San Rafael partners with Peacock Gap neighborhood group on median maintenance - Marin Independent Journal: "Despite some community objections, the San Rafael City Council signed off on a landscape maintenance pact with a Peacock Gap neighborhood group that could be the way of things to come.
The council on Monday unanimously approved a city partnership with the Peacock Gap Homeowners Association that puts maintenance of the neighborhood's long-neglected medians and other landscaping in city hands with $80,000 of neighborhood funding.
The city will use funding from the association to improve the medians with new irrigation systems and landscaping.
'With all the budget cuts, we are forced to come up with creative solutions to come up with services,' said city spokeswoman Terri Hardesty. 'This is a great example. It could be the beginning of many more partnerships.'"
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Like I keep saying, HOAs are becoming the lowest level of local government. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Straighten up that bacon!
Telegram.com - A product of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "She had been turning over strips of bacon that were cooking in a pan when Mr. Rutledge became angry because “it wasn’t in a neat line,” she wrote in a statement she gave police. She told police he struck her and told her, “You’re going to cause your own death.”"
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Too bad he couldn't have channeled his impulses for creating order into some more productive vein, such being president of an HOA.
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Too bad he couldn't have channeled his impulses for creating order into some more productive vein, such being president of an HOA.
Widow vs. HOA dispute gets HUD's attention | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com
Widow vs. HOA dispute gets HUD's attention | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com: "Federal housing authorities have become involved with the case of an 87-year-old Mesa woman whose homeowners association told her she can't have a grandson live with her as a caregiver because of the community's age restrictions."
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Go, Granny, go!
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Go, Granny, go!
Loudoun Times: One HOA doing its part to prevent economic recovery
Loudoun Times: "Residents of CountrySide are upset that members of the community's board of directors are considering a plan to restrict home businesses, threatening operations such as home day cares.
According to a draft of the resolution, permission to operate any business would have to be obtained from all adjacent property owners and from the board of directors."
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Can you imagine a worse time to do this?
According to a draft of the resolution, permission to operate any business would have to be obtained from all adjacent property owners and from the board of directors."
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Can you imagine a worse time to do this?
Hotel defaults, foreclosures rise in California -- latimes.com
Hotel defaults, foreclosures rise in California -- latimes.com: "More California hotels are being pushed into foreclosure as tourists and businesses alike scale back their travel plans and owners are unable to pay their mortgages.
Statewide, more than 300 hotels were in foreclosure or default on their loans as of Sept. 30 -- a nearly fivefold increase since the start of the year, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
The list of troubled properties includes the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, the downtown Los Angeles Marriott, the Sheraton Universal and the W hotel in San Diego."
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This is just the beginning of a meltdown in the commercial real estate market.
Statewide, more than 300 hotels were in foreclosure or default on their loans as of Sept. 30 -- a nearly fivefold increase since the start of the year, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
The list of troubled properties includes the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, the downtown Los Angeles Marriott, the Sheraton Universal and the W hotel in San Diego."
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This is just the beginning of a meltdown in the commercial real estate market.
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Naperville restricts sleeping downtown
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Naperville restricts sleeping downtown: "NAPERVILLE, Ill. (STNG) -- Scott Huber plans to stay put under his tarp outside the central parking deck in downtown Naperville, despite a new law designed to keep him out.
Huber has been camping on the sidewalk for eight years in what he calls a protest against the city for taking away his lifestyle and electronics business. Under a new city ordinance effective in 30 days, Huber will need a special event permit or a new location to continue -- or face daily fines of up to $100 and a court injunction."
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How would Naperville look if a few thousand people decided to save money by living under a tarp in a pubic parking garage?
Huber has been camping on the sidewalk for eight years in what he calls a protest against the city for taking away his lifestyle and electronics business. Under a new city ordinance effective in 30 days, Huber will need a special event permit or a new location to continue -- or face daily fines of up to $100 and a court injunction."
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How would Naperville look if a few thousand people decided to save money by living under a tarp in a pubic parking garage?
Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes Says State Finances A Mounting Crisis, Things Getting Worse - cbs2chicago.com
Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes Says State Finances A Mounting Crisis, Things Getting Worse - cbs2chicago.com: "The State of Illinois' pile of unpaid bills has grown to a record-breaking $3 billion. Comptroller Dan Hynes said Tuesday it's never before been this bad at this point in any previous fiscal year. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports that some social service agencies that rely heavily on state reimbursement warn they will soon be forced out of business.
Hynes said that things are likely to get worse before the state's bleak revenue picture begins to improve."
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They aren't even paying the dental bills for their employees. The state deducts money from our paychecks for this coverage, and then we pay our share directly to the provider, but the state won't pay what they owe. So the provider--take my kids' dentist, for example--threatens to turn me over to a collection agency if I don't pay it. So I pay the state's share. Then, someday down the road, the state will pay the dentist what they owe, and the dentist will have been paid twice. Will the dentist notify me? Probably not. So how will I know that they made that payment at long last? I won't, unless I call the dentist relentlessly.
Hynes said that things are likely to get worse before the state's bleak revenue picture begins to improve."
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They aren't even paying the dental bills for their employees. The state deducts money from our paychecks for this coverage, and then we pay our share directly to the provider, but the state won't pay what they owe. So the provider--take my kids' dentist, for example--threatens to turn me over to a collection agency if I don't pay it. So I pay the state's share. Then, someday down the road, the state will pay the dentist what they owe, and the dentist will have been paid twice. Will the dentist notify me? Probably not. So how will I know that they made that payment at long last? I won't, unless I call the dentist relentlessly.
Illinois Review: Bill Ayers' admits he wrote "Dreams of My Father"
Illinois Review: Bill Ayers' admits he wrote "Dreams of My Father": "Then, unprompted he said--I wrote Dreams From My Father. I said, oh, so you admit it. He said--Michelle asked me to. I looked at him. He seemed eager. He's about my height, short. He went on to say--and if you can prove it, we can split the royalties."
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In the blogosphere what Ayers did is called a "troll." But the conservative bloggers who are repeating this endlessly don't get the joke. Do they really think that Ayers confessed the biggest literary fraud of the century to a right wing activist who had just taken his picture in an airport? Come on, people.
UIC's education building, where he teaches, is right across Harrison Street from the Behavioral Sciences Building, where I work. Yesterday when I was leaving the office for Union Station, I walked past Ayers as he was trying to hail a cab at the corner of Harrison and Morgan. I stood there for minute waiting for the light to change. It was raining and he seemed frustrated when a cab drove right past him. Can't blame him. I guess sometimes being rich and famous doesn't mean a thing. Not that I would know.
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In the blogosphere what Ayers did is called a "troll." But the conservative bloggers who are repeating this endlessly don't get the joke. Do they really think that Ayers confessed the biggest literary fraud of the century to a right wing activist who had just taken his picture in an airport? Come on, people.
UIC's education building, where he teaches, is right across Harrison Street from the Behavioral Sciences Building, where I work. Yesterday when I was leaving the office for Union Station, I walked past Ayers as he was trying to hail a cab at the corner of Harrison and Morgan. I stood there for minute waiting for the light to change. It was raining and he seemed frustrated when a cab drove right past him. Can't blame him. I guess sometimes being rich and famous doesn't mean a thing. Not that I would know.
Despite Chicago 2016 Olympic loss, White House new sports office to continue - Lynn Sweet
Despite Chicago 2016 Olympic loss, White House new sports office to continue - Lynn Sweet: "WASHINGTON--With some fanfare, the White House created the first-ever Office on Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Sport to help bolster Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. Chicago suffered an embarrassing loss last Friday in Copenhagen--getting knocked out in the first round of voting. Turned out Chicago never had a chance. But the Sun-Times has learned that the Obama sports office will continue, even though the Chicago bid flamed out."
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Of course. Because the Administration is full of people who think there is no such thing as an unnecessary government agency. Which is a convenient rationale for making sure that all your buddies keep their government jobs at taxpayer expense.
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Of course. Because the Administration is full of people who think there is no such thing as an unnecessary government agency. Which is a convenient rationale for making sure that all your buddies keep their government jobs at taxpayer expense.
Biting pupil pried from Ohio teacher's arm
Biting pupil pried from Ohio teacher's arm: "DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - Police said an Ohio elementary school student bit a teacher on the arm and had to be pried off by a school official."
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No wonder they want four-day weeks.
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No wonder they want four-day weeks.
As Obama Advocates Longer School Year, Teachers' Unions Push for Shorter Weeks - Political News - FOXNews.com
As Obama Advocates Longer School Year, Teachers' Unions Push for Shorter Weeks - Political News - FOXNews.com: "In order to save everyone's job, teachers' union organizers in many states and school districts are advocating payless furloughs for all employees -- getting four days' pay for four days' work.
But critics say the teachers are putting their own priorities above the students they're supposed to be nurturing, and that payless furloughs will cost the kids services and class time."
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Sigh.
But critics say the teachers are putting their own priorities above the students they're supposed to be nurturing, and that payless furloughs will cost the kids services and class time."
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Sigh.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Aging in America: Why seniors are not getting swine flu | Latest News | WFAA.com
Aging in America: Why seniors are not getting swine flu | Latest News | WFAA.com
Until the 1990s few people bothered to get flu shots. So they got the flu, and the prevalent attitude was, so what? There once was a time when getting the flu was not considered a major event unless you were especially vulnerable. And now the older you are, the more antibodies you have. Ironic.
Until the 1990s few people bothered to get flu shots. So they got the flu, and the prevalent attitude was, so what? There once was a time when getting the flu was not considered a major event unless you were especially vulnerable. And now the older you are, the more antibodies you have. Ironic.
Girl in box seat, mom on hot seat :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation
Girl in box seat, mom on hot seat :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation: "A police spokesman said the 37-year-old woman was arrested Sunday after police received a call about a minivan on a state highway with a child riding on top.
The woman told police the box was too big to go inside the van, and that her daughter was inside the box to hold it down, police said.
Police said the mother told officers it was safe because she had the box secured to the van with a clothes hanger."
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Sweet home Alabama.
The woman told police the box was too big to go inside the van, and that her daughter was inside the box to hold it down, police said.
Police said the mother told officers it was safe because she had the box secured to the van with a clothes hanger."
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Sweet home Alabama.
Criminalizing everyone - Washington Times
Criminalizing everyone - Washington Times: "Chairman Robert C. Scott, Virginia Democrat, and ranking member Louie Gohmert, Texas Republican, conducted a truly bipartisan hearing (a D.C. rarity this year).
These two leaders have begun giving voice to the increasing number of experts who worry about 'overcriminalization.' Astronomical numbers of federal criminal laws lack specifics, can apply to almost anyone and fail to protect innocents by requiring substantial proof that an accused person acted with actual criminal intent."
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Read about the 66 year old retiree who spent two years in prison for selling orchids from his home without the proper paperwork.
These two leaders have begun giving voice to the increasing number of experts who worry about 'overcriminalization.' Astronomical numbers of federal criminal laws lack specifics, can apply to almost anyone and fail to protect innocents by requiring substantial proof that an accused person acted with actual criminal intent."
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Read about the 66 year old retiree who spent two years in prison for selling orchids from his home without the proper paperwork.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Pa. Woman Mauled To Death By Bear - cbs3.com
Pa. Woman Mauled To Death By Bear - cbs3.com: "Authorities say Kelly Ann Walz, 37, of Ross Township in Monroe County, was attacked by her 350 pound pet bear while cleaning its cage at about 5 p.m. Sunday. Walz had reportedly thrown a shovelful of dog food to one side of the cage to distract the bear while she cleaned the other side, but the animal turned on her and attacked."
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Darwin would probably have something to say about this.
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Darwin would probably have something to say about this.
William Saletan: No smoking in your own apartment. - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine
No smoking in your own apartment. - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine: "Two years ago, Belmont, Calif., outlawed smoking in apartments and condos with shared floors or ceilings. Then last year, two New York condo owners sued their neighbor for lighting up in her apartment and 'causing smoke to enter into the common hallway.' Now comes another court fight: According to the Dallas Morning News, a local woman is suing her ex-neighbor and her ex-landlord 'for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome.'"
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At some point you have to wonder if the issues are more psychological than physiological.
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At some point you have to wonder if the issues are more psychological than physiological.
Spengler strikes again
Asia Times Online :: Asian news and current affairs: "The parallels between America in 2009 and Japan in 1989 are uncanny. An asset price bubble has collapsed, just before a tsunami of prospective retirements that the asset bubble was supposed to fund. Demand for savings is bottomless, and the government satisfies demands for savings by running a huge deficit and issuing debt. The crippled banking system borrows at an interest rate of zero and buys government securities. And the economy shrivels up and dies."
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I hope he's wrong, but his explanation is persuasive.
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I hope he's wrong, but his explanation is persuasive.
The Associated Press: Police chiefs endorse anti-terror community watch
The Associated Press: Police chiefs endorse anti-terror community watch: "DENVER — A store clerk's curiosity about why Najibullah Zazi was buying large quantities of beauty supply products indicated that something about the transaction wasn't quite right — and it's an example of the kind of citizen vigilance that can combat terror, a police commander said Saturday.
Los Angeles police Cmdr. Joan McNamara cited this summer's incident as police chiefs meeting in Denver adopted a model for a nationwide community watch program that teaches people what behavior is truly suspicious and encourages them to report it to police."
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Great. Citizens informing local police about the "suspicious" activities of their neighbors...what could possibly go wrong?
Los Angeles police Cmdr. Joan McNamara cited this summer's incident as police chiefs meeting in Denver adopted a model for a nationwide community watch program that teaches people what behavior is truly suspicious and encourages them to report it to police."
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Great. Citizens informing local police about the "suspicious" activities of their neighbors...what could possibly go wrong?
FTC to Regulate Blogging - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com
FTC to Regulate Blogging - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com: "The Federal Trade Commission will try to regulate blogging for the first time, requiring writers on the Web to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.
The FTC said Monday its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final Web guidelines, which had been expected. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could bring fines up to $11,000 per violation. Bloggers or advertisers also could face injunctions and be ordered to reimburse consumers for financial losses stemming from inappropriate product reviews."
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This is so ridiculous. What a complete waste of taxpayers' money.
The FTC said Monday its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final Web guidelines, which had been expected. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could bring fines up to $11,000 per violation. Bloggers or advertisers also could face injunctions and be ordered to reimburse consumers for financial losses stemming from inappropriate product reviews."
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This is so ridiculous. What a complete waste of taxpayers' money.
Man shoots neighbor over leaves in Randolph
Man shoots neighbor over leaves in Randolph: "BOSTON -- A Randolph man pleaded not guilty to armed assault with intent to murder after police said he shot his neighbor over a leaf-dumping dispute."
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Just your average neighbor who "always carried his gun, even when cutting the lawn or playing with the kids."
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Just your average neighbor who "always carried his gun, even when cutting the lawn or playing with the kids."
Dismissal of Obama birthplace lawsuit argued - Total Buzz - OCRegister.com
Dismissal of Obama birthplace lawsuit argued - Total Buzz - OCRegister.com: "“It would be disastrous if a single circuit court judge had the power to remove a president from office,” said Assistant United States Attorney Roger West."
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My mother was Roger West's secretary for years before her retirement at age 79.
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My mother was Roger West's secretary for years before her retirement at age 79.
California: Red light camera ripoff declared illegal
California: Another Appellate Court Strikes Down Cost Neutrality: "A second appellate ruling has struck down a California city's red light camera program as illegal. On September 22, the California Superior Court for the County of San Mateo, Appellate Department overturned motorist Al Bullock's $387 conviction for making a right turn on red. Presiding Judge Mark R. Forcum concisely found that San Mateo's cost neutral contract with an Australian company, Redflex Traffic Systems, was in direct violation of state law.
'Reversed,' Forcum wrote in a one-word decision.
California law explicitly bans local jurisdictions from rewarding red light camera companies with payments based on the number of citations issued or as a percentage of fines generated. At least fifty cities have attempted to skirt this requirement with a clever arrangement known as cost neutrality. These contract provisions allow a city to pay the contractor based on the number of citations issued up to a certain monthly amount. After this cap is reached, the city keeps all of the revenue generated. The provisions are designed to ensure that cities can only profit from photo ticketing and will never pay to operate the program."
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Nice to see that some appellate courts are standing up to these grasping local governments.
'Reversed,' Forcum wrote in a one-word decision.
California law explicitly bans local jurisdictions from rewarding red light camera companies with payments based on the number of citations issued or as a percentage of fines generated. At least fifty cities have attempted to skirt this requirement with a clever arrangement known as cost neutrality. These contract provisions allow a city to pay the contractor based on the number of citations issued up to a certain monthly amount. After this cap is reached, the city keeps all of the revenue generated. The provisions are designed to ensure that cities can only profit from photo ticketing and will never pay to operate the program."
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Nice to see that some appellate courts are standing up to these grasping local governments.
My Way News - Great time for US consumers: America is on sale
My Way News - Great time for US consumers: America is on sale: "The Great Recession has caused massive job losses and hardship for millions, but it has also fostered a shoppers' paradise. Anyone who still has the means to spend can find unheard of deals."
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So get out there and borrow some money and buy a bunch of stuff.
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So get out there and borrow some money and buy a bunch of stuff.
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans - WSJ.com
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans - WSJ.com: "LAS VEGAS -- After a six-year building frenzy that transformed this city, casino companies are shifting strategies dramatically toward slower growth, paying down debt and cutting back on spending.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years."
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Think about how many jobs these projects create, then consider the consequences of not having them.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years."
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Think about how many jobs these projects create, then consider the consequences of not having them.
Group offers homeowner's board training The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper
Group offers homeowner's board training The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper: "Anyone who serves on a homeowner association board knows the responsibility usually comes with little training. Some groups are barely equipped with enforceable bylaws.
The Community Associations Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, has launched a program to address that gap in association-governance knowledge. The group is offering a free online training course that could help new board members get their bearings."
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I love the way the local press just takes press releases and plugs them right into the newspaper as if they were news or something. Anyway, CAI is taking their training online.
The Community Associations Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, has launched a program to address that gap in association-governance knowledge. The group is offering a free online training course that could help new board members get their bearings."
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I love the way the local press just takes press releases and plugs them right into the newspaper as if they were news or something. Anyway, CAI is taking their training online.
New York City to Establish Surveillance Network in Midtown - NYTimes.com
New York City to Establish Surveillance Network in Midtown - NYTimes.com: "Asked Sunday about criticism of the increased surveillance, Mr. Bloomberg said: “We live in a world where we have to have a balance. We can’t just say everybody can go everyplace and do anything they want.”"
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Politicians love these straw man arguments. As if anybody had suggested that in New York City, there should be no restrictions on anybody's movements and activities.
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Politicians love these straw man arguments. As if anybody had suggested that in New York City, there should be no restrictions on anybody's movements and activities.
Homeowners are challenging property-tax assessments at a record rate | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/04/2009
Homeowners are challenging property-tax assessments at a record rate | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/04/2009: "With the ebbing of the real estate market, a record-bursting tide of property-tax appeals is inundating assessment offices all over the region - and the nation - with appeal numbers double and triple what they were last year."
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My sense of the situation--and it is just anecdotal--is that assessments have not been lowered to reflect the decline in property values. That would account for the wave of challenges.
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My sense of the situation--and it is just anecdotal--is that assessments have not been lowered to reflect the decline in property values. That would account for the wave of challenges.
Barack Obama furious at General Stanley McChrystal speech on Afghanistan - Telegraph
Barack Obama furious at General Stanley McChrystal speech on Afghanistan - Telegraph: "In London, Gen McChrystal, who heads the 68,000 US troops in Afghanistan as well as the 100,000 Nato forces, flatly rejected proposals to switch to a strategy more reliant on drone missile strikes and special forces operations against al-Qaeda.
He told the Institute of International and Strategic Studies that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to 'Chaos-istan'. When asked whether he would support it, he said: 'The short answer is: No.' He went on to say: 'Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely, and nor will public support.'
The remarks have been seen by some in the Obama administration as a barbed reference to the slow pace of debate within the White House."
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So then Obama and McChrystal had their little tete-a-tete in Copenhagen, and now the White House is leaking these items about how they are unhappy with his rhetoric. And over the weekend the Taliban made headlines with an attack that killed ten Americans.
He told the Institute of International and Strategic Studies that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to 'Chaos-istan'. When asked whether he would support it, he said: 'The short answer is: No.' He went on to say: 'Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely, and nor will public support.'
The remarks have been seen by some in the Obama administration as a barbed reference to the slow pace of debate within the White House."
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So then Obama and McChrystal had their little tete-a-tete in Copenhagen, and now the White House is leaking these items about how they are unhappy with his rhetoric. And over the weekend the Taliban made headlines with an attack that killed ten Americans.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Will California become America's first failed state? | World news | The Observer
Will California become America's first failed state? | World news | The Observer: "The crisis is so deep that Professor Kenneth Starr, who has written an acclaimed history of the state, recently declared: 'California is on the verge of becoming the first failed state in America.'"
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Yes, indeed. Things are that bad. The state and local governments are in a state of budgetary crisis and political paralysis. The problems are structural, not temporary. The public schools are horrible, the great system of public higher education is in trouble, infrastructure is crumbling, the middle class is leaving and the poor are still arriving in droves, the prison system is overflowing, the housing market is in chaos, and on and on. The state is at this point impossible to govern. But if you go to California, as I did this summer, you will find that the people who live there are going about their lives as usual and not even talking about this sort of thing except in passing.
Wile E. Coyote chases the roadrunner until he runs off a cliff, but he doesn't fall until he looks down.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Deer Ridge - Your Monthly HOA Fee And Special Assessment Are WRONG! | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Deer Ridge - Your Monthly HOA Fee And Special Assessment Are WRONG! | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Here is an owner getting ready to file a lawsuit against an association.
Here is an owner getting ready to file a lawsuit against an association.
Mission Viejo involvement in HOA slope would open Pandora’s box | Orange Juice
Mission Viejo involvement in HOA slope would open Pandora’s box | Orange Juice: "The above communication from Mr. Rattay was referring to a July 15th letter from Charles J. Rossi which reads in part that he is “writing to inquire whether the City of Mission Viejo has any interest in acquiring ownership of the Marguerite slope. The Mallorca Board of Directors feel that city ownership of the slope will not only benefit the association itself, but would also serve to greatly enhance the overall aesthetics of the property surrounding the lake and bring the slope up to conformity with the other City maintained slopes in our beautiful city. In essence, City ownership of the slope is a win/win proposition for all Mission Viejo citizens.”"
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Coincidentally, the slope needs $350,000 to $420,00 of rehab work and costs an estimated $31,600 to maintain every year. And it seems there are other slopes owned by other associations as well.
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Coincidentally, the slope needs $350,000 to $420,00 of rehab work and costs an estimated $31,600 to maintain every year. And it seems there are other slopes owned by other associations as well.
Friday, October 02, 2009
ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
In case you were wondering what it is.
In case you were wondering what it is.
US relinquishes control of the internet | Technology | guardian.co.uk
US relinquishes control of the internet | Technology | guardian.co.uk: "Icann – the official body that ultimately controls the development of the internet thanks to its oversight of web addresses such as .com, .net and .org – said today that it was ending its agreement with the US government.
The deal, part of a contract negotiated with the US department of commerce, effectively pushes California-based Icann towards a new status as an international body with greater representation from companies and governments around the globe.
Icann had previously been operating under the auspices of the American government, which had control of the net thanks to its initial role in developing the underlying technologies used for connecting computers together."
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Surprising this has not attracted more attention.
The deal, part of a contract negotiated with the US department of commerce, effectively pushes California-based Icann towards a new status as an international body with greater representation from companies and governments around the globe.
Icann had previously been operating under the auspices of the American government, which had control of the net thanks to its initial role in developing the underlying technologies used for connecting computers together."
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Surprising this has not attracted more attention.
High stakes HOA dispute: tear down that house!
Judge to rule on 5 year legal feud
Wow. Tear down a million dollar house? That's what I call high stakes litigation.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link to this saga.
Wow. Tear down a million dollar house? That's what I call high stakes litigation.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link to this saga.
Chicago Loses 2016 Olympic Bid - cbs2chicago.com
Chicago Loses 2016 Olympic Bid - cbs2chicago.com: "COPENHAGEN, Denmark (CBS) ―Despite four years, millions of dollars in planning and a last-ditch pitch from President Obama, the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid ultimately fell short.
The City of Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, before any host city was selected."
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Quite a blow to Mayor Daley, President Obama and the First Lady, and The Oprah, although I don't think it was any mistake on their parts that led to this debacle. The way I see it, Chicago didn't deserve the Olympics because of the rancid corruption, bad public institutions, and the crime that is allowed to make many neighborhoods war zones for kids. I'm not saying Rio is better in those dimensions, but Chicago is not in an emerging nation like Brazil. There is no excuse for these problems here. The Chicago Machine should have been rooted out long ago but Daley and his cronies just refuse to change the way they do business, no matter how many of them go to federal prison. They would have stolen untold billions between now and 2016. Now they will have to find some other way to make a dishonest living. I'm not shedding any tears.
The City of Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, before any host city was selected."
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Quite a blow to Mayor Daley, President Obama and the First Lady, and The Oprah, although I don't think it was any mistake on their parts that led to this debacle. The way I see it, Chicago didn't deserve the Olympics because of the rancid corruption, bad public institutions, and the crime that is allowed to make many neighborhoods war zones for kids. I'm not saying Rio is better in those dimensions, but Chicago is not in an emerging nation like Brazil. There is no excuse for these problems here. The Chicago Machine should have been rooted out long ago but Daley and his cronies just refuse to change the way they do business, no matter how many of them go to federal prison. They would have stolen untold billions between now and 2016. Now they will have to find some other way to make a dishonest living. I'm not shedding any tears.
6 charged with burning Olympic banner - Chicago Breaking News
6 charged with burning Olympic banner - Chicago Breaking News: "Six people were charged with mob action today for yanking an Olympic banner from the Daley Center's Picasso statue and tossing it into the 'eternal' flame, authorities said."
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With mug shots that show this was a motley crew.
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With mug shots that show this was a motley crew.
Post-human Earth: How the planet will recover from us - environment - 30 September 2009 - New Scientist
Post-human Earth: How the planet will recover from us - environment - 30 September 2009 - New Scientist: "WHEN Nobel prize-winning atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen coined the word Anthropocene around 10 years ago, he gave birth to a powerful idea: that human activity is now affecting the Earth so profoundly that we are entering a new geological epoch.
The Anthropocene has yet to be accepted as a geological time period, but if it is, it may turn out to be the shortest - and the last. It is not hard to imagine the epoch ending just a few hundred years after it started, in an orgy of global warming and overconsumption."
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I challenge these scientists to get away from their microscopes and watch daytime TV for a week, because I think we are already in the post-human era.
The Anthropocene has yet to be accepted as a geological time period, but if it is, it may turn out to be the shortest - and the last. It is not hard to imagine the epoch ending just a few hundred years after it started, in an orgy of global warming and overconsumption."
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I challenge these scientists to get away from their microscopes and watch daytime TV for a week, because I think we are already in the post-human era.
Pajamas Media » Why Did Bank of America Pay ACORN? » Print
Pajamas Media » Why Did Bank of America Pay ACORN? » Print: "we can just go to the Bank of America community website [3], which notes that the firm works with ACORN in more than 20 cities to provide “special mortgage products.” Or we can go to the ACORN Housing website, which describes a program [4] that produced $246 million in mortgages from Bank of America with “flexible underwriting and discounted pricing.” Or this page [5], which describes a program with low down payments, no private mortgage insurance, no cash reserve necessary, and flexibility on income requirements, such as being able to include public assistance.
Yes, ACORN and Bank of America joined forces to become the ultimate subprime lender."
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Yes, ACORN and Bank of America joined forces to become the ultimate subprime lender."
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
NFL Scientists Postulate Theoretical Down Before First Down | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
NFL Scientists Postulate Theoretical Down Before First Down | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "NEW YORK—Citing the extremely low level of entropy present before a normal set of football downs, scientists from the NFL's quantum mechanics and cosmology laboratories spoke Monday of a theoretical proto-down before the first."
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Just a little science update.
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Just a little science update.
Candidates for Reading, Berks County offices square off at forum
Candidates for Reading, Berks County offices square off at forum: "The two candidates running for City Council's District 4 seat in northeast Reading - Democrat incumbent Stratton P. Marmarou and Libertarian challenger Donald Schwab - criticized the city's move to enter Act 47, the state's protection program for distressed municipalities.
Marmarou said the administration should have had more discussions with council before applying for Act 47 status. And, he said, the city's Financial Stability Panel in August told the city what it needed to do to solve its financial crisis.
Schwab said entering the plan says the city is basically bankrupt."
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Ah, good old Stratt. I taught at Albright College in Reading for four years and Stratton Marmarou was the head of campus security, and before that he was a Reading police officer. And always a character. Now I see he on the Reading City Council and the city is in big financial trouble. Reading has quite a history, including the famous Reading Railroad (as in Monopoly), truly legendary political corruption (my friend and colleage John Gardiner wrote a book about Reading called "The Corrupt City" and that about says it), a real Japanese pagoda, and a host of recent problems resulting from deindustrialization, demographic changes, and a shift of development to the surrounding suburbs. But they still have the Reading Phillies and a great place to watch a baseball game. And the pagoda is incredibly cool.
Marmarou said the administration should have had more discussions with council before applying for Act 47 status. And, he said, the city's Financial Stability Panel in August told the city what it needed to do to solve its financial crisis.
Schwab said entering the plan says the city is basically bankrupt."
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Ah, good old Stratt. I taught at Albright College in Reading for four years and Stratton Marmarou was the head of campus security, and before that he was a Reading police officer. And always a character. Now I see he on the Reading City Council and the city is in big financial trouble. Reading has quite a history, including the famous Reading Railroad (as in Monopoly), truly legendary political corruption (my friend and colleage John Gardiner wrote a book about Reading called "The Corrupt City" and that about says it), a real Japanese pagoda, and a host of recent problems resulting from deindustrialization, demographic changes, and a shift of development to the surrounding suburbs. But they still have the Reading Phillies and a great place to watch a baseball game. And the pagoda is incredibly cool.
Cities, HOA officials discuss common problems
Cities, HOA officials discuss common problems: "Government and community leaders from Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe met at the Gilbert Community Center on Wednesday to discuss how municipalities and HOAs could work together more efficiently."
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How cozy. As I read the article, it boils down to the city officials suggesting that it would be just so nice if people took their problems with barking dogs and dilapidated foreclosed homes to their friendly neighborhood HOA instead of bothering the city government. It would make things so neighborly and communal-like if they did that. And now we will all sing Kumbayah.
And that pretty much sums up my sense of where CIDs are headed in this country, in general. In reality they are becoming the lowest and least supported level of local government, but this is never acknowledged, either by government or the industry. Instead we hear all this fuzzy neighbor-community rhetoric that just blurs the edges of the use of power to extract money and compliance from people.
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How cozy. As I read the article, it boils down to the city officials suggesting that it would be just so nice if people took their problems with barking dogs and dilapidated foreclosed homes to their friendly neighborhood HOA instead of bothering the city government. It would make things so neighborly and communal-like if they did that. And now we will all sing Kumbayah.
And that pretty much sums up my sense of where CIDs are headed in this country, in general. In reality they are becoming the lowest and least supported level of local government, but this is never acknowledged, either by government or the industry. Instead we hear all this fuzzy neighbor-community rhetoric that just blurs the edges of the use of power to extract money and compliance from people.
The Stresses of Buying Distressed Homes - WSJ.com
The Stresses of Buying Distressed Homes - WSJ.com: "Distressed-property buyers also often have to cope with the fallout from the ruined lives of previous owners, such as vandalized properties and liens from second mortgages, taxes, unpaid water bills, homeowner-association dues and court judgments."
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So once again, buyers are being told they can't lose if they get into the market now, but in reality they may lose their shirts. Sounds familiar.
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So once again, buyers are being told they can't lose if they get into the market now, but in reality they may lose their shirts. Sounds familiar.
City, agencies helping HOAs save water, cash | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun
City, agencies helping HOAs save water, cash | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun: "City staff, along with La Quinta's “green” partners — Imperial Irrigation District and Coachella Valley Water District — have had several meetings since the start of the year with homeowners association board of directors representatives from several communities.
The workshops are aimed at informing residents about water conservation and energy-efficiency programs and incentives provided by the city and utility companies.
The idea is to decrease water and energy usage while “bringing down the overall costs of the HOAs,” said Bret Plumlee, La Quinta's assistant city manager."
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I know how to help. Tell the HOAs to stop making people water their lawns.
The workshops are aimed at informing residents about water conservation and energy-efficiency programs and incentives provided by the city and utility companies.
The idea is to decrease water and energy usage while “bringing down the overall costs of the HOAs,” said Bret Plumlee, La Quinta's assistant city manager."
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I know how to help. Tell the HOAs to stop making people water their lawns.
Starbucks 'killing sense of communities | Society & Business | Sideways News
Starbucks 'killing sense of communities | Society & Business | Sideways News: "Professor Bryant Simon of Philadelphia's Temple University has claimed that the set-up of cafes run by leading chains like Starbucks is contributing to a decline in interaction between people, despite the companies' claims otherwise.
In a new book, he claims that widely-spaced tables, takeaway preferences and even free wireless internet are killing conversation between customers and creating a sense of isolation.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the publication was put together through visits to over 400 of Starbucks' 15,000 outlets worldwide, including some in the UK.
Professor Simon told the newspaper that very little interaction between customers was seen, adding: 'People immediately create their own little private, gated communities. You couldn't be more alone in public if you wanted to be.'"
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I think the gated community metaphor just jumped the shark, as they say in Hollywood.
In a new book, he claims that widely-spaced tables, takeaway preferences and even free wireless internet are killing conversation between customers and creating a sense of isolation.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the publication was put together through visits to over 400 of Starbucks' 15,000 outlets worldwide, including some in the UK.
Professor Simon told the newspaper that very little interaction between customers was seen, adding: 'People immediately create their own little private, gated communities. You couldn't be more alone in public if you wanted to be.'"
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I think the gated community metaphor just jumped the shark, as they say in Hollywood.
Gated neighborhood asks to be annexed to Seal Beach | beach, county, seal, orange, border - News - OCRegister.com
Gated neighborhood asks to be annexed to Seal Beach | beach, county, seal, orange, border - News - OCRegister.com: "SEAL BEACH– A proposal to move the Los Angeles and Orange County border in 21 areas may now affect only one small area bordered by Seal Beach and Long Beach; however a small L.A. community is seeking to be included.
About 10 residents from Island Village appealed to Seal Beach City Council members Monday asking them to consider annexing the private Long Beach community just east of the San Gabriel River."
About 10 residents from Island Village appealed to Seal Beach City Council members Monday asking them to consider annexing the private Long Beach community just east of the San Gabriel River."
Lindenhurst use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com
Suburb to use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com: "September 30, 2009 (WLS) -- Beet juice is going to help keep the streets of another suburb clear of ice this winter.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit seeking six figures from a former neighbor and landlord for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome."
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules: "Clearly a majority of South Florida condo and home owner associations are reeling financially from the bad economy, record foreclosure and domino-effect delinquencies. And there are plenty of lessons to be learned from them. They want and need the attention of lawmakers who can help.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
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