Gated neighborhood asks to be annexed to Seal Beach | beach, county, seal, orange, border - News - OCRegister.com: "SEAL BEACH– A proposal to move the Los Angeles and Orange County border in 21 areas may now affect only one small area bordered by Seal Beach and Long Beach; however a small L.A. community is seeking to be included.
About 10 residents from Island Village appealed to Seal Beach City Council members Monday asking them to consider annexing the private Long Beach community just east of the San Gabriel River."
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Lindenhurst use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com
Suburb to use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com: "September 30, 2009 (WLS) -- Beet juice is going to help keep the streets of another suburb clear of ice this winter.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit seeking six figures from a former neighbor and landlord for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome."
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules: "Clearly a majority of South Florida condo and home owner associations are reeling financially from the bad economy, record foreclosure and domino-effect delinquencies. And there are plenty of lessons to be learned from them. They want and need the attention of lawmakers who can help.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Court to rule on gun rights, terrorism law | SCOTUSblog
Court to rule on gun rights, terrorism law | SCOTUSblog: "Taking on a major new constitutional dispute over gun rights, the Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to decide whether to apply the Second Amendment to state, county and city government laws."
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Very big case.
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Very big case.
Anti-Graffiti Plan Raises Stakes for Homeowners | NBC Los Angeles
Anti-Graffiti Plan Raises Stakes for Homeowners | NBC Los Angeles: "All new buildings in Los Angeles -- including homes -- must have anti-graffiti coating under an ordinance approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday. There is an exception if the owners promise to remove any graffiti on their property soon after it appears.
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being signed by the mayor.
The anti-graffiti coating must cover the walls and doors from the ground to a height of at least nine feet. The coating is mandated on all buildings, unless owners sign a 'Covenant and Agreement Regarding Maintenance of Building (Graffiti Removal)' with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety."
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LA's rapid descent into insanity continues.
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being signed by the mayor.
The anti-graffiti coating must cover the walls and doors from the ground to a height of at least nine feet. The coating is mandated on all buildings, unless owners sign a 'Covenant and Agreement Regarding Maintenance of Building (Graffiti Removal)' with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety."
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LA's rapid descent into insanity continues.
State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids - Yahoo! News
State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids - Yahoo! News: "IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Each day before the school bus comes to pick up the neighborhood's children, Lisa Snyder did a favor for three of her fellow moms, welcoming their children into her home for about an hour before they left for school.
Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers."
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She isn't getting paid. She's just watching her friends' kids for an hour. And here come the regulators.
Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers."
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She isn't getting paid. She's just watching her friends' kids for an hour. And here come the regulators.
Estate agent's fail to mention the two power stations next door to idyllic cottage for sale | The Sun |News
Estate agent's fail to mention the two power stations next door to idyllic cottage for sale | The Sun |News: "An estate agents has come under fire for hiding two huge nuclear power stations in an advert for a 'traditional fisherman's cottage'."
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That's almost as bad as not mentioning that there is an HOA.
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That's almost as bad as not mentioning that there is an HOA.
Sarasota man admits he put razor blades on bushes | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
Sarasota man admits he put razor blades on bushes | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, ClearwaterMan plants bushes, HOA says no bushes, man gets tired of people messin' with his bushes, and puts razor blades on the bushes to get a "squeal" out of the bush messin' people. Man gets charged with misdemeanor.
Hey, it's Florida.
Hey, it's Florida.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Phone Calls Add to Din Over Loans - WSJ.com
Phone Calls Add to Din Over Loans - WSJ.com: "The discovery that Countrywide Financial Corp. recorded phone conversations with borrowers in a controversial mortgage program that included public officials -- and that those recordings have been destroyed -- has prompted new congressional calls for more information about the program."
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That VIP program they had looks more questionable all the time.
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That VIP program they had looks more questionable all the time.
Canada: Public servants have highest absentee rate: study
Public servants have highest absentee rate: study: "Statistics Canada said health-care and social-service workers were absent the most."
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I think public employees also lead in the "leaning on push broom while complaining about overwork" category. At least they do here at UIC.
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I think public employees also lead in the "leaning on push broom while complaining about overwork" category. At least they do here at UIC.
Vallejo Police Outsource Report Writing | NBC Bay Area
Vallejo Police Outsource Report Writing | NBC Bay Area: "The reports are dictated into a digital audio file then sent via a secure connection to Nashville-McClintock, where retired law-enforcement officials write them up."
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Interesting issue. The most basic defense cross-examination technique is to use the police report and contrast it with the officer's testimony in court. But now the officer can say, "Well, I didn't write the report."
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Interesting issue. The most basic defense cross-examination technique is to use the police report and contrast it with the officer's testimony in court. But now the officer can say, "Well, I didn't write the report."
Monday, September 28, 2009
Even in Capitalists’ Bad Times, Europe’s Socialists Suffer - NYTimes.com
Even in Capitalists’ Bad Times, Europe’s Socialists Suffer - NYTimes.com: "PARIS — A specter is haunting Europe — the specter of Socialism’s slow collapse."
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Trading places?
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Trading places?
Texas: join that HOA
The Galveston County Daily News: "The revised ordinance also would put some new requirements on homeowners. Specifically, it requires all property owners of subdivisions with private streets to participate in the neighborhood’s homeowners association.
Homeowner associations have emerged in the last decade as the neighborhood enforcement authority on deed restrictions. In gated communities with private streets, they also control street maintenance procedures.
Those gate or private communities also will be required to build two separate entrances to the neighborhood. One of those entrances can be designated for emergency access only."
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I need to read this ordinance in order to understand just what they are requiring here, but it looks like more evidence that HOAs are being built firmly into the structure of local government. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
Homeowner associations have emerged in the last decade as the neighborhood enforcement authority on deed restrictions. In gated communities with private streets, they also control street maintenance procedures.
Those gate or private communities also will be required to build two separate entrances to the neighborhood. One of those entrances can be designated for emergency access only."
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I need to read this ordinance in order to understand just what they are requiring here, but it looks like more evidence that HOAs are being built firmly into the structure of local government. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
Council 'spies' dressed in hoodies rifle through residents' rubbish as part of 'waste analysis' | Mail Online
Council 'spies' dressed in hoodies rifle through residents' rubbish as part of 'waste analysis' | Mail Online: "The 'spies' were part of a week-long waste analysis study by the Northamptonshire Waste Partnership, a collaboration of eight local authorities working to reduce rubbish going to landfill. An external contractor was told to go through the bins of residents."
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Seems like whenever governments want to do something a little shady they hire "external contractors." Probably those Blackwater guys.
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Seems like whenever governments want to do something a little shady they hire "external contractors." Probably those Blackwater guys.
Gated areas numbers going up | hattiesburgamerican.com | Hattiesburg American
Gated areas numbers going up | hattiesburgamerican.com | Hattiesburg American: "Apparently, they're on the rise nationally. In a two-year period, the number of housing units inside communities 'secured with walls or fences' rose from around 7 million to more than 10 million.
That finding is from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Housing Surveys of 2005 and 2007. Slightly fewer than half, or about 5 million, were 'owner-occupied' in 2007; the rest were rented."
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They say it takes an average of 8 seconds to enter a gated community.
That finding is from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Housing Surveys of 2005 and 2007. Slightly fewer than half, or about 5 million, were 'owner-occupied' in 2007; the rest were rented."
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They say it takes an average of 8 seconds to enter a gated community.
Obama Proposes Longer School Day, Shorter Summer Vacation - Political News - FOXNews.com
Obama Proposes Longer School Day, Shorter Summer Vacation - Political News - FOXNews.com: "Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe.
'Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas,' the president said earlier this year. 'Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom.'
The president, who has a sixth-grader and a third-grader, wants schools to add time to classes, to stay open late and to let kids in on weekends so they have a safe place to go."
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That would make sense if the public schools were safer, more disciplined and structured, and more oriented toward learning. Most public schools are warehouses for kids and job factories for teachers and administrators.
'Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas,' the president said earlier this year. 'Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom.'
The president, who has a sixth-grader and a third-grader, wants schools to add time to classes, to stay open late and to let kids in on weekends so they have a safe place to go."
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That would make sense if the public schools were safer, more disciplined and structured, and more oriented toward learning. Most public schools are warehouses for kids and job factories for teachers and administrators.
France 24 | I'd like to be, up in the tree | France 24
France 24 | I'd like to be, up in the tree | France 24: "Living in a tree is the latest environment friendly trend in France. In the last five years, about a 100 special homes have been built in treetops across the country."
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bear Invasion! Aspen Sees Tenfold Increase in Bear Sightings - ABC News
Bear Invasion! Aspen Sees Tenfold Increase in Bear Sightings - ABC News: "Officials are now concerned that across Colorado too many wild bears have developed a tasted for human food and are getting used to people. They are now actively telling residents to be, literally, mean to the bears. Yell at them, throw rocks and if they charge you, stand up to them.
'You want to be as big, as large as possible, and you always want to fight back with a black bear,' said Hampton. Black bears tend to be timid and are generally not aggressive."
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If they charge at you, stand up to them? I see. You go first, sir. I will be right behind you, agreeing with everything you say as you stand up to the charging black bear. Until I begin sprinting in the opposite direction.
'You want to be as big, as large as possible, and you always want to fight back with a black bear,' said Hampton. Black bears tend to be timid and are generally not aggressive."
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If they charge at you, stand up to them? I see. You go first, sir. I will be right behind you, agreeing with everything you say as you stand up to the charging black bear. Until I begin sprinting in the opposite direction.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Police ready to 'take on' commenters, chief says
Police ready to 'take on' commenters, chief says: "He said investigators might seek search warrants or subpoenas from judges to learn the identities of the authors — he thinks some could be department employees — and possibly sue them for libel or file charges if investigators think a crime was committed."
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This could get a little dicey. There is this inconvenient legal provision known as the First Amendment, and it gives people quite a lot of latitude, especially where criticism of public officials is involved.
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This could get a little dicey. There is this inconvenient legal provision known as the First Amendment, and it gives people quite a lot of latitude, especially where criticism of public officials is involved.
Alcohol may protect the brain during an accident - CNN.com
Alcohol may protect the brain during an accident - CNN.com: "It's not clear why alcohol might be helpful, although it could dampen the impact of catecholamines, hormones like adrenaline and dopamine that are released by the body after a traumatic injury, according to Salim. 'We think [the blood alcohol] may attenuate that response,' he says.
Alcohol may also help lower the body's core temperature, says David Hovda, Ph.D., a professor of neurosurgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the director of UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center. Lower body temperatures are known to slow cell death and swelling caused by severe brain injuries."
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It seems that often the drunk driver lives and the sober people in the other car die. Can it be that the alcohol protects the drunk's brain?
Alcohol may also help lower the body's core temperature, says David Hovda, Ph.D., a professor of neurosurgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the director of UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center. Lower body temperatures are known to slow cell death and swelling caused by severe brain injuries."
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It seems that often the drunk driver lives and the sober people in the other car die. Can it be that the alcohol protects the drunk's brain?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Don't buy Obamacare insurance? Go to jail.
Ensign receives handwritten confirmation - Live Pulse - POLITICO.com: "Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) received a handwritten note Thursday from Joint Committee on Taxation Chief of Staff Tom Barthold confirming the penalty for failing to pay the up to $1,900 fee for not buying health insurance.
Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty, Barthold wrote on JCT letterhead. He signed it 'Sincerely, Thomas A. Barthold.'"
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Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty, Barthold wrote on JCT letterhead. He signed it 'Sincerely, Thomas A. Barthold.'"
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The people living in drains below Las Vegas | The Sun |Features
The people living in drains below Las Vegas | The Sun |Features: "Despite the risks from disease, highly venomous spiders and flooding washing them away, many of the tunnel people have put together elaborate camps with furniture, ornaments and shelves filled with belongings.
Steven and girlfriend Kathryn's base - under Caesar's Palace casino - is one of the most elaborate. They even have a kettle and a makeshift shower fabricated out of an office drinking water dispenser."
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I guess it's a trade off. You have to put up with deadly spiders and the risk of floods. But on the other hand, you have no mortgage and no HOA.
Steven and girlfriend Kathryn's base - under Caesar's Palace casino - is one of the most elaborate. They even have a kettle and a makeshift shower fabricated out of an office drinking water dispenser."
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I guess it's a trade off. You have to put up with deadly spiders and the risk of floods. But on the other hand, you have no mortgage and no HOA.
Daily Herald | Charges tossed out against woman who took dog waste drop box
Daily Herald | Charges tossed out against woman who took dog waste drop box: "Carrie Fosdale of Algonquin is criminally off the hook now that the McHenry County State's Attorney has agreed to drop a theft charge against her. When her townhouse association wouldn't move a dog waste container from near her home, she removed it herself."
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So the prosecutors dumped the charges, so to speak.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
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So the prosecutors dumped the charges, so to speak.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Judge orders Pomeranian to leave Colo. resort town
Judge orders Pomeranian to leave Colo. resort town: "ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - A Pomeranian has been kicked out of a Colorado resort town after getting in trouble for biting and other bad behavior.
Municipal Judge Brooke Peterson told the dog's owner, Melinda Goldrich, that if the dog is seen again in Aspen, it will be rounded up by animal control officers and put to death."
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And stay out!
Hit & Run > Corpse of a Thousand Houses - Reason Magazine
Hit & Run > Corpse of a Thousand Houses - Reason Magazine: "All signs point to a new flood of real estate foreclosures that no amount of government sandbagging will prevent. Sources of trouble:"
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And check out the comments to the Reason article for discussion of the coming commercial real estate collapse that I have been talking about here for some time.
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And check out the comments to the Reason article for discussion of the coming commercial real estate collapse that I have been talking about here for some time.
Existing-Home Sales Decline Unexpectedly; Market Weak - Real Estate * US * News * Story - CNBC.com
Existing-Home Sales Decline Unexpectedly; Market Weak - Real Estate * US * News * Story - CNBC.com: "The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales dropped 2.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.1 million in August, from a pace of 5.24 million in July.
Sales, which were still up 3.4 percent from a year earlier, had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 5.35 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters."
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More evidence that the ballyhooed "recovery" may be the middle hump on a W.
Sales, which were still up 3.4 percent from a year earlier, had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 5.35 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters."
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More evidence that the ballyhooed "recovery" may be the middle hump on a W.
Qadhafi: Obama should be president forever - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Qadhafi: Obama should be president forever - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Hugo Chavez, Putin, Castro, and now Qadhafi. Quite a collection of international supporters. For some reason these ringing endorsements don't seem to be helping his poll numbers among American, though.
Hugo Chavez, Putin, Castro, and now Qadhafi. Quite a collection of international supporters. For some reason these ringing endorsements don't seem to be helping his poll numbers among American, though.
HOA Tacking On $4,000 Fee To Sold Homes - News Story - WFTV Orlando
HOA Tacking On $4,000 Fee To Sold Homes - News Story - WFTV Orlando: "ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- An Orange County homeowners' association (HOA) is taking some drastic measures to make up its financial shortfall. The HOA at Stoneybrook East and West is tacking on a new $4,000 fee for foreclosed homes sold in the subdivision."
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The stated rationale: "Jim Gustino represents Stoneybrook's HOA and he says there has always been a $1,000 fee, but they upped it $3,000 to recoup losses and get the bank's attention. "Try to spur the banks to complete foreclosures in a reasonable period of time. Properties neglected that are a blight to the community bring in families who pay dues," Gustino said."
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The stated rationale: "Jim Gustino represents Stoneybrook's HOA and he says there has always been a $1,000 fee, but they upped it $3,000 to recoup losses and get the bank's attention. "Try to spur the banks to complete foreclosures in a reasonable period of time. Properties neglected that are a blight to the community bring in families who pay dues," Gustino said."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Homeowners who 'strategically default' on loans a growing problem -- latimes.com
Homeowners who 'strategically default' on loans a growing problem -- latimes.com: "Who is more likely to walk away from a house and a mortgage -- a person with super-prime credit scores or someone with lower scores?
Research using a massive sample of 24 million individual credit files has found that homeowners with high scores when they apply for a loan are 50% more likely to 'strategically default' -- abruptly and intentionally pull the plug and abandon the mortgage -- compared with lower-scoring borrowers."
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The researchers say 18% of all serious delinquencies are strategic defaults.
Research using a massive sample of 24 million individual credit files has found that homeowners with high scores when they apply for a loan are 50% more likely to 'strategically default' -- abruptly and intentionally pull the plug and abandon the mortgage -- compared with lower-scoring borrowers."
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The researchers say 18% of all serious delinquencies are strategic defaults.
Cap-and-trade will depress home prices - Ryan Young - POLITICO.com
Cap-and-trade will depress home prices - Ryan Young - POLITICO.com: "Sen. Boxer should see to it that the Senate version of cap and trade leaves the environmental inspection provision out.
Inspections are not free. Nor is fixing the inevitable violations. Compliance with new energy-efficiency standards would make homes, especially older ones, more expensive. Selling one’s home would become even harder than it already is in this down market if Waxman-Markey-style cap and trade becomes law."
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Unintended consequences: the must invariable and fundamental law of public policy research.
Inspections are not free. Nor is fixing the inevitable violations. Compliance with new energy-efficiency standards would make homes, especially older ones, more expensive. Selling one’s home would become even harder than it already is in this down market if Waxman-Markey-style cap and trade becomes law."
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Unintended consequences: the must invariable and fundamental law of public policy research.
LA passes law limiting roosters to 1 per household
LA passes law limiting roosters to 1 per household: "The City Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance that—with few exceptions—allows only one rooster per property. It was spurred by complaints over noise and hygiene and concerns over illegal cockfighting."
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I lived in LA for quite a few years and never heard a cock crowing. Times must be changing.
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I lived in LA for quite a few years and never heard a cock crowing. Times must be changing.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
88-Year-Old Fights Off Thieves -- With Bare Hands! - wcbstv.com
88-Year-Old Fights Off Thieves -- With Bare Hands! - wcbstv.com: "Biagio Sciscione may have trouble walking, but the four thugs who tried to steal his safe filled with jewelry should have known better than to mess with him.
'I ran down the stairs, here,' Sciscione said, showing CBS 2 HD the site of the encounter. 'Coming down stairs, here they were -- one woman here, one on the other side.
'The guy pushed me; I gave him a sock … a good sock and he stood there and looked at me. I said you're gonna get some more if you don't drop that safe.'
The thieves dropped the safe all right and took off running after coming face-to-face with a feisty World War II vet."
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That's what I'm talking about.
'I ran down the stairs, here,' Sciscione said, showing CBS 2 HD the site of the encounter. 'Coming down stairs, here they were -- one woman here, one on the other side.
'The guy pushed me; I gave him a sock … a good sock and he stood there and looked at me. I said you're gonna get some more if you don't drop that safe.'
The thieves dropped the safe all right and took off running after coming face-to-face with a feisty World War II vet."
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That's what I'm talking about.
FDIC weighs extraordinary steps to shore up fund - Yahoo! Finance
FDIC weighs extraordinary steps to shore up fund - Yahoo! Finance: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is weighing several costly -- and never-before-used -- options as it struggles to shore up the dwindling fund that insures bank deposits.
The agency is considering borrowing billions from healthy banks. Alternatively, it may impose a special fee on the banking industry."
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Let me get this right here--instead of the FDIC bailing the banks, the banks are going to bail out the FDIC? At some point doesn't this just amount to nationalization?
The agency is considering borrowing billions from healthy banks. Alternatively, it may impose a special fee on the banking industry."
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Let me get this right here--instead of the FDIC bailing the banks, the banks are going to bail out the FDIC? At some point doesn't this just amount to nationalization?
Steven Chu: Americans Are Like ‘Teenage Kids’ When It Comes to Energy - Environmental Capital - WSJ
Steven Chu: Americans Are Like ‘Teenage Kids’ When It Comes to Energy - Environmental Capital - WSJ: "Speaking on the sidelines of a smart grid conference in Washington, Dr. Chu said he didn’t think average folks had the know-how or will to to change their behavior enough to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
“The American public…just like your teenage kids, aren’t acting in a way that they should act,” Dr. Chu said. “The American public has to really understand in their core how important this issue is.” (In that case, the Energy Department has a few renegade teens of its own.)"
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So you get out of that car and ride a bike to work or you are grounded!
“The American public…just like your teenage kids, aren’t acting in a way that they should act,” Dr. Chu said. “The American public has to really understand in their core how important this issue is.” (In that case, the Energy Department has a few renegade teens of its own.)"
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So you get out of that car and ride a bike to work or you are grounded!
Condo Residents' Water Not Shut Off - County By County News Story - WFTV Orlando
Condo Residents' Water Not Shut Off - County By County News Story - WFTV Orlando: "KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The water was still flowing Monday afternoon for nearly 200 families in a Kissimmee condo complex. Toho Water Authority put up a giant lighted sign in the Cascades condo complex last week, warning residents their water would be turned off at noon on Monday because of a $50,000 unpaid water bill.
However, a last minute compromise is keeping the water on. It's good news for the residents of the condo complex.
Many residents were making arraignments to move or find a temporary place to live. It took a $10,000 check to bring them peace of mind.
The Toho Water Authority threatened to turn the water off, because the condo association hasn't paid the water bill in seven months. The water bill had climbed to $48,000. The condo association hired a lawyer over the weekend, who was able to make a deal with Toho Water Authority, and they set up a payment plan."
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That's good for the residents, but they need to do something about being dependent on the association for access to water.
However, a last minute compromise is keeping the water on. It's good news for the residents of the condo complex.
Many residents were making arraignments to move or find a temporary place to live. It took a $10,000 check to bring them peace of mind.
The Toho Water Authority threatened to turn the water off, because the condo association hasn't paid the water bill in seven months. The water bill had climbed to $48,000. The condo association hired a lawyer over the weekend, who was able to make a deal with Toho Water Authority, and they set up a payment plan."
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That's good for the residents, but they need to do something about being dependent on the association for access to water.
Delinquent homeowners to lose facilities access this week | beebe, fees, residents, homeowners, access - News - OCRegister.com
Delinquent homeowners to lose facilities access this week | beebe, fees, residents, homeowners, access - News - OCRegister.com: "Homeowners behind on fees are set to lose access to community pools, tennis courts, skate and water parks, clubhouses, Cox Internet and e-mail, Beebe said.
Sensors to open the gate at Covenant Hills will also be deactivated, according to Beebe. Residents will have to show their ID to the gate attendant to enter.
Beebe said a little more than 350 accounts – about 5 percent of HOA accounts – remained delinquent when the second round of letters were mailed on Friday, Sept. 11."
Sensors to open the gate at Covenant Hills will also be deactivated, according to Beebe. Residents will have to show their ID to the gate attendant to enter.
Beebe said a little more than 350 accounts – about 5 percent of HOA accounts – remained delinquent when the second round of letters were mailed on Friday, Sept. 11."
South Carolina legislators say HOA bill to come back - Local - The Sun News
Lawmakers in Little River say HOA bill to come back - Local - The Sun News: "Edge said he would like to see an HOA bill that deals with openness of meetings and finances.
'Those are two things I think are critical to any HOA bill that passes,' Edge said. 'We'll need to figure out how it can be enforced, such as severe penalties.'
Elliott said 'hopefully we can make some progress this year' on the HOA bill."
'Those are two things I think are critical to any HOA bill that passes,' Edge said. 'We'll need to figure out how it can be enforced, such as severe penalties.'
Elliott said 'hopefully we can make some progress this year' on the HOA bill."
Prince Charles urges people to abandon car in favour of walking and public transport - Telegraph
Prince Charles urges people to abandon car in favour of walking and public transport - Telegraph: "The Prince, who has two Jaguars, two Audis, a Range Rover and still drives an Aston Martin given to him by the Queen on his 21st birthday, said developers had a duty to put public transport and the pedestrian at the heart of their housing schemes."
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Yeah. All you peasants, get out of your cars and walk!
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Yeah. All you peasants, get out of your cars and walk!
About that global warming thing?
Not so much.
Latif is one of the leading climate modellers in the world. He is the recipient of several international climate-study prizes and a lead author for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He has contributed significantly to the IPCC's last two five-year reports that have stated unequivocally that man-made greenhouse emissions are causing the planet to warm dangerously.
Yet last week in Geneva, at the UN's World Climate Conference--an annual gathering of the so-called "scientific consensus" on man-made climate change --Latif conceded the Earth has not warmed for nearly a decade and that we are likely entering "one or even two decades during which temperatures cool."
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But someday the world will end in a heat wave anyway.
Latif is one of the leading climate modellers in the world. He is the recipient of several international climate-study prizes and a lead author for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He has contributed significantly to the IPCC's last two five-year reports that have stated unequivocally that man-made greenhouse emissions are causing the planet to warm dangerously.
Yet last week in Geneva, at the UN's World Climate Conference--an annual gathering of the so-called "scientific consensus" on man-made climate change --Latif conceded the Earth has not warmed for nearly a decade and that we are likely entering "one or even two decades during which temperatures cool."
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But someday the world will end in a heat wave anyway.
Monday, September 21, 2009
No Water Leaves Condo Residents Boiling Mad - Central Florida News 13
No Water Leaves Condo Residents Boiling Mad - Central Florida News 13: "The Toho Water Authority is letting residents know it will shut off the water Monday because the management company hasn't been paying its bills."
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Welcome to Cascade Condos of Kissimmee. BYOW.
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Welcome to Cascade Condos of Kissimmee. BYOW.
Immigration Status Checks Anger Some Residents | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
Immigration Status Checks Anger Some Residents | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth: "The property owners of a Grand Prairie mobile home park are testing federal law by requiring an immigration check on anyone who lives there."
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Wow. Watch this. The association is dealing with the problem of illegal immigration at the very, very, local level--its own way. I can envision a civil rights lawsuit against the association hitting the courthouse at some point in the near future. Thanks to Bill Davis for this link.
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Wow. Watch this. The association is dealing with the problem of illegal immigration at the very, very, local level--its own way. I can envision a civil rights lawsuit against the association hitting the courthouse at some point in the near future. Thanks to Bill Davis for this link.
Mesa widow vs. HOA over caregiver grandson | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com
Mesa widow vs. HOA over caregiver grandson | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com: "Virginia Campbell says she can't live alone.
At age 87, she can't open a jar, has taken nasty spills just walking around the house and doesn't even trust herself to drive beyond her neighborhood, the age-restricted Sunland Village in Mesa. The perfect solution seemed to come by having her 37-year-old grandson live with her as a caregiver.
Campbell's homeowners association says she can have somebody live with her - just not her grandson. The homeowner association rules let an adult child live with a parent who is 55 or older - but not a grandchild."
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Is it possible for an HOA to exceed this level of absurdity? The bar has now been set very high. Thanks to Beth for this link.
At age 87, she can't open a jar, has taken nasty spills just walking around the house and doesn't even trust herself to drive beyond her neighborhood, the age-restricted Sunland Village in Mesa. The perfect solution seemed to come by having her 37-year-old grandson live with her as a caregiver.
Campbell's homeowners association says she can have somebody live with her - just not her grandson. The homeowner association rules let an adult child live with a parent who is 55 or older - but not a grandchild."
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Is it possible for an HOA to exceed this level of absurdity? The bar has now been set very high. Thanks to Beth for this link.
The Myth of Public Agency protection in the Building Permit Process
The Myth of Public Agency protection in the Building Permit Process: "t is commonly perceived that the building permits that are routinely issued by city building inspectors for construction work certify that the building or 'work of improvement' is quality built, safely constructed, and that all of the relevant building and state Health & Safety Code requirements have been met. The reality behind what a building permit represents, however, is quite different. Under current statutory schemes, local municipalities and city public agencies are essentially stripped of any responsibility for the work performed by their building inspector employees and the permits that these inspectors issue. In truth, a building permit is little more than a statement by the local municipality that the homeowner or developer who contracted for the work of improvement has paid the requisite fees to the local city housing authorities. A building permit does not represent that the construction that was undertaken is safe and free from defects or that all of the necessary building codes have been strictly complied with."
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Great article by attorney Jan Kopczynski of Berding & Weil. For HOA and condo owners, it means they shouldn't think a new building is necessarily well-built. Guess who is ultimately responsible for all the problems, unless they can successfully sue the developer? That's right. The owners. Thanks to Fred Fischer for the link.
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Great article by attorney Jan Kopczynski of Berding & Weil. For HOA and condo owners, it means they shouldn't think a new building is necessarily well-built. Guess who is ultimately responsible for all the problems, unless they can successfully sue the developer? That's right. The owners. Thanks to Fred Fischer for the link.
Is anti-Obama rhetoric too extreme?
The zombietime Hall of Shame
Nancy Pelosi and a whole lot of other Democrats and media talking heads are boo-hooing and tut-tutting about how "extreme" the anti-Obama rhetoric is. Fine. Good point. But where were these complaints of extreme rhetoric during the Bush administration, when there was a tsunami of the most horrific political rhetoric this country has seen in decades? Take a look at these photos, all taken at demonstrations in Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco. Tell me: which is more extreme--the Tea Parties or these photos from lefty demos?
Nancy Pelosi and a whole lot of other Democrats and media talking heads are boo-hooing and tut-tutting about how "extreme" the anti-Obama rhetoric is. Fine. Good point. But where were these complaints of extreme rhetoric during the Bush administration, when there was a tsunami of the most horrific political rhetoric this country has seen in decades? Take a look at these photos, all taken at demonstrations in Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco. Tell me: which is more extreme--the Tea Parties or these photos from lefty demos?
Red-light camera law born with help of political insiders -- chicagotribune.com
Red-light camera law born with help of political insiders -- chicagotribune.com: "Just as happened when Chicago debuted red-light cameras in 2003, the devices in the suburbs have infuriated drivers surprised by $100 tickets in the mail, fattened municipal treasuries and intensified a roaring debate about whether their purpose was to reduce crashes or extract cash from motorists.
The spawning of RedSpeed may represent a textbook example of how to cash in on this state's clubby intersection of public policy and clout. But it's an Illinois story with an unusual foreign accent.
The ownership of RedSpeed is obscured in public records, but the firm is part of a closely held Israeli-owned conglomerate that does most of its business in Kazakhstan, the former Soviet Republic that Americans perhaps know best -- maybe unfairly -- from the mockumentary 'Borat.'"
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This is incredible. Local governments in Illinois are ripping off the citizenry by allowing this corporation to manufacture red light violations.
The spawning of RedSpeed may represent a textbook example of how to cash in on this state's clubby intersection of public policy and clout. But it's an Illinois story with an unusual foreign accent.
The ownership of RedSpeed is obscured in public records, but the firm is part of a closely held Israeli-owned conglomerate that does most of its business in Kazakhstan, the former Soviet Republic that Americans perhaps know best -- maybe unfairly -- from the mockumentary 'Borat.'"
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This is incredible. Local governments in Illinois are ripping off the citizenry by allowing this corporation to manufacture red light violations.
Obama open to newspaper bailout bill - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Obama open to newspaper bailout bill - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room: "The president said he is 'happy to look at' bills before Congress that would give struggling news organizations tax breaks if they were to restructure as nonprofit businesses."
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This proposal is astounding. News organizations get to become tax-exempt institutions that people can make tax deductible contributions to? People like...oh, I don't know...maybe George Soros?
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This proposal is astounding. News organizations get to become tax-exempt institutions that people can make tax deductible contributions to? People like...oh, I don't know...maybe George Soros?
Undead COBOL celebrates (another) 50th birthday • The Register
Undead COBOL celebrates (another) 50th birthday • The Register: "So many other languages have come and gone over the past five decades - including MANTIS, FORTRAN, MUMPS, Forte, and Smalltalk - but COBOL refuses to die. In May, the UK-based business software outfit MicroFocus said the average American relies on COBOL at least 13 times a day while making phone calls, using credit cards, and commuting to work - among other mundane tasks.
Of course, much of this down to inertia. COBOL has long run systems inside banks and network operators, so it continues to run systems inside banks and network operators.
'COBOL can trace its origins to the very start of the computer age, yet its applications continue to deliver to businesses and the public sector every single day,' reads a birthday card from MicroFocus CTO Stuart McGill."
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The computer language that refuses to die. I learned COBOL in 1971. It was old then.
Of course, much of this down to inertia. COBOL has long run systems inside banks and network operators, so it continues to run systems inside banks and network operators.
'COBOL can trace its origins to the very start of the computer age, yet its applications continue to deliver to businesses and the public sector every single day,' reads a birthday card from MicroFocus CTO Stuart McGill."
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The computer language that refuses to die. I learned COBOL in 1971. It was old then.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Scientists make paralysed rats run again
Scientists make paralysed rats run again: "'We are now designing neuro-prostheses, arrays of electrodes that fit like a second skin between the vertebrae and the spinal cord,' Courtine explained. A strip measuring three centimetres (1.2 inches) long and one hundredth of a centimetre thick, the device is described as 'minimally invasive' because it does not penetrate into the spinal cord. Courtine and colleagues are currently testing the neuro-prostheses on rats, and expect to have an interface for humans within four years. The new technique is designed to help patients with incomplete but severe injuries, such as those who cannot walk independently."
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What a wonderful thing it would be if paralyzed people could walk again. And this technology doesn't involve stem cells as far as I can understand.
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What a wonderful thing it would be if paralyzed people could walk again. And this technology doesn't involve stem cells as far as I can understand.
Defensible Space Important For Fighting Wildfires - San Diego News Story - KGTV San Diego
Defensible Space Important For Fighting Wildfires - San Diego News Story - KGTV San Diego: "The slope behind Wolf’s home is beautiful, full of a variety of colorful plants and trees. Problem is those trees and plants are full of fuel and if a fire strikes, Wolf is afraid the fire department won’t have a chance.
So, just go ahead and clear them, right? Wrong. The land is owned and controlled by a homeowner’s association, the Community Association of Bernardo Heights. Wolf says despite repeated requests and complaints, the CABH refuses to do proper brush clearance on the land."
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The Fire Department says 100 feet should be cleared around properties like this, but the HOA sees it differently.
So, just go ahead and clear them, right? Wrong. The land is owned and controlled by a homeowner’s association, the Community Association of Bernardo Heights. Wolf says despite repeated requests and complaints, the CABH refuses to do proper brush clearance on the land."
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The Fire Department says 100 feet should be cleared around properties like this, but the HOA sees it differently.
Elderly Bank Bandit: I Robbed to Pay Off My Mortgage | NBC San Diego
Elderly Bank Bandit: I Robbed to Pay Off My Mortgage | NBC San Diego: "Listening to how Michael Casey Wilson of Santee tells it, a 17 percent mortgage, the threat of homelessness and a terminal health condition will turn a man to crime.
Wilson, 69, is accused of walking into the Bank of America branch in the 4100 block of El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights and handing a bank manager a demand note, saying he had a bomb. Prosecutors said he made off with $107,000 before he was caught lying on a front porch near the bank."
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That amount would cover quite a few house payments.
Wilson, 69, is accused of walking into the Bank of America branch in the 4100 block of El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights and handing a bank manager a demand note, saying he had a bomb. Prosecutors said he made off with $107,000 before he was caught lying on a front porch near the bank."
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That amount would cover quite a few house payments.
Ex-aide: Edwards fathered Hunter's baby, wanted to wed mistress | National | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Ex-aide: Edwards fathered Hunter's baby, wanted to wed mistress | National | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Somehow the Associated Press managed to write this entire article about John Edwards without mentioning even once that he is a Democrat.
Somehow the Associated Press managed to write this entire article about John Edwards without mentioning even once that he is a Democrat.
Dialing 911? That'll Be $200, Please | NBC New York
Dialing 911? That'll Be $200, Please | NBC New York
The bankrupt city of Vallejo, CA, has had enough of unnecessary 911 calls. If you call 911 and hang up, then don't answer the callback and they have to send the cops to check it out, you pay $200. Seems fair enough to me. But keep an eye on your 5 year old! If you think kids are expensive now...
The bankrupt city of Vallejo, CA, has had enough of unnecessary 911 calls. If you call 911 and hang up, then don't answer the callback and they have to send the cops to check it out, you pay $200. Seems fair enough to me. But keep an eye on your 5 year old! If you think kids are expensive now...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Random thought
Here is a thought experiment. Compare:
1. The US Army in the Viet Nam war with the draft, versus the volunteer army today.
2. The population of CIDs today, most of whom are like draftees, versus what it would be like if only people who wanted that way of life lived in CIDs.
1. The US Army in the Viet Nam war with the draft, versus the volunteer army today.
2. The population of CIDs today, most of whom are like draftees, versus what it would be like if only people who wanted that way of life lived in CIDs.
New Government Policy Imposes Strict Standards on Garage Sales Nationwide - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
New Government Policy Imposes Strict Standards on Garage Sales Nationwide - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com: "'Those who resell recalled children's products are not only breaking the law, they are putting children's lives at risk,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. 'Resale stores should make safety their business and check for recalled products and hazards to children.'
In order to comply, stores, flea markets, charities and individuals selling used goods — in person or online — are expected to consult the commission's 24-page Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers (pdf) and its Web site for a breakdown of what they can't sell.
Violators caught selling anything on the enormous list face fines of up to $100,000 per infraction and up to $15 million for a related series of infractions."
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There is something so 1970s about the federal government telling us how sneeze and run a garage sale. I am waiting for a federal regulation on how many squares of toilet paper to use.
In order to comply, stores, flea markets, charities and individuals selling used goods — in person or online — are expected to consult the commission's 24-page Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers (pdf) and its Web site for a breakdown of what they can't sell.
Violators caught selling anything on the enormous list face fines of up to $100,000 per infraction and up to $15 million for a related series of infractions."
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There is something so 1970s about the federal government telling us how sneeze and run a garage sale. I am waiting for a federal regulation on how many squares of toilet paper to use.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Neighborhood's Water Shut Off | KOHD
Neighborhood's Water Shut Off | KOHD: "The City says it's never had to turn off an entire private subdivision's water. There were about 40 other homes in the neighborhood, who like Kasowski, did not have water for about two hours.
In this area off of Fifth and Cheyenne, homes are on a master water meter. They pay a billing company every month which then sends money back to the Homeowners Association to pay the City.
Chris Doty the Redmond Public Works Director says
'In this case the subdivision had some difficulty in making payments over the past nine months or so. They had been put on shut off notice before and have always made payments prior to shut off, this time they failed to do that so they were subsequently shut off.'
Neighbors we talked to say they've paid their bill. The Homeowners Association, Northwest Community Property Management declined to comment on the reason for lack of payment."
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It is just unacceptable to place a whole neighborhood's water supply at the mercy of a volunteer board of directors and whatever property manager falls through the transom.
In this area off of Fifth and Cheyenne, homes are on a master water meter. They pay a billing company every month which then sends money back to the Homeowners Association to pay the City.
Chris Doty the Redmond Public Works Director says
'In this case the subdivision had some difficulty in making payments over the past nine months or so. They had been put on shut off notice before and have always made payments prior to shut off, this time they failed to do that so they were subsequently shut off.'
Neighbors we talked to say they've paid their bill. The Homeowners Association, Northwest Community Property Management declined to comment on the reason for lack of payment."
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It is just unacceptable to place a whole neighborhood's water supply at the mercy of a volunteer board of directors and whatever property manager falls through the transom.
Reporter Sneezes the Wrong Way in Front of Secy Sebelius - Political Punch
Reporter Sneezes the Wrong Way in Front of Secy Sebelius - Political Punch
This administration is giving new meaning to the term "Nanny State."
This administration is giving new meaning to the term "Nanny State."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thousands Of Abandoned, Foreclosed Homes Threatened By Florida Hurricane | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Thousands Of Abandoned, Foreclosed Homes Threatened By Florida Hurricane | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "FORT MYERS, FL—In what forecasters are predicting will be the largest, most devastating disaster to hit Florida since the national economy collapsed, a Category 5 hurricane neared the Gulf coast this week, threatening thousands of repossessed and long deserted homes.
According to meteorologists, the incoming tropical storm could leave as many as 3 million residents every bit as homeless as they've been for the past year or so.
'Those who haven't already lost everything to the housing-market crash are urged to evacuate their homes immediately,' said Robert Menken, head meteorologist at the National Weather Bureau. 'That should be about 10 or 12 of you. Everyone else, please stay where you are, probably on the couch of some in-law who lives near Atlanta.'"
According to meteorologists, the incoming tropical storm could leave as many as 3 million residents every bit as homeless as they've been for the past year or so.
'Those who haven't already lost everything to the housing-market crash are urged to evacuate their homes immediately,' said Robert Menken, head meteorologist at the National Weather Bureau. 'That should be about 10 or 12 of you. Everyone else, please stay where you are, probably on the couch of some in-law who lives near Atlanta.'"
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Cameras keep track of all cars entering Medina | Seattle Times Newspaper
Local News | Cameras keep track of all cars entering Medina | Seattle Times Newspaper: "In Medina, a new sign bears this warning: 'You Are Entering a 24 Hour Video Surveillance Area.'
Cameras have recently been installed at intersections to monitor every vehicle coming into the city.
Under the 'automatic license plate recognition' project, once a car enters Medina, a camera captures its license-plate number. Within seconds, the number is run through a database."
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Medina has 3100 people with an average income of $222,000. Note what gave them the idea: "The city looked to nearby Hunts Point as an example. The peninsula-shaped residential community just north of Medina has been using a video-camera setup to record a continuous loop of car traffic in and out of town for more than three years, town administrator Jack McKenzie said. Hunts Point has 433 people and an area of .3 sq. mile. I guess mini-cities like this are hard to distinguish from luxury gated communities.
Cameras have recently been installed at intersections to monitor every vehicle coming into the city.
Under the 'automatic license plate recognition' project, once a car enters Medina, a camera captures its license-plate number. Within seconds, the number is run through a database."
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Medina has 3100 people with an average income of $222,000. Note what gave them the idea: "The city looked to nearby Hunts Point as an example. The peninsula-shaped residential community just north of Medina has been using a video-camera setup to record a continuous loop of car traffic in and out of town for more than three years, town administrator Jack McKenzie said. Hunts Point has 433 people and an area of .3 sq. mile. I guess mini-cities like this are hard to distinguish from luxury gated communities.
Off-the-Grid Living – Self Reliance Through Home Solar and Wind Power and Farming - Popular Mechanics
Off-the-Grid Living – Self Reliance Through Home Solar and Wind Power and Farming - Popular Mechanics: "You may have heard about them: Off-the-gridders living in radical opposition to modern amenities by growing their own food and cutting themselves off from the rest of society. Not so. Sure, more people are choosing to cut their dependence on the power grid, the grocery story and fuel pump. But these new homesteaders are hardly radicals—they are simply DIYers who, for a variety of reasons, revel in self-reliance. This is their story."
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This sort of thing fascinates me. Many years ago I tried to raise money for a film on owner-built homes, meaning homes that were planned and constructed by the owners, not by architects and contractors. I couldn't get the money to produce it, but in doing the research I visited with a number of people who had already done it. They are a hardy and self-reliant bunch, and in most places they have a struggle getting things approved by building inspectors. That's why many of them are in remote rural areas. It sounds like it would be quite an adventure.
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This sort of thing fascinates me. Many years ago I tried to raise money for a film on owner-built homes, meaning homes that were planned and constructed by the owners, not by architects and contractors. I couldn't get the money to produce it, but in doing the research I visited with a number of people who had already done it. They are a hardy and self-reliant bunch, and in most places they have a struggle getting things approved by building inspectors. That's why many of them are in remote rural areas. It sounds like it would be quite an adventure.
What's with all the public outbursts? -- latimes.com
What's with all the public outbursts? -- latimes.com: "Some say it reflects a general collapse of manners, rooted in the anti-authoritarian strains of the late 1960s. Some offer a psychological explanation: that such outbursts reveal the person beneath the mask of a public persona. Some see an element of racial animus at work."
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Kanye West is a jackass, as the President said. Serena Williams is a prima donna with a horrible temper. Joe Wilson's outburst was boorish and shameful. But what about the rest of us? Are we becoming a nation of louts?
I was at a meeting last night of the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission. The main issue was the condition of Potomac Lake, which is right across the street from my house and which had a major fish die-off and a nasty outbreak of algae. About 50 people attended, instead of the usual public participation of 1 or 2. I was astounded by the obnoxious behavior of some of the "citizens." I use quotation marks because that word carries with it a connotation of responsibility that seems to be fast disappearing. Side conversations, interruptions, inappropriate laughter--a bunch of jerks acting like they were watching TV in their living rooms instead of attending the meeting of a government commission.
These days, being a citizen just means you have a perfect right to behave like a boorish ass in public.
My take on this is that popular culture has degenerated into a sewer of narcissism where public self-exposure is validated as the right of each and every dunce in the nation. People watch Oprah, Jerry Springer, and these "reality" shows and think there is some innate human right to display their every emotion as publicly as possible. And with luck, maybe you get your own show!
What happened to the notion of public decorum--the idea that you behave better in public than in private? For people who are immersed in popular culture, public decorum doesn't exist. The bonehead culture has erased the distinction between private and public behavior in the interest of luring us into watching losers melt down in front of us.
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Kanye West is a jackass, as the President said. Serena Williams is a prima donna with a horrible temper. Joe Wilson's outburst was boorish and shameful. But what about the rest of us? Are we becoming a nation of louts?
I was at a meeting last night of the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission. The main issue was the condition of Potomac Lake, which is right across the street from my house and which had a major fish die-off and a nasty outbreak of algae. About 50 people attended, instead of the usual public participation of 1 or 2. I was astounded by the obnoxious behavior of some of the "citizens." I use quotation marks because that word carries with it a connotation of responsibility that seems to be fast disappearing. Side conversations, interruptions, inappropriate laughter--a bunch of jerks acting like they were watching TV in their living rooms instead of attending the meeting of a government commission.
These days, being a citizen just means you have a perfect right to behave like a boorish ass in public.
My take on this is that popular culture has degenerated into a sewer of narcissism where public self-exposure is validated as the right of each and every dunce in the nation. People watch Oprah, Jerry Springer, and these "reality" shows and think there is some innate human right to display their every emotion as publicly as possible. And with luck, maybe you get your own show!
What happened to the notion of public decorum--the idea that you behave better in public than in private? For people who are immersed in popular culture, public decorum doesn't exist. The bonehead culture has erased the distinction between private and public behavior in the interest of luring us into watching losers melt down in front of us.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Resident of gated community shot, sues HOA and manager
Man sues gated communityThe Four Maples condominium complex in the Donelson area has a gate that requires residents to swipe a pass or remotely unlock it for visitors. But Marquette Weaver said in a lawsuit filed in Davidson County Circuit Court that the gate meant to keep non-residents out was not working in June and had been broken for a month prior. That’s when people broke into his home at 2 a.m. and shot him several times, Weaver said, and he’s seeking $750,000 in damages, saying the home invaders couldn’t have gotten near his Coursey Drive home.
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There is this strange legal paradox that the more effort you go through to make things safe, the more responsibility you take on when things turn out not to be safe enough. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
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There is this strange legal paradox that the more effort you go through to make things safe, the more responsibility you take on when things turn out not to be safe enough. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Drying For Freedom | a film about clotheslines
Drying For Freedom | a film about clotheslines
The people making this documentary will be interviewing me tomorrow. I have been talking with Steven Lake for a couple of months, and I think this will be a fascinating film.
The people making this documentary will be interviewing me tomorrow. I have been talking with Steven Lake for a couple of months, and I think this will be a fascinating film.
Clotheslines a hang-up for some communities - USATODAY.com
Clotheslines a hang-up for some communities - USATODAY.com: "'What we're talking about here is a cultural shift,' says Alexander Lee, founder of pro-clothesline group Project Laundry List. 'It would be nice to go from community association to community association to have this discussion and change the rules, but there are 300,000 of them, and we need to hurry along now if we're going to cope with climate change...Laws with varying levels of protections for clotheslines passed in May for Vermont, in June for Maine and in July for Hawaii, joining existing laws in Florida, Utah and Colorado.
That doesn't sit well with some local associations, who feel states are stepping into decisions that should be made by local association boards.'"
That doesn't sit well with some local associations, who feel states are stepping into decisions that should be made by local association boards.'"
Clothesline dispute pits aesthetics vs. energy savings | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times
Clothesline dispute pits aesthetics vs. energy savings | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times: "Air drying is one of the simple, old-fashioned ways the 42-year-old computer programmer and his wife try to make their life in a leafy Chapel Hill subdivision kinder to the environment.
So when their homeowners' association told them to take down the clothesline, they organized their neighbors."
So when their homeowners' association told them to take down the clothesline, they organized their neighbors."
Clipper Estates lawsuit dismissed by federal judge - Louisiana Politics | State Legislature News - NOLA.com
Clipper Estates lawsuit dismissed by federal judge - Louisiana Politics | State Legislature News - NOLA.com: "A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by nearly 50 people who live in Clipper Estates near Slidell, saying the residents couldn't sue the man who developed their subdivision and runs its homeowners association for violations under the RICO Act.
U.S. District Court Judge Martin L. C. Feldman issued the ruling Friday, saying the residents did not have standing to sue under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act because their purported injuries are not distinct from those allegedly suffered by the Clipper Estates Master Homeowners Association, said Kyle Schonekas, an attorney representing one of the defendants in the case."
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This issue comes up sometimes where a group of owners wants to bring their own action, either because the HOA isn't suing or isn't handling the case the way the owners' group thinks it should.
U.S. District Court Judge Martin L. C. Feldman issued the ruling Friday, saying the residents did not have standing to sue under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act because their purported injuries are not distinct from those allegedly suffered by the Clipper Estates Master Homeowners Association, said Kyle Schonekas, an attorney representing one of the defendants in the case."
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This issue comes up sometimes where a group of owners wants to bring their own action, either because the HOA isn't suing or isn't handling the case the way the owners' group thinks it should.
Press Accuracy Rating Hits Two Decade Low: Overview - Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
Press Accuracy Rating Hits Two Decade Low: Overview - Pew Research Center for the People & the Press: "...only about a quarter (26%) now say that news organizations are careful that their reporting is not politically biased, compared with 60% who say news organizations are politically biased."
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And they hold conferences to figure out why newspaper circulation and network TV news viewing are plummeting. Part of it is the internet, but bias is the other part. The bias is so obvious that a person would have to be a complete fool not to see it, and when you can't trust the news coverage, why not figure it out yourself from the web? All the Brokaw types are pontificating about how badly we need them to serve as a "filter," but that would only be true if they weren't filtering it with such a blatant agenda. The coverage (and non-coverage) of the conservative march on Washington over the weekend is a great example.
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And they hold conferences to figure out why newspaper circulation and network TV news viewing are plummeting. Part of it is the internet, but bias is the other part. The bias is so obvious that a person would have to be a complete fool not to see it, and when you can't trust the news coverage, why not figure it out yourself from the web? All the Brokaw types are pontificating about how badly we need them to serve as a "filter," but that would only be true if they weren't filtering it with such a blatant agenda. The coverage (and non-coverage) of the conservative march on Washington over the weekend is a great example.
Schools may sell naming rights
Front page news - newsjournalonline.com: "It would give School Partnerships, a company founded last spring by longtime Volusia school supporter Nancy Holman, exclusive rights to sell naming rights for school facilities and advertising to appear on district property, uniforms, Web sites or printed materials."
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Maybe they could do the same with the cop cars and fire trucks. It would like a NASCAR race.
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Maybe they could do the same with the cop cars and fire trucks. It would like a NASCAR race.
New meltdown looms as Sacramento-area commercial vacancy rate rises - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee
New meltdown looms as Sacramento-area commercial vacancy rate rises - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee: "Sacramento's troubles are worse than most, according to national analysts, but the threat looms across the entire country. With the national economy seemingly poised for a recovery, some experts fear the recession could be prolonged if commercial loans go bust like residential mortgages."
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See below. I don't buy any of this "poised for a recovery" conventional wisdom. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
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See below. I don't buy any of this "poised for a recovery" conventional wisdom. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
South Florida banks facing a new wave in real-estate crisis - South Florida - MiamiHerald.com
South Florida banks facing a new wave in real-estate crisis - South Florida - MiamiHerald.com: "Just as the housing market is showing signs of life, here comes another real-estate crisis.
Squeezed by plunging rents, empty storefronts, the credit crunch and a dearth of buyers, a growing number of commercial property owners are defaulting on their loans, which could unleash a new wave of bank failures and slow the region's economic recovery."
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The commercial real estate market is about to go into a major meltdown that will intensify during 2010.
Squeezed by plunging rents, empty storefronts, the credit crunch and a dearth of buyers, a growing number of commercial property owners are defaulting on their loans, which could unleash a new wave of bank failures and slow the region's economic recovery."
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The commercial real estate market is about to go into a major meltdown that will intensify during 2010.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Up to two million march to US Capitol to protest against Obama's spending in 'tea-party' demonstration | Mail Online
Up to two million march to US Capitol to protest against Obama's spending in 'tea-party' demonstration | Mail Online: "Up to two million people marched to the U.S. Capitol today, carrying signs with slogans such as 'Obamacare makes me sick' as they protested the president's health care plan and what they say is out-of-control spending.
The line of protesters spread across Pennsylvania Avenue for blocks, all the way to the capitol, according to the Washington Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
People were chanting 'enough, enough' and 'We the People.' Others yelled 'You lie, you lie!' and 'Pelosi has to go,' referring to California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi."
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Must be quite a feeling for the Community Organizer in Chief to witness this.
Wilson’s Fundraising Tops $700,000 After Outburst - Roll Call
Wilson’s Fundraising Tops $700,000 After Outburst - Roll Call: "In the wake of the controversy Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) sparked by shouting “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, a Republican source said the Congressman had raised about $700,000 by Friday afternoon."
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Coming soon: the "You Lie!" bumper stickers, tee shirts, and coffee mugs. This may become the conservatives' rallying cry for the 2010 elections.
Friday, September 11, 2009
GAO Analysis Skeptical About Privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - washingtonpost.com
GAO Analysis Skeptical About Privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - washingtonpost.com: "Privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage-finance companies seized by U.S. regulators last year, may be too difficult given the precedent set by the Treasury Department's financial assistance, according to a Government Accountability Office analysis.
'The financial markets likely would continue to perceive that the federal government would provide substantial financial support to the enterprises, if privatized as largely intact entities, in a financial emergency,' the GAO said in a report released Thursday. 'Consequently, such privatized entities may continue to derive financial benefits, such as lowered borrowing costs, resulting from the markets' perceptions.'"
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This is the opposite of "you break it, you bought it." We (the taxpayers) bailed them out, and now according to the GAO we have bought them.
'The financial markets likely would continue to perceive that the federal government would provide substantial financial support to the enterprises, if privatized as largely intact entities, in a financial emergency,' the GAO said in a report released Thursday. 'Consequently, such privatized entities may continue to derive financial benefits, such as lowered borrowing costs, resulting from the markets' perceptions.'"
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This is the opposite of "you break it, you bought it." We (the taxpayers) bailed them out, and now according to the GAO we have bought them.
Harvard's endowment drops sharply amid recession
Harvard's endowment drops sharply amid recession: "BOSTON (AP) - The total value of Harvard's endowment plunged nearly 30 percent in the last fiscal year as the Ivy League institution's portfolio was battered by the worldwide recession, the university's management company said Thursday.
The endowment stood at $26 billion on June 30, after distributions and donations, the university said. It stood at $36.9 billion 12 months earlier, at the close of the previous fiscal year."
Local HOAs get scammed | www.theacorn.com | The Acorn
Local HOAs get scammed | www.theacorn.com | The Acorn: "Daphne Ann Brenon, 53, a property manager working for a Westlake Village firm, pleaded guilty last week to stealing funds from two area homeowners associations.
From 1998 to 2004, Brenon was the property manager for the Spanish Hills Homeowners Association in Camarillo. Following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the California Franchise Tax Board, Brenon was arrested for stealing more than $400,000 from the HOA. According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s office, she set up a scheme that allowed unauthorized checks to be written to her and her employer, Dahl Davis Inc."
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She didn't even wait for the recession to start.
From 1998 to 2004, Brenon was the property manager for the Spanish Hills Homeowners Association in Camarillo. Following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the California Franchise Tax Board, Brenon was arrested for stealing more than $400,000 from the HOA. According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s office, she set up a scheme that allowed unauthorized checks to be written to her and her employer, Dahl Davis Inc."
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She didn't even wait for the recession to start.
Plan withdrawn for group home | Culpeper Star-Exponent
Plan withdrawn for group home | Culpeper Star-Exponent: "Shut out of a Griffinsburg-area neighborhood, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board may leave the door open for legal action against a local homeowner’s association that is fighting a proposed home for adults with developmental disabilities."
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Local HOA lobbying...
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Local HOA lobbying...
Troutman: Parking dispute in HOA's hands, for now
Troutman: Parking dispute in HOA's hands, for now: "Thursday night's Troutman Board of Aldermen meeting produced two rare tie votes that had to be broken by Mayor Elbert Richardson.
The most contentious of these concerned an ordinance the board passed at its August meeting that banned the parking of all non-passenger vehicles on the streets of a development called Barium Seasons Village.
Citing safety issues, residents of the development asked the board to pass the ordinance last month as a way of getting boats and campers from being parked on the streets there."
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More local HOA lobbying.
The most contentious of these concerned an ordinance the board passed at its August meeting that banned the parking of all non-passenger vehicles on the streets of a development called Barium Seasons Village.
Citing safety issues, residents of the development asked the board to pass the ordinance last month as a way of getting boats and campers from being parked on the streets there."
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More local HOA lobbying.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
No wonder you can buy a house for $100
Getting away with murder is the norm in Detroit | detnews.com | The Detroit News: "The most generous interpretation of 2008 homicide warrants and convictions supplied by local law enforcement officials shows that in more than 70 percent of homicide cases no suspect has been identified, arrested, charged or convicted of a killing."
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
The Associated Press: Obama heckled by GOP during speech to Congress
The Associated Press: Obama heckled by GOP during speech to Congress: "South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted 'You lie!' after Obama had talked about illegal immigrants.
It wasn't the only interruption during Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives. Earlier, Republicans laughed when Obama acknowledged that there are still significant details to be worked out before a health overhaul can be passed."
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Maybe Wilson thought he was writing a comment on somebody else's blog. Good grief. Is there any civility left in this society?
It wasn't the only interruption during Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives. Earlier, Republicans laughed when Obama acknowledged that there are still significant details to be worked out before a health overhaul can be passed."
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Maybe Wilson thought he was writing a comment on somebody else's blog. Good grief. Is there any civility left in this society?
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
George Staropoli takes off the gloves
CAI lobbyist firm espouses HOA secessionist, un-American views « HOA Constitutional Government: "The recent article(1) by the hired-hand, paid, Arizona lobbying organization for the CAI chapter, DeMenna & Associates, contains many of the points that I’ve been arguing relating to the attitudes and views of CAI and die-hard, homeowner association true believers: anti-democratic principles, anti-individual rights, secessionist philosophies, and a corporatism promoting the HOA state above everything else that recalls fascist principles."
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The keyboard must have been smoking hot.
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The keyboard must have been smoking hot.
Citizens United v. FEC to be argued Wednesday
Politics Magazine | show: "All you Supreme Court junkies buckle in: Wednesday is going to be a wild ride in the high court.
The Court will cut its recess a month short on Wednesday to hear a re-argument of a campaign finance case that could fundamentally reshape how elections are conducted. At the heart of the case is the central issue of campaign finance laws: Do corporations have different rights than individuals?"
The Court will cut its recess a month short on Wednesday to hear a re-argument of a campaign finance case that could fundamentally reshape how elections are conducted. At the heart of the case is the central issue of campaign finance laws: Do corporations have different rights than individuals?"
Sunday, September 06, 2009
CARPE DIEM: Average Home Price in Detroit Falls to $12,669
CARPE DIEM: Average Home Price in Detroit Falls to $12,669: "From the $97,850 peak Detroit home price in 2003, prices have fallen by an amazing 87%."
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The last person out needs to remember to turn off the lights.
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The last person out needs to remember to turn off the lights.
Lake County dump site may finally be cleaned up -- chicagotribune.com
Lake County dump site may finally be cleaned up -- chicagotribune.com: "The home and the rest of his property sit like an island in unincorporated Wauconda Township, surrounded by sprawling ranch and split-level homes in the leafy Lakeland Estates neighborhood.
Tarkowski said the Lakeland Estates Property Owners Association long ago decided he and his home stuck out like a sore thumb. Members of the group used the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to force a cleanup in violation of his civil rights, he said."
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That is the view of crusty, 83 year old, Mr. Tarkowski. But the other side is this: "In the annals of eyesores, John Tarkowski's 16-acre spread near Lake Barrington occupied a league all its own. His property, some of it wetlands, was littered with thousands of tires -- many holding water -- dozens of 55-gallon chemical drums, the rusting chassis of old cars, decaying lead-acid batteries and construction waste, according to state officials. The feisty 83-year-old even used roofing shingles to build roads that meandered through the wetlands. For years, government officials say, Tarkowski ran one of the state's worst illegal private dumps, charging $10 for trucks to drop a load there.
But for decades no government officials would do anything about it, perhaps because Tarkowski is litigious. I say, good for the HOA that brought down the heat on him. This is one example of an HOA organizing for political action that made the area better.
Tarkowski said the Lakeland Estates Property Owners Association long ago decided he and his home stuck out like a sore thumb. Members of the group used the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to force a cleanup in violation of his civil rights, he said."
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That is the view of crusty, 83 year old, Mr. Tarkowski. But the other side is this: "In the annals of eyesores, John Tarkowski's 16-acre spread near Lake Barrington occupied a league all its own. His property, some of it wetlands, was littered with thousands of tires -- many holding water -- dozens of 55-gallon chemical drums, the rusting chassis of old cars, decaying lead-acid batteries and construction waste, according to state officials. The feisty 83-year-old even used roofing shingles to build roads that meandered through the wetlands. For years, government officials say, Tarkowski ran one of the state's worst illegal private dumps, charging $10 for trucks to drop a load there.
But for decades no government officials would do anything about it, perhaps because Tarkowski is litigious. I say, good for the HOA that brought down the heat on him. This is one example of an HOA organizing for political action that made the area better.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Lagging condo sales could hurt housing market's recovery - cleveland.com
Lagging condo sales could hurt housing market's recovery - cleveland.com: "CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As the housing market tries to crawl back to health, lagging condominium sales could temper the recovery.
Sales of single-family homes have improved, but analysts say condos could continue to see slower sales and lower prices as developers struggle to fill empty buildings.
Even in Greater Cleveland, where the condo market is more stable than in many places, skittish banks are making it tougher to buy or build condos."
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Condos are always hit worst by recession, but in every previous recession, condos were a much smaller part of the market. A weak condo market has more impact on the economy now than ever before.
Sales of single-family homes have improved, but analysts say condos could continue to see slower sales and lower prices as developers struggle to fill empty buildings.
Even in Greater Cleveland, where the condo market is more stable than in many places, skittish banks are making it tougher to buy or build condos."
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Condos are always hit worst by recession, but in every previous recession, condos were a much smaller part of the market. A weak condo market has more impact on the economy now than ever before.
China schoolgirl aspires to be 'corrupt official':state media - Yahoo! News
China schoolgirl aspires to be 'corrupt official':state media - Yahoo! News: "'When I grow up I want to be an official,' said the girl, whose face was blurred to protect her identity.
'What kind of official?' the interviewer asked.
'A corrupt official because corrupt officials have a lot of things,' she replied."
'What kind of official?' the interviewer asked.
'A corrupt official because corrupt officials have a lot of things,' she replied."
Friday, September 04, 2009
50 things that are being killed by the internet - Telegraph
50 things that are being killed by the internet - Telegraph: "1) The art of polite disagreement
While the inane spats of YouTube commencers may not be representative, the internet has certainly sharpened the tone of debate. The most raucous sections of the blogworld seem incapable of accepting sincerely held differences of opinion; all opponents must have 'agendas'."
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While the inane spats of YouTube commencers may not be representative, the internet has certainly sharpened the tone of debate. The most raucous sections of the blogworld seem incapable of accepting sincerely held differences of opinion; all opponents must have 'agendas'."
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Thursday, September 03, 2009
Internet addiction center opens in US
Internet addiction center opens in US
"The center, called ReSTART, is somewhat ironically located near Redmond, headquarters of Microsoft and a world center of the computer industry. It opened in July and for $14,000 offers a 45-day program intended to help people wean themselves from pathological computer use, which can include obsessive use of video games, texting, Facebook, eBay, Twitter and any other time-killers brought courtesy of technology."
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I'll bet they have a killer web site.
"The center, called ReSTART, is somewhat ironically located near Redmond, headquarters of Microsoft and a world center of the computer industry. It opened in July and for $14,000 offers a 45-day program intended to help people wean themselves from pathological computer use, which can include obsessive use of video games, texting, Facebook, eBay, Twitter and any other time-killers brought courtesy of technology."
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I'll bet they have a killer web site.
House Sharing Becomes More Common With Down Economy | KPBS.org
House Sharing Becomes More Common With Down Economy | KPBS.org: "Faced with shrinking incomes and home values, more people are opening up their houses to strangers. We're talking about the modern boarding house, where homeowners rent out bedrooms in order to keep making the mortgage payment."
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Haven't these situations been fodder for more than a few horror movies? Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
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Haven't these situations been fodder for more than a few horror movies? Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Northwest Herald | Homeowners association how-to: What buyers should know before moving in
Northwest Herald | Homeowners association
how-to: What buyers should know before moving in: "“This is an organization that can hold power over you and your home and can decide what you can do with your property,” McKenzie said. “They decide if you can have a flag pole, or a clothesline, or swing sets. If you are not comfortable with that, then don’t move into one of these.”"
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Thanks to Bill Davis for sending me this link.
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Thanks to Bill Davis for sending me this link.
Mortgages: Brooklyn Judge Rejects Improperly Documented Foreclosure Motions, Shocks Banking Industry
Mortgages: Brooklyn Judge Rejects Improperly Documented Foreclosure Motions, Shocks Banking Industry: "There's a judge in Brooklyn, NY, who has tossed out nearly half of the foreclosure cases brought before him over the past year, because the lenders have such messy paper trails that they can't prove ownership anymore."
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Thanks to Mystery Reader for this slice of life in Brooklyn. As the article says, the judge isn't using some arcane reading of the law. "He's just forcing lenders to follow the rules." Imagine that. Wouldn't it be nice if we had more judges forcing institutions--such as HOAs and condo associations--to follow the law?
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Thanks to Mystery Reader for this slice of life in Brooklyn. As the article says, the judge isn't using some arcane reading of the law. "He's just forcing lenders to follow the rules." Imagine that. Wouldn't it be nice if we had more judges forcing institutions--such as HOAs and condo associations--to follow the law?
Plecostomus fish cleaning pools in foreclosed homes
Something's fishy in Wellington |West Palm Beach News, South Florida
I have always liked these fish. They look like little dinosaurs.
Council Makes Plastic Flamingo Madison's Official Bird - Madison News Story - WISC Madison
Council Makes Plastic Flamingo Madison's Official Bird - Madison News Story - WISC Madison
This is also the symbol of the HOA activists. Does that mean they took over Madison, WI?
I have been abducted by aliens, says Japan's first lady - Asia, World - The Independent
I have been abducted by aliens, says Japan's first lady - Asia, World - The Independent: "Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan's Prime Minister-elect, Yukio Hatoyama, is a lifestyle guru, a macrobiotics enthusiast, an author of cookery books, a retired actress, a divorcee, and a fearless clothes horse for garments of her own creation, including a skirt made from Hawaiian coffee sacks. But there is more, much more. She has travelled to the planet Venus. And she was once abducted by aliens."
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She seems remarkably well, considering all she has been through, don't you think?
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She seems remarkably well, considering all she has been through, don't you think?
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Rodriguez sued for defaulting on real-estate deal - Big Ten - ESPN
Rodriguez sued for defaulting on real-estate deal - Big Ten - ESPN: "As if this week couldn't get worse for Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, there's this.
Annarbor.com reports that Rodriguez is being sued for defaulting on a loan he and four partners used to build a gated community of luxury condominiums near Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. According to court records, Nexity Bank wants to collect $3,930,103.59 from Rodriguez and his partners, a sum that includes funds from a promissory note as well interest and late fees totaling approximately $300,000. The amount doesn't include attorney fees or court costs."
Annarbor.com reports that Rodriguez is being sued for defaulting on a loan he and four partners used to build a gated community of luxury condominiums near Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. According to court records, Nexity Bank wants to collect $3,930,103.59 from Rodriguez and his partners, a sum that includes funds from a promissory note as well interest and late fees totaling approximately $300,000. The amount doesn't include attorney fees or court costs."
Curbed: Truffles Tribeca is Downtown's Newest Gated Community
Curbed: Truffles Tribeca is Downtown's Newest Gated Community: "Courtyard woe continues down in the unprotected wilds of North Tribeca, where anything goes these days. The residents of the new porcine penitentiary luxury rental complex charmingly labeled Truffles Tribeca have some added security at the perimeter of the complex's courtyard along Desbrosses Street. Could this be an homage to the old Newgate State Prison that once sat on the banks of the Hudson a few blocks to the north and did indeed employ some four-legged foodies to dispose of the garbage?"
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Quite a facade.
Farmer's Almanac predicts bitterly cold winter for parts of U.S. - CNN.com
Almanac predicts bitterly cold winter for parts of U.S. - CNN.com: "'A large area of numbingly cold temperatures will predominate from roughly east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians. The coldest temperatures will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.'"
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Argh. Here we are in August with night time temperatures in the 40s, and the forecast is for another bitter winter. I need to set some speaking gigs in warmer climates.
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Argh. Here we are in August with night time temperatures in the 40s, and the forecast is for another bitter winter. I need to set some speaking gigs in warmer climates.
State Legislators In Now-Infamous Solitaire Photo Identified - Capitol Watch
State Legislators In Now-Infamous Solitaire Photo Identified - Capitol Watch: "On the left is Rep. Barbara Lambert, a freshman Democrat from Milford who won her first legislative election in November 2008. She replaced longtime Milford Democrat James Amann, who ended his legislative career as the House Speaker and is now running for governor against Republican M. Jodi Rell.
Lambert is playing spider solitaire in the photo, while Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, a Bridgeport Democrat who has served in Hartford since 2005, is playing regular solitaire."
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They are playing solitaire while the budget is debated.
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