Entrenched
Nearly 9 Years Later, Pebble Creek Turf War Still Entrenched: "TAMPA - After years of hearings, a weeklong jury trial, two appeals and costs running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, a ruckus over who should pay to sod a lawn in a deed-restricted community is back to square one.
A three-judge panel in Hillsborough County Circuit Court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by Edward and Billye Simmons against the Pebble Creek Homeowners Association.
The judges overturned a jury verdict in favor of the association, a ruling awarding it $118,773.31 in attorney fees and costs, and a pending foreclosure against the couple's property."
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This account of a mind-boggling war of escalation and attrition was forwarded by Fred "Sky" Pilot. I just taught my condo law course at John Marshall Law School and talked about the Nahrstedt case, where a woman's refusal to give up three cats led to a major California Supreme Court decision. She lost. Some people say, "Why do these owners insist on fighting battles where the chance of winning is slim and they will lose a fortune in attorney fees even if they win? They must be crazy." But my view is that these folks are heroes and heroines who stand on principle, draw a line in the sand, and fight as long as the law allows. They keep the system honest--to the extent that is honest--and without them the lives of all those who live in CIDs would be more regimented, less free, and diminished in quality. The free riders enjoy an enhanced quality of life that is purchased by those who fight the system.
A three-judge panel in Hillsborough County Circuit Court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by Edward and Billye Simmons against the Pebble Creek Homeowners Association.
The judges overturned a jury verdict in favor of the association, a ruling awarding it $118,773.31 in attorney fees and costs, and a pending foreclosure against the couple's property."
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This account of a mind-boggling war of escalation and attrition was forwarded by Fred "Sky" Pilot. I just taught my condo law course at John Marshall Law School and talked about the Nahrstedt case, where a woman's refusal to give up three cats led to a major California Supreme Court decision. She lost. Some people say, "Why do these owners insist on fighting battles where the chance of winning is slim and they will lose a fortune in attorney fees even if they win? They must be crazy." But my view is that these folks are heroes and heroines who stand on principle, draw a line in the sand, and fight as long as the law allows. They keep the system honest--to the extent that is honest--and without them the lives of all those who live in CIDs would be more regimented, less free, and diminished in quality. The free riders enjoy an enhanced quality of life that is purchased by those who fight the system.
State employee: I get $93,803 for no work -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY
State employee: I get $93,803 for no work -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY: "He spends much of his workday at the State Insurance Fund donning headphones, listening to rock 'n' roll, blues or classical tunes and his superiors are cool with that.
His work agenda involves placing his feet up on his desk, staring out his office window and counting cars on the New York State Thruway. He arrives at 7:30 a.m., leaves at 3:30 p.m., sees no one and talks to no one.
He never does any work. It's been this way for Hinton for most of this decade."
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And amazingly, New Jersey has a huge budget hole to dig itself out of.
His work agenda involves placing his feet up on his desk, staring out his office window and counting cars on the New York State Thruway. He arrives at 7:30 a.m., leaves at 3:30 p.m., sees no one and talks to no one.
He never does any work. It's been this way for Hinton for most of this decade."
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And amazingly, New Jersey has a huge budget hole to dig itself out of.
Solis Senate Session Postponed in Wake of Husband's Tax Lien Revelations | 44 | washingtonpost.com
Solis Senate Session Postponed in Wake of Husband's Tax Lien Revelations | 44 | washingtonpost.com: "A Senate committee today abruptly canceled a session to consider President Obama's nomination of Rep. Hilda Solis to be labor secretary in the wake of a report saying that her husband yesterday paid about $6,400 to settle tax liens against his business -- including liens that had been outstanding for as long as 16 years."
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Remember the way the press (on behalf of Obama and Biden) tore into Joe the Plumber over his tax liens, as though there was some rule saying no mere citizen can ask The One a question if he ever had a tax lien? Now this.
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Remember the way the press (on behalf of Obama and Biden) tore into Joe the Plumber over his tax liens, as though there was some rule saying no mere citizen can ask The One a question if he ever had a tax lien? Now this.
Hundreds will be without water even though bills are paid | LOCAL NEWS | Local Breaking News and Weather from AZFAMILY.COM & KTVK 3TV - Arizona's Family
Hundreds will be without water even though bills are paid | LOCAL NEWS | Local Breaking News and Weather from AZFAMILY.COM & KTVK 3TV - Arizona's Family: "PHOENIX – A meeting with the city turned into a shouting match on Wednesday.
Hundreds of people who live at a condo complex in west Phoenix will be without water on Monday even though they have paid their bills.
City officials said they have never seen a situation like this. This is what makes it so unique and so difficult.
The condos and townhouses are owned by individual people, however the meter that controls the water goes to multiple units, not just that one person's home."
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Hundreds of people who live at a condo complex in west Phoenix will be without water on Monday even though they have paid their bills.
City officials said they have never seen a situation like this. This is what makes it so unique and so difficult.
The condos and townhouses are owned by individual people, however the meter that controls the water goes to multiple units, not just that one person's home."
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SKorean granny fails driving test 771 times - Yahoo! News
SKorean granny fails driving test 771 times - Yahoo! News: "SEOUL (AFP) – A dogged South Korean grandmother has failed her driving test 771 times, police said Thursday, but a local newspaper reported she will keep trying.
The 68-year-old, identified only by her last name Cha, has taken the test almost every working day since 2005 in the southwestern city of Jeonju. She failed again Monday for the 771st time."
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The 68-year-old, identified only by her last name Cha, has taken the test almost every working day since 2005 in the southwestern city of Jeonju. She failed again Monday for the 771st time."
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ABC 13 - Top Stories
ABC 13 - Gated community goes broke: "Accusations are flying about one of the developers of an upscale Woodfin community. Versant is a gated community at the end of Baird Cove Road. The property is now bankrupt and one of the developers is accusing his partner of embezzling millions of dollars.
The town of Woodfin forced the developers to put up a 4-million dollar bond when the project began. Now that Versant is broke, the town administrator is cashing it in. several local companies are now in bankruptcy court trying to collect on unpaid bills, totaling nearly 4 million dollars."
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Good thing the town made the developer put up that bond.
The town of Woodfin forced the developers to put up a 4-million dollar bond when the project began. Now that Versant is broke, the town administrator is cashing it in. several local companies are now in bankruptcy court trying to collect on unpaid bills, totaling nearly 4 million dollars."
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Good thing the town made the developer put up that bond.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Houston may ban tall-tree planting under lines | Top stories | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A proposed ordinance before council would prohibit the planting of tall trees, including live oaks, under power lines. The measure originally was intended to strengthen existing rules to protect trees in public rights of way from being cut down or hacked up by developers.
But the proposed ban on planting live oaks under electric lines — a last-minute addition to the measure — has a vocal group of tree lovers dismayed. Their main complaint centers on the live oak’s usefulness for hiding power lines.
“If this were to pass, we would have to look a lot more at the ugliest feature of our city: power lines,” said Hugh Kelly, a former general counsel for Houston Light & Power who advocated against the change on behalf of two neighborhood groups. “And we would not be able to look at one of the prettiest features: live oaks."
City officials and Council member Sue Lovell said the provision is important because it will ensure that tall trees that require costly pruning no longer will be planted under power lines. Those expensive pruning costs are passed on to electric ratepayers, Mayor Bill White noted."
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From what I have been told the Houston area is pretty much HOA Heaven, Houston being the only major city in the US that has no zoning code. And no concept of aesthetics, either.
But the proposed ban on planting live oaks under electric lines — a last-minute addition to the measure — has a vocal group of tree lovers dismayed. Their main complaint centers on the live oak’s usefulness for hiding power lines.
“If this were to pass, we would have to look a lot more at the ugliest feature of our city: power lines,” said Hugh Kelly, a former general counsel for Houston Light & Power who advocated against the change on behalf of two neighborhood groups. “And we would not be able to look at one of the prettiest features: live oaks."
City officials and Council member Sue Lovell said the provision is important because it will ensure that tall trees that require costly pruning no longer will be planted under power lines. Those expensive pruning costs are passed on to electric ratepayers, Mayor Bill White noted."
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From what I have been told the Houston area is pretty much HOA Heaven, Houston being the only major city in the US that has no zoning code. And no concept of aesthetics, either.
President Obama's Executive Pay Limit Could Be Damaging To New York - wcbstv.com: "'Without the talent of Wall Street to bring us back into a position of leadership in the global economy, we're going to be in bad shape as a world economic power,' said Kathryn Wilde of the Partnership for New York.
Wylde says the Obama salary cap [$500,000 for companies that take TARP money] will lead to a critical brain drain – China and the United Arab Emirates have already come to poach Wall Street talent. She also says lower salaries in the financial industry will mean dramatically lower tax revenues for the city and state.
'We also depend heavily on the financial services industry to fund our economy and our tax rolls,' said Wylde. 'Last year 20 percent of our income taxes in the states – 12 percent in New York City came from Wall Street.'"
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So if we don't let corporations grotesquely overpay the geniuses who wrecked our economy, they will display their patriotism by leaving for China? Buh bye. Don't let the door hit you on the *** on the way out. And it is shocking how heavily New York relies on taxing these huge salaries.
Supervisors vote to sue state | Politics | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California
Supervisors vote to sue state | Politics | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California: "Riverside County supervisors voted Tuesday to sue the state to compel it to pay billions of dollars in funding for county-run social services, payments the state began delaying this week to conserve cash.
Supervisors also voted to take legal action to relieve the county of the responsibility to provide those state-mandated services, such as welfare, assistance for disabled people and mental health services, if the state does not fund them."
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First of two approaches being taken by California counties to deal with their insolvent, profligate, and supremely dysfunctional state government. See below for the LA approach. Thanks to Fred Pilot for these parallel links.
Supervisors also voted to take legal action to relieve the county of the responsibility to provide those state-mandated services, such as welfare, assistance for disabled people and mental health services, if the state does not fund them."
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First of two approaches being taken by California counties to deal with their insolvent, profligate, and supremely dysfunctional state government. See below for the LA approach. Thanks to Fred Pilot for these parallel links.
L.A. County threatens to withhold revenue from state - Los Angeles Times
L.A. County threatens to withhold revenue from state - Los Angeles Times: "Los Angeles County supervisors threatened Tuesday to withhold county revenues from the state to pay for local health and social services, a move they say they have been forced to consider because Sacramento's budget stalemate has left them $105.6 million in the hole.
'We're declaring our own Boston Tea Party,' Supervisor Gloria Molina said during Tuesday's board meeting, adding that refusing to turn over the money to state lawmakers 'will make their pain more acute.'
But it may not be legal, or, for that matter, practical."
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I can see the logic of this, but as a general rule the law frowns on self-help remedies.
'We're declaring our own Boston Tea Party,' Supervisor Gloria Molina said during Tuesday's board meeting, adding that refusing to turn over the money to state lawmakers 'will make their pain more acute.'
But it may not be legal, or, for that matter, practical."
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I can see the logic of this, but as a general rule the law frowns on self-help remedies.
Bizarre signs come out as mystery pair move into upscale Sacramento neighborhood - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "Sacramento police were in one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods Tuesday investigating a scheme with a twist: claims that the house involved is under the protection of a sovereign republic and that trespass could be met with 'self defense' and 'justifiable homicide.'
The bizarre case unfolded Tuesday in a gated West Natomas neighborhood that boasts million-dollar homes and some of the city's most prominent residents... two printed signs appeared on the front window, one of them warning against trespassing and claiming the home was the "Private Property of sovereign Woman of republic of California" and that federal and state employees could not access the property.
The sign mentioned "freeman," an apparent reference to the radical anti-government group that gained fame in 1996 during an 81-day standoff with federal authorities in Montana.
It also referred to the occupants' right to "Self-Preservation – Right To Repel Force By Force – Self Defense – Justifiable Homicide.""
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Fred Pilot found this suburban vignette. This is an $865,000 house in a gated community. It has been vacant for a year. Now...hey, honey...the new neighbors are here! It seems as though the police think the new occupants are squatters. Maybe there is a new theory from the posse comitatus/black helo/Freeman folks that allows them to occupy foreclosed homes. Anybody know about this?
The bizarre case unfolded Tuesday in a gated West Natomas neighborhood that boasts million-dollar homes and some of the city's most prominent residents... two printed signs appeared on the front window, one of them warning against trespassing and claiming the home was the "Private Property of sovereign Woman of republic of California" and that federal and state employees could not access the property.
The sign mentioned "freeman," an apparent reference to the radical anti-government group that gained fame in 1996 during an 81-day standoff with federal authorities in Montana.
It also referred to the occupants' right to "Self-Preservation – Right To Repel Force By Force – Self Defense – Justifiable Homicide.""
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Fred Pilot found this suburban vignette. This is an $865,000 house in a gated community. It has been vacant for a year. Now...hey, honey...the new neighbors are here! It seems as though the police think the new occupants are squatters. Maybe there is a new theory from the posse comitatus/black helo/Freeman folks that allows them to occupy foreclosed homes. Anybody know about this?
Bone-dry Bolinas - barometer for state?
Bone-dry Bolinas - barometer for state?: "With California in a critical drought, every shower, load of laundry and glass of tap water counts. But only in Bolinas could those things cost you your water connection."
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No, it's not a barometer for the state of California. It might be a barometer for all the bizarre hippie communes with their own water supplies...that are drying up.
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No, it's not a barometer for the state of California. It might be a barometer for all the bizarre hippie communes with their own water supplies...that are drying up.
Historic tiny Sacramento County town has king-size problems - Los Angeles Times: "Not to mention that 'disincorporation' is complicated and expensive. The last California city to pull the plug on itself is believed to have been Cabazon in Riverside County, about 1972. The process would cost Isleton about $250,000, and the government would still have to provide full services even as it breathed its last.
If Isleton had that kind of money, Pope noted, it wouldn't need to commit civic suicide. His city may be too poor to live, but it's also too poor to die.
Many of Isleton's miseries have been self-inflicted, but it's far from the only California city in difficult straits. Hard-luck Rio Vista, just across the Sacramento River, has consulted with bankruptcy attorneys but managed to cut its way to relative safety -- for now. Vallejo, 36 miles northwest, filed for bankruptcy protection in May.
Watsonville closed all city services except police and fire for two weeks over the holidays. Calexico declared a fiscal emergency last week.
The state's 10 biggest cities are more than a quarter-billion dollars in the red this fiscal year. Next year, San Francisco and Los Angeles predict a combined $1-billion deficit."
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In California, there is a race to ghost town status between CIDs and municipalities. Who will be the last one standing?
National Weather Forecast - weather.com
National Weather Forecast - Global warming strikes!: "An Arctic cold front will sweep down through Florida on Wednesday leading to a very cold Wednesday night."
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It seems that almost the entire USA will be sub-freezing tonight. That talk Al Gore gave last week did its job.
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It seems that almost the entire USA will be sub-freezing tonight. That talk Al Gore gave last week did its job.
YouTube - Nancy Pelosi: Dumber than Soap
YouTube - Nancy Pelosi: 500 million Americans losing their jobs every month
Pelosi says everything with this tone of condemnation and complete certainty in her own supreme virtue. Listen to this howler.
Pelosi says everything with this tone of condemnation and complete certainty in her own supreme virtue. Listen to this howler.
Chinese see funny side of financial crisis | U.S. | Reuters
Chinese see funny side of financial crisis | U.S. | Reuters: "A bank worker calls a colleague, goes one joke on the tiexue.net bulletin board.
'Hey, how's it been going?'
'Not so bad.'
'Oh, sorry, I've definitely called the wrong number.'
Others adopt a similar tone, but riffing off Communist propaganda slogans.
'In the face of the financial crisis, I have bravely stood up and am marching forward! That's because ... I can't pay back my loans and the bank has repossessed my car.'"
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Chinese humor is great, but 20 minutes later you want to hear another joke.
'Hey, how's it been going?'
'Not so bad.'
'Oh, sorry, I've definitely called the wrong number.'
Others adopt a similar tone, but riffing off Communist propaganda slogans.
'In the face of the financial crisis, I have bravely stood up and am marching forward! That's because ... I can't pay back my loans and the bank has repossessed my car.'"
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Chinese humor is great, but 20 minutes later you want to hear another joke.
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Forty percent of Japanese investors said there is a risk that the U.S. government will default on its debt, a survey published by Barclays Capital showed.
Almost 34 percent of the 66 respondents in the poll sent to Japanese institutional investors from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 said there is a “significant” or “slight” risk that the U.S. will lose its AAA sovereign debt rating this year. Twenty-two percent said they were concerned about the credit risk of German government bonds. China surpassed Japan in September to become the biggest foreign holder of U.S. Treasuries."
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The article goes on to say that foreign investors are concerned that the bond market won't be able to absorb the massive borrowing required to fund the colossal "stimulus package" Obama and the congressional Democrats are planning. The more I read about this the crazier that policy appears.
Almost 34 percent of the 66 respondents in the poll sent to Japanese institutional investors from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 said there is a “significant” or “slight” risk that the U.S. will lose its AAA sovereign debt rating this year. Twenty-two percent said they were concerned about the credit risk of German government bonds. China surpassed Japan in September to become the biggest foreign holder of U.S. Treasuries."
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The article goes on to say that foreign investors are concerned that the bond market won't be able to absorb the massive borrowing required to fund the colossal "stimulus package" Obama and the congressional Democrats are planning. The more I read about this the crazier that policy appears.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Affordability of US homes reaches new record | csmonitor.com: "US homes are now more affordable than at any time since the National Association of Realtors began tracking affordability in 1970.
The finding, announced Tuesday morning by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), means that family incomes are high enough and mortgage rates and real estate prices are now low enough that homeownership is within the reach of a record number of Americans."
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Oh, how encouraging. I shall run out forthwith and purchase myself some real estate. Maybe a few thousand shares of General Motors while I'm at it. Never have these precious assets been more affordable.
Silicon Valley home values plunge at record pace; 20 percent of homes are 'underwater' - San Jose Mercury News
Silicon Valley home values plunge at record pace; 20 percent of homes are 'underwater' - San Jose Mercury News: "Against a backdrop of dire economic news and a crumbling stock market, home values in the San Jose metropolitan area dropped more steeply in the fourth quarter of 2008 than anytime in at least 12 years. The decline left nearly one in five of all homeowners 'underwater,' owing more on their mortgages than their homes would likely fetch in a sale."
Lawsuit Filed Against Knoll-Century Hill Homeowner's Association
Lawsuit Filed Against Knoll-Century Hill Homeowner's Association: "The restrictions and covenants do not authorize a homeowner's association to impose a special assessment for anything other than defraying the cost of any construction or reconstruction of the development's properties.
Special assessments can only be authorized by a two-thirds vote of the 'Knoll' membership, the lawsuit states.
The suit alleges that the defendant's board of directors tried to have proposed amended by-laws voted upon in April 2007. Those by-laws would have given them the authority to pass and enforce a special assessment to 'purchase real property from private parties.'"
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This one has the feel of a "there's a whole lot more going on here than you find in the story" situation.
Special assessments can only be authorized by a two-thirds vote of the 'Knoll' membership, the lawsuit states.
The suit alleges that the defendant's board of directors tried to have proposed amended by-laws voted upon in April 2007. Those by-laws would have given them the authority to pass and enforce a special assessment to 'purchase real property from private parties.'"
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This one has the feel of a "there's a whole lot more going on here than you find in the story" situation.
Hang it out to dry: HOAs would have to allow clotheslines - wtop.com
Hang it out to dry: HOAs would have to allow clotheslines - wtop.com: "ANNAPOLIS -- A Frederick County state delegate wants to let people harness the power of the sun to dry their clothes.
Delegate Galen Clagett, a Democrat, introduced a bill that would require homeowners associations to allow clotheslines.
The bill gives HOAs the right to regulate size, placement and appearance of clotheslines for aesthetic or safety reasons, but it would prevent them and local governments from banning the lines completely at single family houses or townhouses."
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Shu Bartholomew sent this along, and I think it is like the flags and the satellite dishes--another perfectly fine specific limitation on mindless HOA restrictions, when what we really need is a carve-out of some broad areas of civil liberties and due process for owners.
Delegate Galen Clagett, a Democrat, introduced a bill that would require homeowners associations to allow clotheslines.
The bill gives HOAs the right to regulate size, placement and appearance of clotheslines for aesthetic or safety reasons, but it would prevent them and local governments from banning the lines completely at single family houses or townhouses."
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Shu Bartholomew sent this along, and I think it is like the flags and the satellite dishes--another perfectly fine specific limitation on mindless HOA restrictions, when what we really need is a carve-out of some broad areas of civil liberties and due process for owners.
Lake Holiday News » Blog Archive » Jill Holtzman Vogel and SB 1489: The Sequel To A Flop
Lake Holiday News » Blog Archive » Jill Holtzman Vogel and SB 1489: The Sequel To A Flop
Shu Bartholomew forwarded an email from State Senator Jill Vogel saying that she has stricken this atrocious bill. Thanks to all of you who commented here and elsewhere, and did other things to mobilize some opposition and make that known to the legislators. I think all this made a difference.
Shu Bartholomew forwarded an email from State Senator Jill Vogel saying that she has stricken this atrocious bill. Thanks to all of you who commented here and elsewhere, and did other things to mobilize some opposition and make that known to the legislators. I think all this made a difference.
Legislature Upholds Gibbons' HOA Veto - Las Vegas News Story - KVVU Las Vegas
Legislature Upholds Gibbons' HOA Veto - Las Vegas News Story - KVVU Las Vegas: "The bill would have limited the associations' ability to fine homeowners, or ban certain energy-efficiency additions such as solar panels. It also created new rules for elections and safeguards against financial abuse by managers."
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Governor Gibbons said the bill would increase assessments and lead to changes in common areas without homeowner participation. I think others see the matter differently.
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Governor Gibbons said the bill would increase assessments and lead to changes in common areas without homeowner participation. I think others see the matter differently.
LA county supervisors consider withholding funds from state | county, state, payments, budget, cns - News - OCRegister.com
LA county supervisors consider withholding funds from state | county, state, payments, budget, cns - News - OCRegister.com: "The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today discussed withholding locally generated revenues from the state, if the state begins withholding funds from the county."
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As Fred Pilot says, "So there!"
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As Fred Pilot says, "So there!"
Ohio.com - Courtroom dogfight pits condo vs. resident
Ohio.com - Courtroom dogfight pits condo vs. resident: "It seems the condo association allows its owners to have a dog as long as it doesn't weigh more than 12 pounds. C.C. weighs in at about 30 pounds.
The association and C.C.'s owners have been at odds for about a year. So the association sued in Summit County Common Pleas Court, seeking a judge's order to evict C.C."
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I've heard of 30 pound limits, but never a 12 pound limit for dogs. Some developer's attorney must have been a chihuahua lover.
This situation is obviously ridiculous. Take a look at CC and tell me this dog must be removed to protect the property values or quality of life.
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for this bizarre story.
The association and C.C.'s owners have been at odds for about a year. So the association sued in Summit County Common Pleas Court, seeking a judge's order to evict C.C."
---------------
I've heard of 30 pound limits, but never a 12 pound limit for dogs. Some developer's attorney must have been a chihuahua lover.
This situation is obviously ridiculous. Take a look at CC and tell me this dog must be removed to protect the property values or quality of life.
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for this bizarre story.
Obama performance chief Killefer out, citing taxes - Yahoo! News
Killifer's issue was actually pretty minor. I don't really think she should have to back out. But all the other nominees with problems were dealing with significant amounts of money and pretty clear culpability.
Tom Daschle is out as Secretary of Health and Human Services, because he didn't pay his taxes.
Tim Geithner didn't pay his taxes, and he even bilked his employer, but he is Secretary of the Treasury anyway.
There is something especially hypocritical about liberal Democrats not paying their taxes. They are constantly criticizing Republicans for giving "tax breaks to the rich," while they themselves are (a) rich, and (b) creating nonexistent tax breaks for themselves. They even lecture us about how patriotic it is to pay taxes (VP Joe Biden, during the campaign). When they cheat on their taxes, as somebody said, it is like an evangelical preacher getting caught with a prostitute.
Bill Richardson was to be Commerce Secretary, but unfortunately he happens to be under investigation by a grand jury in connection with issuing state contracts to political donors. Maybe he and Rod Blagojevich can cut some government waste by sharing a cell.
Several questions come to mind. What was that stuff about "reform" and "change" again? And what kind of half-baked vetting are these nominees getting by the Obamelot brain trust--all these smartest people in the world who have graced us with their presence? How hard is it to ask "Did you pay your taxes?" I hope they do a little more homework before Obama sits down to parlay with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
And finally...tell me again why we little people have to pay our taxes?
Killifer's issue was actually pretty minor. I don't really think she should have to back out. But all the other nominees with problems were dealing with significant amounts of money and pretty clear culpability.
Tom Daschle is out as Secretary of Health and Human Services, because he didn't pay his taxes.
Tim Geithner didn't pay his taxes, and he even bilked his employer, but he is Secretary of the Treasury anyway.
There is something especially hypocritical about liberal Democrats not paying their taxes. They are constantly criticizing Republicans for giving "tax breaks to the rich," while they themselves are (a) rich, and (b) creating nonexistent tax breaks for themselves. They even lecture us about how patriotic it is to pay taxes (VP Joe Biden, during the campaign). When they cheat on their taxes, as somebody said, it is like an evangelical preacher getting caught with a prostitute.
Bill Richardson was to be Commerce Secretary, but unfortunately he happens to be under investigation by a grand jury in connection with issuing state contracts to political donors. Maybe he and Rod Blagojevich can cut some government waste by sharing a cell.
Several questions come to mind. What was that stuff about "reform" and "change" again? And what kind of half-baked vetting are these nominees getting by the Obamelot brain trust--all these smartest people in the world who have graced us with their presence? How hard is it to ask "Did you pay your taxes?" I hope they do a little more homework before Obama sits down to parlay with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
And finally...tell me again why we little people have to pay our taxes?
California's credit rating cut to lowest of all 50 states | Money & Company | Los Angeles Times
California's credit rating cut to lowest of all 50 states | Money & Company | Los Angeles Times: "California today was branded the worst credit risk of all 50 states, after Standard & Poor’s cut its rating on the state’s debt because of the budget impasse.
S&P lowered its rating on the state’s $46 billion in general obligation bonds to 'A' from 'A-plus,' citing 'the state's inability to reach an agreement on a mid-year budget revision and its rapidly eroding cash position.'"
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"Rapidly eroding cash position" is one of those euphemisms we all need to keep in our hip pocket so we can pull it out when we are RUNNING OUT OF MONEY!
S&P lowered its rating on the state’s $46 billion in general obligation bonds to 'A' from 'A-plus,' citing 'the state's inability to reach an agreement on a mid-year budget revision and its rapidly eroding cash position.'"
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"Rapidly eroding cash position" is one of those euphemisms we all need to keep in our hip pocket so we can pull it out when we are RUNNING OUT OF MONEY!
Deerfield Beach may shut off water at condo that owes $90,000 -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Deerfield Beach may shut off water at condo that owes $90,000 -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Narrabe is one of 28 unit owners — out of 168 — in the Deerfield Palms condo association who still pay their monthly maintenance fees, which are used to pay the community's water bill.
Residents owe the city $90,000. If they don't pay $12,929 by the first week of March, the city is threatening to turn off the water. Because the community has master meters rather than individual unit gauges, the city can't separate owners who are current on their bills from delinquent customers."
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Another condo association that can't do its job, and who gets the short end of the stick? Why, the owners, of course. Who else?
Residents owe the city $90,000. If they don't pay $12,929 by the first week of March, the city is threatening to turn off the water. Because the community has master meters rather than individual unit gauges, the city can't separate owners who are current on their bills from delinquent customers."
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Another condo association that can't do its job, and who gets the short end of the stick? Why, the owners, of course. Who else?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Ohio city warned to avoid tainted water - UPI.com
Ohio city warned to avoid tainted water - UPI.com: "BELLAIRE, Ohio, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The Bellaire, Ohio, water department is warning residents to avoid contact with tap water after hydrochloric acid was mistakenly added to the system."
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Who needs terrorists when you have the Bellaire Department of Water and Acid?
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Who needs terrorists when you have the Bellaire Department of Water and Acid?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Fannie Mae Logic Bomb Attack 'Tip Of The Iceberg' - Security - IT Channel News by CRN and VARBusiness: "Federal investigators indicted Rajendrashinh Makwana, 35, a contracted Unix engineer for mortgage finance company Fannie Mae, for allegedly embedding malicious code known as a logic bomb in the mortgage lender's computer network, which was set to detonate on Jan. 31, 2009.
Had the attack been successful, the malware could have destroyed the entirety of the data on all 4,000 of the mortgage finance company's servers and shut down the company for a week, experts say."
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Maybe some of that exploding logic might find its way into their decision making processes, which haven't been logical for a very long time.
Had the attack been successful, the malware could have destroyed the entirety of the data on all 4,000 of the mortgage finance company's servers and shut down the company for a week, experts say."
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Maybe some of that exploding logic might find its way into their decision making processes, which haven't been logical for a very long time.
Presidential Disaster Declaration For KY - News- msnbc.com
Presidential Disaster Declaration For KY - News- msnbc.com: "President Barack Obama has approved Governor Steve Beshear's request for an emergency Presidential Disaster Declaration that will assist people in need across the Commonwealth."
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Heading off a PR disaster...except that the national press wouldn't have covered it anyway.
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Heading off a PR disaster...except that the national press wouldn't have covered it anyway.
It took 10 years, but Ogden man beats City Hall - Salt Lake Tribune: "Last week, Ogden's Landmarks Commission approved Bruce Edwards' proposal to restore a sign on his historic C.C. Keller Building on 25th Street -- a full 10 years after his original request.
'I outlasted 'em,' Edwards chortled Thursday. 'And the bottom line is, I was right.'
The original wording, dating back to about 1910 and painted on the north side of the two-story brick structure, is still barely visible: 'Every hour upon the hour for about an hour Drink Becker's Beer -- Ogden's Famous Beer.'
But in 1998, the Landmarks Commission -- whose membership has now changed -- gave the sign restoration a big thumbs down.
'One of the members said, 'We can't have beer on that sign; we want 25th Street to be family oriented,' Edwards recalled."
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Beer: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems. Thus spake Homer Simpson.
Get ready for the 8p-a-month mortgage as Bank of England prepares to slash rates to 1% | Mail Online
Get ready for the 8p-a-month mortgage as Bank of England prepares to slash rates to 1% | Mail Online: "Some homeowners could see their monthly mortgage payments drop as low as zero this week.
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates to just 1 per cent on Thursday, bringing a windfall to those with interest-only tracker loans.
If it does, Cheltenham & Gloucester customers who took out a deal at 1.01 percentage points below the Bank's base rate will be paying no interest at all.
For technical reasons, they will still have to make payments - 8p a month for a £100,000 loan - but the money will be refunded."
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That's a hard deal to beat.
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates to just 1 per cent on Thursday, bringing a windfall to those with interest-only tracker loans.
If it does, Cheltenham & Gloucester customers who took out a deal at 1.01 percentage points below the Bank's base rate will be paying no interest at all.
For technical reasons, they will still have to make payments - 8p a month for a £100,000 loan - but the money will be refunded."
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That's a hard deal to beat.
Extinct ibex is resurrected by cloning - Telegraph
Extinct ibex is resurrected by cloning - Telegraph: "The Pyrenean ibex, a form of wild mountain goat, was officially declared extinct in 2000 when the last-known animal of its kind was found dead in northern Spain.
Shortly before its death, scientists preserved skin samples of the goat, a subspecies of the Spanish ibex that live in mountain ranges across the country, in liquid nitrogen.
Using DNA taken from these skin samples, the scientists were able to replace the genetic material in eggs from domestic goats, to clone a female Pyrenean ibex, or bucardo as they are known. It is the first time an extinct animal has been cloned."
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It didn't live long, but they will work out the fine points. Brave new world, here we come. Today the Spanish ibex, five years from now...Neanderthal Man?
Thanks to Jeff Hammond for the link.
Shortly before its death, scientists preserved skin samples of the goat, a subspecies of the Spanish ibex that live in mountain ranges across the country, in liquid nitrogen.
Using DNA taken from these skin samples, the scientists were able to replace the genetic material in eggs from domestic goats, to clone a female Pyrenean ibex, or bucardo as they are known. It is the first time an extinct animal has been cloned."
-----------
It didn't live long, but they will work out the fine points. Brave new world, here we come. Today the Spanish ibex, five years from now...Neanderthal Man?
Thanks to Jeff Hammond for the link.
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