San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly's living situation to be probed - 7/27/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com
Chris Daly is a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He is so far to the left that he can look to his right and see Che Guevara. His main cause in life is to turn the city, and especially the Tenderloin, over to the homeless and the poor. He crusades against every proposal to re-open the city to the middle class, as was done in Chicago. No condo conversions, no tenancy in common conversions--nothing. Don't take my word for it--just do a Google search and see for yourself. Anyway, it turns out that his wife and kids live in Fairfield, which as I understand it is located in Sonoma County, some 45 miles from San Francisco, and he supposedly shares a condo with some friends in SF. You have to live in the city to be a Supervisor. Does he really live in the city? The City Attorney is going to find out.
But, says Daly, we can't afford a house in the city on my salary. Right, pal. Join the club--the club that you helped to form--of middle class families who have had to move to the suburbs because of the ludicrous public policies in this city.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Downtown Fort Myers condo has 32 stories, and one lonely tale | news-press.com | The News-Press
Downtown Fort Myers condo has 32 stories, and one lonely tale | news-press.com | The News-Press: "Victor Vangelakos lives in a luxury condominium tower on the Caloosahatchee River. He never has to worry about the neighbors making too much noise.
There are no neighbors.
Vangelakos, 45, his wife Cathy and their three children are the only residents in the 32-story Oasis I condo on the east edge of downtown Fort Myers."
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Not bad for a $430,000 condo. You get the whole 32 stories to yourself.
There are no neighbors.
Vangelakos, 45, his wife Cathy and their three children are the only residents in the 32-story Oasis I condo on the east edge of downtown Fort Myers."
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Not bad for a $430,000 condo. You get the whole 32 stories to yourself.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Investors buying condos in bulk in South Florida | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader
Investors buying condos in bulk in South Florida | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader: "Big-time cash investors are snapping up South Florida condo units in bulk. There have been at least seven purchases of 10 or more condos this year, including four since June, according to county records. Investors are reselling the units or renting them until the market recovers"
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Fred Pilot sent this story of life in what amounts to the real estate fast lane these days.
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Fred Pilot sent this story of life in what amounts to the real estate fast lane these days.
Here's why downtown San Francisco is so seedy
My cousin Jason Zubia told me this story, and it was so astounding that we looked it up.
San Francisco's red-light denizens fight to stay seedy
SAN FRANCISCO -- When Carolyn Abst moved into this city's harsh Tenderloin district several years ago, she thought she would be welcomed. As owner of an architecture firm, she was bringing in jobs and ideas to revitalize the area. Instead, some of her neighbors called for her head.
"Wanted" posters went up around the Tenderloin last year, featuring Ms. Abst's photo. Someone circulated pamphlets disparaging her. Residents yelled at her in the street. Ms. Abst's offense: trying to plant 400 trees in the area. "I had no idea that cleanliness, beauty and safety could get people so riled up," the 58-year-old says.
San Francisco's red-light denizens fight to stay seedy
SAN FRANCISCO -- When Carolyn Abst moved into this city's harsh Tenderloin district several years ago, she thought she would be welcomed. As owner of an architecture firm, she was bringing in jobs and ideas to revitalize the area. Instead, some of her neighbors called for her head.
"Wanted" posters went up around the Tenderloin last year, featuring Ms. Abst's photo. Someone circulated pamphlets disparaging her. Residents yelled at her in the street. Ms. Abst's offense: trying to plant 400 trees in the area. "I had no idea that cleanliness, beauty and safety could get people so riled up," the 58-year-old says.
Another pit bull saga
Dog fight in gated community
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link. It seems that once again the pit bull lovers are defending their imaginary right to own dangerous dogs.
The owners of a pair of pit bulls have sicced a lawyer on two men who've tried to keep their dogs out of the gated Brentwood community.
Byrd and Anne Cain filed a lawsuit against James Carroll and Miles Hession on July 13, claiming the men, who are former board members of the community's homeowners association, have invaded their right to privacy, made misrepresentations about them and "wrongfully used the legal process against the Cains in order to accomplish an ulterior purpose."
The lawsuit is the latest in a neighborhood feud that began in 2006, when the association's board of directors banned specific breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, Doberman pinschers, rottweilers and chow chows. The board later took court action to force the removal of the Cain's pit bulls, which had been declared "a nuisance" by the association. Anne Cain said her dogs have never attacked anyone.
Circuit Court Judge Jeff Bivins declared the board could not prohibit a particular type of dog but ruled that the homeowners association's governing documents gave them the power to specifically prohibit the Cain's dogs.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link. It seems that once again the pit bull lovers are defending their imaginary right to own dangerous dogs.
The owners of a pair of pit bulls have sicced a lawyer on two men who've tried to keep their dogs out of the gated Brentwood community.
Byrd and Anne Cain filed a lawsuit against James Carroll and Miles Hession on July 13, claiming the men, who are former board members of the community's homeowners association, have invaded their right to privacy, made misrepresentations about them and "wrongfully used the legal process against the Cains in order to accomplish an ulterior purpose."
The lawsuit is the latest in a neighborhood feud that began in 2006, when the association's board of directors banned specific breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, Doberman pinschers, rottweilers and chow chows. The board later took court action to force the removal of the Cain's pit bulls, which had been declared "a nuisance" by the association. Anne Cain said her dogs have never attacked anyone.
Circuit Court Judge Jeff Bivins declared the board could not prohibit a particular type of dog but ruled that the homeowners association's governing documents gave them the power to specifically prohibit the Cain's dogs.
Summit County, homeowners square off over crumbling road
Take our roads, please. No thank you.
Fred Pilot sent this along. This is the typical scenario when an HOA gets stuck with crumbling private roads: they ask local government to take it, and the municipality or country usually says no, because the roads don't meet the minimum standards for public streets:
"The homeowners association recently asked the commissioners to take over full maintenance for the road system in the neighborhood, but county staff recommended against the move, citing a need for more than $1 million worth of repairs that need to be done first."
Fred Pilot sent this along. This is the typical scenario when an HOA gets stuck with crumbling private roads: they ask local government to take it, and the municipality or country usually says no, because the roads don't meet the minimum standards for public streets:
"The homeowners association recently asked the commissioners to take over full maintenance for the road system in the neighborhood, but county staff recommended against the move, citing a need for more than $1 million worth of repairs that need to be done first."
On vacation
I am in San Francisco with my children, visiting my sister and extended family. It is harder for me to blog here but I will put up some things whenever I have time.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Clinton says she has no interest in White House - Yahoo! News
Clinton says she has no interest in White House - Yahoo! News: "'Well, you know, I say no, never, you know, not at all. I don't know what, what else to say,' Clinton said on NBC's 'Meet the Press' after host David Gregory noted that she left some wiggle room in an interview last week in Thailand.
But then Gregory followed up by asking, 'Are you saying you wouldn't entertain another run?'
Clinton's response was less clear: 'I have absolutely no belief in my mind that that is going to happen, that I have any interest in it happening. You know, as I said, I, I am so focused on what I'm doing.'
In the interview on Thai television, Clinton said, 'I don't know, but I doubt very much that anything like that will ever be part of my life.'"
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On the one hand, these questions are silly because they are just trying to get some sentence out of her that they can twist and make it look like she's planning to run against Obama. That seems to be possible in the sense that most anything is possible. On the other hand, obviously she would love to be President, and I suppose if Obama were to drop to Bush-level approval ratings, some scenario like Ted Kennedy challenging Jimmy Carter would go from barely possible to reality. But when I read these interchanges with Clinton, I wish they would deal with her as Secretary of State instead of grilling her in the hope of finding some "wiggle room" between her words.
But then Gregory followed up by asking, 'Are you saying you wouldn't entertain another run?'
Clinton's response was less clear: 'I have absolutely no belief in my mind that that is going to happen, that I have any interest in it happening. You know, as I said, I, I am so focused on what I'm doing.'
In the interview on Thai television, Clinton said, 'I don't know, but I doubt very much that anything like that will ever be part of my life.'"
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On the one hand, these questions are silly because they are just trying to get some sentence out of her that they can twist and make it look like she's planning to run against Obama. That seems to be possible in the sense that most anything is possible. On the other hand, obviously she would love to be President, and I suppose if Obama were to drop to Bush-level approval ratings, some scenario like Ted Kennedy challenging Jimmy Carter would go from barely possible to reality. But when I read these interchanges with Clinton, I wish they would deal with her as Secretary of State instead of grilling her in the hope of finding some "wiggle room" between her words.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Women are getting more beautiful - Times Online
Women are getting more beautiful - Times Online: "Scientists have found that evolution is driving women to become ever more beautiful, while men remain as aesthetically unappealing as their caveman ancestors.
The researchers have found beautiful women have more children than their plainer counterparts and that a higher proportion of those children are female. Those daughters, once adult, also tend to be attractive and so repeat the pattern.
Over generations, the scientists argue, this has led to women becoming steadily more aesthetically pleasing, a “beauty race” that is still on. The findings have emerged from a series of studies of physical attractiveness and its links to reproductive success in humans."
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They say beautiful women have 16% more children. But aren't the kids still half caveman?
Company director arrested for attempted murder after rescuing son being beaten by yobs | Mail Online
Company director arrested for attempted murder after rescuing son being beaten by yobs | Mail Online: "A company director has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after confronting a gang of yobs who were attacking his stepson.
Colin Philpott, 58, allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old in the chest during the incident in the front garden of his £500,000 Tudor-style house.
He had awoken late on Friday night to discover stepson Alex Lee being beaten by the group of teenagers."
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So he went to his son's defense with a letter opener, and now he's charged with attempted murder. I suppose the main prosecution witnesses will be the thugs. Nice country, that Great Britain.
Colin Philpott, 58, allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old in the chest during the incident in the front garden of his £500,000 Tudor-style house.
He had awoken late on Friday night to discover stepson Alex Lee being beaten by the group of teenagers."
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So he went to his son's defense with a letter opener, and now he's charged with attempted murder. I suppose the main prosecution witnesses will be the thugs. Nice country, that Great Britain.
Key Senate Democrat Concedes Republican Support Needed for Health Overhaul - Political News - FOXNews.com
Key Senate Democrat Concedes Republican Support Needed for Health Overhaul - Political News - FOXNews.com: "Senate Democrats are going to need help from Republicans to get President Obama's ambitious plan to reinvent the health care system over the goal line, a top lawmaker acknowledged on Sunday."
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If that is the case, I don't see how it will end up being "President Obama's ambitious plan." It will be something more modest, and that "government option" will have to go, I think.
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If that is the case, I don't see how it will end up being "President Obama's ambitious plan." It will be something more modest, and that "government option" will have to go, I think.
Drought turning Texas as dry as toast - Weather- msnbc.com
Drought turning Texas as dry as toast - Weather- msnbc.com: "DALLAS - Off-duty police officers are patrolling streets, looking for people illegally watering their lawns and gardens. Residents are encouraged to stealthily rat out water scofflaws on a 24-hour hot line."
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I assume the HOAs are not enforcing their green lawn restrictions?
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I assume the HOAs are not enforcing their green lawn restrictions?
America's Top States for Business 2009 - Overall Rankings - CNBC.com
America's Top States for Business 2009 - Overall Rankings - CNBC.com
Interesting--California ranks 1st in technology & innovation, and in access to capital. But it ranks 49th in cost of business and business friendliness.
Interesting--California ranks 1st in technology & innovation, and in access to capital. But it ranks 49th in cost of business and business friendliness.
Scientists Worry Machines May Outsmart Man - NYTimes.com
Scientists Worry Machines May Outsmart Man - NYTimes.com
Strange. More worried that we will outsmart ourselves. Hurm.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Will we ever hear the tapes?
911, police tapes key in Gates case - BostonHerald.com: "Mounting pressure to get to the bottom of the controversial arrest of black scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. is centering on recorded police tapes that may offer a dose of reality amid all the media and political noise.
Cambridge police brass and lawyers are weighing making the tapes public, which could include the 911 call reporting a break-in at Gates’ home and radio transmissions by the cop who busted him July 16 for disorderly conduct."
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But will we ever hear these tapes?
Obviously I don't know what they contain. But let's assume hypothetically that they show Prof. Gates to be a) behaving like an ass, and b) therefore a liar as well, and c) the officer in question behaving professionally. Given that the police commissioner immediately went to the officer's defense--which he never would have done without hearing the tapes and talking to the other officers who were there--I think that may be the case.
Those tapes could prove a huge embarrassment to Gates, and also to our meddlesome President, who just had to plunge into this situation without knowing the whole story, and then proceed to thrash around like a cod in a gill net trying to get himself out.
And with his health care legislation teetering on the brink, and his approval rating hovering around the 50 point level, can another embarrassment be allowed? I could envision the White House bringing pressure to bear on the Cambridge government to prevent release of the tapes. But that is all just a big paranoid fantasy, isn't it?
Cambridge police brass and lawyers are weighing making the tapes public, which could include the 911 call reporting a break-in at Gates’ home and radio transmissions by the cop who busted him July 16 for disorderly conduct."
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But will we ever hear these tapes?
Obviously I don't know what they contain. But let's assume hypothetically that they show Prof. Gates to be a) behaving like an ass, and b) therefore a liar as well, and c) the officer in question behaving professionally. Given that the police commissioner immediately went to the officer's defense--which he never would have done without hearing the tapes and talking to the other officers who were there--I think that may be the case.
Those tapes could prove a huge embarrassment to Gates, and also to our meddlesome President, who just had to plunge into this situation without knowing the whole story, and then proceed to thrash around like a cod in a gill net trying to get himself out.
And with his health care legislation teetering on the brink, and his approval rating hovering around the 50 point level, can another embarrassment be allowed? I could envision the White House bringing pressure to bear on the Cambridge government to prevent release of the tapes. But that is all just a big paranoid fantasy, isn't it?
California budget crisis brings critics of Prop. 13 to the fore - San Jose Mercury News
California budget crisis brings critics of Prop. 13 to the fore - San Jose Mercury News: "Proposition 13 is the 1978 law that rolled property assessments back to 1975 levels and capped both the annual increase in assessed value and the tax itself.
The state's budget crisis is prompting another review of the popular measure. Several groups, including the nonprofit California Tax Reform, and a campaign recently started by San Francisco Assessor Phil Ting, are leading a charge to change Proposition 13 to extract more taxes from commercial property owners."
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Oh, sure. Raise taxes on business in a recession. That will do wonders for the unemployment--in the wrong direction.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
The state's budget crisis is prompting another review of the popular measure. Several groups, including the nonprofit California Tax Reform, and a campaign recently started by San Francisco Assessor Phil Ting, are leading a charge to change Proposition 13 to extract more taxes from commercial property owners."
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Oh, sure. Raise taxes on business in a recession. That will do wonders for the unemployment--in the wrong direction.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Raleigh takes on parking in yards - Local & State - News & Observer
Raleigh takes on parking in yards - Local & State - News & Observer: "Among the opponents is Councilman Philip Isley, who says this is the latest and most egregious attempt by the city to tell residents what they can and can't do on their own property.
'This is beyond the nanny state,' Isley said. 'This is a homeowners association on steroids.'"
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First they came for the cars in the front yards, and I said nothing. Then they came for the refrigerators in the back yards, and I said nothing. And when they came for the trailer in the driveway that my brother in law was living in, it was too late!
FT.com / Asia-Pacific - India widens climate rift with west
FT.com / Asia-Pacific - India widens climate rift with west: "India rejected key scientific findings on global warming, while the European Union called for more action by developing states on greenhouse gas emissions. Jairam Ramesh, the Indian environment minister, accused the developed world of needlessly raising alarm over melting Himalayan glaciers."
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With India taking this position, and with China belching out enough coal smoke to blot out the sun, I'm not sure that all our capping and trading will accomplish much. And the larger point is that here is an environmental minister disputing the core beliefs of the global warming crowd. We here in the US are being force-fed the "debate is over" propaganda, but it isn't that simple. I don't pretend to know, but I think there are still more questions than answers.
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With India taking this position, and with China belching out enough coal smoke to blot out the sun, I'm not sure that all our capping and trading will accomplish much. And the larger point is that here is an environmental minister disputing the core beliefs of the global warming crowd. We here in the US are being force-fed the "debate is over" propaganda, but it isn't that simple. I don't pretend to know, but I think there are still more questions than answers.
Regulators shut 6 Ga banks, 1 in New York state - Yahoo! Finance
Regulators shut 6 Ga banks, 1 in New York state - Yahoo! Finance: "Regulators on Friday shut six banks in Georgia and a small bank in New York state, raising to 64 the number of federally insured banks to fail this year."
Friday, July 24, 2009
At Jade Park, mobile-home owners do it their way
At Jade Park, mobile-home owners do it their way: "Jade Park residents are proud of surviving development and dodging homeowner association communities with the red-tiled roofs, many of which sprouted nearby. People have elbow room to stretch, freedom to design their own yards and fix their homes as they see fit."
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That's one way to keep your freedom from HOA rules--live in a trailer.
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That's one way to keep your freedom from HOA rules--live in a trailer.
Woman charged with stealing $35,000 from homeowner's association | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC
Woman charged with stealing $35,000 from homeowner's association | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC: "Heather Pettit Barnette, 31, of 14 Shadowbrook Drive, Flat Rock, was charged with obtaining property by false pretenses by allegedly taking $35,544 from the Shadowbrook Property Owner’s Association, according to court records."
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It seems to me that these charges are popping up with greater frequency.
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It seems to me that these charges are popping up with greater frequency.
Daily Herald | Reforms will have significant impact on association members
Daily Herald | Reforms will have significant impact on association members
Jordan Shifrin's column about changes to the law on HOAs and condos in Illinois.
Jordan Shifrin's column about changes to the law on HOAs and condos in Illinois.
ThePilot.com : Village Wins Ruling Over Annexation
ThePilot.com : Village Wins Ruling Over Annexation: "A three-judge panel of the N.C. Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed two Moore County court decisions and ruled against every objection to Pinehurst's involuntary annexation of Pinewild Country Club.
Judges Linda M. McGee, Robert Hunter, and Cheri Beasley unanimously supported the village of Pinehurst. The court's opinion -- written by McGee with Hunter and Beasley concurring -- says that gated communities like Pinewild cannot stop annexation just by blocking access to private streets. Being a gated community does not give Pinewild any different status, the court ruled."
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Pinewild argued that they couldn't be annexed "if its residents simply refused to allow police, firefighters, waste collection workers, administrative officials or certain other municipal employees access to their private streets." Charming. This is why eventually a lot of these places will incorporate as municipalities.
Judges Linda M. McGee, Robert Hunter, and Cheri Beasley unanimously supported the village of Pinehurst. The court's opinion -- written by McGee with Hunter and Beasley concurring -- says that gated communities like Pinewild cannot stop annexation just by blocking access to private streets. Being a gated community does not give Pinewild any different status, the court ruled."
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Pinewild argued that they couldn't be annexed "if its residents simply refused to allow police, firefighters, waste collection workers, administrative officials or certain other municipal employees access to their private streets." Charming. This is why eventually a lot of these places will incorporate as municipalities.
Researcher Condemns Conformity Among His Peers - TierneyLab Blog - NYTimes.com
Researcher Condemns Conformity Among His Peers - TierneyLab Blog - NYTimes.com: "A remarkable first-hand description of this phenomenon was provided a few months ago by the economist Robert Shiller, co-inventor of the Case-Shiller house price index. Dr. Shiller was concerned about what he saw as an impending house price bubble when he served as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York up until 2004.
So why didn’t he burst his lungs warning about the impending collapse of the housing market? “In my position on the panel, I felt the need to use restraint,” he relates. “While I warned about the bubbles I believed were developing in the stock and housing markets, I did so very gently, and felt vulnerable expressing such quirky views. Deviating too far from consensus leaves one feeling potentially ostracized from the group, with the risk that one may be terminated.”"
So why didn’t he burst his lungs warning about the impending collapse of the housing market? “In my position on the panel, I felt the need to use restraint,” he relates. “While I warned about the bubbles I believed were developing in the stock and housing markets, I did so very gently, and felt vulnerable expressing such quirky views. Deviating too far from consensus leaves one feeling potentially ostracized from the group, with the risk that one may be terminated.”"
White Sox Mark Buehrle Pitches Perfect Game - cbs2chicago.com
White Sox Mark Buehrle Pitches Perfect Game - cbs2chicago.com
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Oh, yes. And now the Sox are tied for the division lead with Detroit--and about to start a series with them. On a roll, baby.
This is going well
N. Korea Calls Clinton 'Schoolgirl,' U.S. Fires Back - Political News - FOXNews.com: "Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested Thursday she's holding out hope that North Korea will rejoin nuclear disarmament talks, even as the country's foreign ministry descended into low-brow name-calling -- describing Clinton as a 'primary schoolgirl' and calling her unintelligent.
North Korean representatives also said the so-called six-party talks are 'over' and 'dead,' and rejected as 'nonsense' the United States' plan to offer the country new incentives."
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The US becomes a Joe Palooka doll.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Kausfiles : Obama's Overreach
Kausfiles : Obama's Overreach: "On tax increases, Obama said:
'I don't want that final one-third of the cost of health care to be completely shouldered on the backs of middle-class families who are already struggling in a difficult economy. And so if I see a proposal that is primarily funded through taxing middle-class families, I'm going to be opposed to that ...' [E.A.]
In standard Washspeak, this means Obama is open to a health reform that taxes middle class families as long as it isn't 'primarily' or 'completely' funded by taxes on middle class families. But 49% funded by taxes on middle class families? ... However you interpret these sentences, it's hard to see how Obama hasn't given a flashing green light to non-trivial tax increases on middle class families. ... 6:10 P.M."
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So says Mickey Kaus. And I am certain he is right, because there is no way on earth that "the rich" can be soaked sufficiently to cover all this extravagant federal spending.
'I don't want that final one-third of the cost of health care to be completely shouldered on the backs of middle-class families who are already struggling in a difficult economy. And so if I see a proposal that is primarily funded through taxing middle-class families, I'm going to be opposed to that ...' [E.A.]
In standard Washspeak, this means Obama is open to a health reform that taxes middle class families as long as it isn't 'primarily' or 'completely' funded by taxes on middle class families. But 49% funded by taxes on middle class families? ... However you interpret these sentences, it's hard to see how Obama hasn't given a flashing green light to non-trivial tax increases on middle class families. ... 6:10 P.M."
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So says Mickey Kaus. And I am certain he is right, because there is no way on earth that "the rich" can be soaked sufficiently to cover all this extravagant federal spending.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Conservative kiosk not allowed at mall | WCNC.com | Local News for Charlotte, North Carolina | Top Stories
Conservative kiosk not allowed at mall | WCNC.com | Local News for Charlotte, North Carolina | Top Stories: "At the end of July, Free Market Warrior will not be allowed at Concord Mills Mall. The kiosk chain's owner shared e-mail correspondence with NewsChannel 36 that explains that the mall management has decided that the items sold are not 'neutral' enough"
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The "biting" message ticked off somebody who complained to the mall owner and wrote a letter to the Charlotte Observer. And then the mall owner decided the conservative business was kiosk non grata. And that's how much your constitutional rights are worth on private property, even if you pay your rent.
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The "biting" message ticked off somebody who complained to the mall owner and wrote a letter to the Charlotte Observer. And then the mall owner decided the conservative business was kiosk non grata. And that's how much your constitutional rights are worth on private property, even if you pay your rent.
Bill Text 26th Legislature: Alaska's state sovereignty resolution
Bill Text 26th Legislature: "BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature hereby claims sovereignty for the state under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution serves as Notice and Demand to the federal government to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers."
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This is the meat of the resolution that Sarah Palin just signed. The Palin haters are doing their usual thing over this, saying only one other governor has been dumb enough to sign it. However, it was passed unanimously by both houses of the Alaska legislature, so what was she supposed to do--veto it?
George Staropoli--who should bail out the HOAs?
The only real solution to the HOA foreclosure fiasco « HOA Constitutional Government: "Given the current dismal state of affairs with our economy, and the increasing rate of HOA/condo foreclosures, I have been doing a lot of serious pondering (ahem!) on this major threat to the survival of HOA-land. I think I hit upon the only real solution to the HOA foreclosure problem, taking a cue from the federal government bailout of the mortgage industry, banks, and GM. I am not proposing another government bailout. Oh no!
Instead, I’m proposing a private corporation bailout. You know, like the Bank of America bailout of Merrill Lynch, etc. But, the major obstacle to this plan was, WHO? I thought and thought of candidates. In these dire circumstances it had to be a “true believer”, a corporation that had faith in HOA-land, and one that would fight tooth and nail to preserve HOA-land from collapse. Only one stood out, loudly and clearly: Community Associations Institute (CAI)."
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Tongue? Cheek?
Instead, I’m proposing a private corporation bailout. You know, like the Bank of America bailout of Merrill Lynch, etc. But, the major obstacle to this plan was, WHO? I thought and thought of candidates. In these dire circumstances it had to be a “true believer”, a corporation that had faith in HOA-land, and one that would fight tooth and nail to preserve HOA-land from collapse. Only one stood out, loudly and clearly: Community Associations Institute (CAI)."
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Tongue? Cheek?
Government Motors tanking
GM global sales fall 22 pct in first half of 2009: "DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors posted Wednesday a 22 percent global sales drop from a year earlier for the first six months of 2009 amid the economic slowdown and the automaker's slide into bankruptcy."
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And this is what we, the taxpayers, are now invested in.
Another isolated instance!
Crimetracker - Video On Demand | WHAS11.com | News for Louisville, Kentucky: "She was supposed to collect fees from the people in her Neighborhood Association but instead, police say the treasurer bilked her neighbors out of more than $10,000 in dues."
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And check out the piano ad that precedes the video.
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And check out the piano ad that precedes the video.
Glenmore group thinks treasurer absconded with $666,446 | Charlottesville Daily Progress
Glenmore group thinks treasurer absconded with $666,446 | Charlottesville Daily Progress: "An audit of the Glenmore Community Association’s finances has discovered nearly $700,000 missing from the operating and reserve accounts of the luxury neighborhood’s homeowners association.
The missing funds are the latest twist in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Michael Comer, who was treasurer of the homeowners association and president of the Glenmore Country Club.
Comer, 45, did not show up for a meeting on the morning of July 1 to discuss a financial audit of the association’s finances for 2008."
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Isolated instance.
The missing funds are the latest twist in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Michael Comer, who was treasurer of the homeowners association and president of the Glenmore Country Club.
Comer, 45, did not show up for a meeting on the morning of July 1 to discuss a financial audit of the association’s finances for 2008."
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Isolated instance.
Police: former HOA president steals $166K from association | association, boynton, casablanca - Test Page - CBS Channel 12 News
Police: former HOA president steals $166K from association | association, boynton, casablanca - Test Page - CBS Channel 12 News: "BOYNTON BEACH-- The term condo commando has taken a whole new meaning at Casablanca Isles, a development on West Boynton Beach Boulevard, west of I-95.
This after police say the president and bookkeeper of Casablanca's homeowner's association raided association funds for more than $166,000."
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I am shocked! Shocked! To discover that there is theft going on here...in Casablanca.
This after police say the president and bookkeeper of Casablanca's homeowner's association raided association funds for more than $166,000."
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I am shocked! Shocked! To discover that there is theft going on here...in Casablanca.
Homeowner fights HOA rules
Homeowner fights HOA rules: "A valley man is upset about the latest HOA rules that govern his Community in Goodyear. He's even hired a lawyer. Tom Anuszewski rents out his home in Canyon Trails. He claims the new rules are unfair to him and his tenants and that they may even be discriminatory.
The Canyon Trails Homeowners Association sent letters to all homeowners who currently rent out their homes. The new policy states that homeowners have to pay a $200 rental fee. They also have to hand over the names, ages and license plate numbers of the tenants. The HOA is also asking for a background check on all tenants. On top of that, they now have the right to evict tenants on the homeowner's behalf as a third party beneficiary.
'It's unfair,' says Anuszewski. He believes the HOA is trying to discourage homeowners from renting out their homes."
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Many CIDs are trying to prevent renting now. But what if, like Anuszewski, you have to rent out the place to survive economically?
The Canyon Trails Homeowners Association sent letters to all homeowners who currently rent out their homes. The new policy states that homeowners have to pay a $200 rental fee. They also have to hand over the names, ages and license plate numbers of the tenants. The HOA is also asking for a background check on all tenants. On top of that, they now have the right to evict tenants on the homeowner's behalf as a third party beneficiary.
'It's unfair,' says Anuszewski. He believes the HOA is trying to discourage homeowners from renting out their homes."
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Many CIDs are trying to prevent renting now. But what if, like Anuszewski, you have to rent out the place to survive economically?
Homeowner Associations Wield Great Power Amid Foreclosures - News Story - KTVU San Francisco
Homeowner Associations Wield Great Power Amid Foreclosures - News Story - KTVU San Francisco: "Often, the homeowners association will hire a collection agency to do the work for them. Those collection agencies are usually part of law firms that represent Homeowners associations and may do foreclosures.
Many homeowners complain they're being abused by collection agencies that run up huge collection fees that can be four or five times the amount originally owed.
Tax attorney Michael Hamersley of El Dorado Hills said he faces foreclosure because the collection agency his homeowners association hired demands more than $2,000 for an overdue assessment of just $226.
In Oakland, condo owner Brenda Fuller said she fell behind on her homeowners dues after she went on temporary disability.
“They would have taken my house,” explained Fuller.
Homeowner advocate Marjorie Murray said in both cases collection agencies began foreclosures."
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Check out Marjorie Murray's organization--the Center for California Homeowner Association Law
Many homeowners complain they're being abused by collection agencies that run up huge collection fees that can be four or five times the amount originally owed.
Tax attorney Michael Hamersley of El Dorado Hills said he faces foreclosure because the collection agency his homeowners association hired demands more than $2,000 for an overdue assessment of just $226.
In Oakland, condo owner Brenda Fuller said she fell behind on her homeowners dues after she went on temporary disability.
“They would have taken my house,” explained Fuller.
Homeowner advocate Marjorie Murray said in both cases collection agencies began foreclosures."
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Check out Marjorie Murray's organization--the Center for California Homeowner Association Law
Which California dream?
News Analysis - Pinch of Reality Threatens the California Dream - NYTimes.com: "“In the end, we do not know for sure whether the California public really wants the California dream anymore,” said Bruce E. Cain, a professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley. “The population is too diverse to have a common vision of what it wants to provide to everyone. Some people want the old dream, some want the gated privatized version, and some would like to secede and get away from it all.”"
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for flagging this quote from Bruce Cain, a prominent political scientist who seems to highlight one of the main issues I wrote about in Privatopia.
Anger follows California budget crisis deal
Anger follows California budget crisis deal: "The Times said the reduction would be achieved through a combination of measures including allowing prisoners to finish their sentences on home detention and creating incentives for completion of rehabilitation plans."
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I wonder what those incentives are. Considering the abysmal success rate of "rehabilitation" it would have to be a winning Powerball ticket.
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I wonder what those incentives are. Considering the abysmal success rate of "rehabilitation" it would have to be a winning Powerball ticket.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
UPDATE 2-California counties, cities to fight budget deal | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
UPDATE 2-California counties, cities to fight budget deal | Markets | Markets News | Reuters: "LOS ANGELES, July 21 (Reuters) - The day-old pact among California leaders to close the state's $26.3 billion budget gap came under fire on Tuesday as county and city governments threatened to sue to block a plan to seize local tax revenues as part of the deal.
City and council officials vowed to seek a court order barring the proposed diversion of $2 billion from local redevelopment agencies and $1.7 billion in highway tax collections into state coffers to help close the budget deficit."
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Can you imagine how bitter this is going to get?
City and council officials vowed to seek a court order barring the proposed diversion of $2 billion from local redevelopment agencies and $1.7 billion in highway tax collections into state coffers to help close the budget deficit."
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Can you imagine how bitter this is going to get?
Roubini: Economic Recovery To Be 'Very Ugly'
Roubini: Economic Recovery To Be 'Very Ugly': "Nouriel Roubini, the economist whose dire forecasts earned him the nickname 'Doctor Doom', told CNBC Monday that the economic recovery is going to be 'very ugly.'
'The recovery is going to be subpar,' Roubini said. 'I see a one percent growth in the economy in the next few years. There will also be 11 percent unemployment next year and the recovery is going to be slow. It's going to feel like a recession even when it ends.'"
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I hope he's wrong, but just being candid about it, I am afraid he's right.
'The recovery is going to be subpar,' Roubini said. 'I see a one percent growth in the economy in the next few years. There will also be 11 percent unemployment next year and the recovery is going to be slow. It's going to feel like a recession even when it ends.'"
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I hope he's wrong, but just being candid about it, I am afraid he's right.
University of Illinois at Chicago studies lesbian drinking habits
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - $3M NIH grant to UIC to study lesbian drinking: "CHICAGO (STNG) -- The UIC College of Nursing has received a $3 million federal grant to continue research to identify risk factors for excessive drinking among lesbians."
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And I'm proud to be working at Ground Zero for the study of lesbian drinking. I think.
This is the Behavioral Sciences Building, where I work. How about that Neo-Brutalist style?
Detroit Schools on the Brink - WSJ.com
Detroit Schools on the Brink - WSJ.com: "Detroit's public-school system, beset by massive deficits and widespread corruption, is on the brink of following local icons GM and Chrysler into bankruptcy court...Some experts say the Detroit case could be the first in a string of Chapter 9 bankruptcies among school districts and other public entities battered by the economic crisis, and it could help shape that area of the law. "Given the state of public finance," says Samuel Gerdano, executive director of the American Bankruptcy Institute, "I think the wave is coming.""
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So do I. I think the private and public institutions of local government are on the edge of a cliff right now. Many state and local governments are facing insolvency right now. What does the future hold? The Obama administration is spending so much money that we, the taxpayers, will soon be faced with increased federal taxes. That will increase resistance to state and local taxation, so massive service cuts seem to be the only way they can go.
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So do I. I think the private and public institutions of local government are on the edge of a cliff right now. Many state and local governments are facing insolvency right now. What does the future hold? The Obama administration is spending so much money that we, the taxpayers, will soon be faced with increased federal taxes. That will increase resistance to state and local taxation, so massive service cuts seem to be the only way they can go.
Yeah, but that was different...somehow...
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement: "President Barack Obama has irked close allies in Congress by declaring he has the right to ignore legislation on constitutional grounds after having criticized George W. Bush for doing the same."
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Remember all the lefties going berserk over Bush's signing statements? I don't like them, either. I think presidents should either sign or veto. I guess I'm old fashioned that way. But I am wondering how much outrage we will see from his supporters now that he is doing the same things.
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Remember all the lefties going berserk over Bush's signing statements? I don't like them, either. I think presidents should either sign or veto. I guess I'm old fashioned that way. But I am wondering how much outrage we will see from his supporters now that he is doing the same things.
Dark Roasted Blend: The Walled Cities: Keeping Out The Joneses
Dark Roasted Blend: The Walled Cities: Keeping Out The Joneses
These are spectacular photos--don't miss them.
These are spectacular photos--don't miss them.
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com: "Barack Obama, who completed six months in office Monday, has a 55% approval rating in the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, putting him 10th among the dozen presidents who have served since World War II at this point in their tenures."
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I realize these poll numbers can change. But in a way that's the point. He has brought down his own approval numbers by over-reaching, especially on health care. I believe that if he took on the issue of reducing health care costs first, and got a bill passed on that, he would shoot up in the polls. Then he could address the question of universal coverage. But he is stubbornly insisting that everything has to be done at once, and right now.
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I realize these poll numbers can change. But in a way that's the point. He has brought down his own approval numbers by over-reaching, especially on health care. I believe that if he took on the issue of reducing health care costs first, and got a bill passed on that, he would shoot up in the polls. Then he could address the question of universal coverage. But he is stubbornly insisting that everything has to be done at once, and right now.
Getting Along with Americans & Canadians: How to be liked in Canada & the U.S.
Getting Along with Americans & Canadians: How to be liked in Canada & the U.S.: "By the way, the answer to 'How are you?' in all situations is 'I am well. Thank you. How are you?' or 'Fine. Thank you,' or the more popular colloquial but grammatically incorrect, 'Good. How are you doing?' or similar statements.
The questioner does not want to know your real state of health unless he or she is a doctor or nurse in a medical office. 'My ebola virus is spreading rapidly, and I will not live more than a day longer,' is not the welcomed answer in social or business situations. 'How are you' and 'How do you do' are polite greetings, not questions."
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Here is one of my pet peeves. Why do Americans insist that every single human interaction, however impersonal and trivial, cannot commence until the following magic words have been uttered:
"How are you?"
"Fine. How are you?"
"Fine."
Why is this incantation necessary? The grocery clerk, the bank teller, the mugger...even people who would just as soon step over your dying body to get to an ATM are asking you how you are before they will proceed further with selling you a can of Drano.
Here's how bad it is. People call a radio talk show and wait for an hour to get on the air. Then the host says to them, "OK, Bob in Denver--go ahead." And what does Bob say?
"How are you?"
The host should reply, "Is that why you called, Bob? You waited on hold for a hour to ask me THE SAME STUPID QUESTION EVERY OTHER CALLER HAS ASKED ME TODAY? Well, here's your answer: I'm exactly as FINE as I was TWO MINUTES AGO when I answered the SAME QUESTION for the LAST CALLER!"
I know I can't change this situation, but sometimes I actually tell people how I am and you should see the look of shock and horror on their face when I do. It's not that I tell them anything bad. It might be, "Well, I cut myself shaving this morning." But that is enough to send the "how are you" folks into a panic, because they didn't want any real interaction and now here it is.
Subprime brokers mutate into loan fixers - The New York Times- msnbc.com
Subprime brokers mutate into loan fixers - The New York Times- msnbc.com: "FedMod is but one example of how many of the same people who dispensed risky mortgages during the real estate bubble have reconstituted themselves into a new industry focused on selling loan modifications.
Despite making promises of relief to homeowners desperate to keep their homes, FedMod and other profit making loan modification firms often fail to deliver, according to a New York Times investigation based on interviews with scores of former employees and customers, more than 650 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, and documents filed by the Federal Trade Commission in a lawsuit against the company."
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Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Despite making promises of relief to homeowners desperate to keep their homes, FedMod and other profit making loan modification firms often fail to deliver, according to a New York Times investigation based on interviews with scores of former employees and customers, more than 650 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, and documents filed by the Federal Trade Commission in a lawsuit against the company."
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Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Law.com - Firms Bank on California Cities' Distress
Law.com - Firms Bank on California Cities' Distress: "A parade of law firms big and small have responded to Pacific Grove's call for help as the California city works to get a handle on its growing budget deficit.
While Pacific Grove is not ready to file for Chapter 9, under which municipalities seek bankruptcy protection, it is exploring the legal costs and potential consequences of such a move. It has recently received eight pitches, from behemoths like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Cooley Godward Kronish and Morrison & Foerster, and from smaller, more regional shops such as Best Best & Krieger, McNutt Law Group and Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai. Responding to the city's request for qualifications, the firms outlined costs for pre-filing consultation and representation in bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy proceedings."
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This must be a boom year for bankruptcy lawyers.
While Pacific Grove is not ready to file for Chapter 9, under which municipalities seek bankruptcy protection, it is exploring the legal costs and potential consequences of such a move. It has recently received eight pitches, from behemoths like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Cooley Godward Kronish and Morrison & Foerster, and from smaller, more regional shops such as Best Best & Krieger, McNutt Law Group and Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai. Responding to the city's request for qualifications, the firms outlined costs for pre-filing consultation and representation in bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy proceedings."
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This must be a boom year for bankruptcy lawyers.
Condominium Associations Suffer As Foreclosures Take A Grip | House Repos Blog
Condominium Associations Suffer As Foreclosures Take A Grip | House Repos Blog: "As condos are lost to foreclosures, the rest who are still in their homes laments that they are finding it difficult to maintain the sprawling houses because a majority cannot shell out the fees for their upkeep."
Columbia, Inc.? Old idea gets new traction - baltimoresun.com
Columbia, Inc.? Old idea gets new traction - baltimoresun.com: "It's been 13 years since the failure of the last real effort to convert Columbia into an incorporated municipality, but some feel the current suggestion that the town's homeowners association seek power over zoning is tied to that old debate.
'If they can get control of zoning, they'll also be asking for incorporation,' said Pearl Atkinson Stewart, the Columbia Association board member with the longest tenure and institutional memory. 'I can't see it going anywhere.'
In fact, deputy county solicitor Paul Johnson said that based on his experience, he feels incorporation would be the only way for the town's residents to get zoning authority, an opinion shared by the Maryland attorney general's office, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory."
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Libertarians argue that CIDs will replace cities, but I think it is more likely that the really big ones, like Columbia, MD, will incorporate as municipalities.
'If they can get control of zoning, they'll also be asking for incorporation,' said Pearl Atkinson Stewart, the Columbia Association board member with the longest tenure and institutional memory. 'I can't see it going anywhere.'
In fact, deputy county solicitor Paul Johnson said that based on his experience, he feels incorporation would be the only way for the town's residents to get zoning authority, an opinion shared by the Maryland attorney general's office, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory."
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Libertarians argue that CIDs will replace cities, but I think it is more likely that the really big ones, like Columbia, MD, will incorporate as municipalities.
Unpaid dues split neighbors | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Unpaid dues split neighbors | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.: "Liens filed by neighborhoods in Allen County against their residents over uncollected dues are increasing. Associations are even filing lawsuits to ensure they get the money needed for maintenance of community areas and other services. A newly enacted state law, however, will give the two sides time to resolve their problems without resorting to the court system, according to one of the law’s authors."
CRITTERS: Quite a Response to Haley vs. Willoughby Park HOA - StarNewsOnline.com
CRITTERS: Quite a Response to Haley vs. Willoughby Park HOA - StarNewsOnline.com: "I want to thank everyone who has responded to the column about the Willoughby Park HOA board's efforts to evict Haley, the 13-year-old dog.
The responses on the Critters Blog, in the StarNews forum and via e-mail have been unanimous in noting the injustice being done to Haley, Paige Cole and Brian Brian Niemcvyk.
I'll have a lot more to say about this particular case and on the issue of some HOA boards far overstepping their bounds - in next Saturday's Animals Tales column and back here in the Critters Blog."
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Cynthia Stephens sent this update from a local columnist who is tracking the case.
The responses on the Critters Blog, in the StarNews forum and via e-mail have been unanimous in noting the injustice being done to Haley, Paige Cole and Brian Brian Niemcvyk.
I'll have a lot more to say about this particular case and on the issue of some HOA boards far overstepping their bounds - in next Saturday's Animals Tales column and back here in the Critters Blog."
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Cynthia Stephens sent this update from a local columnist who is tracking the case.
Family Hassled By HOA - KRDO.com Colorado Springs, Pueblo - Weather, News, Sports -
Family Hassled By HOA - KRDO.com Colorado Springs, Pueblo - Weather, News, Sports -: "Woodmen Hills Filing 11 in Peyton, wants the Wolbers family to manicure their front lawn. The Wolbers don't see a problem with their lawn. 'Our lawn is green and mowed, I don't know what else they want,' Jeni Wolbers said.
Jeni Wolbers' husband deployed in May and her daughter is in renal failure. The daughter is waiting for her father to return so he can donate his kidney. Jeni spends all her time and money taking care of her daughter.
In May, the Wolbers landscaped their backyard, which the HOA required. 'All of our money went into that, and now my husbands gone and I have no help,' stated Jeni."
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this infuriating link.
Jeni Wolbers' husband deployed in May and her daughter is in renal failure. The daughter is waiting for her father to return so he can donate his kidney. Jeni spends all her time and money taking care of her daughter.
In May, the Wolbers landscaped their backyard, which the HOA required. 'All of our money went into that, and now my husbands gone and I have no help,' stated Jeni."
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this infuriating link.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Coming soon to the USA: health commissars
BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Man refused liver transplant dies: "A man from east London who began binge-drinking at 13 has died after being denied a life-saving liver transplant.
Gary Reinbach, 22, from Dagenham, was given only a few weeks to live after developing cirrhosis of the liver.
He was admitted to University College Hospital London (UCL) with alcohol damage for the first time 10 weeks ago.
But health chiefs ruled he should not be exempt from strict organ donation criteria which require an alcohol-free period of at least six months."
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And soon, we here in the USA may get our very own "health chiefs," meaning the government commissars who will decide whether we live or die. That's how socialized medicine works, and anybody who doesn't see where Obamacare is designed to lead is either blind or disingenous.
Gary Reinbach, 22, from Dagenham, was given only a few weeks to live after developing cirrhosis of the liver.
He was admitted to University College Hospital London (UCL) with alcohol damage for the first time 10 weeks ago.
But health chiefs ruled he should not be exempt from strict organ donation criteria which require an alcohol-free period of at least six months."
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And soon, we here in the USA may get our very own "health chiefs," meaning the government commissars who will decide whether we live or die. That's how socialized medicine works, and anybody who doesn't see where Obamacare is designed to lead is either blind or disingenous.
HOA bans smoking INDOORS!
Leader-Telegram Online: "Members of the Fairfax Parkside Homeowners Association on Wednesday voted to outlaw smoking inside residences that are part of the 34-unit development. The ban also prohibits smoking in shared spaces, such as porches and garages, but does allow it in yards and on patios.
Of the 19 association members who voted on the issue, 15 favored the anti-smoking regulation proposed by association President Dave Hanvelt, while four argued that residents should be allowed to smoke in their homes."
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This is an HOA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that was part of the USA until recently.
Of the 19 association members who voted on the issue, 15 favored the anti-smoking regulation proposed by association President Dave Hanvelt, while four argued that residents should be allowed to smoke in their homes."
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This is an HOA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that was part of the USA until recently.
White House pushes health care before disclosure of economic data
My Way News - White House putting off release of budget update: "The administration's annual midsummer budget update is sure to show higher deficits and unemployment and slower growth than projected in President Barack Obama's budget in February and update in May, and that could complicate his efforts to get his signature health care and global-warming proposals through Congress.
The release of the update - usually scheduled for mid-July - has been put off until the middle of next month, giving rise to speculation the White House is delaying the bad news at least until Congress leaves town on its August 7 summer recess.
The administration is pressing for votes before then on its $1 trillion health care initiative, which lawmakers are arguing over how to finance."
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So Congress is supposed to pass this before it is fully read and debated, before hearing from their constituents during the summer recess, and even before the nation is told the actual state of the US economy. Your representative government at work...
The release of the update - usually scheduled for mid-July - has been put off until the middle of next month, giving rise to speculation the White House is delaying the bad news at least until Congress leaves town on its August 7 summer recess.
The administration is pressing for votes before then on its $1 trillion health care initiative, which lawmakers are arguing over how to finance."
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So Congress is supposed to pass this before it is fully read and debated, before hearing from their constituents during the summer recess, and even before the nation is told the actual state of the US economy. Your representative government at work...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Florida Condo And Homeowner Associations Filing Chapter 11 As A Last Resort
Florida Condo And Homeowner Associations Filing Chapter 11 As A Last Resort: "Last year, we began to see that condo associations in Florida were facing trouble. With many condo owners not paying their fees or facing foreclosure it was inevitable that the condo and homeowner associations would only be able to go on so long. The Miami Herald is reporting that with those fees remaining unpaid some South Florida condo associations are seeing bankruptcy as a way out. So far at least seven Florida condo associations have filed for bankruptcy and there could be many more to follow.
The lure for the associations is that if they are in bankruptcy the utilities they owe money to can't turn off basic services like water and power. The downside may be that it is both costly and only a stopgap measure."
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Yes, and as the article notes, unlike bankrupt businesses, they don't have assets to sell off.
The lure for the associations is that if they are in bankruptcy the utilities they owe money to can't turn off basic services like water and power. The downside may be that it is both costly and only a stopgap measure."
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Yes, and as the article notes, unlike bankrupt businesses, they don't have assets to sell off.
Sotomayor Spontaneously Combusts, Firefighter Frank Ricci Suggests Letting Fire Burn Itself Out
Carbolic Smoke Ball
Somehow the major networks seem to have missed this story.
Somehow the major networks seem to have missed this story.
What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times
What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times: "Obama insists Congress get a healthcare reform program drafted before its members leave on Aug. 7 for their next long vacation. Why? Because members may get an earful back home from the 70% of Americans who say they are satisfied with their healthcare plans and the estimated 98% who don't want higher taxes to pay for reforms that benefit others now and maybe them later someday, who knows.
And if Obama doesn't get his beloved healthcare reforms this year when his party has such firm control of both chambers of Congress, 2010 is a midterm election year when such immense spending will be even more controversial and when, historically, the White House party loses members in Congress. (And unemployment rates are predicted to continue rising.)"
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How about that? Obama's belief, and that of the Axelrod-Emanuel-Pelosi-Reid combine that enables him, is that this massive redesign of the American health care system must be passed by Congress before the people have a chance to tell their legislative representatives what they think of it. He would prefer that the representatives and senators pass it without even reading it themselves.
The truth behind all Obama's power to the people rhetoric is that he has no more respect for democracy than did his predecessor in office. He thinks we are a selfish, primitive, rabble and need to have our lives organized for us by the federal government, led by...guess who?
And if Obama doesn't get his beloved healthcare reforms this year when his party has such firm control of both chambers of Congress, 2010 is a midterm election year when such immense spending will be even more controversial and when, historically, the White House party loses members in Congress. (And unemployment rates are predicted to continue rising.)"
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How about that? Obama's belief, and that of the Axelrod-Emanuel-Pelosi-Reid combine that enables him, is that this massive redesign of the American health care system must be passed by Congress before the people have a chance to tell their legislative representatives what they think of it. He would prefer that the representatives and senators pass it without even reading it themselves.
The truth behind all Obama's power to the people rhetoric is that he has no more respect for democracy than did his predecessor in office. He thinks we are a selfish, primitive, rabble and need to have our lives organized for us by the federal government, led by...guess who?
California closes state offices to save cash
California closes state offices to save cash: "The DMV is one of many state offices to close on Friday, one of three unpaid leave days a month ordered for state workers to help the government reduce its expenses.
The furloughs declared earlier this month are expected to save more than one billion dollars over the next year in California.
On Wednesday, authorities shut down most of the operations of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest court system in the country with approximately 100,000 people passing through its 600 courtrooms every day.
Presiding Judge Charles McCoy said he was forced to take the step in anticipation of a 138-million-dollar funding shortfall for the fiscal year that began this month."
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What's the problem? Just tax the rich. They can pay for everything, can't they?
The furloughs declared earlier this month are expected to save more than one billion dollars over the next year in California.
On Wednesday, authorities shut down most of the operations of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest court system in the country with approximately 100,000 people passing through its 600 courtrooms every day.
Presiding Judge Charles McCoy said he was forced to take the step in anticipation of a 138-million-dollar funding shortfall for the fiscal year that began this month."
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What's the problem? Just tax the rich. They can pay for everything, can't they?
Unemployment tops 10 percent in 16 states in June
Unemployment tops 10 percent in 16 states in June: "WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Labor Department says unemployment topped 10 percent in 16 states last month. The rate in Michigan surpassed 15 percent, the first time any state hit that mark since 1984."
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We are at 9.5% nationally, and headed up. Watch for the federal government to manufacture some positive statistics in order to generate some positive psychology. The stock market is hanging in there, but they always bet on the come.
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We are at 9.5% nationally, and headed up. Watch for the federal government to manufacture some positive statistics in order to generate some positive psychology. The stock market is hanging in there, but they always bet on the come.
Friday, July 17, 2009
White House's $50B foreclosure plan a bust so far - Victoria McGrane - POLITICO.com
White House's $50B foreclosure plan a bust so far - Victoria McGrane - POLITICO.com: "Administration officials blame the mortgage servicers charged with carrying out the mortgage modifications and refinancing under the federal program. Many of their Democratic allies on Capitol Hill back them up, but others are criticizing the White House for fumbling the execution. Whatever the reason, the program hasn’t stopped the rising tide of foreclosures: Experts predict that at least another 2 million homes will be lost this year, and the administration’s plan has so far reached only about 160,000 of the 3 million to 4 million homes it was supposed to protect over the next three years."
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I blame Bush.
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I blame Bush.
Director’s Blog » Blog Archive » The Long-Term Budget Outlook
Director’s Blog » Blog Archive » The Long-Term Budget Outlook: "Under current law, the federal budget is on an unsustainable path, because federal debt will continue to grow much faster than the economy over the long run. Although great uncertainty surrounds long-term fiscal projections, rising costs for health care and the aging of the population will cause federal spending to increase rapidly under any plausible scenario for current law. Unless revenues increase just as rapidly, the rise in spending will produce growing budget deficits. Large budget deficits would reduce national saving, leading to more borrowing from abroad and less domestic investment, which in turn would depress economic growth in the United States. Over time, accumulating debt would cause substantial harm to the economy."
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But as VP Biden says, we have to keep spending or we will go bankrupt.
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But as VP Biden says, we have to keep spending or we will go bankrupt.
Housing starts surge 3.6% - Jul. 17, 2009
Housing starts surge 3.6% - Jul. 17, 2009: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Initial construction of U.S. homes and applications for building permits both surged in June, according to government figures released Friday.
Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 582,000, up 3.6% from a revised 562,000 in May, according to the Commerce Department.
Economists were expecting housing starts to increase to an annual rate of 524,000 units, according to a consensus estimate gathered by Briefing.com."
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I hope this holds.
Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 582,000, up 3.6% from a revised 562,000 in May, according to the Commerce Department.
Economists were expecting housing starts to increase to an annual rate of 524,000 units, according to a consensus estimate gathered by Briefing.com."
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I hope this holds.
San Diego: median home price up in June
Median home price up in June: "San Diego County's median home price rose for the third consecutive month in June, hitting $314,250, the highest figure since October, and raising hopes that the region's slumping housing market may finally be poised for a comeback.
With fewer low-priced foreclosure homes on the market and growing sales of higher-priced properties, the county's median price rose $19,250 from May to June. The 6.5 percent one-month percentage gain was the biggest since MDA DataQuick began keeping records in 1988."
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Good news we can believe in at last?
With fewer low-priced foreclosure homes on the market and growing sales of higher-priced properties, the county's median price rose $19,250 from May to June. The 6.5 percent one-month percentage gain was the biggest since MDA DataQuick began keeping records in 1988."
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Good news we can believe in at last?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Spend a trillion on health care or go bankrupt
CNSNews.com - Joe Biden: ‘We Have to Go Spend Money to Keep From Going Bankrupt’: "“Now, people when I say that look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about, Joe? You’re telling me we have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt?’” Biden said. “The answer is yes, that's what I’m telling you.”"
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These people seem to have no idea what they are talking about, much less what they are doing.
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These people seem to have no idea what they are talking about, much less what they are doing.
California City News
California City News
Fred Pilot sent me the link to this blog, that is "devoted entirely to local government in California."
Fred Pilot sent me the link to this blog, that is "devoted entirely to local government in California."
YouTube - Rants From Lost Wages by James Alexander
YouTube - Rants From Lost Wages by James Alexander
This is a hilarious rant about HOAs in North Las Vegas. Thanks to James for sending it.
This is a hilarious rant about HOAs in North Las Vegas. Thanks to James for sending it.
Foreclosures at record high in first half 2009 despite aid | Reuters
Foreclosures at record high in first half 2009 despite aid | Reuters: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. home foreclosure activity galloped to a record in the first half of the year, overwhelming broad efforts to remedy failing loans while job losses escalated.
Foreclosure filings jumped to a record 1.9 million on more than 1.5 million properties in the first six months of the year, RealtyTrac said on Thursday.
The number of properties drawing filings, which include notices of default and auctions, jumped 9.0 percent from the second half of 2008 and almost 15 percent from the first half of last year."
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I'm sure this is all Bush's fault.
Foreclosure filings jumped to a record 1.9 million on more than 1.5 million properties in the first six months of the year, RealtyTrac said on Thursday.
The number of properties drawing filings, which include notices of default and auctions, jumped 9.0 percent from the second half of 2008 and almost 15 percent from the first half of last year."
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I'm sure this is all Bush's fault.
Kid Who Beat Cancer May Have to Lose Cross | NBC Miami
Kid Who Beat Cancer May Have to Lose Cross | NBC Miami: "Cancer survivor Taylor Bushing thinks she beat the deadly disease with the help of a cross her mother put on the front of her house.
So you can imagine the 12-year-old's disappointment when her mother's homeowners association told the family to take the cross down because it was in violation of the rules.
At 14.5 inches, the cross is 2.5 inches larger than the Pembroke Falls neighborhood association allows."
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That is the Pembroke Falls HOA, folks. Just when you think you have heard of the stupidest and most heartless thing an HOA or condo association could ever do--such as making a kid in a wheelchair use the service entrance--another association raises the ante by plumbing new depths of idiocy.
Congratulations, Pembroke Falls HOA. You have the title.
I had this sent to me by so many people that I can't thank them all individually, so I'll thank them all collectively--thanks!
So you can imagine the 12-year-old's disappointment when her mother's homeowners association told the family to take the cross down because it was in violation of the rules.
At 14.5 inches, the cross is 2.5 inches larger than the Pembroke Falls neighborhood association allows."
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That is the Pembroke Falls HOA, folks. Just when you think you have heard of the stupidest and most heartless thing an HOA or condo association could ever do--such as making a kid in a wheelchair use the service entrance--another association raises the ante by plumbing new depths of idiocy.
Congratulations, Pembroke Falls HOA. You have the title.
I had this sent to me by so many people that I can't thank them all individually, so I'll thank them all collectively--thanks!
Could we be wrong about global warming? - Science Fair - USATODAY.com
Could we be wrong about global warming? - Science Fair - USATODAY.com: "Could the best climate models -- the ones used to predict global warming -- all be wrong?
Maybe so, says a new study published online today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The report found that only about half of the warming that occurred during a natural climate change 55 million years ago can be explained by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What caused the remainder of the warming is a mystery."
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How about this sentence: "In a nutshell, theoretical models cannot explain what we observe in the geological record," says oceanographer Gerald Dickens, study co-author and professor of Earth Science at Rice University in Houston. "There appears to be something fundamentally wrong with the way temperature and carbon are linked in climate models."
Maybe so, says a new study published online today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The report found that only about half of the warming that occurred during a natural climate change 55 million years ago can be explained by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What caused the remainder of the warming is a mystery."
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How about this sentence: "In a nutshell, theoretical models cannot explain what we observe in the geological record," says oceanographer Gerald Dickens, study co-author and professor of Earth Science at Rice University in Houston. "There appears to be something fundamentally wrong with the way temperature and carbon are linked in climate models."
Fed: unemployment will top 10 percent this year - Yahoo! News
Fed: unemployment will top 10 percent this year - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve expects the economy this year will sink at a slower pace than it previously thought, but that unemployment will top 10 percent and remain high for the next few years, according to a new forecast released Wednesday."
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Heck of a recovery we have going on here. What is fascinating is the optimism you see in the stock market. Investors are betting on the come. I hope they are right about that.
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Heck of a recovery we have going on here. What is fascinating is the optimism you see in the stock market. Investors are betting on the come. I hope they are right about that.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
At least they worked through the Home Run Derby
Illinois budget: Gov. Pat Quinn, top lawmakers inch closer to stopgap deal -- chicagotribune.com: "SPRINGFIELD -- With state worker paychecks hanging in the balance, Gov. Pat Quinn and top lawmakers moved closer Tuesday to a stopgap budget agreement that includes billions of dollars in borrowing and pushing off a tax-hike vote to a more politically convenient time.
After several closed-door meetings and brief legislative sessions of the House and Senate, several lawmakers headed 90 miles down the road to St. Louis for baseball's All-Star Game and to see a ceremonial first-pitch delivered by their former colleague, President Barack Obama.
But two weeks into the state's budget year, no deal was reached among leading Democrats, Republicans and Quinn on a spending plan. With Wednesday the first major payday since the July 1 budget deadline, Comptroller Dan Hynes' office said checks to as many as 6,000 of the state's 69,000 workers would not go out."
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It must be nice to ride so high, so far above the peons, that you can waltz off to a baseball game the day before 6000 state employees aren't getting paid. If there is a more miserable excuse for a legislative body in the world, I would like to hear its name.
After several closed-door meetings and brief legislative sessions of the House and Senate, several lawmakers headed 90 miles down the road to St. Louis for baseball's All-Star Game and to see a ceremonial first-pitch delivered by their former colleague, President Barack Obama.
But two weeks into the state's budget year, no deal was reached among leading Democrats, Republicans and Quinn on a spending plan. With Wednesday the first major payday since the July 1 budget deadline, Comptroller Dan Hynes' office said checks to as many as 6,000 of the state's 69,000 workers would not go out."
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It must be nice to ride so high, so far above the peons, that you can waltz off to a baseball game the day before 6000 state employees aren't getting paid. If there is a more miserable excuse for a legislative body in the world, I would like to hear its name.
Clothesline bill hung out to dry : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
Clothesline bill hung out to dry : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "Back during crossover (click here), Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Greensboro Democrat, got a little bill (H 1353) through the House that would prohibit cities and counties from adopting blanket prohibitions on clotheslines.
The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers) even if some folks in the community turn up their nose at the idea. Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines, but Harrison took that out of the bill after getting a lot of resistance. (Related items here, here and here.)
So the bill came before the Senate Commerce Committee today … and it was doomed."
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So, it is fair game on clotheslines in South Carolina.
The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers) even if some folks in the community turn up their nose at the idea. Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines, but Harrison took that out of the bill after getting a lot of resistance. (Related items here, here and here.)
So the bill came before the Senate Commerce Committee today … and it was doomed."
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So, it is fair game on clotheslines in South Carolina.
Peter Singer: Why we must ration health care
Why We Must Ration Health Care - NYTimes.com: "The debate over health care reform in the United States should start from the premise that some form of health care rationing is both inescapable and desirable. Then we can ask, What is the best way to do it?"
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Who is Peter Singer, you may be asking? He is one of the most famous ethicists in the world. His critics say that his views on many issues put him very close to advocating eugenics.
Here are some of his other views:
--all animals capable of suffering like humans should have equal rights with humans, or it is "speciesism"
--it is possible to have mutually satisfying sexual relations between humans and animals
--a fetus is incapable of having preferences, so abortion is morally permissible
--killing a newborn baby is not equivalent to killing a person who has self-consciousness and wants to go on living
And now he is advocating health care rationing, which means that if you are old and sick you will be less likely to get expensive procedures. This is exactly where Obama's health care plan will lead, of course. There is no way to expand coverage and cut costs (or even avoid runaway increases in costs), given the same number of doctors and hospitals, without rationing.
Maybe Obama can make Prof. Singer the Health Care Rationing Czar.
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Who is Peter Singer, you may be asking? He is one of the most famous ethicists in the world. His critics say that his views on many issues put him very close to advocating eugenics.
Here are some of his other views:
--all animals capable of suffering like humans should have equal rights with humans, or it is "speciesism"
--it is possible to have mutually satisfying sexual relations between humans and animals
--a fetus is incapable of having preferences, so abortion is morally permissible
--killing a newborn baby is not equivalent to killing a person who has self-consciousness and wants to go on living
And now he is advocating health care rationing, which means that if you are old and sick you will be less likely to get expensive procedures. This is exactly where Obama's health care plan will lead, of course. There is no way to expand coverage and cut costs (or even avoid runaway increases in costs), given the same number of doctors and hospitals, without rationing.
Maybe Obama can make Prof. Singer the Health Care Rationing Czar.
Glitch hits Visa users with more than $23 quadrillion charge - CNN.com
Glitch hits Visa users with more than $23 quadrillion charge - CNN.com: "NEW YORK (CNN) -- A technical snafu left some Visa prepaid cardholders stunned and horrified Monday to see a $23,148,855,308,184,500 charge on their statements."
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One fellow read the bill and discovered that he had spent the entire sum in one stop at a Mobil gas station. Even a confirmed nicotine addict wouldn't pay $23 quadrillion for a pack of cigarettes--would he?
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One fellow read the bill and discovered that he had spent the entire sum in one stop at a Mobil gas station. Even a confirmed nicotine addict wouldn't pay $23 quadrillion for a pack of cigarettes--would he?
Randy Barnett: Sotomayor doesn't understand fundamental rights incorporation doctrine
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
The Bill of Rights as originally understood only limited the actions of the national government. But the 14th amendment, passed after the Civil War, is aimed directly at the states, and the due process clause of the 14th amendment says that no state can deprive any US citizen of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The word "liberty" has been given specific meaning by the USSC by "incorporating" into that word certain specific liberties that are in the Bill of Rights. Which ones? The ones that are considered "fundamental."
Sotomayor has this exactly backward. She thinks you define "fundamental" by asking, "is this incorporated?" No. First the court has to decide whether it is fundamental, which is one of these difficult questions of judicial philosophy they are trying to ask her about that she won't answer. Then, if the court decides the right is fundamental, that right is incorporated.
Sotomayor is either ignorant of a basic principle of constitutional law, or she is being evasive.
Randy Barnett is one of the nation's most distinguished constitutional law scholars, and he says this: "This is both a grossly incorrect (and empty) understanding of the doctrine governing the protection of fundamental rights and an inaccurate statement of the precedents concerning the incorporation of the right to keep and bear arms into the Due Process Clause of the Constitution."
This link came from Instpundit
The Bill of Rights as originally understood only limited the actions of the national government. But the 14th amendment, passed after the Civil War, is aimed directly at the states, and the due process clause of the 14th amendment says that no state can deprive any US citizen of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The word "liberty" has been given specific meaning by the USSC by "incorporating" into that word certain specific liberties that are in the Bill of Rights. Which ones? The ones that are considered "fundamental."
Sotomayor has this exactly backward. She thinks you define "fundamental" by asking, "is this incorporated?" No. First the court has to decide whether it is fundamental, which is one of these difficult questions of judicial philosophy they are trying to ask her about that she won't answer. Then, if the court decides the right is fundamental, that right is incorporated.
Sotomayor is either ignorant of a basic principle of constitutional law, or she is being evasive.
Randy Barnett is one of the nation's most distinguished constitutional law scholars, and he says this: "This is both a grossly incorrect (and empty) understanding of the doctrine governing the protection of fundamental rights and an inaccurate statement of the precedents concerning the incorporation of the right to keep and bear arms into the Due Process Clause of the Constitution."
This link came from Instpundit
Potential Senator from Illinois?
#71: Slime Molds Show Surprising Degree of Intelligence | Animal Intelligence | DISCOVER Magazine: "Single-celled slime molds demonstrate the ability to memorize and anticipate repeated events, a team of Japanese researchers reported in January. The study [pdf] clearly shows “a primitive version of brain function” in an organism with no brain at all."
Leahy explains his "wise Latina" misquote, but the video shows... | Washington Examiner
Leahy explains his "wise Latina" misquote, but the video shows... | Washington Examiner: "After the hearings were over Tuesday, I asked Leahy about the misquote. 'I was doing it from memory,' Leahy explained. 'But I knew that she would -- she stated exactly what she said, and the statement is in the record.' Leahy added that he did not consider Sotomayor's precise words very important; her response, he said, was much more critical.
That's Leahy's explanation. But video of his question is available on YouTube, and it certainly appears that Leahy was reading from a text when he misquoted Sotomayor"
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It seems that after people have been in law and politics for a while they lose any connection with the idea of "the truth" as most people understand it. Instead, they think that any lie they can get away with by any means is morally indistinguishable from the truth. Leahy was lying yesterday about what she said, and now he is lying today about what he did. Yet, he is just as self-righteous as ever.
That's Leahy's explanation. But video of his question is available on YouTube, and it certainly appears that Leahy was reading from a text when he misquoted Sotomayor"
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It seems that after people have been in law and politics for a while they lose any connection with the idea of "the truth" as most people understand it. Instead, they think that any lie they can get away with by any means is morally indistinguishable from the truth. Leahy was lying yesterday about what she said, and now he is lying today about what he did. Yet, he is just as self-righteous as ever.
Your government at work: Ghoulbot on the drawing board
Upcoming Military Robot Could Feed on Dead Bodies - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com: "A Maryland company under contract to the Pentagon is working on a steam-powered robot that would fuel itself by gobbling up whatever organic material it can find — grass, wood, old furniture, even dead bodies."
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Who comes up with these ideas?
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Who comes up with these ideas?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
FACT CHECK: Don't quote Sotomayor on that, Senator
FACT CHECK: Don't quote Sotomayor on that, Senator: "LEAHY SAID: 'You said that, quote, you 'would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would reach wise decisions.''
THE FACTS: If that's all Sotomayor said, the quote would barely have mattered to opponents of her nomination. The actual quote, delivered in a 2001 speech to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, was: 'I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.'"
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This is Senator Patrick Leahy (D--Mars), deliberately misrepresenting what she said, in hopes that the evening news will carry his statement instead of hers, thereby helping to defuse the controversy over her statement, and what it says about her. Everybody who runs his statement would know it is not what she said, but he's hoping they will run it anyway, because these days so many of the media are playing on the Democrat team.
This is what American politics has come to.
THE FACTS: If that's all Sotomayor said, the quote would barely have mattered to opponents of her nomination. The actual quote, delivered in a 2001 speech to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, was: 'I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.'"
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This is Senator Patrick Leahy (D--Mars), deliberately misrepresenting what she said, in hopes that the evening news will carry his statement instead of hers, thereby helping to defuse the controversy over her statement, and what it says about her. Everybody who runs his statement would know it is not what she said, but he's hoping they will run it anyway, because these days so many of the media are playing on the Democrat team.
This is what American politics has come to.
Obama mulls rental option for some homeowners-sources | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
Obama mulls rental option for some homeowners-sources | Markets | Markets News | Reuters: "NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. government officials are weighing a plan that would let borrowers who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments avoid eviction by renting their homes instead, sources familiar with the administration's thinking said on Tuesday.
Under one idea being discussed, delinquent homeowners would surrender ownership of their homes but would continue to live in the property for several years, the sources told Reuters.
Officials are also considering whether the government should make mortgage payments on behalf of borrowers who cannot keep up with their home loans, tapping an unused portion of a $50 billion housing aid kitty."
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Under the first plan, I wonder who they would "surrender ownership of their homes" to. Let me see. It wouldn't be...oh, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, would it? Because that would instantly create a gigantic stock of public housing, and we just spent the last two presidential administrations trying to unload that nightmare.
And under the second plan, Uncle Sam just becomes Uncle Sugar.
Under one idea being discussed, delinquent homeowners would surrender ownership of their homes but would continue to live in the property for several years, the sources told Reuters.
Officials are also considering whether the government should make mortgage payments on behalf of borrowers who cannot keep up with their home loans, tapping an unused portion of a $50 billion housing aid kitty."
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Under the first plan, I wonder who they would "surrender ownership of their homes" to. Let me see. It wouldn't be...oh, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, would it? Because that would instantly create a gigantic stock of public housing, and we just spent the last two presidential administrations trying to unload that nightmare.
And under the second plan, Uncle Sam just becomes Uncle Sugar.
Russia says no Iran sanctions for START deal: report | International | Reuters
Russia says no Iran sanctions for START deal: report | International | Reuters: "MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will not agree to tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program in exchange for a new nuclear arms cuts deal with Washington, Interfax news agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying Tuesday.
Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama's nuclear adviser suggested that progress on a U.S.-Russian nuclear arms pact could help persuade Moscow to be more cooperative on Iran."
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Well. That overture certainly worked out beautifully. Not.
Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama's nuclear adviser suggested that progress on a U.S.-Russian nuclear arms pact could help persuade Moscow to be more cooperative on Iran."
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Well. That overture certainly worked out beautifully. Not.
Titusville condo owners face fines for violations | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY
Titusville condo owners face fines for violations | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY: "TITUSVILLE — Code violations keep racking up at Bay Towers Apartments, the fire-scarred riverfront complex facing a crippling cash crunch.
Advertisement
The south tower remains condemned after a May 2008 fire. Since Feb. 6, Titusville officials have fined the property’s South Florida owners up to $1,400 per day for damaged elevators, stairwells, plumbing and other problems.
As of today— 159 days later — these ongoing fines total $222,600."
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Another condo complex that so far hasn't been able to deal with a financial crisis.
Advertisement
The south tower remains condemned after a May 2008 fire. Since Feb. 6, Titusville officials have fined the property’s South Florida owners up to $1,400 per day for damaged elevators, stairwells, plumbing and other problems.
As of today— 159 days later — these ongoing fines total $222,600."
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Another condo complex that so far hasn't been able to deal with a financial crisis.
Mounting bills force condo associations into bankruptcy - Business - MiamiHerald.com
Mounting bills force condo associations into bankruptcy - Business - MiamiHerald.com: "At least seven Florida condo associations have filed for bankruptcy since the real estate market took a nose dive -- and there may be more on the way.
For a growing number of strapped condo associations, bankruptcy could be the last defense against their hallways going dark and their spigots running dry."
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And this is only the beginning.
For a growing number of strapped condo associations, bankruptcy could be the last defense against their hallways going dark and their spigots running dry."
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And this is only the beginning.
Lenders abandoning foreclosed properties - JSOnline
Lenders abandoning foreclosed properties - JSOnline: "For years, lenders complained about debtors who left the keys on the kitchen table and skipped town, leaving it to the bank to file for foreclosure and eventually take title by buying it at a sheriff's sale.
The latest twist: Now it's the lenders who are doing the walking, often without telling the borrowers, who may believe erroneously they have already lost title.
'This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do,' said Catherine Doyle, chief staff attorney at the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society. 'Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community. All of us are going to have to bail them out.'"
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Yes, but first you may have to evict the squatters who will take over many of these abandoned properties, and that could prove to be an interesting experience for all concerned.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for another post-apocalyptic link.
The latest twist: Now it's the lenders who are doing the walking, often without telling the borrowers, who may believe erroneously they have already lost title.
'This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do,' said Catherine Doyle, chief staff attorney at the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society. 'Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community. All of us are going to have to bail them out.'"
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Yes, but first you may have to evict the squatters who will take over many of these abandoned properties, and that could prove to be an interesting experience for all concerned.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for another post-apocalyptic link.
But California finished ahead of Kazakhstan!
British analysts rate California as high risk for credit default - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee: "A London financial firm named CMA puts California in dubious company, ranking it ninth in the world among the 10 governmental entities most likely to default on their financial obligations.
California has a 26.75 percent chance of defaulting over five years, according to CMA. The rankings are based on the prices for credit-default swaps, which are insurance-like products that would pay bondholders in the event of a default.
Others on the list include Kazakhstan, Latvia and Iceland, the latter of which essentially went bankrupt last fall in the global financial meltdown."
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this depressing link.
California has a 26.75 percent chance of defaulting over five years, according to CMA. The rankings are based on the prices for credit-default swaps, which are insurance-like products that would pay bondholders in the event of a default.
Others on the list include Kazakhstan, Latvia and Iceland, the latter of which essentially went bankrupt last fall in the global financial meltdown."
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this depressing link.
Monday, July 13, 2009
U.S. mulling mortgage aid for unemployed | U.S. | Reuters
U.S. mulling mortgage aid for unemployed | U.S. | Reuters: "NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is mulling new ways to delay foreclosure for jobless homeowners who are unable to keep up with monthly payments, an administration official said on Monday.
The official told Reuters it was reasonable for policymakers to consider options for loan forbearance -- allowing borrowers to delay, defer or skip payments -- that are more effective than those currently available in the private sector."
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But if you impair the bank's security, why should they lend in the first place? Are they just supposed to lend money and not get any loan payments? How is that a business model? I realize it sounds great to a socialist, but we are talking about the real world.
The official told Reuters it was reasonable for policymakers to consider options for loan forbearance -- allowing borrowers to delay, defer or skip payments -- that are more effective than those currently available in the private sector."
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But if you impair the bank's security, why should they lend in the first place? Are they just supposed to lend money and not get any loan payments? How is that a business model? I realize it sounds great to a socialist, but we are talking about the real world.
Magazine Ad Revenue Down 21.2 Percent In First Half Of 2009 - mediabistro.com: FishbowlNY
Magazine Ad Revenue Down 21.2 Percent In First Half Of 2009 - mediabistro.com: FishbowlNY: "The Publishers Information Bureau just released its advertising revenue numbers for the first half of 2009, and it's not pretty. Rate-card-reported ad revenue totaled nearly $9.1 billion, down 21.2 percent from the same period last year. Ad pages were also down 27.9 percent, and the impact of the recession was felt across all top 12 ad categories, PIB said."
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This is evidence that the people who sell things are "extremely cautious." The greatest sectoral declines in ad revenue are automotive, finance, and retail. That cuts a pretty big swath.
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This is evidence that the people who sell things are "extremely cautious." The greatest sectoral declines in ad revenue are automotive, finance, and retail. That cuts a pretty big swath.
Gunfire from boat hits home at St. James | StarNewsOnline.com | Star News | Wilmington, NC
Gunfire from boat hits home at St. James | StarNewsOnline.com | Star News | Wilmington, NC: "Residents in the gated town of St. James might have had their feeling of security shaken over the weekend after gunfire struck a waterfront home.
Mayor Shelley Lesher said no one was injured in the shooting. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office determined the shots, fired about 3 a.m. Sunday, came from a boat moving along the Intracoastal Waterway."
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This mysterious item was sent along by Cynthia Stephens. What is afoot in St. James?
Mayor Shelley Lesher said no one was injured in the shooting. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office determined the shots, fired about 3 a.m. Sunday, came from a boat moving along the Intracoastal Waterway."
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This mysterious item was sent along by Cynthia Stephens. What is afoot in St. James?
Pay us or we'll kill the monkey!
Patrick accuses zoo officials of using scare tactics - The Boston Globe: "Governor Deval Patrick yesterday accused Zoo New England officials of creating a false and inflammatory scare with their warning that state budget cuts may force them to close two Greater Boston zoos and euthanize some animals."
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These agencies are getting creative. Red light cameras, selling off bridges, and now threatening to kill zoo animals. What next?
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These agencies are getting creative. Red light cameras, selling off bridges, and now threatening to kill zoo animals. What next?
The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama
The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama: "Michigan's unemployment rate could hit as high as 20 percent with the Obama administrationto blame, one Michigan congressman warned Friday.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies."
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I posted this because it seems impossible that such a thing could happen. But it seemed impossible that Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns could implode, too.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies."
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I posted this because it seems impossible that such a thing could happen. But it seemed impossible that Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns could implode, too.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Why the Credit Pendulum Is Stuck at 'Stupid' - General * US * News * Story - CNBC.com
Why the Credit Pendulum Is Stuck at 'Stupid' - General * US * News * Story - CNBC.com: "The readiness of banks to sell foreclosed properties has led to rising home sales in some areas. But the traditional housing market, the one that involves willing buyers and sellers, is still dead, with transactions lower than they have been for decades.
The recession is the major reason sales are dragging, of course, but it is not the only one. As Dr. Komarovskaya found, buyers once viewed as perfectly qualified are being denied mortgages."
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The pendulum had better start swinging back pretty soon.
The recession is the major reason sales are dragging, of course, but it is not the only one. As Dr. Komarovskaya found, buyers once viewed as perfectly qualified are being denied mortgages."
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The pendulum had better start swinging back pretty soon.
House Design Fail!
House Design Fail! by
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an intriguing tree placement.
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an intriguing tree placement.
Tiburon may install license plate cameras
Tiburon may install license plate cameras: "The posh and picturesque town that juts into San Francisco Bay is poised to do something unprecedented: use cameras to record the license plate number of every vehicle that crosses city limits."
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Part of the "towns emulating CIDs" trend--here is snooty Tiburon trying to turn itself into a gated community.
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Part of the "towns emulating CIDs" trend--here is snooty Tiburon trying to turn itself into a gated community.
Mortgage defaults spread as even 'safe' borrowers falter - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee
Mortgage defaults spread as even 'safe' borrowers falter - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "No longer is the real estate bust simply the result of exotic, subprime loans that doubled payments and blew up in homeowners' faces. As the Sacramento economy buckles, even the safest mortgages have become part of a new wave of loan defaults, experts say."
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Fred Pilot sent this link. Now government employees are in trouble. But Obama says, "The stimulus is working. These are not the droids you are looking for."
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Fred Pilot sent this link. Now government employees are in trouble. But Obama says, "The stimulus is working. These are not the droids you are looking for."
Red-light cameras raking in cash -- chicagotribune.com
Red-light cameras raking in cash -- chicagotribune.com: "Do red-light cameras truly make roads safer, as many towns claim? Or are they merely a high-tech variation on the old moneymaking speed trap?"
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Thanks to Dennis James of Quantum Pork for this link. The data show that this is all about money. The intersections where these camera have been installed have hardly any t-bone collisions, which is the only kind of accident they are supposedly designed to prevent. The fact that the tickets are issued to the vehicle owner rather than the driver is obviously outrageous.
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Thanks to Dennis James of Quantum Pork for this link. The data show that this is all about money. The intersections where these camera have been installed have hardly any t-bone collisions, which is the only kind of accident they are supposedly designed to prevent. The fact that the tickets are issued to the vehicle owner rather than the driver is obviously outrageous.
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