Dark Roasted Blend: The Walled Cities: Keeping Out The Joneses
These are spectacular photos--don't miss them.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com: "Barack Obama, who completed six months in office Monday, has a 55% approval rating in the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, putting him 10th among the dozen presidents who have served since World War II at this point in their tenures."
--------------
I realize these poll numbers can change. But in a way that's the point. He has brought down his own approval numbers by over-reaching, especially on health care. I believe that if he took on the issue of reducing health care costs first, and got a bill passed on that, he would shoot up in the polls. Then he could address the question of universal coverage. But he is stubbornly insisting that everything has to be done at once, and right now.
--------------
I realize these poll numbers can change. But in a way that's the point. He has brought down his own approval numbers by over-reaching, especially on health care. I believe that if he took on the issue of reducing health care costs first, and got a bill passed on that, he would shoot up in the polls. Then he could address the question of universal coverage. But he is stubbornly insisting that everything has to be done at once, and right now.
Getting Along with Americans & Canadians: How to be liked in Canada & the U.S.
Getting Along with Americans & Canadians: How to be liked in Canada & the U.S.: "By the way, the answer to 'How are you?' in all situations is 'I am well. Thank you. How are you?' or 'Fine. Thank you,' or the more popular colloquial but grammatically incorrect, 'Good. How are you doing?' or similar statements.
The questioner does not want to know your real state of health unless he or she is a doctor or nurse in a medical office. 'My ebola virus is spreading rapidly, and I will not live more than a day longer,' is not the welcomed answer in social or business situations. 'How are you' and 'How do you do' are polite greetings, not questions."
--------------
Here is one of my pet peeves. Why do Americans insist that every single human interaction, however impersonal and trivial, cannot commence until the following magic words have been uttered:
"How are you?"
"Fine. How are you?"
"Fine."
Why is this incantation necessary? The grocery clerk, the bank teller, the mugger...even people who would just as soon step over your dying body to get to an ATM are asking you how you are before they will proceed further with selling you a can of Drano.
Here's how bad it is. People call a radio talk show and wait for an hour to get on the air. Then the host says to them, "OK, Bob in Denver--go ahead." And what does Bob say?
"How are you?"
The host should reply, "Is that why you called, Bob? You waited on hold for a hour to ask me THE SAME STUPID QUESTION EVERY OTHER CALLER HAS ASKED ME TODAY? Well, here's your answer: I'm exactly as FINE as I was TWO MINUTES AGO when I answered the SAME QUESTION for the LAST CALLER!"
I know I can't change this situation, but sometimes I actually tell people how I am and you should see the look of shock and horror on their face when I do. It's not that I tell them anything bad. It might be, "Well, I cut myself shaving this morning." But that is enough to send the "how are you" folks into a panic, because they didn't want any real interaction and now here it is.
Subprime brokers mutate into loan fixers - The New York Times- msnbc.com
Subprime brokers mutate into loan fixers - The New York Times- msnbc.com: "FedMod is but one example of how many of the same people who dispensed risky mortgages during the real estate bubble have reconstituted themselves into a new industry focused on selling loan modifications.
Despite making promises of relief to homeowners desperate to keep their homes, FedMod and other profit making loan modification firms often fail to deliver, according to a New York Times investigation based on interviews with scores of former employees and customers, more than 650 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, and documents filed by the Federal Trade Commission in a lawsuit against the company."
--------------------
Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Despite making promises of relief to homeowners desperate to keep their homes, FedMod and other profit making loan modification firms often fail to deliver, according to a New York Times investigation based on interviews with scores of former employees and customers, more than 650 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, and documents filed by the Federal Trade Commission in a lawsuit against the company."
--------------------
Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Law.com - Firms Bank on California Cities' Distress
Law.com - Firms Bank on California Cities' Distress: "A parade of law firms big and small have responded to Pacific Grove's call for help as the California city works to get a handle on its growing budget deficit.
While Pacific Grove is not ready to file for Chapter 9, under which municipalities seek bankruptcy protection, it is exploring the legal costs and potential consequences of such a move. It has recently received eight pitches, from behemoths like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Cooley Godward Kronish and Morrison & Foerster, and from smaller, more regional shops such as Best Best & Krieger, McNutt Law Group and Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai. Responding to the city's request for qualifications, the firms outlined costs for pre-filing consultation and representation in bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy proceedings."
--------------------
This must be a boom year for bankruptcy lawyers.
While Pacific Grove is not ready to file for Chapter 9, under which municipalities seek bankruptcy protection, it is exploring the legal costs and potential consequences of such a move. It has recently received eight pitches, from behemoths like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Cooley Godward Kronish and Morrison & Foerster, and from smaller, more regional shops such as Best Best & Krieger, McNutt Law Group and Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai. Responding to the city's request for qualifications, the firms outlined costs for pre-filing consultation and representation in bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy proceedings."
--------------------
This must be a boom year for bankruptcy lawyers.
Condominium Associations Suffer As Foreclosures Take A Grip | House Repos Blog
Condominium Associations Suffer As Foreclosures Take A Grip | House Repos Blog: "As condos are lost to foreclosures, the rest who are still in their homes laments that they are finding it difficult to maintain the sprawling houses because a majority cannot shell out the fees for their upkeep."
Columbia, Inc.? Old idea gets new traction - baltimoresun.com
Columbia, Inc.? Old idea gets new traction - baltimoresun.com: "It's been 13 years since the failure of the last real effort to convert Columbia into an incorporated municipality, but some feel the current suggestion that the town's homeowners association seek power over zoning is tied to that old debate.
'If they can get control of zoning, they'll also be asking for incorporation,' said Pearl Atkinson Stewart, the Columbia Association board member with the longest tenure and institutional memory. 'I can't see it going anywhere.'
In fact, deputy county solicitor Paul Johnson said that based on his experience, he feels incorporation would be the only way for the town's residents to get zoning authority, an opinion shared by the Maryland attorney general's office, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory."
--------------
Libertarians argue that CIDs will replace cities, but I think it is more likely that the really big ones, like Columbia, MD, will incorporate as municipalities.
'If they can get control of zoning, they'll also be asking for incorporation,' said Pearl Atkinson Stewart, the Columbia Association board member with the longest tenure and institutional memory. 'I can't see it going anywhere.'
In fact, deputy county solicitor Paul Johnson said that based on his experience, he feels incorporation would be the only way for the town's residents to get zoning authority, an opinion shared by the Maryland attorney general's office, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory."
--------------
Libertarians argue that CIDs will replace cities, but I think it is more likely that the really big ones, like Columbia, MD, will incorporate as municipalities.
Unpaid dues split neighbors | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Unpaid dues split neighbors | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.: "Liens filed by neighborhoods in Allen County against their residents over uncollected dues are increasing. Associations are even filing lawsuits to ensure they get the money needed for maintenance of community areas and other services. A newly enacted state law, however, will give the two sides time to resolve their problems without resorting to the court system, according to one of the law’s authors."
CRITTERS: Quite a Response to Haley vs. Willoughby Park HOA - StarNewsOnline.com
CRITTERS: Quite a Response to Haley vs. Willoughby Park HOA - StarNewsOnline.com: "I want to thank everyone who has responded to the column about the Willoughby Park HOA board's efforts to evict Haley, the 13-year-old dog.
The responses on the Critters Blog, in the StarNews forum and via e-mail have been unanimous in noting the injustice being done to Haley, Paige Cole and Brian Brian Niemcvyk.
I'll have a lot more to say about this particular case and on the issue of some HOA boards far overstepping their bounds - in next Saturday's Animals Tales column and back here in the Critters Blog."
---------
Cynthia Stephens sent this update from a local columnist who is tracking the case.
The responses on the Critters Blog, in the StarNews forum and via e-mail have been unanimous in noting the injustice being done to Haley, Paige Cole and Brian Brian Niemcvyk.
I'll have a lot more to say about this particular case and on the issue of some HOA boards far overstepping their bounds - in next Saturday's Animals Tales column and back here in the Critters Blog."
---------
Cynthia Stephens sent this update from a local columnist who is tracking the case.
Family Hassled By HOA - KRDO.com Colorado Springs, Pueblo - Weather, News, Sports -
Family Hassled By HOA - KRDO.com Colorado Springs, Pueblo - Weather, News, Sports -: "Woodmen Hills Filing 11 in Peyton, wants the Wolbers family to manicure their front lawn. The Wolbers don't see a problem with their lawn. 'Our lawn is green and mowed, I don't know what else they want,' Jeni Wolbers said.
Jeni Wolbers' husband deployed in May and her daughter is in renal failure. The daughter is waiting for her father to return so he can donate his kidney. Jeni spends all her time and money taking care of her daughter.
In May, the Wolbers landscaped their backyard, which the HOA required. 'All of our money went into that, and now my husbands gone and I have no help,' stated Jeni."
----------
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this infuriating link.
Jeni Wolbers' husband deployed in May and her daughter is in renal failure. The daughter is waiting for her father to return so he can donate his kidney. Jeni spends all her time and money taking care of her daughter.
In May, the Wolbers landscaped their backyard, which the HOA required. 'All of our money went into that, and now my husbands gone and I have no help,' stated Jeni."
----------
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this infuriating link.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Coming soon to the USA: health commissars
BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Man refused liver transplant dies: "A man from east London who began binge-drinking at 13 has died after being denied a life-saving liver transplant.
Gary Reinbach, 22, from Dagenham, was given only a few weeks to live after developing cirrhosis of the liver.
He was admitted to University College Hospital London (UCL) with alcohol damage for the first time 10 weeks ago.
But health chiefs ruled he should not be exempt from strict organ donation criteria which require an alcohol-free period of at least six months."
----------------
And soon, we here in the USA may get our very own "health chiefs," meaning the government commissars who will decide whether we live or die. That's how socialized medicine works, and anybody who doesn't see where Obamacare is designed to lead is either blind or disingenous.
Gary Reinbach, 22, from Dagenham, was given only a few weeks to live after developing cirrhosis of the liver.
He was admitted to University College Hospital London (UCL) with alcohol damage for the first time 10 weeks ago.
But health chiefs ruled he should not be exempt from strict organ donation criteria which require an alcohol-free period of at least six months."
----------------
And soon, we here in the USA may get our very own "health chiefs," meaning the government commissars who will decide whether we live or die. That's how socialized medicine works, and anybody who doesn't see where Obamacare is designed to lead is either blind or disingenous.
HOA bans smoking INDOORS!
Leader-Telegram Online: "Members of the Fairfax Parkside Homeowners Association on Wednesday voted to outlaw smoking inside residences that are part of the 34-unit development. The ban also prohibits smoking in shared spaces, such as porches and garages, but does allow it in yards and on patios.
Of the 19 association members who voted on the issue, 15 favored the anti-smoking regulation proposed by association President Dave Hanvelt, while four argued that residents should be allowed to smoke in their homes."
------------
This is an HOA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that was part of the USA until recently.
Of the 19 association members who voted on the issue, 15 favored the anti-smoking regulation proposed by association President Dave Hanvelt, while four argued that residents should be allowed to smoke in their homes."
------------
This is an HOA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that was part of the USA until recently.
White House pushes health care before disclosure of economic data
My Way News - White House putting off release of budget update: "The administration's annual midsummer budget update is sure to show higher deficits and unemployment and slower growth than projected in President Barack Obama's budget in February and update in May, and that could complicate his efforts to get his signature health care and global-warming proposals through Congress.
The release of the update - usually scheduled for mid-July - has been put off until the middle of next month, giving rise to speculation the White House is delaying the bad news at least until Congress leaves town on its August 7 summer recess.
The administration is pressing for votes before then on its $1 trillion health care initiative, which lawmakers are arguing over how to finance."
----------------
So Congress is supposed to pass this before it is fully read and debated, before hearing from their constituents during the summer recess, and even before the nation is told the actual state of the US economy. Your representative government at work...
The release of the update - usually scheduled for mid-July - has been put off until the middle of next month, giving rise to speculation the White House is delaying the bad news at least until Congress leaves town on its August 7 summer recess.
The administration is pressing for votes before then on its $1 trillion health care initiative, which lawmakers are arguing over how to finance."
----------------
So Congress is supposed to pass this before it is fully read and debated, before hearing from their constituents during the summer recess, and even before the nation is told the actual state of the US economy. Your representative government at work...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Florida Condo And Homeowner Associations Filing Chapter 11 As A Last Resort
Florida Condo And Homeowner Associations Filing Chapter 11 As A Last Resort: "Last year, we began to see that condo associations in Florida were facing trouble. With many condo owners not paying their fees or facing foreclosure it was inevitable that the condo and homeowner associations would only be able to go on so long. The Miami Herald is reporting that with those fees remaining unpaid some South Florida condo associations are seeing bankruptcy as a way out. So far at least seven Florida condo associations have filed for bankruptcy and there could be many more to follow.
The lure for the associations is that if they are in bankruptcy the utilities they owe money to can't turn off basic services like water and power. The downside may be that it is both costly and only a stopgap measure."
-----------
Yes, and as the article notes, unlike bankrupt businesses, they don't have assets to sell off.
The lure for the associations is that if they are in bankruptcy the utilities they owe money to can't turn off basic services like water and power. The downside may be that it is both costly and only a stopgap measure."
-----------
Yes, and as the article notes, unlike bankrupt businesses, they don't have assets to sell off.
Sotomayor Spontaneously Combusts, Firefighter Frank Ricci Suggests Letting Fire Burn Itself Out
Carbolic Smoke Ball
Somehow the major networks seem to have missed this story.
Somehow the major networks seem to have missed this story.
What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times
What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times: "Obama insists Congress get a healthcare reform program drafted before its members leave on Aug. 7 for their next long vacation. Why? Because members may get an earful back home from the 70% of Americans who say they are satisfied with their healthcare plans and the estimated 98% who don't want higher taxes to pay for reforms that benefit others now and maybe them later someday, who knows.
And if Obama doesn't get his beloved healthcare reforms this year when his party has such firm control of both chambers of Congress, 2010 is a midterm election year when such immense spending will be even more controversial and when, historically, the White House party loses members in Congress. (And unemployment rates are predicted to continue rising.)"
------------
How about that? Obama's belief, and that of the Axelrod-Emanuel-Pelosi-Reid combine that enables him, is that this massive redesign of the American health care system must be passed by Congress before the people have a chance to tell their legislative representatives what they think of it. He would prefer that the representatives and senators pass it without even reading it themselves.
The truth behind all Obama's power to the people rhetoric is that he has no more respect for democracy than did his predecessor in office. He thinks we are a selfish, primitive, rabble and need to have our lives organized for us by the federal government, led by...guess who?
And if Obama doesn't get his beloved healthcare reforms this year when his party has such firm control of both chambers of Congress, 2010 is a midterm election year when such immense spending will be even more controversial and when, historically, the White House party loses members in Congress. (And unemployment rates are predicted to continue rising.)"
------------
How about that? Obama's belief, and that of the Axelrod-Emanuel-Pelosi-Reid combine that enables him, is that this massive redesign of the American health care system must be passed by Congress before the people have a chance to tell their legislative representatives what they think of it. He would prefer that the representatives and senators pass it without even reading it themselves.
The truth behind all Obama's power to the people rhetoric is that he has no more respect for democracy than did his predecessor in office. He thinks we are a selfish, primitive, rabble and need to have our lives organized for us by the federal government, led by...guess who?
California closes state offices to save cash
California closes state offices to save cash: "The DMV is one of many state offices to close on Friday, one of three unpaid leave days a month ordered for state workers to help the government reduce its expenses.
The furloughs declared earlier this month are expected to save more than one billion dollars over the next year in California.
On Wednesday, authorities shut down most of the operations of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest court system in the country with approximately 100,000 people passing through its 600 courtrooms every day.
Presiding Judge Charles McCoy said he was forced to take the step in anticipation of a 138-million-dollar funding shortfall for the fiscal year that began this month."
----------
What's the problem? Just tax the rich. They can pay for everything, can't they?
The furloughs declared earlier this month are expected to save more than one billion dollars over the next year in California.
On Wednesday, authorities shut down most of the operations of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest court system in the country with approximately 100,000 people passing through its 600 courtrooms every day.
Presiding Judge Charles McCoy said he was forced to take the step in anticipation of a 138-million-dollar funding shortfall for the fiscal year that began this month."
----------
What's the problem? Just tax the rich. They can pay for everything, can't they?
Unemployment tops 10 percent in 16 states in June
Unemployment tops 10 percent in 16 states in June: "WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Labor Department says unemployment topped 10 percent in 16 states last month. The rate in Michigan surpassed 15 percent, the first time any state hit that mark since 1984."
----------
We are at 9.5% nationally, and headed up. Watch for the federal government to manufacture some positive statistics in order to generate some positive psychology. The stock market is hanging in there, but they always bet on the come.
----------
We are at 9.5% nationally, and headed up. Watch for the federal government to manufacture some positive statistics in order to generate some positive psychology. The stock market is hanging in there, but they always bet on the come.
Friday, July 17, 2009
White House's $50B foreclosure plan a bust so far - Victoria McGrane - POLITICO.com
White House's $50B foreclosure plan a bust so far - Victoria McGrane - POLITICO.com: "Administration officials blame the mortgage servicers charged with carrying out the mortgage modifications and refinancing under the federal program. Many of their Democratic allies on Capitol Hill back them up, but others are criticizing the White House for fumbling the execution. Whatever the reason, the program hasn’t stopped the rising tide of foreclosures: Experts predict that at least another 2 million homes will be lost this year, and the administration’s plan has so far reached only about 160,000 of the 3 million to 4 million homes it was supposed to protect over the next three years."
----------------
I blame Bush.
----------------
I blame Bush.
Director’s Blog » Blog Archive » The Long-Term Budget Outlook
Director’s Blog » Blog Archive » The Long-Term Budget Outlook: "Under current law, the federal budget is on an unsustainable path, because federal debt will continue to grow much faster than the economy over the long run. Although great uncertainty surrounds long-term fiscal projections, rising costs for health care and the aging of the population will cause federal spending to increase rapidly under any plausible scenario for current law. Unless revenues increase just as rapidly, the rise in spending will produce growing budget deficits. Large budget deficits would reduce national saving, leading to more borrowing from abroad and less domestic investment, which in turn would depress economic growth in the United States. Over time, accumulating debt would cause substantial harm to the economy."
-----------
But as VP Biden says, we have to keep spending or we will go bankrupt.
-----------
But as VP Biden says, we have to keep spending or we will go bankrupt.
Housing starts surge 3.6% - Jul. 17, 2009
Housing starts surge 3.6% - Jul. 17, 2009: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Initial construction of U.S. homes and applications for building permits both surged in June, according to government figures released Friday.
Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 582,000, up 3.6% from a revised 562,000 in May, according to the Commerce Department.
Economists were expecting housing starts to increase to an annual rate of 524,000 units, according to a consensus estimate gathered by Briefing.com."
-----------
I hope this holds.
Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 582,000, up 3.6% from a revised 562,000 in May, according to the Commerce Department.
Economists were expecting housing starts to increase to an annual rate of 524,000 units, according to a consensus estimate gathered by Briefing.com."
-----------
I hope this holds.
San Diego: median home price up in June
Median home price up in June: "San Diego County's median home price rose for the third consecutive month in June, hitting $314,250, the highest figure since October, and raising hopes that the region's slumping housing market may finally be poised for a comeback.
With fewer low-priced foreclosure homes on the market and growing sales of higher-priced properties, the county's median price rose $19,250 from May to June. The 6.5 percent one-month percentage gain was the biggest since MDA DataQuick began keeping records in 1988."
------------
Good news we can believe in at last?
With fewer low-priced foreclosure homes on the market and growing sales of higher-priced properties, the county's median price rose $19,250 from May to June. The 6.5 percent one-month percentage gain was the biggest since MDA DataQuick began keeping records in 1988."
------------
Good news we can believe in at last?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Spend a trillion on health care or go bankrupt
CNSNews.com - Joe Biden: ‘We Have to Go Spend Money to Keep From Going Bankrupt’: "“Now, people when I say that look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about, Joe? You’re telling me we have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt?’” Biden said. “The answer is yes, that's what I’m telling you.”"
--------------
These people seem to have no idea what they are talking about, much less what they are doing.
--------------
These people seem to have no idea what they are talking about, much less what they are doing.
California City News
California City News
Fred Pilot sent me the link to this blog, that is "devoted entirely to local government in California."
Fred Pilot sent me the link to this blog, that is "devoted entirely to local government in California."
YouTube - Rants From Lost Wages by James Alexander
YouTube - Rants From Lost Wages by James Alexander
This is a hilarious rant about HOAs in North Las Vegas. Thanks to James for sending it.
This is a hilarious rant about HOAs in North Las Vegas. Thanks to James for sending it.
Foreclosures at record high in first half 2009 despite aid | Reuters
Foreclosures at record high in first half 2009 despite aid | Reuters: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. home foreclosure activity galloped to a record in the first half of the year, overwhelming broad efforts to remedy failing loans while job losses escalated.
Foreclosure filings jumped to a record 1.9 million on more than 1.5 million properties in the first six months of the year, RealtyTrac said on Thursday.
The number of properties drawing filings, which include notices of default and auctions, jumped 9.0 percent from the second half of 2008 and almost 15 percent from the first half of last year."
-----------
I'm sure this is all Bush's fault.
Foreclosure filings jumped to a record 1.9 million on more than 1.5 million properties in the first six months of the year, RealtyTrac said on Thursday.
The number of properties drawing filings, which include notices of default and auctions, jumped 9.0 percent from the second half of 2008 and almost 15 percent from the first half of last year."
-----------
I'm sure this is all Bush's fault.
Kid Who Beat Cancer May Have to Lose Cross | NBC Miami
Kid Who Beat Cancer May Have to Lose Cross | NBC Miami: "Cancer survivor Taylor Bushing thinks she beat the deadly disease with the help of a cross her mother put on the front of her house.
So you can imagine the 12-year-old's disappointment when her mother's homeowners association told the family to take the cross down because it was in violation of the rules.
At 14.5 inches, the cross is 2.5 inches larger than the Pembroke Falls neighborhood association allows."
----------------
That is the Pembroke Falls HOA, folks. Just when you think you have heard of the stupidest and most heartless thing an HOA or condo association could ever do--such as making a kid in a wheelchair use the service entrance--another association raises the ante by plumbing new depths of idiocy.
Congratulations, Pembroke Falls HOA. You have the title.
I had this sent to me by so many people that I can't thank them all individually, so I'll thank them all collectively--thanks!
So you can imagine the 12-year-old's disappointment when her mother's homeowners association told the family to take the cross down because it was in violation of the rules.
At 14.5 inches, the cross is 2.5 inches larger than the Pembroke Falls neighborhood association allows."
----------------
That is the Pembroke Falls HOA, folks. Just when you think you have heard of the stupidest and most heartless thing an HOA or condo association could ever do--such as making a kid in a wheelchair use the service entrance--another association raises the ante by plumbing new depths of idiocy.
Congratulations, Pembroke Falls HOA. You have the title.
I had this sent to me by so many people that I can't thank them all individually, so I'll thank them all collectively--thanks!
Could we be wrong about global warming? - Science Fair - USATODAY.com
Could we be wrong about global warming? - Science Fair - USATODAY.com: "Could the best climate models -- the ones used to predict global warming -- all be wrong?
Maybe so, says a new study published online today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The report found that only about half of the warming that occurred during a natural climate change 55 million years ago can be explained by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What caused the remainder of the warming is a mystery."
--------------
How about this sentence: "In a nutshell, theoretical models cannot explain what we observe in the geological record," says oceanographer Gerald Dickens, study co-author and professor of Earth Science at Rice University in Houston. "There appears to be something fundamentally wrong with the way temperature and carbon are linked in climate models."
Maybe so, says a new study published online today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The report found that only about half of the warming that occurred during a natural climate change 55 million years ago can be explained by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What caused the remainder of the warming is a mystery."
--------------
How about this sentence: "In a nutshell, theoretical models cannot explain what we observe in the geological record," says oceanographer Gerald Dickens, study co-author and professor of Earth Science at Rice University in Houston. "There appears to be something fundamentally wrong with the way temperature and carbon are linked in climate models."
Fed: unemployment will top 10 percent this year - Yahoo! News
Fed: unemployment will top 10 percent this year - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve expects the economy this year will sink at a slower pace than it previously thought, but that unemployment will top 10 percent and remain high for the next few years, according to a new forecast released Wednesday."
----------
Heck of a recovery we have going on here. What is fascinating is the optimism you see in the stock market. Investors are betting on the come. I hope they are right about that.
----------
Heck of a recovery we have going on here. What is fascinating is the optimism you see in the stock market. Investors are betting on the come. I hope they are right about that.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
At least they worked through the Home Run Derby
Illinois budget: Gov. Pat Quinn, top lawmakers inch closer to stopgap deal -- chicagotribune.com: "SPRINGFIELD -- With state worker paychecks hanging in the balance, Gov. Pat Quinn and top lawmakers moved closer Tuesday to a stopgap budget agreement that includes billions of dollars in borrowing and pushing off a tax-hike vote to a more politically convenient time.
After several closed-door meetings and brief legislative sessions of the House and Senate, several lawmakers headed 90 miles down the road to St. Louis for baseball's All-Star Game and to see a ceremonial first-pitch delivered by their former colleague, President Barack Obama.
But two weeks into the state's budget year, no deal was reached among leading Democrats, Republicans and Quinn on a spending plan. With Wednesday the first major payday since the July 1 budget deadline, Comptroller Dan Hynes' office said checks to as many as 6,000 of the state's 69,000 workers would not go out."
------------------
It must be nice to ride so high, so far above the peons, that you can waltz off to a baseball game the day before 6000 state employees aren't getting paid. If there is a more miserable excuse for a legislative body in the world, I would like to hear its name.
After several closed-door meetings and brief legislative sessions of the House and Senate, several lawmakers headed 90 miles down the road to St. Louis for baseball's All-Star Game and to see a ceremonial first-pitch delivered by their former colleague, President Barack Obama.
But two weeks into the state's budget year, no deal was reached among leading Democrats, Republicans and Quinn on a spending plan. With Wednesday the first major payday since the July 1 budget deadline, Comptroller Dan Hynes' office said checks to as many as 6,000 of the state's 69,000 workers would not go out."
------------------
It must be nice to ride so high, so far above the peons, that you can waltz off to a baseball game the day before 6000 state employees aren't getting paid. If there is a more miserable excuse for a legislative body in the world, I would like to hear its name.
Clothesline bill hung out to dry : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
Clothesline bill hung out to dry : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "Back during crossover (click here), Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Greensboro Democrat, got a little bill (H 1353) through the House that would prohibit cities and counties from adopting blanket prohibitions on clotheslines.
The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers) even if some folks in the community turn up their nose at the idea. Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines, but Harrison took that out of the bill after getting a lot of resistance. (Related items here, here and here.)
So the bill came before the Senate Commerce Committee today … and it was doomed."
-------------
So, it is fair game on clotheslines in South Carolina.
The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers) even if some folks in the community turn up their nose at the idea. Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines, but Harrison took that out of the bill after getting a lot of resistance. (Related items here, here and here.)
So the bill came before the Senate Commerce Committee today … and it was doomed."
-------------
So, it is fair game on clotheslines in South Carolina.
Peter Singer: Why we must ration health care
Why We Must Ration Health Care - NYTimes.com: "The debate over health care reform in the United States should start from the premise that some form of health care rationing is both inescapable and desirable. Then we can ask, What is the best way to do it?"
-------------
Who is Peter Singer, you may be asking? He is one of the most famous ethicists in the world. His critics say that his views on many issues put him very close to advocating eugenics.
Here are some of his other views:
--all animals capable of suffering like humans should have equal rights with humans, or it is "speciesism"
--it is possible to have mutually satisfying sexual relations between humans and animals
--a fetus is incapable of having preferences, so abortion is morally permissible
--killing a newborn baby is not equivalent to killing a person who has self-consciousness and wants to go on living
And now he is advocating health care rationing, which means that if you are old and sick you will be less likely to get expensive procedures. This is exactly where Obama's health care plan will lead, of course. There is no way to expand coverage and cut costs (or even avoid runaway increases in costs), given the same number of doctors and hospitals, without rationing.
Maybe Obama can make Prof. Singer the Health Care Rationing Czar.
-------------
Who is Peter Singer, you may be asking? He is one of the most famous ethicists in the world. His critics say that his views on many issues put him very close to advocating eugenics.
Here are some of his other views:
--all animals capable of suffering like humans should have equal rights with humans, or it is "speciesism"
--it is possible to have mutually satisfying sexual relations between humans and animals
--a fetus is incapable of having preferences, so abortion is morally permissible
--killing a newborn baby is not equivalent to killing a person who has self-consciousness and wants to go on living
And now he is advocating health care rationing, which means that if you are old and sick you will be less likely to get expensive procedures. This is exactly where Obama's health care plan will lead, of course. There is no way to expand coverage and cut costs (or even avoid runaway increases in costs), given the same number of doctors and hospitals, without rationing.
Maybe Obama can make Prof. Singer the Health Care Rationing Czar.
Glitch hits Visa users with more than $23 quadrillion charge - CNN.com
Glitch hits Visa users with more than $23 quadrillion charge - CNN.com: "NEW YORK (CNN) -- A technical snafu left some Visa prepaid cardholders stunned and horrified Monday to see a $23,148,855,308,184,500 charge on their statements."
---------------
One fellow read the bill and discovered that he had spent the entire sum in one stop at a Mobil gas station. Even a confirmed nicotine addict wouldn't pay $23 quadrillion for a pack of cigarettes--would he?
---------------
One fellow read the bill and discovered that he had spent the entire sum in one stop at a Mobil gas station. Even a confirmed nicotine addict wouldn't pay $23 quadrillion for a pack of cigarettes--would he?
Randy Barnett: Sotomayor doesn't understand fundamental rights incorporation doctrine
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
The Bill of Rights as originally understood only limited the actions of the national government. But the 14th amendment, passed after the Civil War, is aimed directly at the states, and the due process clause of the 14th amendment says that no state can deprive any US citizen of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The word "liberty" has been given specific meaning by the USSC by "incorporating" into that word certain specific liberties that are in the Bill of Rights. Which ones? The ones that are considered "fundamental."
Sotomayor has this exactly backward. She thinks you define "fundamental" by asking, "is this incorporated?" No. First the court has to decide whether it is fundamental, which is one of these difficult questions of judicial philosophy they are trying to ask her about that she won't answer. Then, if the court decides the right is fundamental, that right is incorporated.
Sotomayor is either ignorant of a basic principle of constitutional law, or she is being evasive.
Randy Barnett is one of the nation's most distinguished constitutional law scholars, and he says this: "This is both a grossly incorrect (and empty) understanding of the doctrine governing the protection of fundamental rights and an inaccurate statement of the precedents concerning the incorporation of the right to keep and bear arms into the Due Process Clause of the Constitution."
This link came from Instpundit
The Bill of Rights as originally understood only limited the actions of the national government. But the 14th amendment, passed after the Civil War, is aimed directly at the states, and the due process clause of the 14th amendment says that no state can deprive any US citizen of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The word "liberty" has been given specific meaning by the USSC by "incorporating" into that word certain specific liberties that are in the Bill of Rights. Which ones? The ones that are considered "fundamental."
Sotomayor has this exactly backward. She thinks you define "fundamental" by asking, "is this incorporated?" No. First the court has to decide whether it is fundamental, which is one of these difficult questions of judicial philosophy they are trying to ask her about that she won't answer. Then, if the court decides the right is fundamental, that right is incorporated.
Sotomayor is either ignorant of a basic principle of constitutional law, or she is being evasive.
Randy Barnett is one of the nation's most distinguished constitutional law scholars, and he says this: "This is both a grossly incorrect (and empty) understanding of the doctrine governing the protection of fundamental rights and an inaccurate statement of the precedents concerning the incorporation of the right to keep and bear arms into the Due Process Clause of the Constitution."
This link came from Instpundit
Potential Senator from Illinois?
#71: Slime Molds Show Surprising Degree of Intelligence | Animal Intelligence | DISCOVER Magazine: "Single-celled slime molds demonstrate the ability to memorize and anticipate repeated events, a team of Japanese researchers reported in January. The study [pdf] clearly shows “a primitive version of brain function” in an organism with no brain at all."
Leahy explains his "wise Latina" misquote, but the video shows... | Washington Examiner
Leahy explains his "wise Latina" misquote, but the video shows... | Washington Examiner: "After the hearings were over Tuesday, I asked Leahy about the misquote. 'I was doing it from memory,' Leahy explained. 'But I knew that she would -- she stated exactly what she said, and the statement is in the record.' Leahy added that he did not consider Sotomayor's precise words very important; her response, he said, was much more critical.
That's Leahy's explanation. But video of his question is available on YouTube, and it certainly appears that Leahy was reading from a text when he misquoted Sotomayor"
----------------
It seems that after people have been in law and politics for a while they lose any connection with the idea of "the truth" as most people understand it. Instead, they think that any lie they can get away with by any means is morally indistinguishable from the truth. Leahy was lying yesterday about what she said, and now he is lying today about what he did. Yet, he is just as self-righteous as ever.
That's Leahy's explanation. But video of his question is available on YouTube, and it certainly appears that Leahy was reading from a text when he misquoted Sotomayor"
----------------
It seems that after people have been in law and politics for a while they lose any connection with the idea of "the truth" as most people understand it. Instead, they think that any lie they can get away with by any means is morally indistinguishable from the truth. Leahy was lying yesterday about what she said, and now he is lying today about what he did. Yet, he is just as self-righteous as ever.
Your government at work: Ghoulbot on the drawing board
Upcoming Military Robot Could Feed on Dead Bodies - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com: "A Maryland company under contract to the Pentagon is working on a steam-powered robot that would fuel itself by gobbling up whatever organic material it can find — grass, wood, old furniture, even dead bodies."
-----------------
Who comes up with these ideas?
-----------------
Who comes up with these ideas?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
FACT CHECK: Don't quote Sotomayor on that, Senator
FACT CHECK: Don't quote Sotomayor on that, Senator: "LEAHY SAID: 'You said that, quote, you 'would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would reach wise decisions.''
THE FACTS: If that's all Sotomayor said, the quote would barely have mattered to opponents of her nomination. The actual quote, delivered in a 2001 speech to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, was: 'I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.'"
----------------
This is Senator Patrick Leahy (D--Mars), deliberately misrepresenting what she said, in hopes that the evening news will carry his statement instead of hers, thereby helping to defuse the controversy over her statement, and what it says about her. Everybody who runs his statement would know it is not what she said, but he's hoping they will run it anyway, because these days so many of the media are playing on the Democrat team.
This is what American politics has come to.
THE FACTS: If that's all Sotomayor said, the quote would barely have mattered to opponents of her nomination. The actual quote, delivered in a 2001 speech to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, was: 'I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.'"
----------------
This is Senator Patrick Leahy (D--Mars), deliberately misrepresenting what she said, in hopes that the evening news will carry his statement instead of hers, thereby helping to defuse the controversy over her statement, and what it says about her. Everybody who runs his statement would know it is not what she said, but he's hoping they will run it anyway, because these days so many of the media are playing on the Democrat team.
This is what American politics has come to.
Obama mulls rental option for some homeowners-sources | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
Obama mulls rental option for some homeowners-sources | Markets | Markets News | Reuters: "NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. government officials are weighing a plan that would let borrowers who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments avoid eviction by renting their homes instead, sources familiar with the administration's thinking said on Tuesday.
Under one idea being discussed, delinquent homeowners would surrender ownership of their homes but would continue to live in the property for several years, the sources told Reuters.
Officials are also considering whether the government should make mortgage payments on behalf of borrowers who cannot keep up with their home loans, tapping an unused portion of a $50 billion housing aid kitty."
------------
Under the first plan, I wonder who they would "surrender ownership of their homes" to. Let me see. It wouldn't be...oh, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, would it? Because that would instantly create a gigantic stock of public housing, and we just spent the last two presidential administrations trying to unload that nightmare.
And under the second plan, Uncle Sam just becomes Uncle Sugar.
Under one idea being discussed, delinquent homeowners would surrender ownership of their homes but would continue to live in the property for several years, the sources told Reuters.
Officials are also considering whether the government should make mortgage payments on behalf of borrowers who cannot keep up with their home loans, tapping an unused portion of a $50 billion housing aid kitty."
------------
Under the first plan, I wonder who they would "surrender ownership of their homes" to. Let me see. It wouldn't be...oh, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, would it? Because that would instantly create a gigantic stock of public housing, and we just spent the last two presidential administrations trying to unload that nightmare.
And under the second plan, Uncle Sam just becomes Uncle Sugar.
Russia says no Iran sanctions for START deal: report | International | Reuters
Russia says no Iran sanctions for START deal: report | International | Reuters: "MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will not agree to tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program in exchange for a new nuclear arms cuts deal with Washington, Interfax news agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying Tuesday.
Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama's nuclear adviser suggested that progress on a U.S.-Russian nuclear arms pact could help persuade Moscow to be more cooperative on Iran."
------------
Well. That overture certainly worked out beautifully. Not.
Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama's nuclear adviser suggested that progress on a U.S.-Russian nuclear arms pact could help persuade Moscow to be more cooperative on Iran."
------------
Well. That overture certainly worked out beautifully. Not.
Titusville condo owners face fines for violations | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY
Titusville condo owners face fines for violations | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY: "TITUSVILLE — Code violations keep racking up at Bay Towers Apartments, the fire-scarred riverfront complex facing a crippling cash crunch.
Advertisement
The south tower remains condemned after a May 2008 fire. Since Feb. 6, Titusville officials have fined the property’s South Florida owners up to $1,400 per day for damaged elevators, stairwells, plumbing and other problems.
As of today— 159 days later — these ongoing fines total $222,600."
-----------
Another condo complex that so far hasn't been able to deal with a financial crisis.
Advertisement
The south tower remains condemned after a May 2008 fire. Since Feb. 6, Titusville officials have fined the property’s South Florida owners up to $1,400 per day for damaged elevators, stairwells, plumbing and other problems.
As of today— 159 days later — these ongoing fines total $222,600."
-----------
Another condo complex that so far hasn't been able to deal with a financial crisis.
Mounting bills force condo associations into bankruptcy - Business - MiamiHerald.com
Mounting bills force condo associations into bankruptcy - Business - MiamiHerald.com: "At least seven Florida condo associations have filed for bankruptcy since the real estate market took a nose dive -- and there may be more on the way.
For a growing number of strapped condo associations, bankruptcy could be the last defense against their hallways going dark and their spigots running dry."
-----------
And this is only the beginning.
For a growing number of strapped condo associations, bankruptcy could be the last defense against their hallways going dark and their spigots running dry."
-----------
And this is only the beginning.
Lenders abandoning foreclosed properties - JSOnline
Lenders abandoning foreclosed properties - JSOnline: "For years, lenders complained about debtors who left the keys on the kitchen table and skipped town, leaving it to the bank to file for foreclosure and eventually take title by buying it at a sheriff's sale.
The latest twist: Now it's the lenders who are doing the walking, often without telling the borrowers, who may believe erroneously they have already lost title.
'This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do,' said Catherine Doyle, chief staff attorney at the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society. 'Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community. All of us are going to have to bail them out.'"
----------
Yes, but first you may have to evict the squatters who will take over many of these abandoned properties, and that could prove to be an interesting experience for all concerned.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for another post-apocalyptic link.
The latest twist: Now it's the lenders who are doing the walking, often without telling the borrowers, who may believe erroneously they have already lost title.
'This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do,' said Catherine Doyle, chief staff attorney at the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society. 'Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community. All of us are going to have to bail them out.'"
----------
Yes, but first you may have to evict the squatters who will take over many of these abandoned properties, and that could prove to be an interesting experience for all concerned.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for another post-apocalyptic link.
But California finished ahead of Kazakhstan!
British analysts rate California as high risk for credit default - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee: "A London financial firm named CMA puts California in dubious company, ranking it ninth in the world among the 10 governmental entities most likely to default on their financial obligations.
California has a 26.75 percent chance of defaulting over five years, according to CMA. The rankings are based on the prices for credit-default swaps, which are insurance-like products that would pay bondholders in the event of a default.
Others on the list include Kazakhstan, Latvia and Iceland, the latter of which essentially went bankrupt last fall in the global financial meltdown."
----------
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this depressing link.
California has a 26.75 percent chance of defaulting over five years, according to CMA. The rankings are based on the prices for credit-default swaps, which are insurance-like products that would pay bondholders in the event of a default.
Others on the list include Kazakhstan, Latvia and Iceland, the latter of which essentially went bankrupt last fall in the global financial meltdown."
----------
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this depressing link.
Monday, July 13, 2009
U.S. mulling mortgage aid for unemployed | U.S. | Reuters
U.S. mulling mortgage aid for unemployed | U.S. | Reuters: "NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is mulling new ways to delay foreclosure for jobless homeowners who are unable to keep up with monthly payments, an administration official said on Monday.
The official told Reuters it was reasonable for policymakers to consider options for loan forbearance -- allowing borrowers to delay, defer or skip payments -- that are more effective than those currently available in the private sector."
----------
But if you impair the bank's security, why should they lend in the first place? Are they just supposed to lend money and not get any loan payments? How is that a business model? I realize it sounds great to a socialist, but we are talking about the real world.
The official told Reuters it was reasonable for policymakers to consider options for loan forbearance -- allowing borrowers to delay, defer or skip payments -- that are more effective than those currently available in the private sector."
----------
But if you impair the bank's security, why should they lend in the first place? Are they just supposed to lend money and not get any loan payments? How is that a business model? I realize it sounds great to a socialist, but we are talking about the real world.
Magazine Ad Revenue Down 21.2 Percent In First Half Of 2009 - mediabistro.com: FishbowlNY
Magazine Ad Revenue Down 21.2 Percent In First Half Of 2009 - mediabistro.com: FishbowlNY: "The Publishers Information Bureau just released its advertising revenue numbers for the first half of 2009, and it's not pretty. Rate-card-reported ad revenue totaled nearly $9.1 billion, down 21.2 percent from the same period last year. Ad pages were also down 27.9 percent, and the impact of the recession was felt across all top 12 ad categories, PIB said."
---------------
This is evidence that the people who sell things are "extremely cautious." The greatest sectoral declines in ad revenue are automotive, finance, and retail. That cuts a pretty big swath.
---------------
This is evidence that the people who sell things are "extremely cautious." The greatest sectoral declines in ad revenue are automotive, finance, and retail. That cuts a pretty big swath.
Gunfire from boat hits home at St. James | StarNewsOnline.com | Star News | Wilmington, NC
Gunfire from boat hits home at St. James | StarNewsOnline.com | Star News | Wilmington, NC: "Residents in the gated town of St. James might have had their feeling of security shaken over the weekend after gunfire struck a waterfront home.
Mayor Shelley Lesher said no one was injured in the shooting. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office determined the shots, fired about 3 a.m. Sunday, came from a boat moving along the Intracoastal Waterway."
------------
This mysterious item was sent along by Cynthia Stephens. What is afoot in St. James?
Mayor Shelley Lesher said no one was injured in the shooting. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office determined the shots, fired about 3 a.m. Sunday, came from a boat moving along the Intracoastal Waterway."
------------
This mysterious item was sent along by Cynthia Stephens. What is afoot in St. James?
Pay us or we'll kill the monkey!
Patrick accuses zoo officials of using scare tactics - The Boston Globe: "Governor Deval Patrick yesterday accused Zoo New England officials of creating a false and inflammatory scare with their warning that state budget cuts may force them to close two Greater Boston zoos and euthanize some animals."
--------------
These agencies are getting creative. Red light cameras, selling off bridges, and now threatening to kill zoo animals. What next?
--------------
These agencies are getting creative. Red light cameras, selling off bridges, and now threatening to kill zoo animals. What next?
The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama
The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama: "Michigan's unemployment rate could hit as high as 20 percent with the Obama administrationto blame, one Michigan congressman warned Friday.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies."
----------
I posted this because it seems impossible that such a thing could happen. But it seemed impossible that Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns could implode, too.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies."
----------
I posted this because it seems impossible that such a thing could happen. But it seemed impossible that Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns could implode, too.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Why the Credit Pendulum Is Stuck at 'Stupid' - General * US * News * Story - CNBC.com
Why the Credit Pendulum Is Stuck at 'Stupid' - General * US * News * Story - CNBC.com: "The readiness of banks to sell foreclosed properties has led to rising home sales in some areas. But the traditional housing market, the one that involves willing buyers and sellers, is still dead, with transactions lower than they have been for decades.
The recession is the major reason sales are dragging, of course, but it is not the only one. As Dr. Komarovskaya found, buyers once viewed as perfectly qualified are being denied mortgages."
-----------------
The pendulum had better start swinging back pretty soon.
The recession is the major reason sales are dragging, of course, but it is not the only one. As Dr. Komarovskaya found, buyers once viewed as perfectly qualified are being denied mortgages."
-----------------
The pendulum had better start swinging back pretty soon.
House Design Fail!
House Design Fail! by
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an intriguing tree placement.
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an intriguing tree placement.
Tiburon may install license plate cameras
Tiburon may install license plate cameras: "The posh and picturesque town that juts into San Francisco Bay is poised to do something unprecedented: use cameras to record the license plate number of every vehicle that crosses city limits."
-----------
Part of the "towns emulating CIDs" trend--here is snooty Tiburon trying to turn itself into a gated community.
-----------
Part of the "towns emulating CIDs" trend--here is snooty Tiburon trying to turn itself into a gated community.
Mortgage defaults spread as even 'safe' borrowers falter - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee
Mortgage defaults spread as even 'safe' borrowers falter - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "No longer is the real estate bust simply the result of exotic, subprime loans that doubled payments and blew up in homeowners' faces. As the Sacramento economy buckles, even the safest mortgages have become part of a new wave of loan defaults, experts say."
----------------
Fred Pilot sent this link. Now government employees are in trouble. But Obama says, "The stimulus is working. These are not the droids you are looking for."
----------------
Fred Pilot sent this link. Now government employees are in trouble. But Obama says, "The stimulus is working. These are not the droids you are looking for."
Red-light cameras raking in cash -- chicagotribune.com
Red-light cameras raking in cash -- chicagotribune.com: "Do red-light cameras truly make roads safer, as many towns claim? Or are they merely a high-tech variation on the old moneymaking speed trap?"
----------
Thanks to Dennis James of Quantum Pork for this link. The data show that this is all about money. The intersections where these camera have been installed have hardly any t-bone collisions, which is the only kind of accident they are supposedly designed to prevent. The fact that the tickets are issued to the vehicle owner rather than the driver is obviously outrageous.
----------
Thanks to Dennis James of Quantum Pork for this link. The data show that this is all about money. The intersections where these camera have been installed have hardly any t-bone collisions, which is the only kind of accident they are supposedly designed to prevent. The fact that the tickets are issued to the vehicle owner rather than the driver is obviously outrageous.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
BBC World Service - Documentaries - Islands of security
BBC World Service - Documentaries - Islands of security: "Gated communities are a form of living spreading widely in all continents, especially where the difference between rich and poor is greatest, but in South Africa with its history of apartheid and exclusion on racial grounds, the subject of privatisation of space and keeping people out is a particularly sensitive one."
---------------
---------------
Friday, July 10, 2009
Brown Manure, Not Green Shoots - Forbes.com
Brown Manure, Not Green Shoots - Forbes.com: "Essentially, the results today suggested that there are not as many green shoots. These green shoots, as I've argued, are mostly yellow weeds that may even turn into brown manure if a double-dip, W-shaped recession occurs in 2010-11...Home prices have already fallen from their peak by about 30%. Based on my analysis, they are going to fall by at least 40% from their peak, and more likely 45%, before they bottom out. They are still falling at an annualized rate of over 18%. That fall of at least 40%-45% percent of home prices from their peak is going to imply that about half of all households that have a mortgage--about 25 million of the 51 million that have mortgages--are going to be underwater with negative equity and will have a significant incentive to walk away from their homes."
----------
Nouriel Roubini, aka "Dr. Doom," weighs in with a hefty dose of pessimism about the latest economic statistics.
----------
Nouriel Roubini, aka "Dr. Doom," weighs in with a hefty dose of pessimism about the latest economic statistics.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Mysterious tremors detected on San Andreas Fault
Mysterious tremors detected on San Andreas Fault: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - Scientists have detected a spike in underground rumblings on a section of California's San Andreas Fault that produced a magnitude-7.8 earthquake in 1857.
What these mysterious vibrations say about future earthquakes is far from certain. But some think the deep tremors suggest underground stress may be building up faster than expected and may indicate an increased risk of a major temblor."
------------
Oh, sure. That's just great. Now on top of everything else LA is baloney on a cold roll.
What these mysterious vibrations say about future earthquakes is far from certain. But some think the deep tremors suggest underground stress may be building up faster than expected and may indicate an increased risk of a major temblor."
------------
Oh, sure. That's just great. Now on top of everything else LA is baloney on a cold roll.
HOA Academy registration begins
HOA Academy registration begins: "The homeowners association academy is aimed at those serving as or aspiring to be HOA board members and employees of management companies."
---------
Fred Pilot sent this, with a note to check the comments--George Staropoli got in a kidney shot.
---------
Fred Pilot sent this, with a note to check the comments--George Staropoli got in a kidney shot.
The Rental Market Stinks Too - The Atlantic Business Channel
The Rental Market Stinks Too - The Atlantic Business Channel: "The vacancy rate for U.S. apartments hit a 22-year high in the second quarter as rising unemployment reduced demand during what is usually the peak leasing season."
---------------
What next? Hamster and gerbil cage vacancy rates at an all-time high?
---------------
What next? Hamster and gerbil cage vacancy rates at an all-time high?
6,000 Criminals Could Be Released From Stateville Prison In Joliet, Illinois By Governor Pat Quinn - cbs2chicago.com
6,000 Criminals Could Be Released From Stateville Prison In Joliet, Illinois By Governor Pat Quinn - cbs2chicago.com: "CHICAGO (CBS) ― Up to 10,000 convicted criminals could soon be released early from prisons across Illinois. It's all because of the state's budget mess. Gov. Pat Quinn says cutting those prisoners loose could save more than $100 million. But at what cost to you?"
-----------
Is that a rhetorical question?
-----------
Is that a rhetorical question?
USDA to oversee school snack food: Senate ag chair | Health | Reuters
USDA to oversee school snack food: Senate ag chair | Health | Reuters: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Agriculture Department would be given the power to regulate all food sold in schools -- including vending machine snacks -- when Congress renews child nutrition programs, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee said on Tuesday."
--------------
All food sold in all schools. In the entire USA. Regulated by the federal government.
--------------
All food sold in all schools. In the entire USA. Regulated by the federal government.
Michael Gerson - Obama's Health Reform Ship Flounders - washingtonpost.com
Michael Gerson - Obama's Health Reform Ship Flounders - washingtonpost.com: "Around midnight on April 15, 1912, there were a few minutes when Capt. Edward Smith of the Titanic realized his ship was going down -- six watertight compartments breached, less than two hours to float -- yet his passengers slept in happy ignorance. A historical fate hardened while most of the participants dreamed on.
The jobs report last week opened a long gash beneath the waterline of President Obama's legislative agenda. Few realize it, but a scramble for lifeboats is about to begin."
-----------
This is one of the best leads to a story that I have ever read. I don't know if he is right, but it is a compelling metaphor. How do you top it? Maybe the Hindenburg.
The jobs report last week opened a long gash beneath the waterline of President Obama's legislative agenda. Few realize it, but a scramble for lifeboats is about to begin."
-----------
This is one of the best leads to a story that I have ever read. I don't know if he is right, but it is a compelling metaphor. How do you top it? Maybe the Hindenburg.
The Association Movie
The Association Movie See below--this is Andrew Wahlquist's web site about "The Association."
Danny Pebbles Guide to Association Living
Danny Pebbles Guide to Association Living
Andrew Wahlquist is a Hollywood producer who has a screenplay called "The Association" that he is trying to raise money to produce. I have read it, and it is terrific. But in the meantime, he passed along this link to something that is well worth watching.
Andrew Wahlquist is a Hollywood producer who has a screenplay called "The Association" that he is trying to raise money to produce. I have read it, and it is terrific. But in the meantime, he passed along this link to something that is well worth watching.
Global warming marches on
Chicago has its coolest July 8 in 118 years -- chicagotribune.com: "For the 12th time this meteorological summer (since June 1), daytime highs failed to reach 70 degrees Wednesday. Only one other year in the past half century has hosted so many sub-70-degree days up to this point in a summer season -- 1969, when 14 such days occurred.
Wednesday's paltry 65-degree high at O'Hare International Airport (an early-May-level temperature and a reading 18 degrees below normal) was also the city's coolest July 8 high in 118 years -- since a 61-degree high on the date in 1891."
---------------
Relatively speaking, we are freezing our butts off here.
Wednesday's paltry 65-degree high at O'Hare International Airport (an early-May-level temperature and a reading 18 degrees below normal) was also the city's coolest July 8 high in 118 years -- since a 61-degree high on the date in 1891."
---------------
Relatively speaking, we are freezing our butts off here.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
10 Things Your Real Estate Broker Won't Say at SmartMoney.com
10 Things Your Real Estate Broker Won't Say at SmartMoney.com
There is a #11, too: "This home is in an HOA."
There is a #11, too: "This home is in an HOA."
The Big Public Pension Squeeze
The Big Public Pension Squeeze: "The cost of public sector pensions is set to soar in coming years because the recent meltdown in the financial markets has worsened the health of systems that were already badly underfunded. Municipal and state governments across the country are struggling with massive budget shortfalls, leaving them in no position to fill the pension gap. As a result, public workers look likely to bear the burden through cutbacks in their salaries and benefits and increases in their pension contributions."
--------------
True, but why did they have to interview Gray Davis?
--------------
True, but why did they have to interview Gray Davis?
Offering a tiny apology | Change of Subject
Offering a tiny apology | Change of Subject: "The question looking forward is what excuse, what explanation, what apology the Democratic Party can offer voters for making such a mess of things yet again, even with the ostensibly rogue ex-governor out of the picture. Democrats asked the voters for power in Illinois. And the majority of voters -- including me, I should say -- said OK. The result reduced legislative Republicans to decorative-plant status. But with this power came full and admittedly awesome responsibility -- to address the impact of the nationwide economic crisis and balance the state budget in a time of declining revenues. This responsibility didn't exactly creep up on the Democrats. We all saw it coming.
What did the Democratic leadership do to address this admittedly knotty problem? They bickered. They hemmed. They hawed. They quailed at making decisions and taking ownership of decisions that will inevitably prove unpopular among some segments of the population. Eventually, they ran out the clock at the end of last month and forced an overtime session."
--------------
This is an amazing confession by the Chicago Tribune's very liberal and ordinarily very partisan columnist, Eric Zorn. He lays the blame for Illinois' political-economic logjam squarely at the feet of the Illinois Democratic Party and particularly their chairman, House speaker Michael Madigan.
What did the Democratic leadership do to address this admittedly knotty problem? They bickered. They hemmed. They hawed. They quailed at making decisions and taking ownership of decisions that will inevitably prove unpopular among some segments of the population. Eventually, they ran out the clock at the end of last month and forced an overtime session."
--------------
This is an amazing confession by the Chicago Tribune's very liberal and ordinarily very partisan columnist, Eric Zorn. He lays the blame for Illinois' political-economic logjam squarely at the feet of the Illinois Democratic Party and particularly their chairman, House speaker Michael Madigan.
President Obama debates himself on another stimulus
Bloomberg.com: Democrats split on stimulus as job losses mount, deficit soars: "President Barack Obama underscored the dilemma by addressing both sides of the argument. In an interview with ABC News yesterday, he said unemployment approaching 10 percent is something “we wrestle with constantly.” He added that spending more borrowed money is “potentially counterproductive.”"
----------
Stay tuned for the outcome of this debate.
----------
Stay tuned for the outcome of this debate.
OUC starts shutting down water, power in Veranda Park - OrlandoSentinel.com
OUC starts shutting down water, power in Veranda Park - OrlandoSentinel.com: "At noon today, the Orlando Utilities Commission turned off the water and power for the large fountain at the entrance to the Veranda Park town center in MetroWest Orlando as well as for the outdoor irrigation systems for the 30-acre property off of South Hiawassee Road.
This is the first step in a staggered shutdown of water and power in Veranda Park due to months of unpaid bills for seven Veranda accounts owned or controlled by developer Kevin Azzouz.
The unpaid accounts total more than $378,000 for the struggling project that was to become a second downtown Orlando."
----------
Thanks to Beth Young for this link. What a horrible situation.
This is the first step in a staggered shutdown of water and power in Veranda Park due to months of unpaid bills for seven Veranda accounts owned or controlled by developer Kevin Azzouz.
The unpaid accounts total more than $378,000 for the struggling project that was to become a second downtown Orlando."
----------
Thanks to Beth Young for this link. What a horrible situation.
Invasion of the condo squatters
Living with Rules: Community associations confront squatters - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Has a squatter moved into your community?
That's the case for The Circle Villa Condominium Association in Lauderhill. 'We have at least several unit-owner squatters and one renter squatter,' said Dorine Neal, president of the 96-unit condo association. 'The numbers are growing in this economy.'
As if cash-strapped community associations faced with foreclosures, delinquencies and non-paying owners didn't have enough to deal with, increasingly some are stuck with squatters."
---------
Foreclosed and abandoned units are being put to use, it seems.
That's the case for The Circle Villa Condominium Association in Lauderhill. 'We have at least several unit-owner squatters and one renter squatter,' said Dorine Neal, president of the 96-unit condo association. 'The numbers are growing in this economy.'
As if cash-strapped community associations faced with foreclosures, delinquencies and non-paying owners didn't have enough to deal with, increasingly some are stuck with squatters."
---------
Foreclosed and abandoned units are being put to use, it seems.
Residents call for new board amid accusations
Residents call for new board amid accusations: "Residents of the North Sherwood Forest Homeowners Association say some of its board and management have used money given to them for the nearby Intercounty Connector to hire an attorney to enforce alleged property violations. Some residents argue the association is enforcing measures that haven't been addressed due to community apathy.
Last year, the State Highway Administration gave about $520,000 to the HOA after the HOA sold some of its common land to the ICC. Since then, frustrated residents have voiced their concerns about the HOA's lack of regular, open meetings and say the HOA board has spent money without the approval of the entire board. The HOA is overseen by Greenbelt-based Williams Community Management."
----------------
Last year, the State Highway Administration gave about $520,000 to the HOA after the HOA sold some of its common land to the ICC. Since then, frustrated residents have voiced their concerns about the HOA's lack of regular, open meetings and say the HOA board has spent money without the approval of the entire board. The HOA is overseen by Greenbelt-based Williams Community Management."
----------------
Gallup Daily: State of the Nation
Gallup Daily: State of the Nation
This chart shows that dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the US dropped from around 80% to 60% in the first four months of the Obama administration. People were swept up in the overall sense that "hope and change" were coming. But look what has happened since May. The level of dissatisfaction has gone back up steadily, and is now at 68%. This is not surprising, because unemployment has continued to climb, gas prices have gone back up, the housing market is still in the toilet, state and local budgets are horrifying, and people are worried about government debt and eventual tax increases. In other words, the hopey-changey laughing gas is blowing away in the wind of the recession.
The Democratic Party runs the national government, so it is time for them to show what they have to offer.
This chart shows that dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the US dropped from around 80% to 60% in the first four months of the Obama administration. People were swept up in the overall sense that "hope and change" were coming. But look what has happened since May. The level of dissatisfaction has gone back up steadily, and is now at 68%. This is not surprising, because unemployment has continued to climb, gas prices have gone back up, the housing market is still in the toilet, state and local budgets are horrifying, and people are worried about government debt and eventual tax increases. In other words, the hopey-changey laughing gas is blowing away in the wind of the recession.
The Democratic Party runs the national government, so it is time for them to show what they have to offer.
No job, no money for Churchill - The Denver Post
No job, no money for Churchill - The Denver Post: "A judge has ruled that the University of Colorado doesn't have to give controversial former professor Ward Churchill his job back, even though a jury found he was improperly fired.
Churchill, who taught ethnic studies at CU's Boulder campus, lost his teaching position after an investigation found he had plagiarized and falsified scholarly work for years."
--------------
While I value academic freedom, it seems to me that Churchill abused his tenured status in every way. He ends up with nothing to show for winning that lawsuit. One dollar from the jury, and nothing from the judge.
Churchill, who taught ethnic studies at CU's Boulder campus, lost his teaching position after an investigation found he had plagiarized and falsified scholarly work for years."
--------------
While I value academic freedom, it seems to me that Churchill abused his tenured status in every way. He ends up with nothing to show for winning that lawsuit. One dollar from the jury, and nothing from the judge.
SCOUTING NY - www.scoutingny.com » The Last Phone Booth In New York City
SCOUTING NY - www.scoutingny.com » The Last Phone Booth In New York City: "There are only four phone booths left in Manhattan - and they’re all on West End Avenue. That’s it: four."
------------
Where will Superman change clothes now?
------------
Where will Superman change clothes now?
TheHill.com - Republican report puts blame for housing on Fannie, Freddie
TheHill.com - Republican report puts blame for housing on Fannie, Freddie: "“The housing bubble that burst in 2007 and led to a financial crisis can be traced back to the federal government intervention in the U.S. housing market intended to help provide home ownership opportunities for more Americans,” declares the first sentence of the GOP Oversight and Government Reform report.
The report tries to center debate on government involvement, rather than Wall Street."
-------------
It seems to me that it is hard to separate the respective roles of public policy and private profit-taking in creating the collapse of the housing market. However, there is nothing wrong with the GOP trying to remind people that bad policies played a major role, because since the election all we have been hearing from DC is that corporate greed is the root of all our problems. We have a political economy, not a free market economy.
The report tries to center debate on government involvement, rather than Wall Street."
-------------
It seems to me that it is hard to separate the respective roles of public policy and private profit-taking in creating the collapse of the housing market. However, there is nothing wrong with the GOP trying to remind people that bad policies played a major role, because since the election all we have been hearing from DC is that corporate greed is the root of all our problems. We have a political economy, not a free market economy.
Althouse: Look how silly the Russians made Obama look...
Althouse: Look how silly the Russians made Obama look...
Obama needs to invite the Rooskies to DC so he can get even. Challenge Medvedev to a game of one-on-one basketball, for example.
Obama needs to invite the Rooskies to DC so he can get even. Challenge Medvedev to a game of one-on-one basketball, for example.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
U.S. mortgage fraud 'rampant' and growing-FBI | Markets | Bonds News | Reuters
U.S. mortgage fraud 'rampant' and growing-FBI | Markets | Bonds News | Reuters: "SAN FRANCISCO, July 7 (Reuters) - U.S. mortgage fraud reports jumped 36 percent last year as desperate homeowners and industry professionals tried to maintain their standard of living from the boom years, the FBI said on Tuesday.
Suspicious activity reports rose to 63,713 in fiscal year 2008, which ended last September, from 46,717 the year before. California and Florida, centers of the housing bust, had the highest numbers of suspicious reports as foreclosures jumped, the stock market dropped and credit dried up."
-------------
If middle class home owners are ever going to organize themselves to influence public policy, this should be the time. If not, there will not be enough meat on their bones to bait a fish hook.
Suspicious activity reports rose to 63,713 in fiscal year 2008, which ended last September, from 46,717 the year before. California and Florida, centers of the housing bust, had the highest numbers of suspicious reports as foreclosures jumped, the stock market dropped and credit dried up."
-------------
If middle class home owners are ever going to organize themselves to influence public policy, this should be the time. If not, there will not be enough meat on their bones to bait a fish hook.
Don't make light of this situation
Strike a light! Do religious zealots get any barmier than this?: "AN Orthodox Jewish couple are suing their neighbours in a block of Bournemouth flats over motion sensors which automatically turn on the lights in the communal hallway."
-------------
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this fascinating link. You see, they aren't supposed to use electricity from Friday night to Saturday night, but the lights are triggered automatically by sensors when they step out their door. Thus, they have to choose between violating their religious tenets and staying indoors.
-------------
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this fascinating link. You see, they aren't supposed to use electricity from Friday night to Saturday night, but the lights are triggered automatically by sensors when they step out their door. Thus, they have to choose between violating their religious tenets and staying indoors.
Private communities present problems for Pa. | PoconoRecord.com
Private communities present problems for Pa. | PoconoRecord.com: "Some Pennsylvania legislators believe some new rules for private communities are needed. Local representatives receive frequent calls from homeowners in private communities, often complaining about association fees and limited services.
While private community homeowners pay state taxes, state grants are not available to residents. Private associations are not eligible to apply for most state grants.
Although Monroe County state Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, introduced House Bill 1068 this year, which would provide grants and funding for dams that are privately owned. 'These private lakes, God forbid there is a breach, the communities around them are going to have problems,' Scavello said.)
Homeowners in private associations pay municipal property taxes, but no municipal dollars are spent within the gates of a private community.
Another bill introduced by Scavello would allow homeowners in communities to deduct 75 percent of their annual association fees from their state income tax return. This would help offset the 'double taxation' community homeowners say they face."
--------
Thanks to Cynthia Stephens for this link about some pretty dramatic proposals in PA.
While private community homeowners pay state taxes, state grants are not available to residents. Private associations are not eligible to apply for most state grants.
Although Monroe County state Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, introduced House Bill 1068 this year, which would provide grants and funding for dams that are privately owned. 'These private lakes, God forbid there is a breach, the communities around them are going to have problems,' Scavello said.)
Homeowners in private associations pay municipal property taxes, but no municipal dollars are spent within the gates of a private community.
Another bill introduced by Scavello would allow homeowners in communities to deduct 75 percent of their annual association fees from their state income tax return. This would help offset the 'double taxation' community homeowners say they face."
--------
Thanks to Cynthia Stephens for this link about some pretty dramatic proposals in PA.
Property associations struggle as owners miss payments | Jacksonville.com
Property associations struggle as owners miss payments | Jacksonville.com: "With the economy in an extended slump and real estate along with it, there's myriad reasons why a Jacksonville homeowner or condominium owner might not be able to pay his or her property owner's association fees.
People who have always kept up with their bills suddenly find themselves choosing which bills to pay and which to let slip. Homeowners and condominium associations are under the gun, too. They are bound by a residential community's covenants to fulfill their obligations for amenities, maintenance and services in common areas and various other things, and their budgets are designed to raise only what they need."
-----------
We are still on the upswing of this problem.
People who have always kept up with their bills suddenly find themselves choosing which bills to pay and which to let slip. Homeowners and condominium associations are under the gun, too. They are bound by a residential community's covenants to fulfill their obligations for amenities, maintenance and services in common areas and various other things, and their budgets are designed to raise only what they need."
-----------
We are still on the upswing of this problem.
Florida law protects homeowners who put in less-thirsty yards - OrlandoSentinel.com
Florida law protects homeowners who put in less-thirsty yards - OrlandoSentinel.com: "When state Sen. Carey Baker proposed a law encouraging Florida homeowners to get rid of thirsty grass, he had Dorothy Bombera in mind. The Venice retiree has steadily ripped out her lawn, making room for daisies, perennial peanuts, palms and other drought-resistant plants.
But not all of her neighbors found the new scenery attractive, and her homeowners association threatened to fine Bombera if she didn't re-create the old, conventional yard.
Last week, Baker's legislation was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist, and Bombera is now off the hook.'They were up to a $480 fine,' Bombera said of the homeowners association. 'I think that passing this was the most wonderful thing.'"
------------
So common sense prevailed.
But not all of her neighbors found the new scenery attractive, and her homeowners association threatened to fine Bombera if she didn't re-create the old, conventional yard.
Last week, Baker's legislation was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist, and Bombera is now off the hook.'They were up to a $480 fine,' Bombera said of the homeowners association. 'I think that passing this was the most wonderful thing.'"
------------
So common sense prevailed.
Skid row murder-for-hire plot leaves two dead, LAPD says | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times
Skid row murder-for-hire plot leaves two dead, LAPD says | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times: "Chow said Lamont Ward, 40, of Inglewood used Flores to hire another man, Richard Luna, to carry out the murder....Ward was arrested July 1 in Inglewood. Police said he was arrested while working as a security guard in an upscale gated community."
-------------
Perhaps somewhat more intensive screening of potential employees is in order.
-------------
Perhaps somewhat more intensive screening of potential employees is in order.
islandpacket.com | Commission OKs plan to get emergency workers into gated communities quickly
islandpacket.com | Commission OKs plan to get emergency workers into gated communities quickly: "New development standards requiring gated communities to install devices that would give ambulances and other emergency vehicles a quick way to open their gates received unanimous approval Monday at a meeting of the Beaufort County Planning Commission.
Gated communities lacking the emergency openers would have to install one within 18 months at their own expense."
---------------
Gated communities lacking the emergency openers would have to install one within 18 months at their own expense."
---------------
Woman Attacked While Emptying Trash in Gated Community - KTLA
Woman Attacked While Emptying Trash in Gated Community - KTLA: "LADERA RANCH - Police are looking for 2 men who attacked and robbed a woman in broad daylight in a gated community in Orange County.
It happened around 10:30 Saturday morning in Covenant Hills."
------------
Well. That's not the way these places are supposed to operate.
It happened around 10:30 Saturday morning in Covenant Hills."
------------
Well. That's not the way these places are supposed to operate.
HOA Legi-Slate: New Action Without Meeting Requirements in Effect
HOA Legi-Slate: New Action Without Meeting Requirements in Effect: "On May 14, 2009, Governor Ritter signed into law House Bill 09-1248 (HB 1248) which amends the Revised Colorado Nonprofit Corporation Act (Nonprofit Corporation Act) and addresses in Section 20 the ability and procedures that boards of associations must follow when taking action outside of a board meeting."
------
From a blog post by Molly Foley-Healy.
------
From a blog post by Molly Foley-Healy.
Florida Land Use Law: 1stDCA Totally Screws Up the Analysis in a Bert Harris Case – [but Probably Reaches the Right Result]
Florida Land Use Law: 1stDCA Totally Screws Up the Analysis in a Bert Harris Case – [but Probably Reaches the Right Result]: "The case involves the City of Jacksonville abandoning a public street to a private homeowner’s association- a process that is not the same as vacating the street. When the street was abandoned, the private HOA refused to allow and adjoining landowner access to it. The result of the HOA’s refusal to permit access was that the landowner was unable to proceed with an 8 lot subdivision of the adjoining land."
----------
Blog post on an interesting situation.
----------
Blog post on an interesting situation.
The Hook News Blog » Blog Archive » Comer canned: Homeowners oust missing treasurer
The Hook News Blog » Blog Archive » Comer canned: Homeowners oust missing treasurer: "“The behind-the-scenes view of this is that he staged this thing and ran off,” says Tommy Stafford of Nelson County Life, the first local publication to notice the identity of the missing man. “They can’t be 100 percent sure,” says Stafford, who has conferred with several top law enforcement officers, “but things are certainly looking that way.”
Comer, whose day job is the presidency of Glenmore Country Club and who also represents the developer of the neighborhood of over 700 homes, reportedly went missing shortly after 9:30am Wednesday, July 1. That, according to a press release from the homeowners association, was less than an hour before a meeting with two association board members to discuss “incomplete data made available to the auditor.”"
----------
Hmmmmm. Let's not jump to any conclusions, but the circumstantial evidence is...interesting.
Comer, whose day job is the presidency of Glenmore Country Club and who also represents the developer of the neighborhood of over 700 homes, reportedly went missing shortly after 9:30am Wednesday, July 1. That, according to a press release from the homeowners association, was less than an hour before a meeting with two association board members to discuss “incomplete data made available to the auditor.”"
----------
Hmmmmm. Let's not jump to any conclusions, but the circumstantial evidence is...interesting.
Fight for HOA reform continues after bill fails | News 8 | WFAA.com
Fight for HOA reform continues after bill fails | News 8 | WFAA.com: "'The issue isn’t going away,” said Rep. Burt Solomons.
The Carrollton Republican introduced legislation in the last session aimed at reining in HOAs. The bill failed to come up for a vote in the Senate.
“We intend to continue fighting,” he said. “It’s gotten out of control and it’s very hard to rein them in.”... Lawmakers say there are 30,000 homeowners associations in Texas, which has only 5,000 towns.
“You have entities that have more power than any city council,” Scott said. “More power than any city government with no checks, no balances, no accountability, no transparency, no openness.” "
---------------
This is mainly about foreclosure reform, as I understand it, and that is probably going to remain a huge issue in TX and elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
The Carrollton Republican introduced legislation in the last session aimed at reining in HOAs. The bill failed to come up for a vote in the Senate.
“We intend to continue fighting,” he said. “It’s gotten out of control and it’s very hard to rein them in.”... Lawmakers say there are 30,000 homeowners associations in Texas, which has only 5,000 towns.
“You have entities that have more power than any city council,” Scott said. “More power than any city government with no checks, no balances, no accountability, no transparency, no openness.” "
---------------
This is mainly about foreclosure reform, as I understand it, and that is probably going to remain a huge issue in TX and elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
Delinquencies on home-equity loans hit record - Los Angeles Times
Delinquencies on home-equity loans hit record - Los Angeles Times: "Late payments on home-equity loans rose to a record in the first quarter as 18 straight months of job losses and a slumping economy left more borrowers unable to pay their debts, the American Bankers Association reported.
Delinquencies on home-equity loans climbed to 3.52 percent of all accounts from 3.03 percent in the fourth quarter, and late payments on home-equity lines of credit climbed to a record 1.89 percent, the group reported today. An index of eight types of loans rose for a fourth straight quarter, to 3.23 percent from 3.22 percent in October through December, the group said."
---------------
If the employment situation doesn't reverse itself pretty soon, this recession will set all-time records.
Delinquencies on home-equity loans climbed to 3.52 percent of all accounts from 3.03 percent in the fourth quarter, and late payments on home-equity lines of credit climbed to a record 1.89 percent, the group reported today. An index of eight types of loans rose for a fourth straight quarter, to 3.23 percent from 3.22 percent in October through December, the group said."
---------------
If the employment situation doesn't reverse itself pretty soon, this recession will set all-time records.
U.S. Home Prices to Fall Through 2011’s First Quarter, PMI Says - Bloomberg.com
U.S. Home Prices to Fall Through 2011’s First Quarter, PMI Says - Bloomberg.com: "Thirty of the 50 biggest metropolitan areas have at least a 75 percent chance of lower prices through March 31, 2011, Walnut Creek, California-based PMI said in a report today. The decline is likely to spread to “all regions of the nation” from California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona, the states most affected by the housing slump, PMI said.
“The housing market has been hit by a demand shock of high unemployment and a supply shock of distressed foreclosure sales,” LaVaughn Henry, senior economist at PMI, the fourth- largest U.S. mortgage insurer, said in an interview."
--------------
Can anybody say with a straight face that things are getting better?
“The housing market has been hit by a demand shock of high unemployment and a supply shock of distressed foreclosure sales,” LaVaughn Henry, senior economist at PMI, the fourth- largest U.S. mortgage insurer, said in an interview."
--------------
Can anybody say with a straight face that things are getting better?
Big Banks Don't Want California's IOUs - WSJ.com
Big Banks Don't Want California's IOUs - WSJ.com: "A group of the biggest U.S. banks said they would stop accepting California's IOUs on Friday, adding pressure on the state to close its $26.3 billion annual budget gap."
------------
California funny money becomes basically useless in three days. Apparently some credit unions will keep accepting it, but that won't last.
------------
California funny money becomes basically useless in three days. Apparently some credit unions will keep accepting it, but that won't last.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Legal Bills Swayed Palin, Official Says - NYTimes.com
Legal Bills Swayed Palin, Official Says - NYTimes.com: "Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell of Alaska said Sunday that Gov. Sarah Palin’s decision to resign was largely prompted by the personal legal costs of the ethics investigations against her."
---------------
Think about that. Palin may have given up her political career, at least for the foreseeable future, because of the costs of legal defense. Now imagine that you are a homeowner in a CID. You have to pay your own lawyer. The association draws on the resources of all the owners. This imbalance in legal representation is one of the main sources of association power.
---------------
Think about that. Palin may have given up her political career, at least for the foreseeable future, because of the costs of legal defense. Now imagine that you are a homeowner in a CID. You have to pay your own lawyer. The association draws on the resources of all the owners. This imbalance in legal representation is one of the main sources of association power.
California’s Nightmare Will Kill Obamanomics: Kevin Hassett - Bloomberg.com
California’s Nightmare Will Kill Obamanomics: Kevin Hassett - Bloomberg.com: "The California morass has Democrats in Washington trembling. The reason is simple. If Obama’s health-care plan passes, then we may well end up paying for it with federal slips of paper worth less than California’s. Obama has bet everything on passing health care this year. The publicity surrounding the California debt fiasco almost assures his resounding defeat."
--------------------------------
California is running on $3 billion worth of IOUs for the month of July alone.
--------------------------------
California is running on $3 billion worth of IOUs for the month of July alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)