Sweetin Sued for Home Owners Dues, Rep Blames Unemployed Ex | RadarOnline.com: "Must be a very Full House--actress and mom Jodie Sweetin has allegedly neglected to pony up fees to her Home Owner's Association."
------------------------
Her flack says he hasn't lived there for six months and it the fault of her ex.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Where is the bottom?
More than one in five homeowners underwater: Zillow - Yahoo! Finance: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - Home values in the United States extended their fall in the first quarter, with more than one in five homeowners now owing more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, real estate website Zillow.com said on Wednesday."
---------------
---------------
Karma
Specter Will Be Junior Democrat on Committees - Roll Call: "Despite promises from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.) would retain his seniority after switching parties, Specter will be put at the end of the seniority line on all his committees but one under a resolution approved on the floor late Tuesday."
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Fred "Sky" Pilot takes to the fiber optic waves
State seeks $1 billion in stimulus funds to bring broadband link to every household - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee: "In El Dorado County, freelance journalist Fred Pilot launched a cooperative last week to provide Internet service through a fiber-optic network to Net-neglected residents around Camino.
'We're going to try and qualify for the stimulus funding,' Pilot said, 'because we are the kind of area this is targeted for.'
If it could land a chunk of the funding, he said, the co-op would hire a local phone company to build the system, then run it on a majority-rules basis.
'I really do believe that this has to be done on a bottom-up basis,' he said, 'because the top-down model hasn't worked.'"
--------------------
Somehow I suspect that Fred will do a far better job than all those "PUC-spawned agencies."
You go, guy!
'We're going to try and qualify for the stimulus funding,' Pilot said, 'because we are the kind of area this is targeted for.'
If it could land a chunk of the funding, he said, the co-op would hire a local phone company to build the system, then run it on a majority-rules basis.
'I really do believe that this has to be done on a bottom-up basis,' he said, 'because the top-down model hasn't worked.'"
--------------------
Somehow I suspect that Fred will do a far better job than all those "PUC-spawned agencies."
You go, guy!
He fired himself!
Trump Baja project is turning into a legal battle of Trump proportions - Los Angeles Times: "Instead of a 525-unit luxury vacation home complex with pools and tennis courts, this project is shaping up to be a legal battle of Trump proportions.
Dozens of angry buyers have sued Trump for failing to complete the project. He, in turn, sued the Los Angeles-based builders, saying he had only lent his name to the project, and it was the developers who allowed the project to fail.
To the buyers, the heart of the dispute is this: If Trump is identified as a project's builder, is he liable if the actual builder fails?"
-----------------
But the real question is: is that small animal on his head an endangered species?
Dozens of angry buyers have sued Trump for failing to complete the project. He, in turn, sued the Los Angeles-based builders, saying he had only lent his name to the project, and it was the developers who allowed the project to fail.
To the buyers, the heart of the dispute is this: If Trump is identified as a project's builder, is he liable if the actual builder fails?"
-----------------
But the real question is: is that small animal on his head an endangered species?
Lawmakers mulling association proposals -- chicagotribune.com
Lawmakers mulling association proposals -- chicagotribune.com: "Illinois lawmakers are considering an array of legislative proposals that relate to community associations. Here are some of the big ones, along with comments from the association world:"
--------------
Pamela McKuen's summary of the legislative scene in IL appeared in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday. All the "comments from the association world" are from professionals. Every single one.
--------------
Pamela McKuen's summary of the legislative scene in IL appeared in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday. All the "comments from the association world" are from professionals. Every single one.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Third party, anybody?
Pew Research Center: GOP Party Identification Slips Nationwide and in Pennsylvania: "In total, the GOP has lost roughly a quarter of its base over the past five years. But these Republican losses have not translated into substantial Democratic gains."
------------
The story line in the major media is that Obama is Kennedy/FDR and we are watching the creation of a new Camelot. Here is yet another piece of evidence showing how far off that story line really is. This Pew poll suggests that (1) Bush destroyed the Republican Party; (2) Obama won because of retrospective voting, meaning many non-ideological voters were just desperate for a change; and (3) Obama is rapidly alienating all those non-ideological folks because...surprise! He is too far to the left for their taste. However, (4) the Republicans are clueless, leaderless, and largely driven by their litmus test conservatives, so (5) the ground is fertile for a third party movement to capture the disaffected. Ross Perot, where are you? I hope the answer is, "In Antarctica, looking for the people who plotted to disrupt my daughter's wedding, and I'll stay here until I find them!"
I am not a big fan of third parties--I'm just saying that if you look at the conditions this is a propitious time for one. The likeliest source is moderate Republicans, who seem to have no home in the party any longer, and the disaffected non-ideological voters whose numbers are increasing. Of course, if the Democrats stay unified and the Republicans lose voters to a new party, it would probably mean the Democrats remain in control.
May the 4th be with you!
TheStar.com | entertainment | Today's your day, Star Wars fans: "Today is Star Wars Day. 'May the 4th be with you,' as Star Wars fans say. Here are some links to find out more."
Woman: Arlington officer secretly offered her possessions on Craigslist | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News
Woman: Arlington officer secretly offered her possessions on Craigslist | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "MANSFIELD – Sherry Johnson Huwitt was standing at her kitchen window in her bathrobe shortly before dawn a couple of weeks ago when two strangers pulled up and started loading the portable basketball goal from the side of her house into a truck.
When the Mansfield woman ran outside to confront them, they said they weren't stealing because the item was offered for the taking on Craigslist."
--------
Now, that is a dirty trick. Mystery Reader sent this tale of cybernetic woe.
When the Mansfield woman ran outside to confront them, they said they weren't stealing because the item was offered for the taking on Craigslist."
--------
Now, that is a dirty trick. Mystery Reader sent this tale of cybernetic woe.
U.S. Home Prices May Be Lost for a Generation: John F. Wasik - Bloomberg.com
U.S. Home Prices May Be Lost for a Generation: John F. Wasik - Bloomberg.com: "Although we may not be headed for a 1930s-style Depression, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that boomers are dumping their four- and five-bedroom suburban homes for two- and three- bedroom condominiums."
---------
This is a commentary piece that points to several reasons why home prices won't bounce back anytime soon. This "for a generation" stuff goes a bit far, I'd say. That may be true of the markets that had the greatest housing price inflation, but much of the country could see a gradual resurgence in demand.
---------
This is a commentary piece that points to several reasons why home prices won't bounce back anytime soon. This "for a generation" stuff goes a bit far, I'd say. That may be true of the markets that had the greatest housing price inflation, but much of the country could see a gradual resurgence in demand.
Feliz Cinco de Cuatro from El Presidente
'El no habla': Obama jumbles Cinco de Mayo salute: "WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's joke wasn't lost in translation—even though he referred to a Cinco de Mayo celebration as 'Cinco de Cuatro.'
Obama jumbled his words as he welcomed guests to the White House to observe the Mexican holiday, sending the crowd into laughter before he referred to the day correctly.
'Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro—Cinco de Mayo at the White House,' said Obama, in what appeared to be an attempt to note they were celebrating on the fourth of May instead of the fifth."
------------------------
Mr. Multi-Culti flubs his joke. There goes the re-election bid.
Obama jumbled his words as he welcomed guests to the White House to observe the Mexican holiday, sending the crowd into laughter before he referred to the day correctly.
'Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro—Cinco de Mayo at the White House,' said Obama, in what appeared to be an attempt to note they were celebrating on the fourth of May instead of the fifth."
------------------------
Mr. Multi-Culti flubs his joke. There goes the re-election bid.
Stop us before we spend again!
AFP: China has 'canceled US credit card': lawmaker: "Representative Mark Kirk, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and co-chair of a group of lawmakers promoting relations with Beijing, said China had 'very legitimate' concerns about its investments.
'It would appear, quietly and with deference and politeness, that China has canceled America's credit card,' Kirk told the Committee of 100, a Chinese-American group.
'I'm not sure too many people on Capitol Hill realize that this is now happening,' he said."
------------
Kirk is toying with the idea of running for Senate here in Illinois. He is considered a strong contender for the Republican nomination. Obama's former seat, now being held by super-shaky incumbent Roland Burris, comes up for election in November 2010. Burris is finding it impossible to raise money, so I don't see him being the Democratic nominee, but who knows. Kirk hasn't made up his mind yet, so they say. He would make a strong general election candidate because of his moderate Republicanism and general attractiveness as a candidate. But in the Illinois Republican primary race, it seems that one has to be an absolutist on abortion, gay rights, and a few other litmus test issues, so perhaps the Republicans will shoot themselves in the foot again and nominate another pathetic loser like Allen Keys.
On the substance of the issue he flags for us, all I can say is that I am astounded this is getting so little attention in the press.
'It would appear, quietly and with deference and politeness, that China has canceled America's credit card,' Kirk told the Committee of 100, a Chinese-American group.
'I'm not sure too many people on Capitol Hill realize that this is now happening,' he said."
------------
Kirk is toying with the idea of running for Senate here in Illinois. He is considered a strong contender for the Republican nomination. Obama's former seat, now being held by super-shaky incumbent Roland Burris, comes up for election in November 2010. Burris is finding it impossible to raise money, so I don't see him being the Democratic nominee, but who knows. Kirk hasn't made up his mind yet, so they say. He would make a strong general election candidate because of his moderate Republicanism and general attractiveness as a candidate. But in the Illinois Republican primary race, it seems that one has to be an absolutist on abortion, gay rights, and a few other litmus test issues, so perhaps the Republicans will shoot themselves in the foot again and nominate another pathetic loser like Allen Keys.
On the substance of the issue he flags for us, all I can say is that I am astounded this is getting so little attention in the press.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Don't say "global warming," say enviro PR flacks
Seeking to Save the Planet, With a Thesaurus - NYTimes.com: "EcoAmerica has been conducting research for the last several years to find new ways to frame environmental issues and so build public support for climate change legislation and other initiatives. A summary of the group’s latest findings and recommendations was accidentally sent by e-mail to a number of news organizations by someone who sat in this week on a briefing intended for government officials and environmental leaders."
-------------
I think the left has been doing a wonderful job of packaging their old, familiar policy prescriptions in a new rhetoric that resonates with many people. Now that the public is laughing at global warming (here in Illinois, winter just lasted from November until April), it is time to give the Oprah treatment to the environmental agenda: "Instead of grim warnings about global warming, the firm advises, talk about “our deteriorating atmosphere.” Drop discussions of carbon dioxide and bring up “moving away from the dirty fuels of the past.” Don’t confuse people with cap and trade; use terms like “cap and cash back” or “pollution reduction refund.”
I seem to remember that there was a great explanation for Soylent Green as well.
Jon Stewart--proven idiot
Pajamas TV - Afterburner - Jon Stewart, War Criminals & The True Story of the Atomic Bombs - Video
Leftist icon Jon Stewart called Harry Truman a war criminal. Bill Whittle presents a detailed account of the nuclear attacks on Japan that shows why Truman was right, and Stewart is an idiot.
Leftist icon Jon Stewart called Harry Truman a war criminal. Bill Whittle presents a detailed account of the nuclear attacks on Japan that shows why Truman was right, and Stewart is an idiot.
Law.com - In a First, Bankruptcy Judge Rules Calif. City Can Void Union Contracts
Law.com - In a First, Bankruptcy Judge Rules Calif. City Can Void Union Contracts: "U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael McManus held March 13 that when Congress enacted 11 U.S.C. sec. 1113 to limit companies from outright rejection of union contracts it limited it to Chapter 11 bankruptcies. By failing to extend the limits to Chapter 9, which covers municipal bankruptcy, McManus said cities have broader latitude to break existing union pacts, In re City of Vallejo, 08-26813-A-9 (E. Dist. Calif.)"
--------------
This is of interest to all the state and local governments that have been underfunding their public employee pension systems, or have otherwise made commitments to public employees that they now find themselves unwilling to live up to. Last resort: go bankrupt and break the contract.
--------------
This is of interest to all the state and local governments that have been underfunding their public employee pension systems, or have otherwise made commitments to public employees that they now find themselves unwilling to live up to. Last resort: go bankrupt and break the contract.
A bitter battle for power - The Daily Breeze
A bitter battle for power - The Daily Breeze: "At one time, Scottsdale Estates was a nice place to live. But the gated condo complex in Carson deteriorated long ago into a haven for drugs and gang crime.
Now it is most known as the site of a fire that killed five children in 2005. Neighbors tried to rescue them, but they couldn't pry off the burglar bars.
City officials have made several attempts to clean up Scottsdale over the years, but most efforts have been thwarted by a governing system that is as broken down as the community itself."
-----------------
According to the article, one person has taken control of the association and there is an opposition group, and it led at one point to a standoff between the HOA's private security people and sheriff's deputies.
Now it is most known as the site of a fire that killed five children in 2005. Neighbors tried to rescue them, but they couldn't pry off the burglar bars.
City officials have made several attempts to clean up Scottsdale over the years, but most efforts have been thwarted by a governing system that is as broken down as the community itself."
-----------------
According to the article, one person has taken control of the association and there is an opposition group, and it led at one point to a standoff between the HOA's private security people and sheriff's deputies.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
MD email re Swine Flu
San Antonio Lightning Newspaper - GITTERLE
I don't know what to think about this swine flu. Is it serious or not?
Here is an email from a doctor that says it will be bad. But if you read the press accounts you see that people report they had flu, but not that severe. Nobody knows how many cases there were in Mexico to go with that 150+ mortality. People with mild flu don't seek help (except now that everybody is freaking out), and there may have been tens of thousands of mild cases for all we know, so the mortality rate could have been low. Flu kills 35,000 people in the US every year anyway.
So is this just a new type of not-terribly-deadly flu that lots of us will get and recover from? Or is this some horrible plague? I am inclined to think it is the former, but not being an MD or an epidemiologist, that is just a layman's sense of things.
I don't know what to think about this swine flu. Is it serious or not?
Here is an email from a doctor that says it will be bad. But if you read the press accounts you see that people report they had flu, but not that severe. Nobody knows how many cases there were in Mexico to go with that 150+ mortality. People with mild flu don't seek help (except now that everybody is freaking out), and there may have been tens of thousands of mild cases for all we know, so the mortality rate could have been low. Flu kills 35,000 people in the US every year anyway.
So is this just a new type of not-terribly-deadly flu that lots of us will get and recover from? Or is this some horrible plague? I am inclined to think it is the former, but not being an MD or an epidemiologist, that is just a layman's sense of things.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
And it's called "It Ain't Worth a Piece of Cow Pie"
Irving Park condo owner singing an angry tune :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business: "An Irving Park condo owner and her neighbors are living in a building with buckling floors, unfinished hallways and four foreclosed garden units. The developer is bankrupt and its phone disconnected. But rather than cry about it, she’s inspired to write about it.
Kaara Kallen wrote what she calls “Depression style” lyrics to be sung to the tune of “American Pie” by Don McLean."
---------------------
That's a creative way to deal with catastrophe.
Kaara Kallen wrote what she calls “Depression style” lyrics to be sung to the tune of “American Pie” by Don McLean."
---------------------
That's a creative way to deal with catastrophe.
Swine flu in Chicago?
Probable swine flu closes Rogers Park school - Chicago Breaking News: "The decision to close the school was made Tuesday after the state reported the probable case to CPS and the system noticed an unusually high absentee rate at the school (see map), Huberman said.
Attendance at the school is normally 94 to 96 percent, but it was 87 percent on Tuesday, Huberman said. That was 'clearly enough of a differential' to warrant the closing. He said the school would be closed 'indefinitely,' but at least for two days.
The Kilmer student population of 850 is 60 percent Hispanic. It has a teaching staff of 46. The school is also in a heavily Hispanic populated area of the Rogers Park neighborhood. The swine flu has taken its heaviest toll in Mexico."
--------------
This flu was going around in Mexico during March and April, when US schools were on spring break. A whole lot of people went from the US to Mexico for vacations, and when they came back they went back to school. I would assume that schools are a major transmission point for this virus.
Attendance at the school is normally 94 to 96 percent, but it was 87 percent on Tuesday, Huberman said. That was 'clearly enough of a differential' to warrant the closing. He said the school would be closed 'indefinitely,' but at least for two days.
The Kilmer student population of 850 is 60 percent Hispanic. It has a teaching staff of 46. The school is also in a heavily Hispanic populated area of the Rogers Park neighborhood. The swine flu has taken its heaviest toll in Mexico."
--------------
This flu was going around in Mexico during March and April, when US schools were on spring break. A whole lot of people went from the US to Mexico for vacations, and when they came back they went back to school. I would assume that schools are a major transmission point for this virus.
‘No-Mezuzah’ Policy Is Shown The Door
‘No-Mezuzah’ Policy Is Shown The Door: "The developer of a Dix Hills, L.I., condominium complex who Monday ordered residents to remove all outdoor religious displays — including wreaths and mezuzahs — backed down the next day and said he would allow the residents to decide their own rules.
“I want a committee of homeowners to make some recommendations and then I will have a meeting of all the homeowners so they can discuss it and come up with a reasonable accommodation for everybody,” said Lawrence Gresser, the developer.
Gresser said that despite Monday’s letter threatening to fine all violators $50 if they did not remove outdoor displays within three days, no fines would be levied."
------------------
Yes, of course this will require some sort of rule. You couldn't just let people observe their religion as they do all over the nation, with no adverse consequences for anybody.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)