Boing Boing: Cardboard Chinese food
Mystery Reader sends this warning about Chinese food. Does this have anything to do with being hungry again 20 minutes later? However, the food I had in Beijing was great, so if it was cardboard I wonder what the chefs can do with edible ingredients.
If you're in Beijing and eat steamed buns that taste like cardboard, they just may be cardboard. According to an undercover investigation aired on China Central Television, one particular supplier was filling his buns with 60 percent cardboard until cops shut down his operation.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Fear of a global 'coldening' | The Daily Telegraph
LAST month Australians endured our coldest June since 1950. Imagine that; all those trillions of tonnes of evil carbon we've horked up into the atmosphere over six decades of rampant industrialisation, and we're still getting the same icy weather we got during the Cold War.
LAST month Australians endured our coldest June since 1950. Imagine that; all those trillions of tonnes of evil carbon we've horked up into the atmosphere over six decades of rampant industrialisation, and we're still getting the same icy weather we got during the Cold War.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Churchill dropped from England's history syllabus - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Sir Winston, who was British prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955, was famous for his defiance to the Nazis, stirring oratory and trademark cigar and "V for victory" sign. In 2002, a BBC poll with more than one million votes saw him voted the Greatest Briton of all time.
Sir Winston, who was British prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955, was famous for his defiance to the Nazis, stirring oratory and trademark cigar and "V for victory" sign. In 2002, a BBC poll with more than one million votes saw him voted the Greatest Briton of all time.
N.J. senator proposes toy gun ban--Would make it illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase toy gun7Online.com: New York City and Tri-State News from WABC-TV
"The margin between a child's stupid mistake and a tragic ending is far too thin," said Sen. Nicholas Scutari.
OK, but what is the margin between a legislator's stupid idea and a nanny state?
"The margin between a child's stupid mistake and a tragic ending is far too thin," said Sen. Nicholas Scutari.
OK, but what is the margin between a legislator's stupid idea and a nanny state?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
cbs4.com - Homeowners Fees Turns Into Foreclosure Nightmare
Fred Pilot sends this example of what we have been told doesn't really happen: impending foreclosure over an unpaid $106 maintenance fee and $4000 in HOA attorney fees. Check out the video.
Fred Pilot sends this example of what we have been told doesn't really happen: impending foreclosure over an unpaid $106 maintenance fee and $4000 in HOA attorney fees. Check out the video.
East Valley/ Scottsdale Tribune: Mesa HOA's towing prompts lawsuit
Fred Pilot sent this account of a strange public/private connection: in Mesa, AZ, where HOAs are mandatory in new construction by government policy, HOAs are towing cars from public streets and dunning the owners for payments. A state legislator tried to ban the practice but failed.
Fred Pilot sent this account of a strange public/private connection: in Mesa, AZ, where HOAs are mandatory in new construction by government policy, HOAs are towing cars from public streets and dunning the owners for payments. A state legislator tried to ban the practice but failed.
FT.com / Capital markets - US mortgage problem fears spark sell-off
This may lead to higher interest rates for home loans.
Fears of further problems in the US mortgage industry and the broader economy flared on Tuesday, triggering a sell-off in credit markets as investors sought safe havens. Markets were rattled when Standard & Poor’s, the ratings agency, threatened to downgrade the credit ratings on some $12bn of bonds backed by US subprime home loans. This raised concerns of a broader repricing of risk in credit markets, leading to heavy losses for some investors, particularly in derivative markets.
This may lead to higher interest rates for home loans.
Fears of further problems in the US mortgage industry and the broader economy flared on Tuesday, triggering a sell-off in credit markets as investors sought safe havens. Markets were rattled when Standard & Poor’s, the ratings agency, threatened to downgrade the credit ratings on some $12bn of bonds backed by US subprime home loans. This raised concerns of a broader repricing of risk in credit markets, leading to heavy losses for some investors, particularly in derivative markets.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Global warming strikes again: Buenos Aires sees rare snowfall
Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, has seen snow for the first time in 89 years, as a cold snap continues to grip several South American nations. Temperatures plunged to -22C (-8F) in parts of Argentina's province of Rio Negro, while snow fell on Buenos Aires for several hours on Monday. Two deaths from exposure were reported in Argentina and one in Chile. In Bolivia, heavy snowfall blocked the nation's main motorway and forced the closure of several airports. In Argentina, several provinces in the Andes have been placed under a storm alert, according to the national weather centre.
Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, has seen snow for the first time in 89 years, as a cold snap continues to grip several South American nations. Temperatures plunged to -22C (-8F) in parts of Argentina's province of Rio Negro, while snow fell on Buenos Aires for several hours on Monday. Two deaths from exposure were reported in Argentina and one in Chile. In Bolivia, heavy snowfall blocked the nation's main motorway and forced the closure of several airports. In Argentina, several provinces in the Andes have been placed under a storm alert, according to the national weather centre.
Monday, July 09, 2007
This fence makes angry neighbors | floridatoday.com | Serving Brevard County and Florida’s Space Coast
The "Space Coast"?
Residents in Wickham Forest are fuming about a 10-foot-tall stockade fence erected recently by Melbourne businessman Larry Dennison. Paralleling a shared property line, the 48-foot-long fence comes within inches of the homeowners' association's century-old oak tree. Moreover, the barrier likely would keep northbound motorists from seeing the association's planned $20,000 entrance sign.
The "Space Coast"?
Residents in Wickham Forest are fuming about a 10-foot-tall stockade fence erected recently by Melbourne businessman Larry Dennison. Paralleling a shared property line, the 48-foot-long fence comes within inches of the homeowners' association's century-old oak tree. Moreover, the barrier likely would keep northbound motorists from seeing the association's planned $20,000 entrance sign.
Top Global Warming Advocate: Jupiter & Saturn Closer To Sun Than Earth
No wonder people are skeptical. He really said this:
ALEX JONES: "The polar icecaps of Mars are receding at several miles a year, much faster than ours and that the moons of Saturn and Jupiter are melting, in fact several of their moons were ice and are now liquid seas - how are SUV's causing that David Rothschild?
ROTHSCHILD: "Because those planets are closer to the sun, my friend."
No wonder people are skeptical. He really said this:
ALEX JONES: "The polar icecaps of Mars are receding at several miles a year, much faster than ours and that the moons of Saturn and Jupiter are melting, in fact several of their moons were ice and are now liquid seas - how are SUV's causing that David Rothschild?
ROTHSCHILD: "Because those planets are closer to the sun, my friend."
Fast-Growing Common Interest Developments Spurring
Cottage Industry for Homeowner Advocacy: Northwest Reporter
Fred Pilot sent this piece, which has a plug for Joyce Starr's self-help book, and also a few choice comments from yours truly if you keep reading:
Love 'em or loathe 'em – homeowner associations (HOAs) are a part of the everyday lives for a rising number of Americans. The growth of Common Interest Developments (CIDs) and "managed communities" is spurring the emergence of homeowner advocacy groups, watchdogs, legal specialists, books, blogs and other resources aimed at helping individual owners assert their constitutional and property rights. One such book is described by its author as "the first self-defense guide for condo and homeowner association members." Not surprisingly, Dr. Joyce Starr, the author/publisher, was inspired to share her experiences and insights after winning a two-year legal battle with her condo board involving toxic mold, whistle blowing and pets. "Defend Your Condo & Homeowners Rights! What You Must Do When the Board Turns Your Life Upside Down" is sold separately or as part of a trio of works on "homeowner defense strategies." In addition to the "Defend" title, the 3-part set includes "Creating Home Owner and Condo Association Documents: How to Protect Your HOA and Con-Dough" by David Goldenberg, Ph.D., and "Condo Board Elections Revolt," by Valmore Lucier, "the first Condominium Ombudsman in America." (For ordering information: www.drjoycestarr.com)
Cottage Industry for Homeowner Advocacy: Northwest Reporter
Fred Pilot sent this piece, which has a plug for Joyce Starr's self-help book, and also a few choice comments from yours truly if you keep reading:
Love 'em or loathe 'em – homeowner associations (HOAs) are a part of the everyday lives for a rising number of Americans. The growth of Common Interest Developments (CIDs) and "managed communities" is spurring the emergence of homeowner advocacy groups, watchdogs, legal specialists, books, blogs and other resources aimed at helping individual owners assert their constitutional and property rights. One such book is described by its author as "the first self-defense guide for condo and homeowner association members." Not surprisingly, Dr. Joyce Starr, the author/publisher, was inspired to share her experiences and insights after winning a two-year legal battle with her condo board involving toxic mold, whistle blowing and pets. "Defend Your Condo & Homeowners Rights! What You Must Do When the Board Turns Your Life Upside Down" is sold separately or as part of a trio of works on "homeowner defense strategies." In addition to the "Defend" title, the 3-part set includes "Creating Home Owner and Condo Association Documents: How to Protect Your HOA and Con-Dough" by David Goldenberg, Ph.D., and "Condo Board Elections Revolt," by Valmore Lucier, "the first Condominium Ombudsman in America." (For ordering information: www.drjoycestarr.com)
Condo boards, residents tangle | Home News Tribune Online
Fred Pilot found this. But I thought these things were "isolated incidents"?
In July 2002, Vastola had put up a white Pella Midview storm door, pretty much the same style she had seen around her complex — one was even in teal blue. Members of the condo association told Vastola the association's rules prohibit that style of storm door, and hers would have to be removed. They were right. Vastola's case is hardly an isolated incident. In fact it's one of a legion of conflicts on record for residents of condominiums throughout the nation — residents who often find themselves fighting grievances with condo boards that some residents believe have too much power and too little accountability. Those who live in condominiums sometimes buy their units without reading the regulations that can contain strict rules. Conflicts arise, and owners are frequently stunned to find themselves in violation of such provisions as the design of a storm door, or their ability to put political sign on the lawn in front of their dwelling.
And note the summary of where things stand on the legislative front in New Jersey:
Vastola credits the Common-Interest Homeowners Association for helping her through her fight with her condo association. The C-IHC is an independent, nonprofit organization that was founded to bring reform to residential associations. Measures designed to address problems between condo association boards and their homeowner members have stalled in the state legislature. State Sen. Ron Rice, D-Essex, said he is working on getting a homeowners' bill of rights out of his Senate Urban and Community and Affairs Committee this year. The bill (S1608), called the "Owners Rights in Common Interest Developments Act," or ORCID, seeks to bolster existing laws in the areas of condo board elections, improve ease of access to records of condo boards and establish a mechanism for alternative dispute resolution. Rice's bill is at odds with another bill (A798), called the "Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act," or UCIOA. Its acronym is pronounced "yew-KWI-ah," and it was sponsored by Assemblyman Wilfred Caraballo, D-Newark. UCIOA has already passed the Assembly, and its backers are hoping now for its passage in the Senate in the form of S805, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Doria, D-Jersey City, and Sen. Nicholas Asselta, R-Vineland.
Fred Pilot found this. But I thought these things were "isolated incidents"?
In July 2002, Vastola had put up a white Pella Midview storm door, pretty much the same style she had seen around her complex — one was even in teal blue. Members of the condo association told Vastola the association's rules prohibit that style of storm door, and hers would have to be removed. They were right. Vastola's case is hardly an isolated incident. In fact it's one of a legion of conflicts on record for residents of condominiums throughout the nation — residents who often find themselves fighting grievances with condo boards that some residents believe have too much power and too little accountability. Those who live in condominiums sometimes buy their units without reading the regulations that can contain strict rules. Conflicts arise, and owners are frequently stunned to find themselves in violation of such provisions as the design of a storm door, or their ability to put political sign on the lawn in front of their dwelling.
And note the summary of where things stand on the legislative front in New Jersey:
Vastola credits the Common-Interest Homeowners Association for helping her through her fight with her condo association. The C-IHC is an independent, nonprofit organization that was founded to bring reform to residential associations. Measures designed to address problems between condo association boards and their homeowner members have stalled in the state legislature. State Sen. Ron Rice, D-Essex, said he is working on getting a homeowners' bill of rights out of his Senate Urban and Community and Affairs Committee this year. The bill (S1608), called the "Owners Rights in Common Interest Developments Act," or ORCID, seeks to bolster existing laws in the areas of condo board elections, improve ease of access to records of condo boards and establish a mechanism for alternative dispute resolution. Rice's bill is at odds with another bill (A798), called the "Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act," or UCIOA. Its acronym is pronounced "yew-KWI-ah," and it was sponsored by Assemblyman Wilfred Caraballo, D-Newark. UCIOA has already passed the Assembly, and its backers are hoping now for its passage in the Senate in the form of S805, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Doria, D-Jersey City, and Sen. Nicholas Asselta, R-Vineland.
Boing Boing: First Amendment mob of photogs hit Silver Spring on July 4
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this amazing photo of photographer civil disobedience, a followup to the news about Silver Spring, MD, privatizing public space and the first amendment going bye-bye, from Boing Boing.
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this amazing photo of photographer civil disobedience, a followup to the news about Silver Spring, MD, privatizing public space and the first amendment going bye-bye, from Boing Boing.
Officer suspended after arresting woman in clash over dry lawn in US - International Herald Tribune
Fred Pilot sent this. Here is another municipality acting like an HOA. These requirements to water your lawn during drought conditions are a point of contention in many HOAs out west. Here is a municipal ordinance to the same effect.
Fred Pilot sent this. Here is another municipality acting like an HOA. These requirements to water your lawn during drought conditions are a point of contention in many HOAs out west. Here is a municipal ordinance to the same effect.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The mysterious case of the disappearing plastic men
More signs of impending anarchy in Maryland. You'd think with all those HOAs around that people would have learned to behave themselves.
More signs of impending anarchy in Maryland. You'd think with all those HOAs around that people would have learned to behave themselves.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Barking fines as noisy New York repents | International News | News | Telegraph
A better headline would be, "Fussbudget Mayor Runs for President...and not of his condo association." This just proves what I've been saying: cities are emulating HOAs.
Barking dogs and lawn mowers are among the main targets of anti-noise laws which have just come into force in New York. Having cleaned up the city's smoking and eating habits, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's civilising tendencies have turned to its famous din. From now on construction companies will have to put up "noise mitigation plans" at building sites explaining how they intend to minimise machinery and other noise. Rubbish trucks must stay at least 50ft from residential buildings between 11pm and 7am while ice cream vans can only play their jingles when the vehicle is moving.Noisy dogs will be penalised whether moving or not. Pets that bark continuously for more than five minutes at night or 10 minutes during the day could leave their owners with fines ranging from $50 to $175 for a first offence. Lawn mowers cannot be used before 8am and after 7pm on weekdays, or before 9am and after 6pm on weekends and public holidays. Loud music will be subject to fines ranging from $50 for a portable stereo offender up to $24,000 for a restaurant which ignores a first warning.
A better headline would be, "Fussbudget Mayor Runs for President...and not of his condo association." This just proves what I've been saying: cities are emulating HOAs.
Barking dogs and lawn mowers are among the main targets of anti-noise laws which have just come into force in New York. Having cleaned up the city's smoking and eating habits, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's civilising tendencies have turned to its famous din. From now on construction companies will have to put up "noise mitigation plans" at building sites explaining how they intend to minimise machinery and other noise. Rubbish trucks must stay at least 50ft from residential buildings between 11pm and 7am while ice cream vans can only play their jingles when the vehicle is moving.Noisy dogs will be penalised whether moving or not. Pets that bark continuously for more than five minutes at night or 10 minutes during the day could leave their owners with fines ranging from $50 to $175 for a first offence. Lawn mowers cannot be used before 8am and after 7pm on weekdays, or before 9am and after 6pm on weekends and public holidays. Loud music will be subject to fines ranging from $50 for a portable stereo offender up to $24,000 for a restaurant which ignores a first warning.
Boing Boing: Silver Spring's downtown is "private property" - no photos allowed
Amazing story from Mystery Reader about privatization run amuck. Who was that crazy guy who said that privatizing public space was leading to loss of civil liberties?
The town of Silver Spring, Maryland gave a private company $100,000,000 to redevelop its downtown area. Now the company claims that the entire downtown is a shopping mall, under its absolute control, without any civil rights. It has barred photography by the public, and insists that it has the right to treat citizens as mere customers.
Amazing story from Mystery Reader about privatization run amuck. Who was that crazy guy who said that privatizing public space was leading to loss of civil liberties?
The town of Silver Spring, Maryland gave a private company $100,000,000 to redevelop its downtown area. Now the company claims that the entire downtown is a shopping mall, under its absolute control, without any civil rights. It has barred photography by the public, and insists that it has the right to treat citizens as mere customers.
Headlines: Owners ordered to vow HOA support or face suit | board, hoa, covenants - Gazette.com
Fred Pilot sent this charming story of HOA combat:
BLACK FOREST - Along the trickling headwaters of Cherry Creek, just beyond the pine trees of Black Forest, homeowners are squaring off against each other. A judge will decide who runs the Cherry Creek Springs Homeowners Association and its three-member board of directors. In the meantime, the HOA board is trying to force residents to take sides. Many residents of the upscale homes on 5-acre lots are outraged. “They are making us sign a loyalty oath,” said Haze Hutmacher, who built his home in 1998 and is among the original owners in the subdivision.
Fred Pilot sent this charming story of HOA combat:
BLACK FOREST - Along the trickling headwaters of Cherry Creek, just beyond the pine trees of Black Forest, homeowners are squaring off against each other. A judge will decide who runs the Cherry Creek Springs Homeowners Association and its three-member board of directors. In the meantime, the HOA board is trying to force residents to take sides. Many residents of the upscale homes on 5-acre lots are outraged. “They are making us sign a loyalty oath,” said Haze Hutmacher, who built his home in 1998 and is among the original owners in the subdivision.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Telluride Daily Planet -At Ski Ranches, a subdivision divided
Fred Pilot sent this along:
This is your neighborhood, the Ski Ranches, an idyllic subdivision riven by boiling rhetoric, complaints about spending and charges that the homeowners’ board has been illegally seated. Welcome home. Of course, not everyone’s leaping into the lobster pot. Many of the residents, part-timers and investors who make up this community of 148 homes and 55 lots, are staying out of the fray. Board members blame a “vocal minority” for sparking the turmoil. Still, the conflict has left bruises, residents said. Finding volunteers has gotten harder, and one board member is stepping down to get out of shooting range. Some owners are even reluctant to build, and real-estate agents are hesitant to show homes in the Ranches.
Fred Pilot sent this along:
This is your neighborhood, the Ski Ranches, an idyllic subdivision riven by boiling rhetoric, complaints about spending and charges that the homeowners’ board has been illegally seated. Welcome home. Of course, not everyone’s leaping into the lobster pot. Many of the residents, part-timers and investors who make up this community of 148 homes and 55 lots, are staying out of the fray. Board members blame a “vocal minority” for sparking the turmoil. Still, the conflict has left bruises, residents said. Finding volunteers has gotten harder, and one board member is stepping down to get out of shooting range. Some owners are even reluctant to build, and real-estate agents are hesitant to show homes in the Ranches.
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